Government of Nova Scotia News

Aboriginal Affairs -- The importance of the treaty relationship and the achievements and leadership of Mi'kmaq elders and youth were honoured in a Treaty Day ceremony today, Oct. 1.

Municipal Affairs -- A unique initiative launched in Nova Scotia today, Oct. 1, will encourage youth to become leaders in fire safety.

Natural Resources -- Government began releasing maps today, Sept. 30, that, for the first time, show harvest allocations on the certified western Crown lands.

Internal Services -- Government will increase oversight of its procurement process by creating a new internal audit program.

Health and Wellness -- Government has appointed a working group of patients, advocates and experts to make recommendations to improve supports and services for people living with inflammatory arthritis.

Energy -- Government introduced amendments to the Petroleum Resources Act today, Sept. 30, which will place a moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing for onshore oil and gas shale development.

Executive Council -- Amendments introduced today, Sept. 30, will update legislation to reflect the government realignment earlier this year.

Health and Wellness -- Nova Scotia is moving toward a unified health-care system that will focus on patients, improve public accountability and ensure prompt collective bargaining.

Internal Services -- After an independent review, a vendor has been chosen and government will begin negotiating a contract for landline telephone services.

Energy -- Government is supporting a sustainable transportation project that will connect Porters Lake residents with local services and a school.

Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation -- The Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation today, Sept. 29, released its 2013-14 community report, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- NEW WORK --- DIGBY COUNTY: Melanson Mills Bridge

Environment -- The Environment Department has posted the Northern Pulp mill's stack test results today, Sept. 26.

Education and Early Childhood Development -- Les diplômés du programme de baccalauréat international (BI) de la Nouvelle-Écosse font partie des meilleurs élèves au monde.

Education and Early Childhood Development -- Nova Scotia's International Baccalaureate (IB) graduates are among the strongest academic performers in the world.

Health and Wellness -- The Tobacco Damages and Health-care Costs Recovery Act was proclaimed today, Sept. 26. It allows the province to sue tobacco manufacturers for unlawful activities that increased smoking.

Health and Wellness -- Nova Scotians most affected by dementia will help shape the province's first strategy that targets the illness.

Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation -- Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to learn more about responsible gambling through programs and events scheduled for Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.

Speech from the Throne -- The following is the speech from the throne read today, Sept. 25, 2014, by Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant at the opening of the second session of the 62nd General Assembly of Nova Scotia:

Premier's Office -- NOTE: A social media version of this release is available at http://novascotia.ca/news/smr/2014-09-25-Throne-Speech . Photos and video will be added after the event. Government's positions on the issues and challenges facing the province were outlined today, Sept. 25, during the opening of the Second Session of the 62nd General Assembly of the Nova Scotia Legislature.