Government of Nova Scotia News

Agriculture -- Government introduced amendments to the Animal Protection Act today, Oct. 9, to make it an offence to abandon an animal.

Health and Wellness -- Government has appointed British Columbia mediator James Dorsey to help determine the future labour relations structure for unionized staff at the province's hospitals and clinics.

Human Rights Commission -- Nova Scotians are being asked to nominate people and organizations in their communities who advance human rights education and promotion for the 2014 Human Rights Awards.

Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation -- All Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) retail stores will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, in honour of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Natural Resources -- NOTE: A list of fibre allocations follows this release. The government announced its forestry plan for the western Crown lands today, Oct. 9, and released 10-year fibre allocations for the lands.

Agriculture -- Amendments introduced today, Oct. 8, to the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act make changes needed for Newfoundland and Labrador to join the commission.

Labour and Advanced Education -- Nova Scotians can help shape the future of the province's university system.

Trade Centre Limited -- The Maritime Fall Fair is back at Exhibition Park starting Thursday, Oct. 9.

Health and Wellness -- Nova Scotia signed an agreement today, Oct. 8, allowing provinces, territories and the federal government to share public health information to help prevent or limit illness.

Communities, Culture and Heritage -- The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History launched a new permanent exhibit, Sable Island: Over the Dunes, Beyond Wild Horses, today, Oct. 8.

Energy -- Government introduced legislation today, Oct. 7, to ensure greater accountability for companies operating in the Nova Scotia offshore.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal -- CBRM: Highway 125 Eastbound, Exit 7 Closure

Education and Early Childhood Development -- Les élèves de 8e année en Nouvelle-Écosse se sont améliorés en mathématiques, ils sont restés au même niveau en littératie et en sciences, mais ils sont dans l’ensemble restés sous la moyenne canadienne, selon les résultats de l’évaluation pancanadienne de 2013.

Education and Early Childhood Development -- Grade 8 students in Nova Scotia have improved in math and remained constant in literacy and science, but remain below the Canadian average, according to results of the 2013 Pan-Canadian assessment.

Communities, Culture and Heritage -- Nova Scotians will be able to follow artist Alan Syliboy's character, Little Thunder, as he learns about his Mi'kmaq identity.

Labour and Advanced Education -- Government continues to work with Nova Scotians to improve workplace safety.

Health and Wellness -- Government has reached an agreement with the manufacturer of Kalydeco, a cystic fibrosis drug used to help manage a rare form of the disease, and has included it in Pharmacare programs.

Natural Resources -- A backgrounder on the title history of the owner-unknown land at lock 4 and adverse possession on private land is available at http://novascotia.ca/natr/land/new-purchases.asp. The Department of Natural Resources has signed an agreement to provide a safe portage route for paddlers between Lake Thomas and Fletchers Lake in Fall River, as part of the historic Shubenacadie Canal System.

Public Prosecution Service -- Matthew Kennedy has been appointed as a Crown attorney in the Bridgewater office.

Energy -- NOTE: A list of this year's scholarship winners and their schools follows this release. Sixteen students across Nova Scotia have been awarded scholarships to help pursue careers in the energy sector.