Nova Scotians are getting mixed messages about the proof of vaccine policy set to come into effect October 4, as new premier Tim Houston says the province needs time to finalize a number of details for its immunization record plan. “We must maintain the cautious approach that has kept Nova Scotia safe,” Houston said during […]
Lyndsay Armstrong
Lyndsay was a city reporter covering all things Halifax, health and COVID-19. She is a data journalist who has covered provincial politics for allNovaScotia.com and represented Nova Scotia in a national investigation into lead in drinking water with the Toronto Star and Global.
Posted inNews + Opinion
City approves massive Robie Street developments
Last night Halifax Regional Council approved two massive development projects: a 23-storey building at Robie Street near Quinpool Road, and two 29-storey and 28-storey buildings at the block of Robie, College and Carlton Streets. The approval went ahead even though community members who appeared at the virtual Halifax and West Community Council meeting unanimously opposed […]
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Natural resources minister looking into Owls Head Park sale
New minister of renewable and natural resources Tory Rushton says he “needs to understand” how the sale of Owls Head Provincial Park happened before taking next steps. “You’ve heard us speak at different times about Owls Head. We need to understand what was signed in the contract by the previous government,” said Rushton, the MLA […]
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Phase 5 depends on 75 percent double-vaccination target, Houston says
Vaccination rates have slowed in Nova Scotia, and the tally of double-vaccinated residents is among the highest in Canada at around 71 percent, but premier Tim Houston says the 75 percent vaccination target must be reached before the province moves into the final phase of reopening from COVID and loosening public health restrictions. “That 75 […]
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The federal election overview for NS
On August 15, two days before Nova Scotians voted in the 41st provincial election, prime minister Justin Trudeau visited governor general Mary Simon at Rideau Hall to dissolve parliament. This triggered the issuing of election writs and started the 36-day campaign for Canada’s 44th federal election. This election call came early, more than a year […]
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New ministers talk health care priorities
Premier Tim Houston and his novice cabinet met for the first time Thursday. The three ministers in charge of the newly divided health portfolios spoke about plans for race-based health data, universal mental health care, and the difficulty of trying to hire 2,000 new nurses and continuing care assistants for long-term care. Barbara Adams, minister […]
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Rent control extension is not off the table, says new housing minister
Extending Nova Scotia’s temporary rent control program, which is currently tied to the COVID state of emergency, is not off the table for new housing minister and landlord John Lohr. The Kings North MLA and newly-sworn-in minister says the PC government has not ruled out the possibility of an extension to rent control, which is […]
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Houston’s quick health care shake-up
On the day after his swearing in, premier Tim Houston immediately disrupted Nova Scotia’s health care system by firing the health authority CEO and getting rid of the provincial health board. “I’ve said all along that transformational change was needed to improve health care and it starts today,” Houston said in a statement Wednesday. He […]
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Nova Scotia’s new cabinet has 2 health ministers, but is missing one for mental health
Progressive Conservative premier Tim Houston was sworn in Tuesday, alongside his team of 18 cabinet ministers. The new cabinet includes seven women, new roles and Nova Scotia’s third white MLA overseeing African Nova Scotian affairs. Together the 19 politicians make up Nova Scotia’s executive council; Houston is president of the council, as well as minister […]
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Conservative candidate Troy Myers drops out after sexual assault allegation
Following an allegation of sexual assault from a provincial NDP candidate, Troy Myers, CEO and librarian of the South Shore Public Libraries, has withdrawn from running in the federal election. Myers was representing the Conservatives in Dartmouth-Cole Harbour. Myers posted a statement on his Facebook page Monday morning denying the accusation, but says “for the […]
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Meet peninsula Halifax’s new MLAs Ali Duale, Suzy Hansen and Lisa Lachance
Meet the three first-time MLAs who get to have the word “Halifax” in their job title. Ali Duale is the incoming member of the legislative assembly for Halifax Armdale, Suzy Hansen represents Halifax Needham and Lisa Lachance is the MLA for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island. They officially start their new jobs with a swearing-in ceremony Monday […]
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Tim Houston (again) rejects rent control
Premier-designate Tim Houston agrees the lack of housing in Nova Scotia is a “crisis.” But in his first appearance with chief medical officer of health Robert Strang, the Progressive Conservative leader repeated his campaign message that rent control is not the fix. “I don’t believe that rent control is a solution to the housing crisis, […]