Nova Scotia Power says the cyberattack on its systems earlier this year was likely carried out by a Russia-based threat group. CEO Peter Gregg told a legislative committee the attack was “unprecedented, sophisticated and targeted,” adding there is a high degree of confidence in the assessment from cybersecurity experts.
Gregg said the utility continues to invest in security, noting similar threats are increasing worldwide. He also addressed ongoing billing concerns and told MLAs the company will make things right for any customers who were overcharged.
Two US National Guard soldiers are in critical condition after a targeted shooting near the White House in Washington DC yesterday afternoon.
Police say a lone gunman opened fire on the soldiers while they were on patrol in Washington, DC. Other National Guard members nearby heard the gunshots and quickly subdued the suspect.
The Department of Homeland Security has identified the alleged shooter as a 28-year-old from Afghanistan. The FBI says they are still working to determine a motive.
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time, condemned the attack, calling it “an act of terror,” and vowed the suspect will “pay the steepest possible price.”
The shooting briefly halted flights at Reagan National Airport and sparked a large law-enforcement response in the downtown core.
Both injured soldiers remain in hospital. The suspect was also shot and is currently in custody.
A provincially mandated panel on environmental racism has submitted a draft report containing 14 recommendations, including a call for a formal apology from the Nova Scotia government. The report also suggests reparations and long-term investments to address harms faced by Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities.
The panel urges the province to empower affected communities in decision-making, adopt an official definition of environmental racism, and create a governance body with decision-making authority. The report also highlights historic examples, including Membertou’s relocation, the Shelburne dump, Boat Harbour pollution, and the destruction of Africville.
Environment Minister Tim Halman says government will respond after meeting with panel members before Christmas.
Advocates for First Nations children say they are concerned about the future of Jordan’s Principle following Ottawa’s latest federal budget. The budget includes just over one billion dollars to continue the initiative, but no new long-term funding.
Jordan’s Principle requires governments to provide services to First Nations children without delay, but advocates say the system is facing a backlog of more than 140,000 applications nationwide. Some families have waited more than a year for support that is supposed to be processed within 48 hours.
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says funding will continue while the program is reformed, but front-line workers warn recent eligibility changes are already limiting access to essential services.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is rolling out a new colour-coded weather warning system nationwide. Traditional watches and warnings will now include impact-based alert levels in yellow, orange, or red.
Yellow alerts will cover most hazardous weather that may disrupt travel or pose health risks. Orange alerts indicate storms likely to cause widespread damage or prolonged power outages. Red alerts represent the most severe and potentially life-threatening events, such as major hurricanes, crippling snowstorms, or extreme flooding.
Officials say the new system aligns with international standards and is designed to help Canadians better understand risks and prepare for severe weather.
Provincial funding is on the way to help regional emergency management organizations better prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Seven REMOs across the province will share about one million dollars through regional emergency readiness grants. The money will support essentials like communication systems, staffing, shared office space, and training.
Emergency Management Minister Kim Masland says recent wildfires showed the importance of strong, co-ordinated response efforts.
The funding supports projects over the next one to four years. The organizations receiving grants are in Colchester, Cumberland, Pictou, Digby, Lunenburg, Shelburne, and Guysborough counties.
