The CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) combines two previously announced streams—the emergency care benefit, and the emergency support benefit. The CERB has two main objectives: Catch Canadians who don’t qualify for regular EI and relieve some of the burden on regular EI by funnelling some of those who do qualify into this quicker-to-release relief program. […]
COVID-19
Posted inNews + Opinion
So, why is everyone watching dystopic films right now?
Last week it was reported that Contagion—Steven Soderbergh’s nearly-decade-old drama about a global epidemic—climbed back into the iTunes top 10 movie rental charts. And the 2011 thriller was not alone. Dustin Hoffman’s largely forgotten 1995 virus-thriller Outbreak has also experienced a surge in streaming popularity on Netflix. Book publishers are even reporting a rise in […]
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Here’s everyone who won at Theatre Nova Scotia’s Merritt Awards this week
While COVID-19 meant that the local theatre scene couldn’t gather IRL to celebrate another smashing year of stage productions, that doesn’t mean the (awards) show wouldn’t go on. Rather, Theatre Nova Scotia crowned the best plays, performers and producers (to name a few) via streaming on Monday night. As theatre as a form feels threatened […]
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Voice of the city: Making the case for play
For many adults, the pressure is on since children are out of school—and will be until at least May 1. The absence of a structured environment that includes bells signalling the next activity or timed eating and recess, is no longer part of a child’s day. Afterschool sport and recreation programs have stopped. The result […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Friday, March 27 COVID-19 in NS news update
Key points as of March 27, 8pm 17 new cases for a total of 90 COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia None are connected to the St. Patrick’s Day Party in Lake Echo, but… …there was potential exposure at an Antigonish hockey tournament Restaurants will be able to deliver booze Remote learning may be coming for […]
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Now’s the time to start a socially distant, low-maintenance book club
We had tried starting a book club before. Three times. Or was it five? Probably six if you include the podcast about books that never got off the ground. All I knew was I wanted this time to be different: For it to actually work and for my friend and I to get back to […]
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James Mullinger tells us a joke
If home is what you make it, James Mullinger is building a paradise—an oasis the likes of which Frances Hodgson Burnett would dream of—right here in Atlantic Canada. The British comedian loves his new digs (and the culture and community that’ve come along with them) in southern New Brunswick so much he even named his […]
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Voice of The City: Exposing privilege during a pandemic
In the past couple of weeks, Canadians have watched earnestly as COVID-19 developments rippled across the country and around the world. Like some of you, I have been glued to press releases, news updates, social media and commentaries surrounding this pandemic. Currently, all provinces and territories have declared some sort of state of emergency—resulting […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Coronavirus on the east coast
The first confirmed case arrived on the east coast March 11, in New Brunswick. Three days later it was found in PEI. And on the fourth day, COVID-19 was in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. This Coast chart shows how the disease is spreading throughout every Atlantic Canadian province; it will be regularly updated […]
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Six ways to broaden your mind wider than social distance requirements
So here you are, googling work-from-home hacks; making your own sourdough starter; generally trying to figure out what our new normal looks like as the province enters a state of emergency and COVID-19 continues to shake our world. You’re bored or busy with remote work or maybe both. Time has never felt more like a […]
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How to file for EI if you’ve been laid off because of COVID-19
Where to start Employment Insurance is administered by the federal government. Visit canada.ca to start an application. Types of benefits If you’re applying because you yourself are sick with COVID-19 or quarantined, apply for sickness benefits. If your workplace is shut down or has laid you off, apply for regular benefits. New due to COVID-19 […]
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State of the arts
Why do you live in Halifax? Maybe you moved here for a job or for school, but what made you stay? Maybe you grew up here, but what keeps you here? A thriving arts scene makes Halifax bright for us all. And right now, as social distancing becomes a new normal—making theatres shut their doors […]
