Government of Nova Scotia News

Labour and Advanced Education -- As of Jan. 1, 2017, Nova Scotians can get their General Education Diploma (GED) for free.

Premier's Office -- As we get set to welcome a new year with new opportunities I can't help but look back on Nova Scotia in 2016 and reflect on the progress we've made in this great province.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- CONTINUING WORK

Energy -- NOTE: The following is an op-ed from Energy Minister Michel Samson. The future of electricity generation in Nova Scotia is getting brighter.

Finance and Treasury Board -- Government has reached an agreement that will increase federal health-care funding to improve health care for Nova Scotians.

Nova Scotia Securities Commission -- The Nova Scotia Securities Commission has issued a temporary cease trade order against Vincent Byrne.

Nova Scotia Securities Commission -- The Nova Scotia Securities Commission is alerting investors that Balboa International is not registered to sell securities in the province.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- CONTINUING WORK

Service Nova Scotia -- Close to 300,000 illegal cigarettes destined for streets in the province were seized this week by Service Nova Scotia, working in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Service Nova Scotia -- NOTE: A list of the top baby names for boys and girls for 2016 follows this release. The 2016 information is current as of Dec. 19. Nova Scotians had two clear favourites this year for naming their babies, Olivia and William. According to Nova Scotia's Registry of Vital Statistics, this year Nova Scotia welcomed at least 48 babies named Olivia and 62 named William.

Lieutenant Governor -- Nova Scotians are invited to attend the launch of Canada 150 celebrations and attend the annual lieutenant-governor's New Year's Day Levee on Sunday, Jan. 1, at Government House, Halifax.

Health and Wellness -- The annual Accountability Report on Emergency Departments in Nova Scotia was submitted to the Clerk of the House of Assembly, today, Dec. 21, and is now available to the public.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY: Highway 107

Premier's Office -- Premier Stephen McNeil announced staffing changes in his office, today, Dec. 21.

Justice -- NOTE: The following is a statement from acting Justice Minister and Attorney General Michel Samson, today, Dec. 21. The province has amended its legal brief in the Alton Gas Appeal. A letter was filed with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation / Finance and Treasury Board -- Government is changing the markup that is applied to direct sales of craft beer to help the Nova Scotia craft brewing sector continue to grow and thrive.

Acadian Affairs -- In the most recent step in their close collaboration, the governments of Quebec and Nova Scotia today, Dec. 20, signed a new co-operation agreement and a declaration on the Canadian francophonie. The co-operation agreement and the declaration are a testament to the governments' commitment to the Canadian francophonie and their determination to preserve French and the diverse French-speaking communities in Canada.

Acadian Affairs -- S'inscrivant dans la foulée de leur étroite collaboration, les gouvernements du Québec et de la Nouvelle-Écosse ont signé aujourd'hui 20 décembre un nouvel Accord de coopération et une Déclaration portant sur la francophonie canadienne, témoignant de leur engagement envers la francophonie canadienne et de leur détermination à assurer la pérennité du français et des diverses cultures d'expression française.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. -- The chair of Nova Scotia Business Inc.'s (NSBI) board of directors, Bert Frizzell, announced today, Dec. 20, the appointment of Brenda Belliveau and Sandra Greer to the private-sector led board.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. -- Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) announced a newly approved production through the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund today, Dec. 20.