Nova Scotia Health says there are more than 77-thousand residents on the wait-list for a family doctor or nurse practitioner.  There were 84-thousand people on the so-called Need a Family Practice Registry as of September 1st.   The health authority says the list shrunk by about six-thousand and 500 people as residents became attached to a primary care provider or were removed from the wait list for other reasons.  Nova Scotia Health says 7.3 per cent of the province’s population are still in need of primary health care.

–

–

Voters in Newfoundland and Labrador have voted for a big change, removing the governing Liberals after 10 years and giving the Progressive Conservatives a slim majority with 21 seats in the 40-seat Legislature.

The Liberals won 15 ridings, the New Democrats two, and two Independents were also elected.

Premier Designate Tony Wakeham secured victory by criticizing the proposed multibillion-dollar energy deal with Quebec and focusing on pocketbook issues like health care, housing and the cost of living.

The new government will face challenges, including managing the province’s ballooning debt.

 

 

Nova Scotia has created a new online portal it says will allow mining companies to apply for permits and track their applications online.  The provincial government says it’s part of its efforts to make it easier for mining firms to do business in Nova Scotia.  The natural resources department has spent 60-thousand dollars on the first phase, which will let companies check the status of their applications for licences and permits.  The province expects the portal will eventually become a one-stop shop for mining companies.

 

 

Northumberland Ferries moves to its fall season schedule beginning on Friday.  It will have four sailings daily from each of Caribou and Wood Islands.  Crossings will go from Caribou at 8:30am, 11:45am, 4:30pm and 7:30pm.  Departures from Wood Islands, PEI will be at 7:00am, 10:00am, 3:00pm, and 6:00pm.