Minister Bernadette Jordan speaks in Mahone Bay, July 2020. Photo Ed Halverson

This is the first in a two-part series with South Shore-St. Margaret’s Member of Parliament Bernadette Jordan. Along with her role as an MP, Jordan is also the federal minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, a role which came with many challenges in 2020.

Here, Jordan explains how the fisheries was one of the first industries to feel the impact of the global pandemic.

In the second of the two-part series Jordan discusses a turbulent year for Nova Scotians and highlights some of what went right over the course of 2020.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Queens-Shelburne MLA Kim Masland

Kim Masland says 2020 has been a year of challenge and change.

The MLA for Queens-Shelburne sat down to talk about the year that was with QCCR reporter Ed Halverson.

In this first segment, Masland discusses how residents in her constituency came together to face the  COVID-19 pandemic.

Next, Masland describes the challenges of being a legislator during a pandemic when the government doesn’t call the house to sit. She also talks about the role of women in politics and a distinction that sets her riding apart from most across the country.

Finally, Masland discusses how she got legislation passed as an opposition member and how the community rallied around each other during a trying year.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil. Photo: Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotia’s premier is making his last appearance in the legislature, and he’s none too happy about it.

Premier Stephen McNeil has asked the leaders of the Progressive Conservatives and New Democratic Parties to sit in a virtual session Friday to avoid meeting in a large group during COVID.

McNeil has previously announced he will prorogue the legislature at that sitting. The formality will close the fall session without any legislation being introduced, debated or passed.

The premier expressed his frustration with the other two parties at a press conference following Thursday’s cabinet meeting, accusing them of forcing government to meet in person.

“But I’m going to have to tell people that I have to ignore the public health protocols because the two opposition people think they’re equivalent to health care workers, they’re equivalent to teachers, they’re equivalent to people who have been working their tails off to keep us safe when the very job they do could have easily happened virtually. They have no role tomorrow. The Lieutenant Governor is proroguing it,” said McNeil.

The premier was referring to a letter sent by the NDP, which stated, “Across the province, teachers, nurses, health care workers, public servants, grocery store workers, and others have been going to their workplaces, and we see no reason why MLAs could not be present in the legislature.”

Even with reduced numbers representing all parties, McNeil objects to an in-person sitting of the legislature.

“The very thing I’m asking you to do over the holidays to keep our province safe, by keeping your gatherings at ten, I’m being forced by the opposition to cross the street with more than 15 people. I want you to think about that the next time you go to the polls,” said McNeil. “All the sacrifice you’ve made over the last ten months, all we ask from our elected officials is join you, to be a little courageous, to do things a bit different. But instead they put their own self-interest ahead of yours.”

NDP Leader Gary Burrill said his party isn’t forcing the government to do anything.

“To mischaracterize it as though we were forcing the government to do something that is unsafe, this is entirely a misreading of what we have said, at such a level that, in my judgment, it is manipulative and insincere and untruthful,” said Burrill.

NDP Leader Gary Burrill. Zoom screenshot

PC Leader Tim Houston said no one is asking to violate health orders. It’s clear to him the premier is trying to politicize this final sitting.

“I think what’s happening here,” said Houston, “is the premier is lashing out because he’s embarrassed by his own mismanagement of the whole file.”

By law, the legislature needs to sit twice a year. An early spring session allowed the governing Liberals to pass a budget before the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic set in. But the legislature hasn’t met since then.

House leaders from all three parties have been working since August to find a way to safely return to the legislature.

PC Leader Tim Houston. Zoom screenshot

Houston said his party found out late Tuesday evening McNeil wanted to sit virtually Friday and they began to plan accordingly.

“Now we find out the premier didn’t really have that plan organized, he hadn’t prepared for that, he hadn’t done the work necessary that should’ve been done over the past couple of months.,” said Houston. “And now, if we listen to him, we can’t sit virtually, we don’t know, we’re still waiting for directions.”

Houston said he was going to contact the province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang for his recommendation on how many people could be safely present in the legislature.

At dinnertime Thursday Strang responded to the PC leader that he had already given the Lieutenant Governor’s office direction, and that under the current restrictions in the Public Health Order there can be no more than 5 people together in the legislature chamber.

Strang added, because all Nova Scotians are asked to avoid non-essential travel in and out of Halifax until December 21, MLAs should attend the sitting virtually.

Premier McNeil said an archaic rule of law would compel the legislature to meet in person to pass a motion to allow them to meet virtually.

Whether or not select members of all parties will be present at Friday’s sitting, just like the rest of 2020, the final legislative session for McNeil will be memorable.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Dr. Robert Strang and Premier Stephen McNeil announce new COVID restrictions for Christmas. Photo: Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotia will have new COVID-19 restrictions beginning December 21 but family members will be allowed to visit over the holidays.

Premier Stephen McNeil says while they are relaxing some restrictions to allow relatives to travel, it’s important people still follow COVID protocols.

“You can travel from A to B. Which essentially means, if your family lives in a different community you can go visit your family at Christmas. You can have up to 10 people, total in your gathering,” said McNeil. “When you get there, stay there. We’re doing this because we know how important it is for families to be together at this time.”

Long-term care residents will have their restrictions eased to allow two designated caregivers to visit. Facilities can also allow a limited number of visitors

A number of new restrictions are coming into place.

Social or special events, festivals, arts/cultural events and sports events are all cancelled.

Faith gatherings, wedding ceremonies and funeral services up to a maximum of 150 people outdoors or 100 indoors are allowed but wedding and funeral receptions are not.

People can gather in groups of up to 10 in their homes, including the people who live there.

They can also gather with up to 10 people in a close social group.

Restaurants and licensed establishments must stop service by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m.

Fitness and sport and recreation facilities can open but must restrict the number and proximity of participants.

Retail and shopping mall rules currently in place for areas of HRM and Hants County will extend to the entire province, including operating at 25 per cent of their capacity.

A complete list of the new restrictions is available at this link.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says now is not the time to undo all the good work we’ve done just so we can enjoy a holiday they way we are used to.

“We’ll get back there. I’ve said it before, I’d like to have everybody who is here today in Nova Scotia be around next year in Nova Scotia to celebrate Christmas in a different way, to celebrate our holidays in a different way. But to do that, we need to make sure that we’re all safe so we don’t lose people along the way.”

Strang and McNeil were present as the first group of Nova Scotians received the COVID-19 vaccinations in Halifax Wednesday.

Strang said the amount of collaboration that took place to enable this to happen is moving for so many.

“Three weeks ago we weren’t sure how we were going to do the vaccination. We’ve come so far in three weeks. And to see, both in the health system and across government, everybody put up their hand and say what can I do to help?”

Strang reminded people that getting vaccination to every Nova Scotian who wants it will be a long road and COVID restrictions need to be stay in place in the meantime.

He recognizes people are getting tired but he hopes they can take inspiration from the sacrifice of others.

“Think about the healthcare workers in this province who are willing to say, I’m not going to have Christmas with my family like I had planned because I need to be there helping people get immunized. They are there, sacrificing for you. What we are asking the people to follow is not too much to ask given what other people are doing to help you be safe.”

The new restrictions come into effect December 21 and will remain in place until January 10.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

COVID-19 immunization clinic setting up. Photo: Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotia has received the first 1,950 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting Wednesday, December 16, the first immunization clinic will be open in Halifax for those working in COVID-19 units in hospitals, emergency departments, critical care units, birth and early labour units at the IWK Health Centre and regional care units.

Once frontline healthcare workers receive their vaccinations, long term care residents and staff will be next in line followed by Nova Scotians over the age of 80.

Deputy chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed says healthcare workers were bumped to the front of the line because the number of long-term care staff and residents greatly exceeds the number of initial doses in the province.

“We don’t want to waste the vaccine. We don’t want to let it sit and wait until we accumulate more. Let’s start, at least with the healthcare workers who can come to it and continue to figure out how we work on getting it out to long-term care facilities,” said Watson-Creed.

The vaccine is being stored in a super-cold freezer at Dalhousie University. It must be kept at -70 degrees Celsius during transport, which is why, for now those looking to be vaccinated must come to Halifax.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority is working to find freezer units and appropriate spaces to set up distribution points around the province.

Two doses are required for someone to be effectively vaccinated so the province will be holding back half of the 1,950 doses on hand to ensure everyone being vaccinated can receive the proper amount.

The person in charge of COVID-19 Planning and Implementation for the Nova Scotia Health Authority Dr. Shelly McNeil says it’s important people receive the correct dosage to provide the best chance of immunization.

“We know that the vaccine was highly effective up to a couple of months after the second dose,” said McNeil. “So we know that people do need the two doses to get maximum response but we don’t know how long that protection will last beyond a couple of months at this stage.”

McNeil says the province expects to receive 5,800 doses of the vaccine by the end of December.

Dr. Watson-Creed says another manufacturer; Moderna has a vaccine ready for distribution and are just waiting for Health Canada approval.

“We are hoping to get it before the end of December or early January but we are waiting for more information on that. It doesn’t have quite the same requirements as the Pfizer vaccine does,” said Watson-Creed. “We will definitely be adding it into the mix to see if we can use that to extend out the populations of interests but the details are still being worked out.”

Dr. Watson-Creed says it’s an exciting day for Nova Scotians who have been waiting for the hope of a vaccine.

“I, myself, am completely surprised to find us here in December after having started this long journey at the beginning of this year. I think it truly is a milestone and I think it’s one of those things we’ll all remember where we were when COVID-19 vaccines arrived in our province.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr Robert Strang announce extended holiday. Photo: Nova Scotia Government

Christmas is coming early for Nova Scotia students.

Premier Stephen McNeil announced public schools will be closing December 18 and will remain closed until January 11, extending the festive holiday by nine days.

The premier said government is changing the holiday out of an abundance of caution.

“Christmas is coming and we are concerned that as family and friends gather, even in small groups, COVID could show up’ said McNeil. “Just look what happened in some of our western provinces after Thanksgiving weekend. They saw an uptick in cases.”

While students will enjoy an extra week off, school staff will be back January 4 to undergo five days of professional development.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang announced nine new COVID-19 cases bringing the total active number in Nova Scotia to 65.

In the past two days, four cases have been found at The Eden Valley Poultry processing plant in Berwick. Strang announced the plant will be shut for two weeks as a result.

He says the closure is a warning that Nova Scotians can’t let their guard down and relax the precautions they’re taking against spreading the coronavirus.

“Is a stark reminder that we’re not through this yet and things can change very quickly. I know that people are anxious and ready to get back to something a little more normal but moving too quickly away from these restrictions can do the opposite.,” said Strang. “It can put us right back to where we were a month ago and prolong the need for extensive restrictions around COVID.”

Strang says help is on the way in the form of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to arrive in Nova Scotia December 15.

He says public health have been running mock drills to ensure they are prepared to meet the stringent handling requirements of the vaccine.

“It is a complicated operation especially with the Pfizer vaccine, given its unique storage and handling requirements. But I hope people can see by the work that’s gone on that we are absolutely ready to receive vaccine and start administering that,” said Strang.

The premier closed the update by saying the virus moves quickly through communities and tracking it will help chart the course for the province over the next few weeks.

“Movement matters. Where we go, what we do, who we’re with and how we behave. I know how important Christmas is to families, especially those who are spread out across our province. But it is our job to do our best to keep you safe. We will have more to say about this next week.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

New ultra-low temperature freezer will keep vaccine at -70 degrees Celsius. Photo courtesy Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotia will be receiving the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines next week.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang announced frontline health care workers dealing with COVID-19 in the central zone will be the first to receive the 1,950 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine once it is approved by Health Canada.

“We need to protect and preserve our frontline workers so they are around and can treat, not only those with COVID but everyone else as well,” said Strang.

Each week, beginning December 15, the province expects to receive a supply of the vaccine until it receives its full allotment of 150,000 doses, before the end of March 2021. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses to be effective which means 75,000 Nova Scotians can be immunized from this supply.

Because the vaccine is delicate and difficult to transport as it must remain at a temperature of -70 Celsius, the focus will be placed on the central zone which currently has the largest number of cases.

The Moderna vaccine, which is expected to be available by the end of the month, is stable at temperatures of -20 Celsius which is consistent with other vaccines.

Strang said Nova Scotia is following the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) guidance on COVID-19 vaccines. During the first three months of 2021, the focus will be to immunize: long-term care residents and staff, seniors living in the community beginning with those who are over 80 years of age, then people over 75 and then people over 70 and health-care workers directly involved in patient care.

Strang expects more vaccine will be made available by the federal government throughout the year and it may take some time before it can be administered to everyone who wants to be vaccinated.

“And so we’re probably looking at the fall of 2021 before we’re actually finished with the full COVID immunization program and every Nova Scotian has had an opportunity to get COVID vaccine,” said Strang.

The province also announced testing is now available to everyone whether they are showing symptoms or not. To register, go to the Nova Scotia government coronavirus website.

Strang again cautioned people that Christmas will have to look different this year. While he is still recommending against any travel during the holidays, he said if people choose to ignore the recommendation they need to be aware of what restrictions are in place at their destination if they are travelling outside the province as well as what conditions they need to follow when they return.

“We may still have restrictions on travel within the province, that is yet to be determined,” said Strang. “But regardless if we do or not, staying close to home, avoiding non-essential travel out of the province, focusing on small gatherings, small numbers, making sure if you are getting together, try to do it as much as possible with consistent people over time.”

Strang said sacrificing holiday time with loved ones this year will be rewarded in the long run.

“If we have fewer people around our tables this year that means that everyone is going to be here next year to celebrate. I believe that’s a price we’re all willing to pay.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Aqualitas Top Grower, Jake Ward. Photo courtesy Aqualitas

When the pandemic began slowing business around the world, apparently no one told Aqualitas.

The Brooklyn-based cannabis producer is having a banner year by any standard, garnering national awards and forging international partnerships.

Earlier this year, Aqualitas master grower Jake Ward beat out licensed producers from across the country to earn the title of Canada’s top grower from Grow Opportunities magazine.

CEO and co-founder of Aqualitas Myrna Gillis calls the recognition for Ward one of the happiest days she’s had with the company.

“We do things the hard way. We grow organically, we’re certified organic. We do living soil and living water. We have a complex design with the aquaponics,” said Gillis. “There’s only one other company doing that right now in Canada. It was setting a high bar but we did it because we knew that it would matter in the quality of the product.”

Gillis said the company’s success comes from the hard work of a lot of amazing people.

Since launching in 2014, Aqualitas has grown to 80 employees in the Brooklyn production facility and 11 in their Bedford offices.

Gillis was pleased to say they were one of the few cannabis companies who hired through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those positions come as Aqualitas is finding its way into new markets. Gillis said in January 2020, just before COVID hit, the company was selling six SKUs (or distinct products) in three markets. Now they have 26 SKUs being sold in seven markets and are listed to sell medical cannabis on the Shoppers Drug mart site.

“It’s been tough. We took it on the chin just like everybody else did in a couple of those months but overall, when we look at where the year will end and where it began, we have a lot to be proud of,” said Gillis.

And the year is ending with big news for Aqualitas. The local producer has teamed up with U.S.-based edibles producer Sunderstorm to manufacture and distribute their Kanha line of gummies across Canada.

Gillis said funding from the national Industrial Research Assistance program and Nova Scotia Business Inc allowed them to pursue research into keeping the amount of THC consistent in edibles through water-soluble powders.

“Making a gummy, in and of itself, is not particularly complex,” said Gillis. “Making a really good gummy is very complicated.”

Gillis said they will be the only Nova Scotian producer making edibles, setting them up in a David versus Goliath scenario against larger edible producers out of Ontario.

“Our home province is, without question, our most loyal and our most important market to us. So, certainly it will help us here, but I think the quality and the brands outside of the province is what will drive it,” said Gillis.

She calls the partnership with Sunderstorm a great match for both companies.

While she has more big goals set for 2020, Gillis wants her team to take some time to recharge over the holidays.

“I’m hoping that everybody on the team tries to get a little downtime over the holidays because everybody has been just, it’s been such a Herculean effort by everybody.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Education Minister Zach Churchill unveils $14 million for schools. Photo: screen shot from Zoom meeting

Nova Scotia is spending more to help students and schools through COVID-19.

Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Zach Churchill announced $14.3 million from federal Back to School funding would be going to schools to assist with healthy food programs, math and literacy programs, and providing more personal protective equipment.

The $1.5 million investment in healthy food options for students is divided into two streams. $500,000 will go towards buying food for the school lunch programs and the remaining $1 million will support what the department is calling an emergency food response fund. Minister Churchill explained that will be used to respond to the food needs of students if they need to learn from home.

“That can look like pre-paid cards for the grocery store or it can look like delivered bags of food depending on the community, and we’ll leave that up to folks on the ground, on the front lines to determine the best way to get that food, in those situations to the students and families that need it,” said Churchill.

The bulk of the money at $4.1 million will be earmarked for new online math and literacy programs.

Another $3.8 million will be used to install 950 touchless water stations, ensuring they are available in every school.

And $2.7 million will ensure ventilation systems are routinely inspected and repaired. That money is over and above the budgeted costs for maintenance.

Churchill commended students and school staff for their efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus during the second wave. He said so far, it looks like it’s working.

“Speaking on behalf of the education system I think our teachers, principals, support staff, our cleaners, our students should be proud as well because it seems at this point, the majority of people are doing their part to make a difference and protect people from the virus,” said Churchill.

With the holidays approaching, some universities are already looking at extending the Christmas break to allow students to better cope with COVID-19 restrictions around travel.

Churchill said his department hasn’t made a decision yet on whether or not they will follow suit.

“We’re considering our options so those conversations are ongoing currently, in terms of how to approach Christmas break and if there’s any adjustments we need to make in our plan,” said Churchill.

He said any changes will be made after consulting with public health.

The minister was also asked if his department had been approached by public health officials about moving rapid testing into the schools, given the large number of Nova Scotians who are directly connected to the education system.

“We leave that decision to public health. Our job here is to work with them on implementation of their directives and if they believe that that is a necessary tool to enhance our testing protocols here in Nova Scotia, we’ll, of course work with them to implement that,” said Churchill. “We have not received that recommendation to date.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Region of Queens administration building

The Region of Queens is getting help from two levels of government with their bottom line.

The federally funded Nova Scotia Safe Re-start program is putting $590,735 into municipal coffers.

Mayor Darlene Norman said the funding is welcome as COVID-19 has upset this year’s budget plans.

“The bulk of the money will be going on the bottom line of this year’s budget in order to meet that projected budget,” said Norman.

The pandemic forced the region to stop operating many of the programs and facilities that make money including closing Queens Place for several months.

“There was no fitness memberships, there was no ice rentals, there were conferences that would’ve been booked there, so that’s lost revenue,” said Norman. “This money will help cover that lost revenue.”

The region estimates losses at Queens Place will be in the neighbourhood of $300,000 this year.

That number could go up as, since this funding was announced, another source of revenue for Queens Place has been shelved. The province has banned sports teams from travelling to and from Halifax. With many of their players coming from the city, the Liverpoool Privateers hockey games have been cancelled for now and with them goes the money that comes along with game nights.

According to Norman, Queens Place has never been profitable but the Region backstops the losses as part of the common good the facility brings to the community.

“Municipalities build these facilities for the social enjoyment, the physical enjoyment of people, to stimulate economic growth in your county, that’s what those are built for,” said Norman.

The Safe Re-start funding will also do some good in the community. As a condition of the funding, the province insisted a portion had to support local transit.

Queens County Transit is the beneficiary of that condition and will receive $27,674.

Another stipulation will see $2020 divided equally between the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators. The two groups represent municipal interests to the provincial government and have also been unable to hold conferences, which would provide their funding, during the pandemic.

Norman said historically, the Region of Queens has a strong record of managing their finances and meeting their responsibility to the province to produce balanced budgets.

So much so, that even without this funding the municipality would have been okay.

“We would pay our bills. There’s no question of that,” said Norman. “Taking from reserves to meet that would probably be, I’m going to say the first time since amalgamation that that would have ever happened.””

Norman said the Safe Re-start funding should keep the region from dipping into their savings.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Hunter and Kassidy Lowe deliver Santa for Seniors gifts last Christmas. Photo: Lindsay Lowe

A program that surprises seniors at Christmas is returning this year.

Santa for Seniors offers the opportunity for people to anonymously nominate seniors living in North and South Queens to receive a present over Christmas.

Organizer Kendra Shot posts the seniors who have been nominated on the Santa for Seniors Queens County Facebook page. She identifies them only by number and their gender when creating a wish list of a few items for each nominee.

Shot got the idea after hearing about a similar program being operated in Bridgewater and Halifax.

“So it snowballed from there and we started it here and it’s pretty popular,” said Shot.

People can choose which senior they wish to adopt by commenting on the post or by contacting her directly.

Shot said every recipient reacts differently to receiving anonymous presents and sometimes their pride prevents them from accepting the gifts. But once it’s explained that someone thought enough to want to give them a present, it is warmly received.

“But the majority of people basically stood there with tears in their eyes or crying because somebody actually thought of them,” said Shot. “And where so many are living alone, God knows what Christmas is going to be like this year.”

Shot said the idea took off last year with 205 seniors being adopted to receive gifts. This year the group is tracking to smash through that total with over 300 names on her list already.

The wish lists generally ask for toiletries, chocolates, warm clothing and gift cards but Shot said when putting the gift bags together, most people go above and beyond what is expected.

“Everybody goes overboard, which is fine, but it feels good. I think that is the main point,” said Shot. “People are doing it because it makes them feel good that they are helping somebody else as well.”

Shot is taking precautions with COVID-19. Presents are dropped off at Route 3 cellar and then quarantined before being delivered by her team of eight volunteer elves between December 20 and 23.

To nominate a senior to be adopted or to adopt one yourself, follow this link.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Nova Scotia Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Zach Churchill announces $21.5 million in at home technology support via Zoom. (Screenshot)

Nova Scotia is buying computers for students and upgrading school wireless networks in order to continue to educate kids through COVID-19.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Zach Churchill announced $21.5 million from the federal Safe Return to Class Fund will be used to address concerns raised by students, teachers and parents about online and computer access during the provincial lockdown this spring.

Churchill said close to 30,000 respondents submitted their experience with at-home education.

“It was clear that the experience was different from school to school, teacher to teacher, from home to home. So this year we’ve brought in some standards for at-home learning for teachers and support staff,” said Churchill. “We have guidelines in place to help direct them in terms of how they approach their learning. We have enhanced capabilities now with students having access to technology and also teleconferencing as well, for students who don’t have access to the internet.”

Churchill said the department has already secured the purchase of 24,000 Chromebooks. The province has received 3,000 of those and the remaining 21,000 units are expected in December. They also hope to buy another 8,000 Chromebooks in the new year.

The education minister said it will be up to the regional centres across Nova Scotia to determine where they will be needed.

“Our regions have done work to identify which households, which students, don’t have access to the tech and those will be the folks that receive the technology. This is about ensuring that there’s not a digital divide in our education system, that all of our students have equitable access to the tools they need to learn and succeed even in an at-home learning environment,” said Churchill.

The province is also improving wireless connectivity and system stability at schools through the purchase and installation of new hardware including: firewalls, fibre-optic lines, servers and wireless routers.

Ten new full-time positions are being created to install and facilitate the upgrades.

The education minister said the majority of schools in Nova Scotia do have access to high-speed internet and those with slower speeds will be the target of the upgrades.

For students trying to complete their studies without high-speed access at their homes, Churchill offered a couple of alternatives to submit their work for evaluation.

“One option includes being able to utilize, by appointment, the school facility, even during a blended learning situation where they will have access to a safe learning space with internet and materials,” said Churchill.

The education minister said the program piloted in the spring, which allowed students to submit their work through a USB stick will also be available and those students will have access to devices with USB capabilities.

Should the province need to move to a blended model that would see some students move to at-home learning the biggest change will have nothing to do with technology.

“Everyone will be graded,” said Churchill. “That’s different from last year. We know that helps with motivation in terms of staying engaged with school work, even at home.”

The education minister said figuring out ways to educate in a pandemic has forced everyone to revaluate how things are done.

“That’s the silver lining here is this pandemic has forced us to take a real look at our tech capacity and assess who has access to digital learning tools and who doesn’t,” said Churchill. “I don’t see us moving back from this. In fact, I see us enhancing our ability to utilize technology in the learning environment at school and at home for the long run.”

Churchill said the upgrades have already begun and he hopes the work will be completed in every school in the province by the end of the school year.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Liverpool Kinsmen members. Photo credit: Liverpool Kinsmen

The Liverpool Kinsmen are marking a significant milestone.

Established in 1945, the service organization has been making a difference in the community for 75 years.

Members gathered for a photo Saturday but chapter president Brian Godfrey said by necessity, they’re keeping the recognition low-key.

“Normally we would have had all the different service groups in town, the mayor and other members from other clubs would’ve been here but because of COVID-19 we couldn’t do anything other than what we are right now, letting people know what we do,” said Godfrey.

And what they do is significant to Liverpool.

Godfrey said since 1975 the organization has raised $900,000 to reinvest back into Queens County. The Kinsman have donated money to Queens General Hospital, Queens Place, air cadets, minor hockey and the legion, to name a few.

They are also closely involved in the schools.

“We donate out to the North Queens High School, we donate a $2,000 bursary out there, also, the milk program, the breakfast program out there, same as the schools here in town, we have a $2,000 bursary every year for a high school student,” said Godfrey. “We support the breakfast programs at the Wickwire and we also support the lunch programs at the middle school here in town.”

It’s not just opening a chequebook. The service group also pitches in their time to help where they’re needed during many events throughout the community.

Godfrey, who’s been a Kinsmen member since 1980 said while giving to your community you also get back.

“So it’s a personal learning experience for you too. It can help you down the road too. Like myself, treasurer, well now I’m treasurer here at QCCR, I’ve been treasurer for many, many different organizations but I learned through Kinsmen,” said Godfrey.

Shortly after he joined, the Kinsmen launched their long-running fundraiser TV Bingo. The program went mostly uninterrupted for the past 40 years until the pandemic hit earlier this year.

Godfrey estimates the organization lost around $15,000 when they had to halt production between March and September.

While losing that income was a hit to their coffers, in terms of logistics, it may have been a blessing in disguise.

To meet COVID-19 guidelines the Kinsmen moved the shooting location of their TV bingo from Brooklyn to a newly built studio in the Investors Group building on Milton road in Liverpool.

“We got a brand new studio, all digital and a lot more space. We like it there, easier access for people coming and going, especially some of our older members,” said Godfrey. “They have a difficult time getting up stairs. They don’t have to worry about that. So we do have some of the older ones said, yes we can work now because we don’t have to climb those steps back in in Brooklyn where the old studio was.”

Godfrey said when the Kinsmen started back in 1945 they boasted 50 members. The group now consists of 10 full-timers and two prospects.

He said most of the members have been with the organization for a long time, and they hope to expand those numbers. With the youngest member in their late-20s, they’re always recruiting.

“We don’t want to get together too often so we have a meeting once a month. It’s usually a cooked meal at someone’s house or outdoors somewhere,” said Godfrey.

He says while the pandemic has curtailed a lot of the work they would normally do during the year they continue to find ways to assist the community.

Their next project will be helping to put Christmas dinner on the table for a couple hundred families working alongside other community groups on the Christmas cheer box program.

“Our motto is serving the community’s greatest needs,” said Godfrey. “Where we see a need out there, we help out.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 038 in Liverpool, NS. Photo credit: Ed Halverson

Contributions to the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy fund are way down this year thanks to the coronavirus.

President of Legion Branch 038 in Liverpool Larry Weagle said volunteers would normally set up tables in grocery stores and the NSLC but due to the pandemic, the retailer’s corporate offices aren’t allowing them in.

“The volunteers used to love it, and no problem getting them but we’ve got no place to put them,” said Weagle. “Everybody wants to do it but we’ve got no place to put them.”

Including the major grocery chains and NSLC, there are 39 retailers throughout Liverpool who have put out poppy trays to accept donations.

Weagle said in any other year, legion volunteers stationed at tables would also sell commemorative pins and other items adorned with poppies to increase the amount going to the poppy fund, but people can now only buy those items at the legion.

The Liverpool legion would traditionally raise close to $20,000 for the poppy fund and Weagle expects this year they’ll be lucky to bring in half that amount.

He’s disappointed because that’s money the legion uses to help veterans and their families in a variety of ways.

“We had two veterans that needed portable oxygen things, we had another guy that’s in a nursing home and he’d like to have a lift chair. So we got him that. We had another guy, never had a radio, so just little things like that. You know it adds up. Somebody needs a barrel of oil that can’t afford it, we get them that too. As long as he’s a veteran or a veteran’s family,” said Weagle.

The drop in donations is all the more reason for people to be aware of how to keep the money they’re giving going to local veterans according to Weagle. He says a donation to the poppy fund at the legion is the best way to ensure all the money stays in the community.

“You pay $55 for a wreath, we make three dollars, locally. We only get three dollars. If you make a donation, we get it all,” said Weagle.

Virtual poppies are becoming a popular way to show support for the legion but Weagle said the local branch sees none of that money as it all goes directly to the main headquarters in Ottawa.

The legion isn’t just struggling with poppy fund donations. They’re also having a hard time raising enough money to run their day-to-day operations.

Once they would host banquets of up to 140 people but that revenue is gone thanks to the coronavirus.

Weagle said they keep the lights on through a combination of hall rentals and events but COVID-19 has put a stop to a lot of it.

“No dances, no variety shows, no karaoke. It hurts,” said Weagle.

Legion Branch 038 President Larry Weagle. Photo credit: Ed Halverson

Weagle would like to see more people come in to take advantage of the take-out lunches they offer. But he understands some folks have an outdated idea about what the legion is.

“Look, you’ve got no way to make no money. People think the legion is a drinking establishment, that’s gone,” said Weagle. “Mostly now, people come here, we sell more pop and water than we do alcohol.”

He says donations to the legion come back to the community in many ways.

“People don’t realize what the legion does for our community. Our doors are always open for anybody. The community groups, they work with us. The funds that we give out, like, we give out the Salvation Army Christmas boxes and bursaries for high school kids, the food bank,” said Weagle.

A bright spot this season was an unexpected donation from Freeman Lumber for $1,000.

“It really surprised me,” said Weagle. “Because this is the first time any corporation that size gave a donation this big.”

Weagle assured Freeman Lumber the money would go directly to the poppy fund to help local veterans and their families.

He reminds anyone wishing to donate should specify whether they wish to direct their donation to the poppy fund or the legion itself. Information on how to donate is located at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 038 Facebook page.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang provide a COVID-19 update. Photo credit: Nova Scotia government

The province’s top doctor is reminding Nova Scotians if they want to enjoy the Christmas season with friends and family they need to keep their guard up.

At a COVID-19 briefing Tuesday, chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang said the number of COVID-19 cases has been creeping up over the past week in Nova Scotia and other provinces are experiencing record-high infections.

“Right now we need to focus on the next two months,” said Strang. “The things we do now will have a direct impact on what we’ll be able to do safely as we enter the holiday season. The next few weeks are critically important.”

Strang understands as Nova Scotians approach the ninth month of dealing with COVID-19 people are getting tired. He said everyone needs to continue to think of protecting others by following the established safety protocols including: frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks.

“So if you can wear a mask, wear one. Do not look for loopholes and don’t make false claims. You’re putting yourself and everyone else at risk with this kind of self-centered behavior,” said Strang.

Strang says our province needs to continue doing the things we’ve been doing which have kept the worst of the pandemic at bay.

Nova Scotia has had 12 new cases of COVID-19 since last week’s update. The province announced one new case Tuesday in the Northern Zone, bringing the total number of active COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia to 16.

Strang made his plea for continued vigilance just hours after the province announced they will allocate $5.5 million of federal funding from the Safe Return to Class Fund to gradually open school gyms to community groups for physical activity and sports.

That funding will allow schools to pay for the extra cleaning necessary to open gyms and washrooms to the public outside of school hours.

Premier Stephen McNeil joined Dr. Strang in calling on Nova Scotians to stay alert to the dangers of COVID-19.

“We are heading into the flu season. Winter is coming which will force us indoors. I know we’re tired. We’re coming into the ninth month of dealing with COVID. I understand you’re fed up, but we can’t let our guard down,” said McNeil.

The premier said by working together, Nova Scotians have managed to keep the coronavirus mostly contained. To keep each other safe, everyone must continue to follow the safety protocols.

“And if we don’t just look around the country or look across the border. The evidence is clear,” said McNeil. “There’s a reason cases are on the rise. COVID likes when you don’t wear a mask. COVID likes when you gather in groups. COVID likes to be ignored because then it finds a way in. And once it’s in, it is hard to get out.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Photo credit: Ed Halverson

Kids trick or treating during COVID-19 have more to think about than finding the house giving out the full-size chocolate bars.

Nova Scotia’s department of public health has released detailed guidelines to enjoy a safe Halloween.

Many of the rules are already familiar such as don’t go out if you are unwell, trick or treat with no more than 10 people from your close family or social group and maintain social distance between groups.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang saidone of the most important things to remember is to keep hands clean and watch where they go.

“We’re recommending instead of putting your hand on a doorknob or a doorbell, a light rap with your knuckles on the door. Both for kids getting treats and people giving out treats, we don’t want multiple hands going in a common bowl, so if you’re using a common bowl, use a pair of tongs or put out individual servings,” said Strang. “It’s important that we don’t have lots of hands going in the same place.”

Strang also says people should avoid trick or treating indoors but to wear a non-medical mask if you do.

The province’s chief medical officer of health is reminding kids to bring hand sanitizer to use often while they are out and to wash hands well before eating any candy.

COVID-19 isn’t the only concern people need to be aware of, and RCMP also released their Halloween safety guidelines.

They suggest a costume that is visible in the dark and to ensure any masks don’t obstruct a child’s vision.

Children trick or treating without an adult should have a set route planned and go with a buddy.

RCMP are advising drivers try to avoid residential areas, but if they must, they should plan a little more time for their route and drive slowly.

Dr. Strang reminds any adults planning to participate in Halloween parties that the regular gathering limits are still in place.

No more than 10 people can gather in a home, 50 people can physically distance at community events if they can maintain two metres distance and up to 200 can congregate at recognized businesses if social distancing rules can be met.

“A reminder that non-medical masks are required in indoor public places and Halloween masks don’t count unless it is a noon-medical mask that is covering your nose and mouth. And even if you’ve got great plans, if you’re feeling unwell stay the blazes home,” said Strang.

The full list of COVID-19 Halloween safety guidelines is available at this link.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang COVID-19 briefing October 28, 2020. Photo credit: Nova Scotia Government

Nova Scotians can now book their COVID-19 tests online.

Premier Stephen McNeil and Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang, made the announcement at Wednesday’s COVID-19 update.

Previously, after completing an online assessment, anyone needing a test would have to call and leave a message with a scheduler then wait for a call back to book an appointment.

Dr. Strang said the new system streamlines that process.

“Moving it to online as part of this bigger project, like everything else, it just makes it faster. You can go in there, you don’t have to wait to get a call back. You don’t have to wait online for somebody. You can just make your own appointment. It’s much faster and efficient,” said Strang.

Anyone getting tested in the Central Zone or at the IWK Health Centre will have access to online booking immediately. People living in the Northern, Western which includes Queens County) and Eastern Zones can expect to have access to the new system by the second week of November.

In the two weeks since the last COVID-19 update on October 14, the province has had 10 new positive cases of the coronavirus. Nine of those were related to travel outside the Atlantic provinces and one was a close contact with one of the travellers.

Currently there are five active cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia and to date, the province has had 1,102 positive cases and 65 deaths.

Following up on Tuesday’s announcement from the province that international students will be permitted to return to post-secondary and language schools, Dr. Strang said the schools must make those students aware of the travel and quarantine restrictions before they set foot on a plane for Canada.

“Once they get here they are required to self-isolate for 14 days and the institutions must have a detailed protocol in place to support those students all the way from getting them from the airport to either a hotel or another living arrangement and then to monitor and support them in that 14 day quarantine,” said Strang.

Unlike when university students arrived in the fall, the international students will not need to undergo a mandatory three COVID-19 tests during their two-week isolation.

Dr. Strang said because the number of international students is much smaller and they will be arriving over a longer period of time the risk is far less than the thousands of students arriving at one time in September.

“We didn’t feel that it was necessary to supplement quarantining with testing,” said Strang. “The most important thing and what minimizes the risk of any transmission, is adherence to the quarantine.”

Dr. Strang said public health officials, working alongside the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will allow private school from grades kindergarten to 12 to bring in international students under the same guidelines.

However, he did not say when or if international students would be permitted to return to public schools this year.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

South Shore Drive-in screen. Photo credit: Catherine Croft

The South Shore Drive-in wraps up its inaugural season with a fright.

A double bill of family favourite and vintage horror films will round out an eventful first year this Halloween weekend.

According to co-founder Catherine Croft, the response to the drive-in has been inspiring.

“Going through the park at night, listening to the grandparents sharing this with the grandkids and their stories and the laughter and the fun, that’s why we do it,” said Croft.

She says she and her team of dedicated volunteers saw a need during the COVID-19 pandemic to get people out of their homes and interacting with one another. After working to put on the movies week after week, they are delighted to see their efforts have paid off.

“It was a way for us to connect as families and safely. I couldn’t have competed with the theatres, nor do I want to. That’s not what our intention was,” said Croft. “It was giving a product to what we needed now.”

Croft said finally getting the drive-in up and running in a permanent home at the Hank Snow museum this September is the culmination of years of work by many people.

In particular, Croft said Charlotte White has been pursuing the idea for over a decade and worked tirelessly to help raise almost $12,000 for equipment and operating costs.

Croft said deciding which films to show each week is a challenge as team members have their preferences. She said she would often leave it up to the public to decide by polling them on social media.

But what she has learned is that people coming to the drive-in want to revel in the nostalgia of the experience.

“So we’re looking at the 90s. Great movies like Back to the Future, of course Jurassic Park, the Ghostbusters, these were iconic movies that seem to bring us back to a time and that’s what we focused on, was bringing that old feel back to the theatre,” said Croft.

Croft is pleased the partnership with the Hank Snow Society has been beneficial. The profits are split 50/50 and the groups are already planning upgrades for next year.

Croft said they’re looking at installing new power hook ups and a more permanent building for their projector as well as closing in the concession stand to protect their volunteers from the elements.

“This has been more than what any of us had ever expected it to be,” said Croft. “We’re just absolutely excited to bring on 2021.”

Croft said they have some special excitement and treats planned for their closing Halloween night, and she expects that depending on weather, the South Shore Drive-In will reopen during the May long weekend next year.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang provide COVID-19 update October 6, 2020

Nova Scotia is increasing its COVID-19 testing capacity.

Premier Stephen McNeil says several steps are involved including:

• increasing the lab capacity in Halifax to process 2,500 tests per day
• adding equipment in Sydney so tests in the northern part of the province can be tested locally instead of sending them to Halifax
• moving most of the primary testing centres to larger locations while increasing their hours and staff to speed up the testing process.

McNeil says any excess capacity not being used by Nova Scotians will be offered to neighbouring provinces.

“This is just the next phase of working with the national government to increase the number of testing opportunities in our province. And if they’re not needed here we’ll certainly make them available to the rest of the country,” said the premier.

The IWK Health Centre will also expand to double the capacity in its assessment centre.

Beginning October 7, the IWK will also start using a gargle test to diagnose COVID-19 in children ages 4 – 18.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang says he’s been hearing from people asking why, when our numbers are so low, we can’t begin to relax some of the restrictions around COVID-19.

Strang says it’s those measures, the hand hygiene, social distancing and 14-day quarantines, which have kept the numbers so low and we need to maintain them.

He reminded Nova Scotians this is not the time to be complacent.

“We’re seeing the second wave in other parts of the country and that second wave is worse because the challenges of controlling large numbers of COVID while keeping things open as much as possible,” said Strang.

He says it’s much easier to control COVID if you have everything locked down.

“And they may have to go there in some of those other parts of Canada,” said Strang. “We’re trying to avoid being in that situation in the first place.”

With Thanksgiving on the horizon this weekend, Strang reminded people their celebrations may have to look a bit different this year.

“So you’re going to have to find ways to have small groups having Thanksgiving dinner together. And if that means a large family has to divide up and have different groups having different meals, I regret that that that’s going to be necessary,” said Strang. “But we can’t relax the rules just for Thanksgiving ‘cause we may well see the impact of this in two weeks if we’re not careful.”

Strang says the current limit is no more than ten people in a close social group without distancing and anyone who is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID should stay away from groups.

He says hosts will have more to think about including frequently cleaning of high touch surfaces like door handles and taking extra precautions in the handling of food.

“It’s important that we don’t have buffet-style service with lots of hands, each touching the same serving utensils. We would ask to have one person designated as a server, serving out individual plates and then passing those plates around, rather than passing around bowls and platters where lots of hands go on those,” said Strang.

Premier McNeil closed the briefing by recognizing that mask fatigue is setting in for some Nova Scotians and we need to continue to follow the public health protocols.

“We can not let our guard down. CODID is relentless and it thrives, quite frankly, on ignorance and arrogance,” said McNeil. “There’s no reason for anyone to be ignorant of this disease, we’ve now been dealing with for eight months and these public health protocols in front of us. And arrogance is not a way Nova Scotians react to anything.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Trucks outside North Queens station. Photo Credit: North Queens Fire Department

North Queens will soon see the return of their medical first responders.

Members of the North Queens volunteer fire department joined crews from across Queens at the Liverpool Fire Hall Thursday night to receive training on the proper use of personal protective equipment.

North Queens Fire Chief Chris Wolfe was one of those attending. He describes the evening.

“They face-fitted us with the N-95 masks and gave us our gowns and other PPE that will allow us to answer cardiac arrest calls and motor vehicle collisions,” said Wolfe.

As first reported on QCCR earlier this week, medical first responders or MFRs from across the province were told at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic they were not to respond to any calls aside from a motor vehicle collision.

This meant during an emergency, someone in Caledonia could wait 40 minutes or more for the nearest ambulance to arrive.

MFRs are generally volunteer fire fighters with the medical training necessary to stabilize someone until paramedics can arrive. They normally respond to any kind of medical emergency when called out.

Wolfe says the service still has restrictions, but can now respond to situations involving cardiac arrest in addition to motor vehicle collisions.

“The plan is to keep implementing different types of calls until we’re fully back to operation,” said Wolfe.

He says the departments have received a stock of the necessary PPEs and are now just waiting to hear the records of their training has been received by the Emergency Measures office so they can begin responding to calls again.

“Well, I feel a little bit more confident that things are on the go,” said Wolfe. “And hopefully it’s not too long and we’ll be back to full service in the North Queens area.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Trucks outside North Queens station. Photo Credit: North Queens Fire Department

Medical first responders in North Queens are being told not to respond to calls because of COVID-19.

The MFRs are volunteer firefighters trained to attend to someone in medical distress until paramedics arrive on scene.

Queens-Shelburne MLA Kim Masland says when someone is having a medical emergency, waiting 40 minutes for an ambulance to arrive from the nearest EHS base in Liverpool is too long.

“If you’re living in Caledonia and you’re in cardiac arrest, the local MFRs can no longer come to you, who actually have an AED on site, there’s no way someone’s going to get to you in time,” said Masland.

In March, the EHS/MFR coordinator told MFRs across the province they could respond only to motor vehicle accidents and to leave emergency calls to EHS paramedics because at the time, there wasn’t enough personal protective equipment to go around.

A spokesperson for Emergency Health Services says since COVID-19 restrictions have started to ease up, they have been bringing MFRs back online in 21 areas with high incidents of cardiac arrests.

Already, 11 have received the training around proper use of the new personal protective equipment and are currently operating.

The other ten are slated to return to service in the coming weeks but unfortunately, none of those are in the Western Zone servicing North Queens.

The EHS spokesperson says the North Queens MFR agency is one of the more remote agencies in the province and is also scheduled to receive training in the coming weeks.

Masland is concerned about what could happen if an ambulance can’t get to the area in time.

“We’re so rural, we’re so geographically isolated and if I’m getting text messages saying on a Saturday morning at 11:55 there’s not an ambulance to be seen from Barrington to Halifax, that’s very, very frightening,” said Masland.

North Queens Fire Chief Chris Wolfe says the community has always relied on the department as medical responders and as fire fighters.

He’s frustrated they’re being left in the dark as to why the department is no longer being dispatched for medical emergencies.

“Every time I see somebody in Caledonia they’re saying, why aren’t you guys answering medical calls?So and so had this problem the other night and you guys weren’t there,” said Wolfe. “To me, if EHS is not going to allow us to do this they should be making it more publicly aware and giving briefings to the public on what’s taking place, why we’re not responding.”

Wolfe is well aware of the strain on the province’s ambulance system.

He has been writing to government officials for the past three years to explain the dire situation residents in North Queens can face when looking for emergency medical help.

“It’s an ongoing problem and the province doesn’t seem to see that there is a problem. I’m to the point myself, that I can’t write no more or talk no more to change anything so, where do you go, right? It’s one of them things that a little town fire chief like me isn’t going to be able to fix ‘cause there’s too many people above me that make the decisions,” said Wolfe.

The president of Local 727 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, the union representing paramedics in Nova Scotia, says the EHS system in Nova Scotia is in chaos as it struggles to fill shifts and reduce offloading time for patients at hospitals.

Michael Nickerson says it’s helpful to have MFRs to service remote areas before his members arrive.

“They can provide oxygen therapy and get vital signs and treat fractures, like, splint fractures and dress wounds, bandage and whatnot,” said Niickerson. “So, they are a great, great asset.”

Nickerson says his members have been warning the province since before the COVID-19 outbreak that the pre-hospital system in Nova Scotia is not working.

The health department took those concerns to heart when they commissioned a $145,000 report by Fitch and Associates in October 2018 to review the ambulance system across the province.

The province received the report in December of that year, but Nickerson says despite repeated requests by IUOE 727, they still have not released the results.

“I don’t understand why they’re not putting it out there. They’re saying because, you know, negotiations and whatnot. Our contract’s settled, so they can’t use that as an excuse. They need to put that report out and let us see what’s in it. I’m sure there’s recommendations in there to make the system better than it is right now,” said Nickerson.

Health department spokesperson Marla MacInnis said they are currently in negotiations with Emergency Medical Care Incorporated, the company contracted by the province to provide paramedic services.

She says while the paramedics working under EMCI have a contract in place, the contract with the supplier (ECMI) is still being negotiated and releasing the Fitch report could put the province at a disadvantage.

Back in Queens, Kim Masland says now that the province has the personal protective equipment in place the focus should be on getting the medical first responders trained, and back in action.

“So let’s get our agencies back in the saddle,” said Masland. “Let’s get them doing what they do best in our communities.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

Region of Queens administration building

Municipal Elections are going ahead as normal in the Region of Queens despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Returning officer Ted Bulley says people will see little difference when they go to the polls October 17.

“It’s a normal election with COVID sitting over the top of us and that we have to, naturally, abide by all the rules that are out there for COVID-19 with masks and that kind of thing,” said Bulley.

Bulley says the polling locations will look similar to what people have gotten used to seeing when they visit their local shops.

“When you come in to vote, you’ll see screens in front of the DRO and the poll clerks,” said Bulley. “We’re having screens made, and there’ll be a person controlling traffic, and they’ll be the social distancing, and hand sanitizers, that kind of thing.”

While some other municipalities across the province have moved voting online, Region of Queens council opted to stay with the familiar paper ballots.

Anyone who has lived in Nova Scotia prior to April 8, is a Canadian citizen over the age of 18 and a resident of the Region of Queens before October 8 is eligible to vote.

Bulley says this is his third municipal election as Returning Officer and the first time he hasn’t seen a seat on council won by acclamation.

Whether or not it’s because people have had more time to sit and look around them during COVID-19, Bulley says he’s pleased to see a full slate of candidates running in all seven districts and for the mayor’s chair.

“I don’t know why people put their name forward when they do, but it seems that people are more engaged these days,” said Bulley.

He says typically, the municipal election draws about 40 precent of eligible voters to the polls.

He is optimistic the large number of candidates will also mean more people getting out to cast their ballot.

“In most cases I’ve found that where you have an election for a councillor will draw the people out, versus just the mayor running in that particular district,” said Bulley.

Advance polls will be available where people from any district can vote for their candidates October 8 at the North Queens Fire Hall, West Queens Recreation Centre and the Milton Community Hall, or on October 13 at the Greenfield or Mill Village Fire Halls, or at the Royal Canadian Legion in Liverpool.

After the advance polls, residents must vote in their districts at their designated polling stations.

Bulley says a team of two election staff will be going into the area’s three long-term care homes on election day to collect the resident’s votes.

“Dr. Strang and the department of health have added election workers as essential workers,” said Bulley. “That means they can go into any nursing home.”

People of Queens have until October 5 to get themselves on the final List of Electors, which will speed up the voting process at the polls.

Anyone not on the final list may still vote on election day, but will have to take the extra step of swearing an oath before they can cast their ballot.

The Region of Queens has posted information about how and where to vote on their website.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

The latest casualty of the COVID-19 virus is the Annual Hank Snow Tribute.

The event celebrating the life of Queens County’s hometown country legend, scheduled to run August 20 to 23^rd has been called off due to the corona virus pandemic.

Jessica Smith, administrator at the Hank Snow Home Town Museum and Co-chair of the organizing committee says the event relies heavily on sponsors.

“And when we kinda thought about it, a lot of our sponsors are just not open for business right now and are really feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. So with that being said, we kind of realized we’d lose a lot of our sponsors. We already have lost quite a few.”

While she couldn’t provide numbers, Smith says the roughly 2,500 visitors drawn to Liverpool by the event each year are a boon to the local economy.

She says the Hank Snow Museum site and Queens Place Emera Centre provide camping for up to 150 RVs, and hotels for miles around are booked almost a year in advance for the event.

But Smith is quick to point out, the economics of the situation are not as important as the people involved.

“We have a lot of volunteers that are in an older demographic and they’re the ones who are most at risk for the pandemic right now. When we realized that things are looking more likely to be July, August – it’s more about keeping our volunteers safe.”

Smith says people have become less available due to social distancing and more and more suppliers have been shutting down making planning the event almost impossible.

She says she has spent most of the last week informing everyone involved of the decision to postpone until next year.

The thirtieth installment of the festival was set to open at Queens Place Emera Centre on Thursday August 20 with a performance by country music legend and native of Port Mouton, Carroll Baker.

On Friday, several Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame members were scheduled to perform, including Chet Brown, Don Haggart, Joanne Newman, Jamey Cotter, Sheila Newman and Matt Balsor.

Saturday would have seen inductee Dale Verge of Port Mouton as the honoured guest while Sunday, fellow inductee Joyce Seamone, a Recording Artist who had a number one hit in 1972 with “Testing 1,2,3” was set to host the Grand Finale and Songwriter’s Circle.

Baker has agreed to return when the thirtieth anniversary tribute is held in 2021 and the rest of the performers have been invited as well.

The Region of Queens has agreed to provide funding to keep the Hank Snow Museum operational; something Smith says is key to ensuring the tribute can go ahead next year.

“That is one of our main funding sources for the year. It’s definitely a big impact to us, something we rely on. So their assistance through this time has definitely been overwhelming and it’s going to get us through the next few months for sure.”

Because this year would’ve been the thirtieth anniversary of the event, the decision to postpone was not easy.

But Smith is rolling with the punches.

“So we’re essentially just taking everything from this year and just pretending 2020 didn’t happen and we’re just going to go to 2021 as the 30th.”

While regular attendees to the Hank Snow Tribute may not have the opportunity to gather together this summer, they can look forward to picking up where they left off when the thirtieth anniversary tribute takes place during the third week of August next year.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson