Government of Nova Scotia News

Public Works -- Nova Scotia is joining its Maritime counterparts to provide financial support to Coach Atlantic Maritime Bus (Maritime Bus) to maintain bus operations throughout the region. The Province has allocated more than $400,000 to the company.

Justice -- The appointment process for senior leadership positions at the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service (PPS) will be updated through amendments to the Public Prosecutions Act introduced today, April 11.

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage -- Legislation introduced today, April 11, will help provide a more comprehensive picture of short-term rentals in the province by requiring all operators to register with the Tourist Accommodation Registry.

Labour, Skills and Immigration / COVID - 19 / Premier's Office -- Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Program will be extended until May 7, 2022, the same date that Canada’s Sickness Recovery Benefit will end. Program requirements for Nova Scotia’s voluntary program will not change.

Office of Addictions and Mental Health -- The government is providing a one-time investment of $100,000 to the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society to expand their peer-support training to more young people.

Municipal Affairs and Housing -- The Province has launched a study to determine the extent of the need for affordable housing in Nova Scotia.

Public Works -- NOTE: A list of grant recipients follows this release. The Province is providing one-time grants totalling $396,000 to support 20 community transportation providers across Nova Scotia.

Public Works -- CONTINUING WORK

Finance and Treasury Board -- Finance and Treasury Board Minister Allan MacMaster introduced the Financial Measures (2022) Act today, April 8, implementing amendments and key tax measures from Budget 2022-23: Solutions for Healthcare, Solutions for Nova Scotians.

COVID - 19 / Health and Wellness -- This week’s COVID-19 epidemiologic report shows a continued increase in positive lab tests as a result of the highly infectious and transmissible Omicron and BA.2 variants. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are also increasing. However, the risk of severe illness continues to be lower than in previous waves.

COVID - 19 / Health and Wellness -- Le rapport épidémiologique de cette semaine sur la COVID-19 montre une augmentation continue des résultats positifs des tests analysés en laboratoire en raison des variants Omicron et BA.2, qui sont extrêmement contagieux et transmissibles. Le nombre d'hospitalisations attribuables à la COVID-19 augmente aussi. Par contre, le risque de maladie grave est toujours plus faible que dans les vagues précédentes.

COVID - 19 / Health and Wellness -- Les résidents des établissements de soins de longue durée et les personnes de 70 ou plus en Nouvelle-Écosse pourront bientôt prendre rendez-vous pour recevoir une deuxième dose de rappel du vaccin contre la COVID-19.

COVID - 19 / Health and Wellness -- Long-term care residents and adults 70 and older in Nova Scotia will soon be able to book a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

L'nu Affairs -- NOTE: The Mi’kmaw translation of the news release follows Legislation introduced today, April 7, recognizes Mi’kmaw as Nova Scotia’s first language and will support efforts to preserve and promote it now and for future generations.

Natural Resources and Renewables -- The Province is bringing forward promised legislative changes that will protect solar homeowners and small businesses in the solar industry. Other amendments will push Nova Scotia Power to ensure that ratepayers have reliable, cleaner power and further hold the utility accountable for how it delivers electricity.

Public Works / Justice -- Legislation introduced today, April 7, clarifies a section of the Boat Harbour Act that prohibits legal claims against the Province for the closure of the Boat Harbour effluent treatment facility.

Municipal Affairs and Housing -- The government is proposing amendments to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Charter to help streamline, improve and shorten the approval process for residential housing developments.

Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services -- Legislation introduced today, April 6, will give provincially regulated companies, co-operatives, societies and condominium corporations the option to continue meeting virtually or with a mix of in-person and virtual participants.

Lieutenant-Governor -- Beginning today, April 6, Nova Scotians can show their community pride by submitting nominations for the 2022 Lieutenant-Governor’s Community Spirit Award.

Lieutenant-Governor -- À compter d'aujourd'hui 6 avril, les gens de la Nouvelle-Écosse peuvent démontrer leur fierté communautaire en présentant une candidature aux Prix du lieutenant-gouverneur pour l'esprit communautaire de 2022.