King Charles will be opening Parliament today by reading the throne speech, which sets out the government’s priorities for the legislative session.

It will be the first time Canada’s head of state has opened Parliament since Queen Elizabeth did so in 1977.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says — quote — “this historic honour matches the weight of our times.”

The visit comes as U-S President Donald Trump has repeatedly made calls for Canada to become the 51st U-S state.

 

 

Members of Parliament have elected Quebec M-P Francis Scarpaleggia to be their new Speaker of the House of Commons.  The unusually dramatic race saw the only Conservative contenders drop out of the running at the last minute.  That included Acadie Annapolis MP Chris d’Entremont, who has served as Deputy Speaker.  Electing a Liberal M-P as Speaker takes another vote away from the governing party.  The Liberals have 169 seats in the minority Parliament — leaving them three seats shy of the 172 needed for a majority.

 

 

New Glasgow Regional Police say a man has been charged with robbery after attempting to steal a purse.  On the afternoon of May 20th, Police responded to a report of a robbery at a local business on Maclean Street in New Glasgow.  Police say the suspect entered the business and attempted to leave with the victim’s purse, but the victim confronted the suspect, who then pushed the victim before dropping the purse and running off.  Officers immediately arrived in the are, identified the suspect and arrested him.  A 43-year-old Pictou County man has been charged with Robbery and 2 counts of Failing to Comply with Probation.

 

 

The provincial government is funding several green hydrogen projects in the second round of grants from the Clean Fuels Fund.  A total of three-million dollars is being dispensed to seven projects that work toward clean fuel innovation in the province.  Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau says the projects are using low-carbon and renewable fuels to power industries and businesses. The Clean Fuels Fund comes as part of the Nova Scotia “Our Climate, Our Future” clean growth plan.

 

 

On Monday, a ceremony was held as the Town of New Glasgow raised a flag in honour of Access Awareness Week.  The Town of New Glasgow says it’s committed to building a community that is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.