Government of Nova Scotia News

Human Rights Commission -- An independent Nova Scotia human rights restorative board of inquiry in the case of Sandra Wakeham of Dartmouth, v. Nova Scotia Department of Environment, Halifax, is scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 11.

Tourism Nova Scotia -- NOTE: The following is an op-ed from Michele McKenzie, interim CEO, Tourism Nova Scotia. In October, Tourism Nova Scotia announced its plans to partner with DDB Canada and Halifax's Trampoline to help market Nova Scotia to travelers from around the world. Together they bring a winning combination of local insight and international expertise to the contract.

Service Nova Scotia -- NOTE: A list of the top 20 baby names for boys and girls for 2015 follows this release. The results are in! According to Nova Scotia's Registry of Vital Statistics, those who wrote Ava or Owen on a birth certificate this year were not alone. Nova Scotia welcomed at least 56 babies named Ava and 59 named Owen to the province.

Immigration -- Due to the overwhelming generosity of Nova Scotians, the Refugee Donations Drop-off Centre in Halifax will no longer accept donations after Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Human Rights Commission -- Two new appointments to the Human Rights Commission were announced today, Dec. 30, by Mark Furey, Acting Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act.

Energy -- NOTE: The following is an op-ed from Energy Minister Michel Samson. Nova Scotians know that a great deal of our province's economy is built upon our seacoast -- fishing, shipbuilding, bio-sciences, tourism and our nation's East Coast navy.

Environment -- The recent designation of more than 100 properties as wilderness areas, nature reserves and parks means that 12.26 per cent of Nova Scotia's landmass is now protected.

Health and Wellness -- Before he joined the Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program, 21-year-old Brian Griffin couldn't leave home without thinking of everything he needed to bring with him.

Community Services -- NOTE: The following is a feature story from the Department of Community Services. Stella MacIsaac and Todd Goyetche belt out John Denver's classic Take Me Home Country Roads from his 1971 breakout album Poems, Prayers and Promises.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- CONTINUING WORK

Nova Scotia Securities Commission -- The Nova Scotia Securities Commission has issued sanctions against Stratus Financial Group International.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. -- Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) has approved a business development incentive, in the form of a payroll rebate, for the Bank of N.T. Butterfield and Son Limited (Butterfield Bank) of Bermuda.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- CONTINUING WORK

Finance and Treasury Board -- NOTE: The following is an op-ed from Finance and Treasury Board Minister Randy Delorey. Earlier this week, I introduced Bill 148 -- An Act Respecting the Sustainability of Public Services, the Public Services Sustainability (2015) Act. I did this after significant thought and consideration. I knew some would question our timing; others would question our intent; and others would even question the necessity for the legislation.

Seniors -- Businesses and organizations wanting to learn more about opportunities in Nova Scotia's seniors market should attend the Silver Economy Summit in Pictou County, March 8-9.

Municipal Affairs -- La période des Fêtes offre une bonne occasion de passer du temps en famille et entre amis. Il s'agit aussi d'un moment propice pour prendre des mesures visant à prévenir un incendie qui pourrait ruiner les festivités.

Municipal Affairs -- The holidays are a great time to enjoy family and friends. It is also a time to take steps to prevent a fire that could ruin the festive season.

Nova Scotia Securities Commission -- The Nova Scotia Securities Commission has revoked the cease trade order against BCA Investment Co-operative Limited that was issued on Dec. 14.

Premier's Office -- Government continued with its commitment to make tough choices to protect the services and programs that are important to Nova Scotians, during the second session of the 62nd general assembly, which wrapped up today, Dec. 18.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- Residents of Sheet Harbour, Halifax Regional Municipality, will walk across the new East River Bridge today, Dec. 17, to celebrate its completion. The bridge will be open to vehicles on Friday, Dec 18.