(NB-Auditor-General)
New Brunswick’s auditor general says the province’s Health Department can’t ensure timely access to addiction and mental health treatments.
Paul Martin says demand for treatment is increasing across the province, and wait times often exceed the department’s benchmarks.
His report shows more than one in five New Brunswickers deal with an alcohol or drug use disorder in their lifetime, and nearly one in 10 seek treatment for a mood or anxiety disorder every year.
His audit found the budget for addiction and mental health services is not based on current needs.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NB-Drug-Trafficking-Arrest)
R-C-M-P in New Brunswick have arrested a 52-year-old man following a drug trafficking investigation.
The investigation started in June 2023 in the Campbellton region, and officers arrested the man on November 29th.
They say officers allegedly found firearms, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and a stolen all-terrain vehicle following a search of the man’s home in Saint-Maure.
Police say the man is scheduled to appear in Campbellton provincial court at a later date.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NB-HST-Rebate)
New Brunswick and the federal government say they’re establishing a rebate for the provincial portion of the H-S-T for the construction of some rental housing.
The province says they are working with Ottawa to make this happen and to return the 10 per cent H-S-T that the province charges.
This rebate will be available to eligible “purpose-built” rental housing projects.
The program is similar to one already offered by the federal government, and will be administered through the Canada Revenue Agency.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NL-Wind-Project)
The Newfoundland and Labrador government says a proposed wind-to-hydrogen project will get a full environmental assessment.
The province says the Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation must submit a report on the project’s impact, including its greenhouse gas emissions, its power demands and its potential impacts on human health.
The company is proposing a solar farm and three wind farms with up to 530 turbines to power a hydrogen and ammonia production plant in central Newfoundland.
A government-appointed committee will provide scientific and technical advice to the province about the project, and draft guidelines for the company to follow in preparing its environmental assessment.
(The Canadian Press)
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NS-Liberal-Leader)
Zach Churchill has resigned as leader of the Nova Scotia’s Liberal party.
Churchill says he will be replaced on an interim basis by Derek Mombourquette.
The resignation follows a recount yesterday in the district of Yarmouth, where Churchill lost his seat to Progressive Conservative candidate Nick Hilton by 16 votes.
The Liberals now hold just two seats, down from the 14 they had going into last month’s election.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NL-Year-Fishing-Boat-Lights)
A crowd of roughly 100 people attended the annual boat-lighting event in Port de Grave, N.L., on Friday night.
They were treated to a sight of about 50 fishing boats draped in Christmas lights, some with blinking “Merry Christmas” signs, others with giant inflatable Santas bobbing in the back.
The annual boat lighting attracts visitors from all over the province, but organizer Joyce Morgan says fishers are always at the heart of the event.
The boat-lighting ceremony includes a prayer for fishers, remembering those who have died in the community and giving thanks for those who continue to return home safe from one of the most dangerous jobs in Canada.
(The Canadian Press)
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