Labour Market News

Want to find out more about local or provincial labour market history? The labour market news archive may be a good place to start.

In this section, you can browse archived news titles, whose links are no longer functional, for up to one year from the current date. The archived news can help you understand the labour market trends in geographic areas and industries that are of interest to you.

• Week of 2025-05-23 to 2025-05-29

  • The N.S. Government has announced $3M in funding support from the Clean Fuels Fund for 7 green hydrogen projects. These include Innergex ($793k), Waterford Energy Services Inc. ($793k), and the Municipality of the County of Richmond ($221k).

    novascotia.ca

  • The Michelin plant in Bridgwater has just completed a $300M expansion and employs 1,270 people. Michelin is N.S.’s largest private-sector employer with 3,600 people employed across its 3 factories. Rubber is the province's largest export with about $1.2B in tire exports to the United States in 2023.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Churned (Dartmouth), Larry’s Sandwiches & Sides (Dartmouth), Hub Burritos/Freak Shake & Paletta (Halifax), and Make Yer Own Wine and Beer (Cow Bay); Closures: Edible Matters (Hammonds Plains).

    retales.ca

  • A recent Ecology Action Centre report said over 16,500 homes need renovations each year to become energy efficient if N.S. is to meet its net zero climate goals by 2050. The demand could create over 7,000 carpenter and 4,000 electrician positions in the next 5 years with 35% of current skilled trade workers in N.S. over the age of 55.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government is investing over $4.3M in affordable housing in the Annapolis Valley. This includes Open Arms Resource Centre in Kentville ($1.3M), Wolfville Habitat Co-operative Ltd. ($1.6M), Apple Blossom Housing Co-operative Ltd. in North Kentville ($560k), and Greg Spinney Construction Coldbrook ($600k). The Annapolis County Housing Association will receive 1.3 hectares of provincial land.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced Quarries in Kemptown, Colchester Co., and Seabrook, Digby Co., are expanding to provide more stone, gravel and other materials to build roads, highways, clean energy projects, housing and other infrastructure projects.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2025-05-16 to 2025-05-22

  • Statistics Canada reported that there were over 1,000 fewer agriculture workers and 212 fewer farms in 2023 in N.S. compared to 2016. The N.S. Federation of Agriculture said the province could face a shortage of about 2,600 farm workers by 2029, with Horticulture and fruit producers being the two areas most impacted.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has granted Goldboro Gold Mining Inc. (NexGold a subsidiary) a Crown land lease to develop an open-pit gold mine near Goldboro that the company expects will create 735 jobs over its lifespan of 15 years. The company has received environmental approval as well as mineral exploration and extraction licences.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Punta Cana Taste (Halifax), Quickly Quenched (Halifax), Blue Spruce Nursery (Hatchet Lake), The Bakers Apron (Hatchet Lake), Soap In Your Mouth (Porters Lake), and Foodland (Head of Jeddore); Closures: Urban Outfitters (Halifax), and Sobeys (Head of Jeddore).

    retales.ca

  • Cape Breton University is set to open its new medical school in October in conjunction with Dalhousie University's medical school. Classes are expected to start in August in the old NSCC buildings next door until the new structure is finished. About 45 doctors from the area have been recruited to teach in the first year.

    cbc.ca

  • Nova Scotia will receive $170M from the Federal Government over 10 years to assist with housing after signing a housing infrastructure deal back in February. The funding will go towards water and sewer projects to speed up new housing construction.

    cbc.ca

  • An internal report suggests that many new Canadian military recruits are leaving the armed forces at a quicker rate (9.4%) than the overall average (4.3%). Issues given include training frustrations and the inability to get into the job they want.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-05-09 to 2025-05-15

  • Nova Scotia has added uranium to its list of priority critical minerals and has issued a request for exploration proposals at three sites: Louisville in Pictou County; East Dalhousie in Annapolis County; and Millet Brook in Hants County. Recent legislation lifted a 15-year-old ban on uranium mining.

    citynews.ca

  • The N.S. Government has updated its Critical Minerals Strategy and added four minerals to its critical minerals list used in areas such as clean energy, defence and healthcare. The strategy includes lifting blanket bans on minerals that are in high demand for the clean energy transition.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $1.4M in grant funding to 24 organizations to help welcome and support new healthcare professionals as they settle into Nova Scotia communities in 2025. The grants will fund a wide range of projects to help attract and retain healthcare professionals to the province.

    novascotia.ca

  • Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources has been experiencing staffing challenges due to the shortage of helicopter pilots. Despite recent wage increases, vacancies remain challenging to fill, with only 2 of 6 positions currently filled. The shortage is especially concerning as wildfire season begins.

    citynews.ca

  • Nova Scotians can apply for seafood buyer and processor licences starting August 1, ending the moratorium that started back in 2018. Seafood is N.S.’s primary export totalling $2.4B in 2024 and supporting about 20,000 jobs. N.S. is also lifting the long-standing moratorium on issuing groundfish buying and processing licences.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Town of Westville (Pictou County) have announced the sale of the former Highland Consolidated Middle School on which 64 apartments will be built along with a 100-seat daycare at an estimated cost of $14M. The renovation is expected to start within the next few months and will take about 2 years.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has asked Dalhousie University to consider starting a doctor of veterinary medicine program at its Truro campus to address the veterinarian shortage, most evident in rural areas and for large animals. A shortage also exists for veterinary technicians in the province. N.S. has approximately 500 veterinarians.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Arc’teryx (Halifax), Coastal Curry, Mizo Drinks, Salt+Sol and Tony’s Donair (Salt Yard on the Halifax waterfront), Black Tiger Café (Bedford), Suzanne’s Pizza (Halifax), A&W (Petro Canada in Timberlea/Albro Lake); Closures: The Middle Spoon (Bedford); Business Changes: Gamestop will rebrand as EB Games after selling off its Canadian division.

    retales.ca

  • Changes to Nova Scotia’s environmental assessment process will help speed up its clean energy transition, grow the economy and support sustainable development by creating a more streamlined and clear path for clean energy projects.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2025-05-02 to 2025-05-08

  • The N.S. Government has outlined priority areas for research funding in the province into three categories: natural resources, climate change and clean energy; life sciences and health sciences; and construction and transportation.

    cbc.ca

  • Several new proposals for 4-year integrated degrees in education at universities across Nova Scotia would produce teachers equivalent to a B.Ed. combined with undergraduate studies and help boost supply to address shortages. Counsellors, behavioural specialists, school psychologists and speech language pathologists are also experiencing shortages.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Bedford Beer Garden (Bedford), The Bao Journey (Shubie Park-Dartmouth), The Silk Route (Halifax), Heartwood vegeterian restaurant (Halifax), and The Teapothecary (Halifax); Closures: PzzzCo (West Bedford).

    retales.ca

  • New York-based airline, JetBlue, is pausing its plans for a daily seasonal flight between Halifax and Boston that it had announced in January, due to a lack of demand. Meanwhile, Halifax Stanfield International Airport reported a 55% increase in passengers between the airport and the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-04-25 to 2025-05-01

  • Anchor Youth Space Cumberland (Amherst) is the first of eight integrated youth services sites opening in the province with the N.S. Government investing $8.4M over the next several years to set up all 8 sites. Services will include counselling and peer supports, employment and training supports, and social services.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Port of Halifax saw steady cargo flows in 2024 though overall containerized cargo saw a 6.8% decrease from 2023, due to the impact of continuing global geopolitical challenges. Top exports included consumer products, wood pulp and paper, and forest products. Leading imports were clothing, machinery and steel products.

    citynews.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $3M towards the new fully accessible energy efficient Sydney Curling Club that will also operate as a year-round multi-purpose recreation and event space. The total project cost is $18M with construction expected to start this fall and open in 2027.

    novascotia.ca

  • N.S. Health has paused its fast-track licensing program for international nurses but is still fast-tracking U.S. nurse licences and has reported the hiring of 15 registered nurses and 3 nurse practitioners from the U.S. since January. The N.S. College of Nursing hired 30 staff to process the application backlog and expects about 6,000 applicants to be approved.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Devilla Wok (Fairview), Maritime Household Outlet (Hammonds Plains), Ugly Dough Bakery (West Bedford), Butterscotch Emporium (Halifax), Punta Cana Taste (Halifax), Nayya Pizza (Tantallon/Dartmouth), and The Bonfire (Halifax); Closures: Studio 14 Gifts and Gallery (Halifax) is closing but will re-establish in Wolfville.

    retales.ca

  • During fiscal 2024, N.S. attracted 253 new doctors, for a net gain of 187, offset by retirements and departures. Of those, 89 were family physicians and 164 were specialists. The largest sources of recruits were Dalhousie University and internationally trained doctors. As of March, there were 104 vacancies for family doctors and 108 for specialists.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-04-18 to 2025-04-24

  • Six unionized workers from the Halifax restorative justice office have been given layoff notices. They are employed by the non-profit Community Justice Society, who run the province’s restorative justice program for the Halifax area. The John Howard Society has signed an 18-month agreement to run the Halifax program.

    cbc.ca

  • PCL Constructors Canada Inc. was awarded the $77.8M construction contract for the new emergency department at Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Work is set to begin next week with the new facility scheduled to open in 2027.

    novascotia.ca

  • The new $18M Neptune BioInnovation Centre (Dartmouth) is a public-private partnership projected to create over 2,400 jobs and be the first of its kind in Canada. The biofermentation centre will strengthen domestic supply chains and promote biotechnology advancements in areas such as smart materials, bioplastics, functional foods, green chemicals, therapeutics and alternative proteins.

    novascotia.ca

  • A new report says N.S. will need to hire 15,000 workers in the construction sector by 2034 driven primarily by new housing and renovations. Meanwhile prospective NSCC students face long waitlists for almost all of the trades programs, which include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding and industrial and building systems technology.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Business Openings: Halifax Laundry Co. (Halifax), Cahier (Halifax), Halifax Nova K-Star (Halifax), Alaa’s Café (Halifax), Dejean’s European Bakery (Halifax), Nine Locks Taproom (West Bedford), Jam’s Burgers (West Bedford), Tivaasi (Halifax) and Casa di Stefano (Sackville); Closures: Captain Ma’s Noodles (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • Halifax Water is planning an additional $69.2M in infrastructure upgrades within the overall $150M Windsor Street exchange redevelopment project. Construction will start this year and will be cost-shared with the federal and provincial governments, Halifax Water and the Port of Halifax.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-04-11 to 2025-04-17

  • Saint Mary's University (Halifax) has announced cuts of around 50 arts and humanities courses for the upcoming academic year that according to the union representing them will result in layoffs or drastically reduced work for about 40 part-time professors.

    cbc.ca

  • New Business Openings: JD Shore (Dartmouth), Tsukimi, The Bread Lounge, Ernest, Bonfire Charcoal Grill, Egghead Books, and Fisherman’s Market (all in Halifax); Closures: Quinpool Billiards, Define Hair Studio and Naan n Curry (Halifax) due to fire, Pet Buddy/Coffee Buddy (Bedford), and Icing (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $1.5M in funding toward structural and mechanical upgrades to the Digby Arena.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced a $10M investment in the construction industry to help more Nova Scotians explore and connect to careers in skilled trades through 3 key initiatives. These include the Cape Breton Trades Exhibition Centre – a new learning facility, expanded apprenticeship programs and support for career transitions.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2025-04-04 to 2025-04-10

  • Acadia Broadcasting has launched a Staycation Atlantic campaign aimed to help local businesses and festivals promote their offerings to Canadians looking to vacation locally. Atlantic Canada businesses can join a tourism-based business directory.

    thewave.ca

  • Restaurants Canada says the increase in N.S.’s recent minimum wage from $15.20 to $15.70 will pose significant challenges for an industry where about 53% of restaurants operate at, or near, a loss position. Costs to operate a restaurant have increased 24% in the last 2 years. A second increase of 80 cents is scheduled for Oct. 1.

    citynews.ca

  • The N.S. Government is purchasing land for $16.8M for the redevelopment of Shannon Park in Dartmouth, the former military site that has been largely vacant since 2017. They expect to create about 600 units of affordable housing at the site.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government is extending the interim farm wine program and committing $7.4M over the next 2 years for registered grape farm wineries. There are 22 registered grape farm wineries in Nova Scotia.

    novascotia.ca

  • New Business Openings: Hillside pizza (Dartmouth), Nordic Spa addition at The Links at Brunello (Timberlea), A2Z Cash n’ Carry (Bayers Lake), Cows and Sea House (Bishop’s Landing-Halifax), El Este (Halifax) and Sushi on Broad (West Bedford); Closures: Sugah! And Rum Runners (Bishop’s Landing-Halifax), Blackwell Supply Co (Halifax), Tim Horton’s (Alderney terminal), Munchies (Halifax), and Sip (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $5.1M in funding for 2025 to community-based organizations across the province to support their work to address gender-based violence. The funding will go towards 28 projects and comes from the 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

    novascotia.ca

  • Nova Scotia welcomed 2M visitors in 2024 (2% decrease), while tourism spending generated $3.5B in revenues, a 10% increase over 2023. N.S. saw more visitors from Western Canada and the U.S. in 2024, and less from Atlantic Canada and Ontario. Accommodation operators reported 3M room nights sold in 2024, down 1% from 2023.

    novascotia.ca

  • New government regulations will enable Mi’kmaw communities to open legal cannabis retail stores on reserve by agreement with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. The stores will only be permitted to sell cannabis purchased through the NSLC. There are no current plans to authorize other third-party cannabis sellers.

    novascotia.ca

  • The YMCA of Pictou County and Citizens for a Health Pictou County are partnering with the N.S. Government to provide 70 additional child-care spaces that will open in June. The $2.7M investment in infrastructure work gives families in the area more options and improved access to child-care.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2025-03-28 to 2025-04-03

  • JobfairX is hosting virtual job fairs across the Atlantic region, providing a platform for job seekers to connect with employers in various fields, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality. These events offer participants the opportunity to explore diverse career options and engage in one-on-one conversations with recruiters.

    jobfairx.com

  • Nova Scotia's health authority says it has hired one American doctor and is in talks with over two dozen more amid recent political uncertainty. Several physicians have also committed to doing locums (short-term contracts) to fill in gaps. The authority launched a digital recruiting campaign in the U.S. back in November 2024.

    cbc.ca

  • N.L. Based North Sun Energy is continuing its expansion into Nova Scotia with the opening of 7 new Orangestore locations. North Sun Energy is co-owned by North Atlantic and Suncor’s Petro-Canada. The new locations are located in Halifax and surrounding areas and are all established at existing Petro-Canada sites.

    vocm.com

  • A new 4-year doctor of psychology program and training clinic focused on children and youth will enable more mental health and addictions professionals to be trained at Mount Saint Vincent University. The N.S. Government is providing $7.9M towards the project with construction starting this year training expected to start in September 2026.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government is investing $9.3M to enhance support for over 2,800 individuals with disabilities and their families, effective April 1. The funding boosts existing programs, increasing support for Flex Individualized Funding, Direct Family Support for Children, and Alternative Family Support.

    novascotia.ca

  • Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase from $15.20/hour to $15.70 starting on April 1, 2025. A second increase will take place on October 1 to $16.50hour. About 33,700 (or 7.3%) of workers in the province earned the minimum wage between April 2024 and October 2024.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) indefinitely suspended its training program for music industry professionals. Officials explained that enrollment has dropped over the past year due to the cap imposed on processing international student visas. Between 40% and 60% of the students who were enrolled in this program came from abroad.

    radio-canada.ca (available in French only)

  • New Business Openings: Jamms Coffee Shop (Dartmouth), Stitch & Knit (Dartmouth), Fireside Meadery (Musquodoboit Harbour), and Yeeros Canning (Halifax/Kitchen in Bearly’s).

    retales.ca

  • Two quarries in Colchester County (Will-Kare Paving - McCallum Settlement/Municipal Enterprises Ltd. - New Annan) are expanding to supply essential materials for infrastructure projects in Nova Scotia, including roads and highways, clean energy projects, and housing. Both locations have received environmental assessment approvals.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2025-02-28 to 2025-03-06

  • The N.S. to N.B. Intertie project, a 160-km electricity transmission line between the two provinces between Onslow and Salisbury, will receive $217M from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026 and conclude in late 2028. The joint project (NS Power/NB Power) is expected to create 587 jobs.

    saltwire.com

  • The N.S. to N.B. Intertie project, a 160-km electricity transmission line between the two provinces between Onslow and Salisbury, will receive $217M from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026 and conclude in late 2028. The joint project (NS Power/NB Power) is expected to create 587 jobs.

    saltwire.com

  • The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) confirmed that there will be an elver fishery in the Maritimes this year, under the new regulations announced in February. The total allowable catch is set at 9,960 kg (nearly 22,000 pounds), which is the same as in 2022 and 2023, according to the Department.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Government of Canada has announced over $55M over 10 years (starting in 2026) in transit funding for the Halifax Regional Municipality. Funding will be used to upgrade, replace, or modernize the municipality’s public transit infrastructure helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

    canada.ca

  • New Business Openings: West End European Market (Halifax), Janes Next Door (Halifax), BarBurrito (West Bedford), Venture Thrift Boutique, Churned, and The Commons on Portland (all in Dartmouth); Closures: Cassaroma Wellness and Portland Street Pets (both in Dartmouth), Brooklyn Warehouse (Halifax), and Bloom & Wander (West Bedford).

    retales.ca

  • N.S. Health will be hiring 20-30 full-time registered nurses for the provincial internal travel nurse team that will receive an additional $6/hr. or 15%, whichever is higher. The pilot program’s travel nurse team will be sent to emergency departments around the province to fill staffing gaps and help limit the hiring of private agency nurses.

    cbc.ca

  • Clearwater Seafoods has laid off employees at 2 of its N.S. facilities due to recent changes to its inshore lobster business. These include its processing plants in Arichat, where the layoffs are temporary, and Lockeport, where about 72 employees working on the seasonal lobster processing line have been permanently laid off, though the plant itself will remain open.

    cbc.ca

  • On April 1, 2025, Macdonald and MacKay bridge tolls in Halifax will end with expected layoffs that will impact both customer service staff as well as side toll workers contracted by Gardaworld Securities. The Halifax Harbour Bridge commission will transition into a Crown corporation with a 2025/26 budget of $86M for bridge maintenance and $15M for operating costs.

    ctvnews.ca
• Week of 2025-02-21 to 2025-02-27

  • On Tuesday evening, the Halifax Regional Council decided to redevelop the Windsor Street exchange. Phase 1 work should begin this summer and take around four years to complete. The entire project is scheduled to be complete in 2032. The aim is to improve the flow of traffic between the Bedford Highway and the A. Murray MacKay Bridge by bypassing a reconstructed main intersection. The project cost is estimated at $150M and the municipal funding was updated to $53.7M.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Government of Canada has announced a $34.1M investment to upgrade, reconstruct, and repair wharfs and other critical harbour infrastructure including electrical upgrades in 4 N.S. harbours (Louisbourg, Glace Bay, Upper Whitehead, and Grand Étang) to ensure they remain safe and operational for local harvesters and recreational users.

    canada.ca

  • New Business Openings: Boustan (Bedford), Burger Factory (West Bedford), Dejean’s European Bakery (Halifax), Feeds ‘n Needs (Hammonds Plains), Pizza Singles (Halifax), Punjab Garden and Hillside Pizza (Dartmouth); Closures: Talya’s Taverna (Halifax), My Recipe Indian (Dartmouth), Devilla Wok and East Coast Conch (Bedford).

    retales.ca

  • WestJet will offer direct summer flights between Halifax and Amsterdam starting on May 29 as the Canadian travel industry sees increasing demand for European destinations amidst U.S. uncertainty and a weak dollar. WestJet also offers direct flights to Dublin, Edinburgh, London and Paris with seasonal direct flights to Frankfurt, Zurich and Reykjavik.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has finalized an agreement with private developer Plenary PCL Health to construct a $4.5B 14-storey tower at the Halifax Infirmary that will be patient-ready by 2031. As many as 900 workers are expected to be employed at the site during the peak construction (2027-28) with 65-70% of the workforce expected to be Nova Scotian.

    cbc.ca

  • Gulf of St. Lawrence commercial snow crab fishermen in Area 19 (western Cape Breton) will see a 42% quota increase for the 2025 season that will offset the quota reductions of the past 2 years. About 85% of Cape Breton's snow crab is sold into the United States.

    saltwire.com

  • The Government of Canada has announced $10M in funding to the Sydney Curling Club for a new fully accessible and energy efficient curling rink facility that will feature double the curling sheets.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-02-14 to 2025-02-20

  • The Government of N.S. announced on Wednesday that it finalized an agreement to begin construction on a new 14-storey tower at a Halifax hospital site. The total project cost is estimated at $7.4B. This agreement was reached with Plenary PCL Health.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The N.S. Government has introduced a new bill that would lift blanket bans on uranium exploration and hydraulic fracking of fossil fuels in Nova Scotia.

    cbc.ca

  • There are currently no offshore wind farms in the province yet, but the N.S. Government wants to open bids for the first round of offshore wind licences this year. Challenges include shifting priorities in the United States who have suspended new offshore wind leases, and also supporting the sector while also protecting existing ocean industries.

    cbc.ca

  • New Business Openings/Coming Soon: Upward Kitchen & Café (Halifax), Crème (Halifax), and Vandal Doughnuts (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The Halifax Regional Municipality have approved funding for 10 new firefighters as part of the $97.9M Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency budget. The new firefighters will start in February 2026 in new logistics roles, and wildland fire training and will staff the new West Bedford fire station.

    cbc.ca

  • Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) will be offering a condensed 14-month Bachelor of Education program (compared to 20) to begin in May to help ease the Nova Scotia-wide teacher shortage. The move follows Cape Breton University’s 8-month month online teaching degree that began in January 2025.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced plans to build 600 new public housing units this winter, with $136.4M going towards 242 new units to be built in communities where demand for affordable housing is high. These are in addition to the 273 units announced in the last 18 months.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $2.3M to help fund solar energy upgrades for the Maritime Sikh Society which is also contributing $596,295.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-02-07 to 2025-02-13

  • Australian parent company St. Barbara has announced it will be divesting itself of its subsidiary, Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia, later this year, which owns the Fifteen Mile Stream, Beaver Dam and Cochrane Hill projects (all in development phase), as well as the Touquoy site which ceased production in 2023. There are no layoffs expected.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $400k in funding to Larch Wood Enterprises in Margaree to expand its current facility, construct a second manufacturing building and purchase equipment. The company produces high-end wood products and currently employs 25 people. The expansion is expected to create 2 new jobs.

    canada.ca

  • Nova Scotia’s updated over $1B, 5-year school capital plan now includes planning for 19 new or replacement schools, 12 in Halifax Regional Municipality and 3 are Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) schools that support French first-language learning. Three will open in the 2025-26 school year.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $4.5M to develop and enhance 8 tourism products in Cape Breton: Cabot Cape Breton ($2M), Sidanna Retreat ($500k), Marble Mountain Estates ($250k), Village of Baddeck ($1.08M), Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Society ($268k), North Highlands Nordic Ski Club ($124k), and Theatre Baddeck Society $93k).

    canada.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced it is eliminating Communications Nova Scotia (CNS), as part of an effort to modernize the delivery of government messaging. CNS had a $6.9M 2024/25 budget and a staff of 87 people. Job loss numbers have not yet been announced but most communications staff will be reassigned to other departments.

    cbc.ca

  • The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. Canada accounted for over 79% of all primary aluminum metal imported into the U.S. in 2024.The United Steelworkers union says it will hurt workers in Canada and the U.S.

    globalnews.ca

  • New Business Openings/Coming Soon: Lotus Kitchen and Bar, Bundle of Bun, Cafe du Port, Ma Cha & Plate, and Selby’s Bunker (all in Halifax), PizzaTown (St. Margarets Bay Rd), Bank ICICI (Kearney Lake Rd.), Walmart (Mumford Rd./Halifax), Shoppers Drug Mart and Starbucks (Elmsdale); Closures: Lily’s Lingerie, Frank and Oak, and Take It Outside (All in Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced about $9M to daycare operators in Halifax and Cape Breton to create up to 335 new spaces by March 2026. Operators include ForestKids Early Learning Organization, Silver Crescent Academy, Tots Early Learning Society, Cunard Street Children's Centre, By the Sea Early Learning, North End Community Day Care and the Glace Bay Youth and Family Centre.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced an initial $10M in funding to create the province’s first mental health and addictions publicly funded insured services program. The first phase will boost access to non-urgent mental healthcare by publicly funding private-sector professionals and aims to launch in Spring 2025.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2025-01-31 to 2025-02-06

  • Enrolment is up at St. Francis Xavier's 2-year nursing program from 31 last year to 48 in January 2025. The N.S. Nurses' Union suggests that the solution to the shortage lies in increasing seats in multiple programs around the province, recruiting international and out-of-province nurses, and improving young nurse retention.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada invests has announced up to $25M in funding for the Halifax Port Authority to bolster both environmental sustainability and supply chain efficiency.

    canada.ca

  • Global demand is a key driver of where the cyclical mining industry invests its time and money and could limit the provincial government’s ability to attract more critical mineral development. Mining company executives suggest that three things have to align when considering new mining projects: global demand, attractive geology, and a favourable political environment.

    cbc.ca

  • Bedford-based Doucet Developments has reversed its plan to build a hotel on the Sydney waterfront and now plans to build retail space at the boardwalk and street levels, with a parking garage and a 138 residential 6-story unit. The company expects construction to start later in 2025.

    cbc.ca

  • New Dawn Enterprises, a non-profit community organization, has received $1.35M in funding to create up to 49 additional childcare spaces in its Glace Bay Youth and Family Centre. New Dawn offers programs and services that focus on supporting low-income youth and families in Cape Breton.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $330k to the the Beef Abattoir and Processing Assistance aimed at increasing productivity in the sector. In 2023, beef generated more than $42M at the farm gate with over 380 licensed beef producers in N.S., 11 provincially inspected beef abattoirs and 86 licensed meat processing facilities.

    novascotia.ca

  • New Business Openings/Coming Soon: Cahier, Borsch House, Tiger’s Hand Pulled Noodles (all in Halifax), Best Kind Mud Shop, Plato’s Closet, Nova Furniture Mall (all in Dartmouth), Coco & Riley’s Candy Store (Eastern Passage); Closures: Candy Depot (Dartmouth Crossing), Rumi Coffee (Halifax), and Sudz in the City (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced an additional $2M in funding for Maggie's Place Family Resource Centre. Provincial funding of $1.5M was also announced for the N.S. Hospice Palliative Care Association.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $3,551,945 for 2024-25 for 13 Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) in Nova Scotia to enable them to offer essential financial assistance, specialized training, expert guidance, and customized local initiatives to support rural businesses, organizations, and communities.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-01-24 to 2025-01-30

  • Clare Municipal Council has approved adding 2 additional RCMP officers to the Meteghan detachment to address resource shortages. The detachment currently has 7 RCMP officers. They are expected to start sometime early in the new fiscal year.

    saltwire.com

  • Nova Scotia is raising its minimum wage by $1.30 in total in 2025, initially rising to $15.70/hour on April 1 and then to $16.50/hour on October 1 - the largest annual minimum wage increase in the province’s history. The additional increase on October 1 is in response to concerns about the rising cost of living.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced a new provincial program to support apple and wild blueberry farmers to purchase new equipment to increase harvesting efficiency and reduce labour costs. Farmers can apply for up to $50k and the program cap is $1.2M over 2 years. Wild blueberries generate over $121M in annual exports while apples generate about $31M.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Raging Crow Distillery is now open in Canning after recently moving from Truro.

    saltwire.com

  • The N.S. Government has announced $1.055M in funding for fermentation equipment at the Verschuren Centre's fermentation plant in Cape Breton to increase capacity to enable it to support more clients, advance automation and create more skilled jobs.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government’s new Green Choice Program has 11 large-scale electricity customers supported by 6 wind farms that will add more clean energy to the grid and bring more green jobs and investments to the province. There will be about 700 construction jobs and 30 full-time jobs to operate the wind farms.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Melvin Lake wind farm, owned by ABO Energy Canada and the Eskasoni, Potlotek, We’koqma’q L’nue’kati and Wagmatook First Nations, has received its environmental assessment approval. It will be located on private land in Hants County and Halifax Regional Municipality and is expected to ceate 75-125 construction jobs and 2-5 full-time jobs.

    novascotia.ca

  • Business Openings: Salt + Sol (Halifax), Korean Take Out, Tsukimi (Halifax) and Fireside Meadery (Musquodoboit Harbour); Closures: Café Chianti and Pier Pub (Halifax), PizzaPro (Dartmouth), NSLC (Alderney Landing/ Dartmouth), Biscuit General Store (Halifax), and Guapa Boutique.

    retales.ca

  • The increasing Jonah crab population raises concern from Nova Scotia lobster harvesters. According to the executive director of the Brazil Rock Lobster Association in Tusket, the presence of these crabs has a significant impact on the lobster industry in the province, particularly in lobster fishing area 34, which stretches from Yarmouth to the Bay of Fundy. The director said that fishermen are reporting a drop of 20% to 25% in their catches.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Government of Canada is providing Canada Post with $1B in short-term financing for the 2025/26 fiscal year to help them maintain solvency and continue operations as it faces financial challenges. The corporation has recorded significant annual losses since 2018 driven by rapid changes in mail/parcel delivery and high labour costs.

    vocm.com

  • The N.S. College of Physicians and Surgeons has opened a new clinic in Halifax called the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence aimed at attracting foreign-trained doctors. A shortage of 13k family physicians now exists across Canada and is expected to grow to 20k within 5 years while Canadian medical schools only graduate 1300-1400 doctors every year.

    cbc.ca

  • N.S. Health has opened a new geriatric medicine clinic in Dartmouth meant to serve adults 65 and above who are experiencing frailty, dementia, increased falls or other age-related health issues.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-01-17 to 2025-01-23

  • Halifax Regional Municipality tourism reached another record year in 2024. Discover Halifax reported the number of hotel room nights sold reached about 1,629,000 in 2024, up 2.6% from the previous high in 2023. Since 2019, hotel room nights sold has grown 11.4%, outpacing supply which has only grown 8% in the same period.

    citynews.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced over $1.41M to Dalhousie University for an advanced technologies design hub that will support the development and building of microelectronics specific to key strategic sectors including ocean, naval defence, health, agriculture and communications technologies.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced over $500M for 2025-26 in major highway and road projects, repaving, bridge replacements, capital maintenance and infrastructure work as part of its 2025-26 Five-Year Highway Improvement Plan. Work will begin on 2 new major projects: the Port Hastings intersection and passing lanes on Highway 107 in HRM.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $750k in funding for capital upgrades to the Mulgrave Marine Terminal. This investment in the Superport will help support future wind energy projects, such as the nearby onshore wind farms proposed for Guysborough County.

    novascotia.ca

  • Business Openings: Dairy Queen (Halifax), Hop Scotch Dinner Club (Halifax), and Halina Café & Bar (Halifax); Closures: Bootlegger (Dartmouth), Club Monaco (Halifax), Fries & Co (Halifax), Sour Me Sweet Confectionery (Halifax) and Peavey Mart (Bedford).

    retales.ca

  • A proposed 100-site private campground development in Scots Bay, a community close to the Cape Split Provincial Park, will not move forward after an appeal decision has reversed the original approval.

    cbc.ca

  • The Halifax International Airport Authority has announced new flights for 2025 including Edelweiss Air (Zurich), WestJet (Paris), American Airlines (Chicago), Discover Airlines (Frankfurt), JetBlue (Boston), and Porter Airlines (Tampa/Orlando) as well as maritime routes via Pascan Aviation. The airport provides employment to about 15,600 people.

    cbc.ca

  • The Bank of Montreal (BMO) is set to close its locations in Canso and Port Hawkesbury on July 25, leaving Canso without any financial institution and the nearest BMO location in New Glasgow, about 140 kilometres away.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $6M in comined federal, provincial and municipal funding to the Pictou Market Wharf for storm protection infrastructure. Market Wharf infrastructure includes buildings; sewer, water and storm systems; roads and paths; wooden structures; businesses; and personal property.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-01-10 to 2025-01-16

  • A Halifax developer is planning to construct a 40-unit, 4 storey apartment building (Shamrock Corner) intended for age 50-plus residents, that will replace a demolished historic building in Hantsport. The developer is currently awaiting final permits from West Hants before construction can begin and hopes to have it completed within 2 years.

    saltwire.com

  • The N.S. Government has selected Halifax firm M5 Marketing Communications to remain as the province’s tourism marketing agency to help promote Nova Scotia as a premier vacation destination. The new 5-year $13.3M contract begins on April 1, 2025, after the current contract expires, and has two 1-year extension options.

    novascotia.ca

  • Halifax Regional Municipality has signed an agreement with Renewall Energy for power that will come from its new Mersey River Wind farm near Milton, starting in 2026 to help Halifax meet its goal of net-zero municipal operations by 2030. Site construction will start this year, with the first 20 turbines arriving in 2026 and the remaining 13 in 2027.

    cbc.ca

  • The expansion of the Clare Health Centre (CHC) has been partially completed. The project will add 8,141 square feet to the CHC, and it will be able to accommodate a total of 12 doctors, a nurse practitioner, and a family medicine nurse. The project should be complete by the end of March 2025.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • Business Openings: Jukai Japanese & Thai (Halifax) and Lovisa (Halifax Shopping Centre); Closures: Khan’s (Spryfield), Roots (Bayers Lake), Charger Burger (Halifax), Sunnyside Restaurant (Bedford), Riverside Pub (Bedford), and Kim Feng (Woodside). Ricki’s and Cleo are closing all locations and will soon begin liquidation.

    retales.ca

  • Unionized public works employees at the Region of Queens Municipality with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers went on strike on Jan. 9 around wages, weekend work compensation and temporary employee protections. The union says 40 workers in areas such as water, wastewater and solid waste treatment and infrastructure upkeep are involved, while the municipality claims it is only about 20 workers.

    cbc.ca

  • Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind Ltd. has approved its $450M Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm in Mulgrave which is expected to create 150 jobs at construction peak and up to 5 permanent jobs once operational. Civil contracting work should be completed in early 2025 and turbines erected during 2026 with commercial operations starting by late fall 2026.

    guysboroughjournal.ca

  • Changes to Canada’s Health Act next year will allow nurse practitioners, pharmacists and midwives to bill the government for medical services typically provided by a doctor. The change is being made so patients will not have to pay for these services.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-01-03 to 2025-01-09

  • Comark Holdings will close all Ricki’s and Cleo retail clothing stores across Canada while seeking creditor protection. The chain was hit hard by the pandemic, a 2021 ransomware attack, and by online competition. Over 2,000 employees could be impacted.

    vocm.com

  • Although Canada’s labour market varies, industries most in demand include health care and social assistance, accommodations and food, retail trade, professional, scientific or technical services, and construction. Sales and service has the most vacancies.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Une usine de papier du Cap-Breton a annoncé qu’un investissement fédéral dans 24 nouvelles éoliennes complète le financement d’un projet qui assurera ses futurs besoins en électricité. La Banque de l’infrastructure du Canada (BIC) a annoncé l’accord de 224,2 millions $ en prêts à Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind, qui fournira environ 60 % des besoins annuels moyens en électricité de sa société sœur, Port Hawkesbury Paper.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • La liste d’attente pour un médecin continue de se résorber. Les nouvelles données publiées par Santé Nouvelle-Écosse montrent que 110 456 personnes étaient inscrites sur la liste d'attente le 2 janvier. C’est l’équivalent de 10,4 % de la population de la province. Il s’agit de la 4ème baisse mensuelle consécutive.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • La situation s’aggrave dans certains hôpitaux communautaires et ruraux dont les urgences font déjà l’objet de nombreuses fermetures imprévues depuis des années, selon un nouveau rapport du gouvernement provincial et notamment à Shelburne, Lunenburg et Digby.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Halifax RCMP is asking HRM to fund 14 new officers at a cost of about $2.6M for its 2025-26 budget. The positions would include a traffic officer (Musquodoboit Harbour), a community policing officer (Sheet Harbour), and new satellite offices with 6 each in Fall River and Beechville. The Halifax RCMP currently has 206 full-time employees.

    cbc.ca

  • Business Openings: Cowboy Bar & Grill (Halifax), with No Frills (Woodside) expected to be open in early February; Closures: Desto Binz (Halifax), Nine Locks (Halifax), Talya’s Taverna (Sackville), Flynn Dairy Bar (Halifax) Jake’s Family Restaurant (Upper Tantallon), Toys R Us (Bayer’s Lake) and Soul Sanctuary Wellness Club (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • Business insolvency filings rose in every province from Oct 2023 to Oct 2024, except for N.B and N.L. This trend is expected to continue into 2025. The hardest-hit sectors were construction, accommodation and food services, and transportation and warehousing.

    saltwire.com

  • Cape Breton University (CBU) is trying to avoid job losses as it faces up to $20M in budget cuts due to a 1,200 drop in international student enrolment with the recent federal cap on international students. CBU’s total enrolment peaked at 9100 in 2023, when over 75% of the students were international.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-12-27 to 2025-01-02

  • Halifax's retail sector continued to grow in 2024 with 193 openings and 104 closures. Business trends expected to continue into 2025 in Halifax include the continued breakup of the grocery store with speciality stores like butcher/meat shops and bakeries.

    cbc.ca

  • Business Openings: Casa di Stefano (Lower Sackville) and Welcome to Korea (Halifax); Closures: Halifax Alehouse and HFX Sports; Updates: Discount department store Hart (with 2 stores in NS - Amherst and Port Hawkesbury) has acquired Stokes and luggage chain Bentley in 2024 amid under 20 expected store closures across Canada.

    retales.ca

  • German airline Condor is discontinuing service to Frankfurt for Summer 2025 at 6 airports across North America, including Halifax, after serving the province’s capital for 22 years. Condor will continue to operate in other parts of Canada while Discover Airlines will operate weekday non-stop flights from Halifax to Frankfurt from March to October.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-12-20 to 2024-12-26

  • Business Openings: Popeyes Louisana Kitchen (Burnside), Soika (Hammonds Plains), Happy Meal Chinese Cuisine (Halifax), and FunZone Indoor Playground (Sackville); Closures: Body Shop (Bedford).

    retales.ca

  • N.S. is one of the leading three provinces nationally in Christmas tree production, but the total area of those farms has decreased by almost 20,000 acres between 2011 and 2021 and the average age of a Christmas tree farmer is now 65-85. Revenue has grown nationally to over $100M and about 2.3M trees a year are exported to the United States.

    saltwire.com

  • The N.S. Government has announced an additional $38M to the N.S. Film and Television Production Incentive Fund to bolster the local film industry. This brings the total to $77M for the 2024-25 budget period. The sector brought in $140.7M to N.S.’s economy last fiscal year and has generated over $160M in production spending so far this fiscal.

    cbc.ca

  • Cape Breton University says its unique 8-month online Bachelor of Education degree will go ahead in January 2025 after it cancelled the program in earlier December amidst time constraints. The degree was launched as a pilot in 2024 with over 90% of the students successfully graduating, most of whom have been offered teaching jobs.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-12-13 to 2024-12-19

  • The Halifax Regional Police are asking for funding in the 2025-26 budget to support 7 additional civilian positions ($462,300), including two victim services positions, an auditor, quartermaster, administrative support, forensic media specialist, and program manager. The RCMP are asking for 14 new officers.

    cbc.ca

  • A new Canadian Institute for Health Information report shows the family physician growth rate in Canada has dropped from 3% (2015-2017) to 1% (2021-2023) and an 18% decline in patient numbers over almost 10 years. As of 2023, the number of physiotherapists had increased by 15 percentage points over the last decade.

    vocm.com

  • The Canadian Armed Forces has an ambitious plan dependent on additional defence budget spending to increase its regular force ranks to 86,000 (from the current 63,000), which could take decades to accomplish. Overall applications for the military have improved recently and trial programs have sped up the application process.

    saltwire.com

  • Canada Post will resume operations on Dec. 17 after the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered 55,000 employees back to work. A 5% retroactive wage increase will be implemented and staff will work under their existing contracts, which were extended until May.

    cbc.ca

  • Business Openings: Matadora Tapas Bar (Halifax), Reitman’s (Dartmouth Crossing), Arena Pizza (Halifax), and Café Byron (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • Cape Breton University has cancelled a new 8-month online bachelor of education program that was scheduled to start in January 2025 as a result of delayed approvals by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission and conditions that made it impossible to be ready in January. A 12-month program could start in May.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced over $2.7M to support 12 rural transit projects across N.S. that will fund improvements to rural transit services, new vehicles, and supporting infrastructure including bus shelters/stops and charging infrastructure. Over $1.2M was also announced for the Pictou County Transit Authority and the Town of Bridgewater.

    canada.ca

  • N.S. has been named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025. The provincial government invested over $4M in programs in 2023 to support tourism businesses and communities with marketing, digital adoption and product development and welcomed over 1M visitors between January and July 2024.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2024-12-06 to 2024-12-12

  • The N.S. Government has signed 2 agreements worth just under $1M (over 3 years) with Natural Resources Canada to help the province grow its critical minerals industry. N.S. released a critical minerals strategy in Fall 2023, which includes a key objective of creating a stable supply of critical minerals for clean technologies.

    cbc.ca

  • A new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shows child welfare social workers in N.S. are struggling with excessive caseloads, chronic understaffing, low wages and insufficient training. The report was based on in-depth interviews with 15 social workers currently or recently employed in N.S.’s Department of Community Services.

    cbc.ca

  • The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has bought land adjacent to its Centre 200 facility in Sydney. They plan to build a transit hub on the property and also explore a possible expansion of the arena site with ideas such as a parkade or additional complementary sports facilities.

    cbc.ca

  • The West Bedford Transitional Health Centre, N.S. Health's first, is now open, led by a team of 3 nurse practitioners with support from visiting physicians. The building is owned by Shannex, which operates long-term care and retirement facilities in the province. They plan to open another 110-bed centre next door in 2026.

    cbc.ca

  • Business Openings: Crumbl (Dartmouth Crossing) and Heidi’s Pizza (Bedford Highway); Closures: Noodle Waroom (Halifax) and Caissie Pizza (Bedford Highway).

    retales.ca

  • The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is set to impose a major change on the lucrative but problem-plagued Maritime fishery for juvenile eels, stripping most commercial operations of almost 80% of their quota and handing it to individual fishermen and First Nations.

    cbc.ca

  • a streamlined licensing program aimed at recruiting foreign-trained pharmacists to Nova Scotia has drawn 102 applicants one year after its launch with 32 that already have their licences and 70 currently being processed.The program waives the mandatory national licensing exam and internship period that is otherwise required. The campaign runs for another year.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced over $5.1M in funding to the Kings Transit Authority for public transit infrastructure in Annapolis, Kings, and Digby counties through the Canada Public Transit Fund. The funding will be delivered over 10 years from 2026-2036 to help advance key improvements.

    canada.ca

  • The federal government announced that starting in January 2025, fishing licence holders in Atlantic Canada will now have access to maternity and parental leave. Licence holders can request a substitute to run their fishing business while on leave.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-11-29 to 2024-12-05

  • Canada Post (CP) has presented the The Canadian Union of Postal Workers with a new framework it hopes will achieve a negotiated settlement to the strike (now in its third week) of 55,000 postal workers. The framework includes proposals to bring greater flexibility to CP’s delivery model and shows movement on other key issues.

    citynews.ca

  • Business Openings: Be Chic (Dartmouth), EFES (Bedford Highway) and One to One (Halifax); Closures: EFES Turkish (Halifax), Jean’s Chinese (Halifax), Casablanca (Halifax) and Cleve’s (Park Lane Mall/Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • Lobster fishing that started in Areas 33 and 34 is not yielding as much volume as expected, according to the Maritime Fishermen’s Union (MFU). The MFU fears that its members have lost income. This is mainly due to climate change.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board approved a federal plan to save Nova Scotia Power from financial difficulties. For reference, the federal government granted a loan guarantee of $500M to the Nova Scotian electricity distributor two months ago.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • A new survey data from Statistics Canada shows recruiting skilled employees along with rising costs of creating products and services are the obstacles most widely expected by Nova Scotia businesses heading into 2025.

    cbc.ca

  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed that the Dermo disease, also known as Perkinsosis, was present in oyster samples that were collected in Merigomish. This is the first confirmed case of the parasite in the province and the second confirmed case in Canada.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)
• Week of 2024-11-22 to 2024-11-28

  • A new $457M organics waste facility in Halifax (Goodwood) is open and has replaced two aging sites, handling all waste from across the capital region, and turning food waste into high-grade compost. Harbour City Renewables was awarded the contract in 2020 to design, build and operate the facility for 25 years with options to extend to 35 years.

    cbc.ca

  • The Amalgamated Transit Union estimates that roughly 20% of Halifax Transit drivers could be affected if their temporary work permits are not renewed or if those drivers don’t become permanent residents before their permits expire that could severely challenge the transit system in 2025. HRM could lose 100-150 drivers, operators, and mechanics.

    saltwire.com

  • Fish harvesters aboard 1,450 boats participating in Canada’s largest lobster fishery set their traps on Tuesday, November 26, off southern N.S. in lobster fishing areas 33 and 34. In 2023–2024, these two fishing areas had a total of 24,000 tonnes of lobster landings with a landed value of approximately $558M.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • As Canada Post unionized workers enter the second week of a national strike, some small businesses in Nova Scotia are experiencing a holiday sales decrease with some adapting the way they ship their products. About 55,000 postal workers went on strike on November 15 citing wages and benefits as the main issues.

    cbc.ca

  • The Truro Brewing Company will close in December adding to 9 craft brewery closures in the province over the past 18 months. Factors cited include a saturated wholesale market competing with the bigger breweries that are already established with bars and restaurants and smaller craft breweries challenges regarding NSLC.

    cbc.ca

  • Business Openings: Xpresso Café, Chai Samosa and Marks Angels (Bedford), Crumbl and Be Chic (Dartmouth), Quesada, Vintage Mansion, Urban Barn (2025) and Da Zero (Halifax), One to One (Fairview), and The Commons on Portland (Portland Hills/2025); Closures: Thinkkitchen & Stokes (all HRM locations) and Taishan (two Halifax locations).

    retales.ca
• Week of 2024-11-15 to 2024-11-21

  • A group of Halifax residents have filed a judicial review in N.S. Supreme Court to appeal the provincial government's recent approval of a controversial 120-unit development in Fall River by Perry Lake Developments. The initial court date is set for February 2025.

    cbc.ca

  • In the context of limited resources at the Strait Richmond Hospital, the director of integrated rural health (eastern zone) affirmed that it is increasing its efforts to recruit medical staff to better meet emergency care needs. The emergency department is limited to three days per week with only one qualified doctor available for this service. Therefore, access to emergency care is limited for local residents.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • There are no offshore wind farms currently operating in N.S., but the provincial government is planning to open bids for the first round of offshore wind licences in 2025. The draft final report includes 8 potential development areas, almost triple the size since the interim report, while fishing industry brace for possible disruptions.

    cbc.ca

  • The annual general meeting for the Association des juristes d’expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse (AJEFNE) was an opportunity to present the establishment of an agreement between Université Sainte-Anne and the faculty of law at the Université de Moncton to encourage future lawyers to return to their hometown after graduation. The agreement aims to ensure guaranteed seats for Francophone Nova Scotians in Moncton.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • The N.S. College of Pharmacists has said that Health Canada exemption that allows pharmacists wider authority to extend and renew prescriptions has made a marked improvement to the provincial health-care system. This change has taken some of the health-care burden away from doctors and nurse practitioners.

    cbc.ca

  • Business Openings: Sagar Ratan (Bedford) and Al-Hilal Meat Shop (Bedford); Closures: Modern Golf (Dartmouth), The Cheese Curds Late Nite Urban Burger Bar (Halifax), Toys R Us (Bayer’s Lake), ZenQ and Thai Express (Scotia Square - Halifax), and Kim Feng (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • Canada Post workers went on strike on November 15 after failing to reach an agreement with their employer. The union states that they have health, safety, and pension issues to resolve. Workers also want more than the employer’s wage offer of 11.5% over four years.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-11-08 to 2024-11-14

  • The federal government is expanding its student loan forgiveness program for doctors and nurses. The program now includes doctors and nurses who decide to move to rural communities with fewer than 30,000 residents. A family physician who wants to work in those communities may be eligible for up to $60,000 in loan forgiveness over five years. For nurses, the amount is up to $30,000.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • Business Openings: Hyderabad Nawabs Indian Cuisine and Mobile Tech (both in Clayton Park), Welcome to Korea, Bravado Wine Bar, Osmow's Shawarma, Tribute, Frabjous Delights, Egghead Books, and Londonderry Market (all in Halifax); Closures: Biscuit General Store (Halifax) is closing in January.

    retales.ca

  • The Government of Canada is investing $50M over 2 years to launch the new Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative to provide support to the residential home construction sector and its supply chain. The goal is to advance innovative homebuilding solutions and boost manufacturing efficiency and output.

    canada.ca

  • The Department of Fisheries and Oceans estimates that 10-30% of lobster landings in the region are unreported and are working to map out criminal networks and money laundering in the sector. Reported lobster landing values have ranged from $1.2-$2B annually with unreported catches between $176-$681M.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-11-01 to 2024-11-07

  • Nova Scotia Power will be able to spend nearly $31.2M on upgrading the power supply system at a Michelin Tire plant. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board approved the electricity supplier's application for the electrical upgrade at the tire plant in Waterville's Annapolis Valley.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Municipality of Yarmouth announced that the expansion of the Mariners Centre has begun. The centre is in high demand for sports and other events and will be able to host more events once the space has been built. The construction tender was awarded to RCS Construction Inc., and the expansion should be completed by the fall of 2026 at the latest.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • Data shows the number of electric vehicles in N.S. rose from 53 in 2017 to 2,366 at the end of 2023. During the same time-period, hybrid electric vehicles grew from 3,397 to 9,914 and plug-in electrics went from 183 to 1,411. There are currently about 300 public electric vehicle chargers in place, but industry says charging infrastructure needs to be increased.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government has announced draft regulations to implement an oil and gas emissions cap. The new regulations will give producers 4 years to phase in emission cuts to 35% below 2019 levels, but do not limit production. Final regulations aren't expected until spring 2025.

    cbc.ca

  • Business Openings: Efty Dishes (Dartmouth), Angelique French Café (Halifax), Freshslice (Halifax), Kelly’s Deli (Hatchet Lake), Hyderabad Nawabs Indian Cuisine (Halifax), Midnight Corner (Halifax) and Nayya Pizza (Dartmouth); Closures: Kelly’s Deli (Halifax), Zen Chinese (Halifax), and Upstreet BBQ (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca
• Week of 2024-10-25 to 2024-10-31

  • The Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos will receive $98,475 to invest in solar panels and renewable energy sources as part of the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund on behalf of the Government of Nova Scotia.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • The N.S. Government has announced $5M in funding to build a new multi-purpose recreation facility for the residents of Victoria County in Baddeck. The municipality will also contribute $1M and the community $500k. The new accessible facility will include an ice pad, indoor walking track, community kitchen and community meeting space.

    novascotia.ca

  • Stanfield's historic factory and warehouse in downtown Truro will be redeveloped into a new neighbourhood that will see about 600 residential housing units, a new road, a ground-floor business space, and a public plaza. The development will be done in phases over the next 10 years with initial construction expected in summer 2025.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $22.5M for EverWind Fuels under the Green Shipping Corridor Program to support initiatives such as a pipeline build to transport green ammonia from the production facility to the transport terminal. Transportation is the second largest sector in terms of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

    canada.ca

  • Over $33.5M in housing projects will be awarded through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. to 5 Atlantic organizations: Wenjikwom Housing Commission Society (Truro), Tawaak Housing Assoc. (Halifax), Native Council of PEI, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Ksalsuti Wellness Resources (Oromocto).

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-10-18 to 2024-10-24

  • The Government of Canada has announced $6.5M in funding to assist 7 Dartmouth-based small and medium-sized businesses scale up and modernize their operations including Farnell Packaging ($3M), Ring Rescue ($950k), Sunrise Foods ($800k), Sunsel Systems Manufacturing ($750k), Ace Machining ($612k), HFX Steel Framing Solutions ($270k), and Aurea Technologies ($99k).

    canada.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced an additional $45M over the next 4 years to continue next phase of rehabilitation work on Seal Island Bridge officially called the Great Bras d’Or Crossing in Cape Breton. More tenders will be issued early in 2025 and the work is expected to be completed in 2028.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced an accelerated 18-month training pilot program that will offer free tuition to 30 future licensed practical nurses who agree to work in continuing care in the province for 2 years after graduating. The program will be offered at Nova Scotia Community College’s Ivany campus in Dartmouth.

    novascotia.ca

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada is proposing to take quotas from elver fishing companies in N.S. and N.B. and redistribute them to fish harvesters working for those companies, as well as to adult eel harvesters. Elver harvesters have been invited by the DFO to participate in this pilot project, and they have until November 4 to express their interest. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this pilot project would enable around 150 people to start this type of fishing.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The N.S. Government has announced $976k to place 47 specialized staff in schools as part of a pilot program aimed at addressing and preventing violence in the classroom. The new staff includes student supervisors, security personnel, child and youth care practitioners, educational assistants, teaching assistants and teachers who focus on behaviour and classroom management.

    cbc.ca

  • Combined federal/provincial funding of $5.1M will go towards 13 new, energy efficient homes for Shelburne and Barton. The conversions will include heat pumps, heat recovery ventilators, and envelope improvements. Compass N.S. is a not-for-profit housing co-op with 111 homes in 8 N.S. communities.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $1.5M in funding to Cape Breton University to revitalize the Canada Games Complex and establish a multi-functional event and conference space that includes EV chargers, sound equipment, lighting and more. The $36M renovation is part of their $205M investment to modernize and green the campus.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada and the Atlantic Coastal Action Program are investing $1.2M to launch a major Cape Breton reforestation project to plant over 208k trees over 4 years through the 2 Billion Trees Program. The program will include workforce training, mentorship opportunities and student partnerships.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-10-11 to 2024-10-17

  • The N.S. Government has launched a new initiative to provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of its ongoing recruitment and retention efforts ranging from $5-15k based on years of service. About 3,000 doctors are eligible for the retirement fund this year while 73 net new doctors were recruited between April and August.

    novascotia.ca

  • The ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor will continue for the 2025 and 2026 sailing seasons. The economic impact final report is expected in the spring of 2025. In 2023, visitors using the ferry spent over $20M in N.S. and stayed an average of 8.2 nights with Halifax, Anapolis Valley and Cape Breton receiving the highest percentage of visits.

    novascotia.ca

  • DFO has informed eel fishermen that a proposed pilot project will begin in the spring of 2025, which will see up to 75% of the elver quota redistributed to new commercial elver participants. Fifty percent of the commercial quota will go to First Nations.

    undercurrentnews.com

  • Given the increasing rarity of press cartoonist positions in Canada, the dismissal of award-winning cartoonist Michael de Adder is a sign, for some, that the profession’s best days may now be behind us. Michael de Adder was dismissed by The Chronicle Herald, a Halifax-based newspaper.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Association of Atlantic Universities states that international student enrolment has dropped by about 11% or 3000 people in Atlantic Canada. According to a consultant group those students would have added around $163M to the economy.

    thewave.ca

  • Business Openings: Bluenotes (Sunny Side Mall - Bedford), The Zone (Park Lane - Halifax), and Cows (Halifax); Closures: Local Source Market (Agricola Street location only).

    retales.ca

  • The federal government will fund up to $6.8M over 5 years to the Organic Federation of Canada to help them partner on research into the benefits of sustainable farming practices and address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil health and water quality.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $4M to 10 Halifax-based startup companies in tech and life sciences to help them expand, create jobs, and reach new markets. The companies are Milk Moovement, MIMOSA Diagnostics, UpBeing, Peer Ledger, Swiftsure Innovations, Krava, Rafflebox Technologies, Startup Metrics, Talkatoo, and Shoelace Learning.

    canada.ca

  • The Atlantic Economic Council’s latest research report “Shifting Gears Toward an Electric Vehicle Future.” highlights barriers to EV growth in Atlantic Canada that include higher up-front costs and limited access to charging stations. PEI has the country’s 4th highest EV adoption rate at 7.4% (2023), while N.L. ranked second last at 2.8%.

    vocm.com
• Week of 2024-10-04 to 2024-10-10

  • The suspension of the Saint John (NB) to Digby (NS) ferry due to a refit leaving the boat out of commission from Oct. 16 through Dec. 2, has Digby worried about economic losses due to the decrease in tourism traffic that may impact local businesses in terms of hours of operation and staffing.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government is opening an assessment centre in Halifax to help more internationally trained physicians become licensed in the province. The centre will expand from 4 international medical graduates to 5 physician-led teams of up to 3 graduates each and will run 12-weeks for licensure compared to the previous 18-month timelime.

    novascotia.ca

  • Business Openings: Uncle Buck’s (Dartmouth), Falafel Factory (Bedford), Daana Paani (Halifax), 7:40 Restaurant (Hammonds Plains), and Foodies Kitchen (Halifax); Closures: Vines Fusion & Grill (Dartmouth), Lemon Dogs (Shubie), A&W (Bedford), The Halifax Cheese Shop, Pickford+Black/Grounded Coffee, Salty’s, and Minato Sushi (all in Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $10M in funding for N.S.’s NICHE project through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program. It will serve 370 internationally trained health professionals over 4 years in 5 priority professions: licensed practical nurses; medical lab technologists; medical radiation technologists and other diagnostic imaging professions; pharmacists and pharmacy technicians; and respiratory therapists.

    canada.ca

  • Halifax’s Taz Records is taking over ownership of Backstreet Records in Saint John and Fredericton, renaming the stores as Taz Backstreet. Taz has three Halifax area stores and plans to keep the staff and upgrade the N.B. stores with a new system.

    cbc.ca

  • The fall lobster fishing season in Zone 25, in the Northumberland Strait, is deemed satisfactory by the industry even though the volume is lower due to the warming water. The price per pound is $8.75, whereas the price last year was around $7 per pound.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • Aerospace company Airbus has been awarded a federal/provincial $25.6M contract over 5 years for training and equipment to fight wildfires, including helicopters for Nova Scotia. The first new helicopter is expected to arrive next summer.

    cbc.ca

  • More affordable housing through the Land for Housing Program is coming for Sackville and Dartmouth. This includes 106 units (42 affordable) in Sackville through the Affordable Housing Association of N.S. and over 300 units (136 affordable) with Metro Premier Properties in Dartmouth. Construction will begin after bylaw and permitting requirements are met.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2024-09-27 to 2024-10-03

  • Legislation to regulate offshore wind development in N.S. and N.L. has cleared the Senate. Bids for offshore wind projects could begin as early as 2025 once regional environmental assessments are completed. Officials are optimistic that this sector will create tens of thousands of jobs and prosperity for many communities.

    cbc.ca

  • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) inaugurated its new Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) on Barrington Street in Halifax on Wednesday. The new office aims to promote collaboration between NATO member countries and the science and technology sector.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Talya’s Taverna (2nd location/Halifax), Mystic (Halifax), Saffron Supermarket (Bedford), El Este Taqueria & Cerveza (Halifax), and Café Lara (2nd location/Halifax); Closures: Treble Bar (Dartmouth), Zen Cuisine (Halifax), and Score Pizza (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • In N.S., over 16k patients have received care under the new Canadian Dental Care Plan and the number of participating dentists has grown significantly since being launched in May. The N.S. Dental Association says there are 608 dentists in N.S. with about 423 (70%) participating as of Sept. 19. One of the challenges is finding providers in rural communities.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $22M toward sustainable development and energy-efficiency programs to support the net-zero construction sector reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Funding includes a top up to an existing energy-efficiency improvement program ($13.5M) and an affordable rental construction pilot program ($6.4M).

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government is expanding the pilot CCA–Practical Nursing Bridging Program to provide opportunities for another 25 certified CCAs at NSCC’s Cumberland campus to become licensed practical nurses starting in January 2025. Participants receive free tuition/books with a commitment to work in continuing care in N.S. for 2 years after graduation.

    novascotia.ca

  • New changes are in effect with the Temporary Foreign Worker program, which are aimed to shrink the program and push employers to invest more in local employees. Canadian employers will be restricted to a new hiring cap of 10% of their workforce and a 1-year limit to contracts for low-wage positions.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $1,262,165 in funding to help 4 tourism operators in Ingonish expand their winter offerings and extend the region’s tourism season. They include Cape Smokey Holding Ltd. $578,575, the Cabot Snowmobile Club, Ingonish Harbour-View Chalets, and MacKinnon House Ltd.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-09-20 to 2024-09-26

  • A new report from the Montreal Economic Institute shows 60% of young nurses leave Nova Scotia every year, ranking 9th nationally in the retention of young nurses. According to the N.S. College of Nursing, 12,738 registered nurses were licensed in 2023 - a 17.9% increase over 2022.

    cbc.ca

  • Dalhousie University is facing an $18M budget shortfall attributed to lower international enrolment and, as a result, has announced a hiring freeze that is expected to run until at least the end of March 2025. It affects regular and ongoing positions, in addition to term, temporary and casual faculty and staff positions.

    cbc.ca

  • Chorus Aviation in Halifax announced a $1.9B shareholder agreement on the sale of its regional aircraft leasing business to HPS Investment Partners. Chorus Aviation states that the sale remains subject to other regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

    L'Acadie Nouvelle (capacadie.com) (available in French only)

  • Walmart Canada will invest an extra $92M in pay increases to its 40,000 hourly retail and frontline associates. The retailer will also invest in in skills training and education for its associates. For the holidays more hours and workers will be added.

    globalnews.ca

  • The Higgins Mountain project (operated by Elemental Energy) is a 17-turbine wind farm being developed in Wentworth with the help of a $118M federal loan. Construction is currently underway with operations expected to start by late 2025.

    citynews.ca

  • According to Eckler's third annual Compensation Planning Survey, the three Maritime provinces are projected to have the lowest average base salary increase in Canada for 2025. While the national average is projected to be 3.6%, N.B., N.S., and P.E.I. are expected to increase by 2.8%.

    Guardian

  • The N.S. government has announced the locations of 4 new schools for the Halifax area that include Timberlea/Bay View, Middle Sackville/Millwood, Port Wallace/Woodlawn, and Bedford/West Bedford. The Halifax region has grown by about 9,000 students in the last 5 years and that trend is expected to continue.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Eastlink kiosk (Dartmouth Crossing), Rosebank Boutique (Hammonds Plains) Jessy’s Pizza and Smoke n’ Oak (Halifax), B’Spoke Apparel (Spryfield), and Bali Teak (Halifax); Closures: Taste of the East (Halifax) and Kyo (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • N.S. is preparing to adopt the 2020 National Building Codes starting on April 1, 2025 in a 4-year phased in implementation. The new national codes provide guidance on enhancing the accessibility and energy efficiency of buildings and include the 2020 National Building Code, National Plumbing Code and the National Energy Code for Buildings.

    novascotia.ca

  • A new 5-year Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement on Minority-language Services has been signed that commits both governments to $11.8M each to continue advancing French-language services across the province to support the development and vitality of the Acadian and francophone community.

    novascotia.ca

  • Fourteen new pharmacies along with 6 Lawtons Pharmacy Walk-in Clinic+ sites will join the Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic pilot program this fall uniting both models under one umbrella. Pharmacists in these clinics provide a full scope of practice, including minor ailment treatment and chronic disease medication management.

    novascotia.ca

  • Fourteen new pharmacy primary care clinics will open in N.S. The program to facilitate access to primary care now includes 45 pharmacies. The pharmacies will be located in Saulnierville, Amherst, Kennetcook, Hammonds Plains, Spryfield, Halifax (3 pharmacies), Dartmouth, Eastern Passage, Guysborough, Whycocomagh, Sydney, and New Waterford.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)
• Week of 2024-09-13 to 2024-09-19

  • Port Hawkesbury Paper has announced a $320M investment into the construction of Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm in Guysborough County near Mulgrave. Plans include up to 31 wind turbines by late 2025 that will be targeted to supply 60% of the paper mill's current power needs. Construction began in late August.

    cbc.ca

  • The Lycée international français Don Bosco Halifax, International French School, officially opened in early September. This unique “Salesian” school is the ninth in Canada, but it is the first in the Atlantic provinces. For this first school year, the school employs eight teachers.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • The federal government is reducing the number of international student permits issued by another 10%, allowing 437,000 permits for 2025 and 2026. The Immigration Minister has told post-secondary schools they need to adjust their recruitment practices.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Lids (Dartmouth), Kind Bridal (Halifax), Scotiabank and AprilVets (former Pier 1 space/Dartmouth), Bombay Spices (Hammonds Plains), and The Mellow Mug (Halifax); Closures: Jekyll & Hyde (Halifax), Mera (Halifax) and Superstar Karaoke (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • Air Canada and its airline pilots have reached a new tentative agreement, which if approved will see pilots get a nearly 42% raise over four years. The head of the union says the deal offers improved pay, retirement, and work rules for its 5,200 pilots.

    theglobeandmail.com

  • The Provincial Government has announced $14M in combined federal/provincial funding to a new supportive housing development, Ozanam Place. The 38-unit development is being built by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Halifax for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Council of Health Care Unions have ratified a 2-year agreement with N.S. Health and IWK Health that covers 9,100 healthcare workers including physiotherapists, lab staff, psychologists, continuing care assistants, social workers and pharmacists. The contract includes annual economic increases of 3% and 2% and runs until October 31, 2025.

    novascotia.ca

  • Ireland-based renewable energy firm Simply Blue Group is planning a multibillion-dollar megaproject to convert wind, solar and biomass energy into jet fuel that it says will create hundreds of local jobs at two sites in Guysborough County once production begins. Construction is expected in to start in 2026 with operations beginning in 2029.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $300,000 to Ski Ben Eoin for infrastructure improvements including an upgraded snow making system to help further establish Cape Breton as a four-season tourism destination. Additional funding was provided by the N.S. Government ($125k) and The Cape Breton Regional Municipality ($50k).

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-09-06 to 2024-09-12

  • Rental cars have been in high demand in Atlantic Canada this summer, despite high prices and low inventory. Car rental inventories dropped during COVID, then supply chain issues made it hard to rebuild. A lack of cars has some tourists cancelling plans.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The N.S. Government is pushing forward with legislative changes that would allow bids to open for offshore wind projects in 2025 that will also see the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board become the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator with a new mandate to include offshore renewable energy projects.

    cbc.ca

  • A shortage of teachers is affecting certain areas in Nova Scotia this year, especially the French Immersion program. In CSAP, which represents the 23 francophone schools in the province, the problem is the same. A few days after the start of the school year, around 50 positions remain vacant.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Government of Nova Scotia will cover RAC (reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences) registration fees for the first 10 registrations validated by the Université Sainte-Anne until the end of September. This incentive relates to the project that was set up to give people who have demonstrated their understanding direct access to specialized medical or legal courses.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • The IWK Health Centre has received $25M that will be used to improve mental health and addictions services for youth, children and families. This will include the creation of a dedicated mental health waiting room in the emergency department and the connection of 8 integrated youth services sites.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: East Coast Lifestyle (Bayer’s Lake), Nayya Pizza, Soberish Mocktail Shoppe, Barns, Mary Browns and Listen (all in Halifax), Optical Warehouse and Larry’s Sandwiches (Dartmouth), and Pet Buddy (Bedford); Closures: Pilchers Flowers (Halifax) and Avodah Café & Bakery (Sackville).

    retales.ca
• Week of 2024-08-30 to 2024-09-05

  • Tidal power developer, Occurrent Power (formerly Big Moon Power) has filed for. The company had planned to use floating tidal turbines in the Bay of Fundy to produce electricity. Last year, Sustainable Marine Energy (U.K.-based) engaged in a similar endeavour had its Canadian subsidiary placed into bankruptcy.

    cbc.ca

  • The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is undergoing contract talks with Canada Post, but will meet with union members next week and discuss a strike vote. CUPW’s key contract issues are job security, wages and improved working conditions.

    thewave.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Café Lara (Halifax); Closures: Game Knight (Dartmouth) and Lemon Dogs Lockside Canteen (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • The Government of Canada has transferred over $30M to N.S. under the Canada Community-Building Fund for the first payment of fiscal 2024-2025 to help communities with local infrastructure priorities. This agreement runs from 2024-2034 with N.S. receiving over $318.8M over the next 5 years, including $60.7M this fiscal year.

    canada.ca

  • The province’s two health authorities, N.S. Health and IWK Health, and the Council of Health Care Unions have reached a tentative 2-year agreement as of August 30, that covers about 9,000 healthcare workers including physiotherapists, lab staff, psychologists, continuing care assistants, social workers and pharmacists.

    novascotia.ca

  • Toronto-based Postmedia recently acquired the assets of the insolvent SaltWire Network Inc., Atlantic Canada's largest media company with over 20 newspapers. The union representing editorial staff at the Halifax Chronicle Herald has reported 3 editors and 1 reporter have been laid off as consolidation begins.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-08-23 to 2024-08-29

  • A Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report examining the living wage in Atlantic Canada (hourly take-home pay needed to cover rent, clothing, shelter, transportation, health care and basic household expenses), shows the living wage is $25 in N.L., $26.53 in N.S. and $22.76 in P.E.I..

    cbc.ca

  • A new report from Statistics Canada shows that 18.7% of Canadians worked mostly from home in May 2024, compared to the high of 24.3% in May 2021. Average commute times are becoming longer, with May 2024 being 26.4 minutes, while the previous high was 26.3.

    ctvnews.ca

  • Halifax Public Libraries staff are on strike after conciliation talks ended over the weekend without an agreement. The Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees which represent the 340 employees are looking to address issues including wages, sick leave provisions and a safe working environment.

    cbc.ca

  • A new midwifery service is launching this fall in Inverness that will see two midwives work out of a primary care clinic in a new pilot program. N.S.’s current model has midwives working exclusively out of only 3 locations: Halifax, Antigonish and the South Shore. Demand for midwifery outstrips availability with funding and supply both cited as contributing factors.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Water Polo (Halifax), Panada Pizza (Hammonds Plains), Toridori Noodle Bar (Haifax) and Uncle Buck’s (Dartmouth); Closures: The Nook (Halifax), Coles (Scotia Square-Halifax), Fries & Co. (Halifax), The Station and El Chino (Halifax) and Jake’s Variety (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • The federal labour board has ordered more than 9,000 railway workers to return to work, shortly after CN Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City halted shipments. Both sides will begin binding arbitration to settle the contract on August 29.

    thewave.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced combined federal/provincial/municipal funding of$69.4M over 10 years towards critical wastewater infrastructure upgrades for the Town of Bridgewater. The investment also opens the door for the development of close to 3,000 housing units.

    novascotia.ca

  • Construction has started on the new collaborative care clinic, the Sydney River Health Centre, that will bring together healthcare services throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The clinic will open in 2025 with a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers and other professionals.

    novascotia.ca

  • Unifor members at Marine Atlantic have ratified two new 3-year agreements that expire on Dec. 31, 2025, covering vessel employees and shore-based maintenance staff, bringing a nearly 10% wage increase over the 3 years. Marine Atlantic operate passenger and cargo ferry services between North Sydney and Port aux Basques/Argentia.

    unifor.org

  • ACOA has announced about $2.2M in funding for the South Shore towards accessibility initiatives for the town of Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society and the The Lunenburg Yacht Club as well as business development initiatives for Terra Beata Farms to increase processing capacity and South Shore Opportunities Inc. to provide business counselling services.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-08-16 to 2024-08-22

  • Two facilities in N.S. and P.E.I. are turning previously wasted poor quality wool and converting it into wool pellets. The pellets produced by N.S.’s Taproot Fibre Lab and Knit Pickers PEI can be used as fertilizer and provides a new revenue stream for wool farmers.

    cbc.ca

  • The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia says that nearly half of N.S. restaurants are losing money or breaking even, in an industry that has profit margins just under 4%. Costs have increased for food, labour, utilities, insurance, and equipment.

    cbc.ca

  • ACOA announced $2.2M in funding for various organizations on the South Shore. Money will go to the Town of Mahone Bay, the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society, Terra Beata Farms to install more equipment, and South Shore Opportunities to provide business counselling.

    cbc.ca

  • Atlantic Mining filed an appeal with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The company alleges that the timeline proposed by the province for the cleanup of the former Moose River gold mine is unrealistic. The reclamation is estimated to cost close to $80M.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • Build Nova Scotia, the Crown corporation responsible for mine decontamination, is set to begin work to decontaminate 60 former mines in Nova Scotia in 2025. Work is estimated at $148M: $30M for Montague, $34M for Goldenville and $1.6M for Lake Enon.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The N.S. Government has announced combined provincial/municipal funding of about $4M for two projects with the Town of Pictou to provide better coastal protection and improve stormwater service.

    novascotia.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Uncle Buck’s Pizza (Dartmouth), Endy/Casper (Halifax) Nayya Pizza (Halifax), Stardust Bar and Kitchen (Halifax), Contender eSports (Halifax), Subway (Timberlea), and Shrimp Lover Tropical Fish aquarium shop (Burnside/Dartmouth.

    retales.ca
• Week of 2024-08-09 to 2024-08-15

  • Nineteen graduating veterinary assistants from the N.S. SPCA College of Animal Welfare program will offer some much-needed help in a field experiencing worker shortages with 13 of them already hired by N.S. veterinary clinics. A veterinary technician program will also be introduced next year to help with support-staff shortages.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $2.4M over 5 years to fund emergency management co-ordinators for eight Mi'kmaw communities: Wasoqopa'q, Annapolis Valley, Bear River, Glooscap, Millbrook, Paqtnkek, Pictou Landing and Sipekne'katik. The goal is to assist communities devise action plans for natural disasters.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government will invest $2M over three years to establish a Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program in Atlantic Canada. Truro, Pictou, Kentville, Colchester, and Digby have signed up to develop local green energy projects.

    canada.ca

  • Postmedia has been given court approval to buy SaltWire, Atlantic Canada's largest newspaper chain, for $1M. The company has said that there will be job cuts among SaltWire’s 363 employees and 800 contractors, but no specific details have been provided.

    globalnews.ca

  • Starting in the summer of 2025, Swiss airline Edelweiss will be serving Halifax with non-stop flights between Halifax and Zurich. There will be two weekly flights in each direction on Thursdays and Sundays from July 3 to October 5, 2025. The Airbus A340-300, which is the aircraft that will be used, can accommodate 314 passengers.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • About 130 workers at IMP Aerostructures in Amherst are on strike as of August 12, after 93% of United Steelworkers union members voted against the company's latest contract offer of a 2% raise over 3 years. IMP Aerospace is headquartered in Halifax and has federal government contracts serving both military and commercial clients.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $3M in funding for 2024-25 for its Clean Fuels Fund designed to assist industries, businesses and communities switch to low-carbon and renewable fuels including biofuels and biomass from forestry waste products, green hydrogen and renewable natural gas. The application deadline is October 8.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $6.7M for two non-profits working to address housing insecurity and homelessness among veterans in Nova Scotia. $5.2M will go to Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada while Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd. will receive $1.5M.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Good Earth Coffeehouse and Asia (Halifax), Subway (Timberlea), Burger King (Bedford), Stacked Pancake House (Bedford), Splurge Cheesecakes and Snack Bar (Porters Lake), Soika and Shrimp Lover Tropical Fish (Dartmouth); Closures: Butcher’s Block and Tipico Pasta (Halifax) and Aladdin Video & Laundromat (Dartmouth).

    retales.ca

  • The Canadian airline industry has been reducing flights particularly to small and medium-sized areas. While average passenger capacity at Canada’s 30 biggest airports is 98% of 2019 levels, COVID saw a drop in flight school enrolment and a shortage of pilots.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced the addition of 55 new supportive housing units in the Halifax Regional Municipality at an investment of over $684,000 annually. The new site in Dartmouth is operated by non-profit Welcome Housing and Support Services.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced new regulations for short-term rentals that will take effect on September 30 to help make more long-term housing available. Regulations under the Short-term Rentals Registration Act include new registration requirements, host categories, rates and penalties. External compliance monitoring services will be engaged.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced that it is ending its work-from-home flexibility for its 3500 non-unionized employees as of October 15, 2024. Some were working as many as 3 days per week from home. The edict does not currently apply to the thousands of unionized provincial government workers.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-08-02 to 2024-08-08

  • The lobster fishing season began in Area 25, which corresponds to the western part of the Northumberland Strait. A total of 722 fishermen from three provinces (N.B., P.E.I. and N.S.) took to the seas on Wednesday morning.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The N.S. Government has designated four new special planning areas in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) to support development of more than 23,000 residential units and 380 long-term care rooms. The new areas announced fall within Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Fall River and Bedford.

    novascotia.ca

  • Servers in Nova Scotia who work in bars and restaurants will now have to complete responsible alcohol training. The deadline to take the training has been set for December 1, 2024, for more than 20,000 workers from 2,400 establishments.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • Maritime farmers now have a beef cattle market insurance program, which will give cattle producers in the province more financial stability. The program will help manage the risk amid fluctuating market prices for beef.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Bollywood Bar & Lounge (Bedford), City Shawarma (Halifax), Pure Café (Porters Lake) and Kali Cakes Bake Shop (Bedford); Closures: Denis Stationery (Halifax), Loong 7 (Halifax), and Finsbury Market (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • KSV Restructuring, the court-appointed monitor overseeing the restructuring process for two insolvent media companies, SaltWire Network and The Halifax Herald Ltd., stated that Postmedia offered to purchase them for $1M, which was the highest bid.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • A new Technology Safeguards agreement between Canada and the U.S. to allow American space technology to be used in Canada is reigniting the possibility of a $50M spaceport in Canso. The new agreement still requires independent review and approval by both countries but is seen as a massive development for Maritime Launch.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced the new Journeypersons Financial Incentive Program that will provide up to $2,500 to journeypersons actively mentoring apprentices. The goal of the program is to increase the number of apprentices becoming certified journeypersons.

    novascotia.ca

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada officially launched a commercial whelk fishery for the first time this year. This fishery affects fishermen in eastern and southern Cape Breton.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The N.S. provincial government is looking to improve cellular coverage in the province and announced an $18.6M investment. The wireless carrier Rogers won the contract to expand network infrastructure.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)
• Week of 2024-07-26 to 2024-08-01

  • Nova Scotia has more spots for students at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island. There are now 24 spots compared to 16 before. The province is investing $50.8M over five years.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Government of Nova Scotia is investing an additional $18.6M in its program to improve cellular network coverage in rural areas. From the summer of 2025 to the spring of 2027, 27 new towers will be gradually put into service.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)

  • The Government of Canada has announced up to $300M in funding for Port Hawkesbury as part of the joint Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance to support the clean hydrogen trade with Germany. This initiative will help Canadian companies access German markets for their clean hydrogen and ammonia.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $10.15M in funding to establish Dalhousie University’s Canadian Battery Innovation Centre to help accelerate battery innovation and production capacity across Canada that includes industry-oriented training in battery cell manufacturing to support the specialized workforce needed.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced investments totalling over $192M for 6 clean electricity projects in Nova Scotia that include Nova Scotia Power Inc. ($117.6M), Benjamin Mill Wind Ltd. Partnership ($25M), Higgins Mountain Wind Farm Limited Partnership ($25M), and Wedgeport Wind Farm Limited Partnership ($25M).

    canada.ca

  • The N.S. Government has approved the Windy Ridge project, a third and final 49-turbine wind farm near Debert, that will feed EverWind Fuels' green hydrogen and ammonia production facility. EverWind now has the green light for all 3 of its proposed wind farms and is on track to have them operational by 2026.

    cbc.ca

  • N.S.’s Department of Agriculture has increased its Apiculture Sustainable Growth and Health Program to provide eligible beekeepers up to $50k ($27k in 2023) to expand operations to pollinate more commercial crops. However, many commercial beekeepers are currently in recovery not expansion mode after major hive loss last winter above 30% (typically 15%).

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced approximately $2.8M in funding for 4 N.S. housing companies to expand and improve facilities to improve capacity and increase housing supply. These include Maritime Truss Ltd. ($797k), Trenton WoodWorks Ltd. Partnership ($750k), Moulding Warehouse ($750k) and Lake Shore Living Ltd. ($500k).

    canada.ca

  • Alberta-based energy company, Pieridae Energy Ltd., has announced the sale of its subsidiary, Goldboro, for $12M that includes land and a construction permit for the once envisioned natural gas export facility. The new owner, Irish-based renewable energy company Simply Blue Group, is looking to start construction of a facility in 2026 with operations beginning in 2029.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Urban Burger Barn (Halifax) and Atithi Indian (Halifax); Closures: Chamos Venezulean (Halifax) and Pizza Girls (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The federal energy minister announced a $192M grant for six clean energy projects in Nova Scotia. Additionally, three wind farm projects will receive $25M each through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program.

    L'Acadie Nouvelle (capacadie.com) (available in French only)

  • Postmedia has agreed to purchase SaltWire, Atlantic Canada's largest newspaper chain, and hopes to close the deal by August 26. Saltwire has over 20 papers including Halifax’s Chronicle Herald, The Guardian in Charlottetown, and The Telegram in St. John's.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $311k in funding to add 4 full-time psychology residency seats at Dalhousie University beginning in fall 2025 to attract more mental health professionals to the province. There are currently 14 seats spread out between IWK, N.S. Health, and the Armed Forces.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced combined federal/provincial funding of $11.4M with an additional $6.6M from the Halifax International Airport Authority to build a new international connections facility scheduled to open in 2025. It is expected to create over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs and increase cargo capacity by 40% by 2035.

    novascotia.ca
• Week of 2024-07-12 to 2024-07-18

  • The Government of Canada has announced $2.2M in funding to the Town of Port Hawkesbury for upgrades to the Allan J. MacEachen Airport runway to help strengthen supply chain infrastructure as Cape Breton advances its green hydrogen, onshore and offshore wind industries.

    canada.ca

  • As part of the province’s plan for 5,700 long-term care rooms built by 2032, the Mahone Bay Nursing Home has moved to its newly built 96-room long-term care facility, adding 35 new rooms over the facility it replaced. It also contains an occupational therapy/physiotherapy treatment room and a hair salon.

    novascotia.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: BET Breakfast & Lunch (Halifax), Osmow’s (Halifax), Delhi Delight (Sackville), Village of India takeout (Bedford), Wang Fashions (Halifax), Kopi Café (Hammonds Plains) and Feeds n’ Needs (Hammonds Plains); Closures: Bomber Chicken (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The N.S Government has revealed that $1.2M was spent on the controversial new wine subsidy program from January to March 2024 before it was paused. The money was allocated to two wine bottling companies with local winemakers complaining that it would help the bottling companies import cheaper grape juice.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government announced a new 12-year national strategy on Atlantic salmon that involves tracking three generations of Atlantic salmon. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking feedback from stakeholders before July 30.

    Radio-Canada Atlantique (available in French only)
• Week of 2024-07-05 to 2024-07-11

  • The N.S. Government and the Town of New Glasgow have announced joint funding of almost 1.87M in two projects - a new sewer system and a housing rejuvenation project - that will help support current and future growth in New Glasgow. The projects are part of the $102M Municipal Capital Growth Program.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced funding for new and existing community facilities and programs in Pictou County. Grant recipients include the Town of Trenton ($650k), Town of New Glasgow ($375k) and Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library ($100k).

    novascotia.ca

  • Six new healthcare professionals have joined the recently expanded Shelburne Family Practice team that will increase access for patients and now includes a total of 5 family physicians, 5 nurse practitioners, 3 registered nurses, a licensed practical nurse, a social worker, dietitian and 6 administrative staff.

    novascotia.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Sully & Porter (Halifax) and Can-Indian Kitchen (Halifax); Closures: Royal King (Sackville), Lark & Finch (Halifax), and Guitar Central (Halifax). The Walmart (Mumford Location) is getting an $8.7M renovation but estimated to be at least 10 years away.

    retales.ca

  • Java Blend Coffee Limited workers have signed their first collective agreement with the Halifax-based company. The terms of the new agreement include pay increases, paid sick leave with the ability to bank some days, bereavement leave and health benefits as well as employee provisions for seniority rehiring post layoffs.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $28.2M in combined provincial/municipal funding to help replace a stormwater system and surrounding infrastructure in downtown Dartmouth. The projects are part of the $102M Municipal Capital Growth Program.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced more supportive housing options in the Annapolis Valley with the addition of 22 new units in Waterville (16) and Kentville (6). The Department of Community Services is providing $660k for one-time set-up, building and operating costs in 2024-25 and $770k per year.

    novascotia.ca

  • Since June 2023, Sydney-area collaborative family practice teams have welcomed 9 new healthcare professionals including 4 licensed practical nurses, 2 dietitians, a nurse practitioner, a family practice nurse and a social worker, while 3 other dietitians and a social worker have had increased hours.

    novascotia.ca

  • The IWK has announced plans to open new mental health and addictions clinic at the Mic Mac Mall in the former Winners location that is expected to open in 2025. It will employ 40 people including psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, youth care workers, recreation therapists, and child and adolescent psychiatrists.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-06-28 to 2024-07-04

  • Cape Breton Regional Municipality has awarded $6.6M to two developers for housing projects in Sydney - Cape Breton University ($5.4M) to build 145 housing units at the former Tartan Downs horse racing track, and Joneljim Concrete Construction ($1.2M) to add 144 units to its Cossitt Heights subdivision.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government’s two-tiered Distant Location Incentive, that makes up part of the the N.S. Film & Television Production Incentive Fund, was increased by 7 and 10% of eligible costs to encourage more film production in rural areas. Recipients made up about 52% of the total approved productions.

    novascotia.ca

  • The South Shore Veterinary Hospital (Wileville - near Bridgewater) will be permanently discontinuing its livestock services in August and suspending horse care due to staffing. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says access to veterinary care in rural areas has been under pressure with new graduates choosing to work in urban settings with smaller animals.

    cbc.ca

  • WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association union representing about 680 mechanics have reached a new tentative agreement, ending the recent strike. The 5-year agreement includes an immediate 15.5% wage increase, followed by a pay increase of 3.25% in year 2 and 2.5%/year in years 3-5.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Kajiki Sushi, The Wine Spa, Just Pho You, Chicking, Mystic and Toridori Noodle Bar and NSLC (Halifax), Crumbl, Great Hobbies, Sephora, Judi Food Mart, Foody JoJo Waffles and Sandwiches, Golden Shawarma, and Yummy Deli European Market (Dartmouth), Goldey’s Crispy Chicken (Bedford), Mucho Burrito (Sackville), JJ’s Burger Joint (Airport); Closures: The Noble Grape (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced the construction of a new $1.8M gas bar, restaurant, convenience store, car wash and office building on at the Seventh Exchange retail district in partnership with Membertou First Nation. The gas bar is expected to be completed in 2024 and the office building in 2025.

    canada.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $3.3M in combined federal/provincial/municipal funding for a new active transportation network in Wolfville that will include over 10 kilometres of multi-use trails. The project will connect to the provincial Blue Route cycling network.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government is launching a pilot program that will see 34 eligible grade 12 students begin at the Nova Scotia Community College in February that includes the pre-apprenticeship plumbing program (Sydney campus) and the pre-apprenticeship electrical construction and industrial program (Truro campus).

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government will cover tuition costs for over 460 people to become primary care paramedics (PCP) or emergency medical responders (EMR) in exchange for working in the province for a set time period of 2-4 years. N.S. has 14 EMRs and 692 PCPs and up to 200 EMRs are expected to be trained over the next 2 years.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced a new payroll rebate agreement for the Royal Bank of Canada that could see up to 1,000 new jobs added over the next 6 years as it continues its growth and commitment to strengthening its emerging technology ecosystem within the province.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Irving shipyard in Halifax has been contracted to build 15 navy warships for the Royal Canadian Navy at a cost of $56-60B. The construction will happen over 25 years and create and maintain about 10,000 jobs during that period and generate over $40B for Canada’s gross domestic product.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-06-21 to 2024-06-27

  • The Canadian Federation of Independent Business states that about 80% of Atlantic businesses are not expecting to see revenue growth during the summer tourism season. Issues include increased costs and weak demand in the hospitality and retail sector.

    ctvnews.ca

  • The Halifax Stanfield International Airport is being renovated at a cost of $18M, which includes an $8.3M investment from the federal government. The project involves building a new floor to increase the capacity for both cargo and commercial international flights. The project should be complete in 2025.

    L'Acadie Nouvelle (capacadie.com) (available in French only)

  • Halifax Transit confirmed 652 ferry crossings were cancelled in 2024 as of June 16 as a result of factors including staffing shortages, mechanical and weather-related issues. The union representing Halifax Transit workers has called for the hiring relief deckhands, mates and captains for its ferry service.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced almost $5.7M in joint provincial/municipal funding for extensions and upgrades to wastewater and water infrastructure in Antigonish to help support new housing developments and continued growth.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation’s (NSLC) year-end financials show cannabis sales up 8.9% at $121M (about 14% of overall sales), which is almost four times as much as in 2019, as alcohol sales are flat or down. A new cannabis store in Dartmouth Crossing is projected to open in Spring 2025.NAICS: 44531NOC: 64100

    cbc.ca

  • The Canadian health-care sector is increasingly using the temporary foreign worker program to fill staffing shortages. The largest share of that growth was for nurse aides and orderlies, nurses, and family doctors. There were 2,514 approvals in 2023.

    cbc.ca

  • A new three-year agreement was reached between the government and the Nova Scotia Teachers' Union. This agreement provides for a pay raise of 11% for teachers and 12% for supply teachers, while also allowing for more full-time counsellors to be hired to support students’ mental health.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse

  • The latest numbers posted on N.S.'s need-a-family-practice registry show an all-time high of 160,234 people as of June 1, representing about 16.2% of the province's population. Areas of the province where a higher concentration of people are looking for a doctor include South Cumberland, Yarmouth and Halifax.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $2.5M in funding for significant infrastructure upgrades to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in Halifax. It will become fully accessible, with an elevator and upgraded washrooms, a new HVAC system and other mechanical and electrical infrastructure improvements.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has approved an additional $14M in funding towards the new $200M Northside Health Complex (North Sydney) to address increasing costs due to labour shortages, supply demands, and inflation. The new health centre to open in 2027 will also include a 60-bed long-term care facility and laundry centre.

    cbc.ca

  • Parent company Sobeys is closing its Lawtons Distribution Centre located in Donovans Industrial Park in St. John’s to transition to larger facilities, one being the nearby Sobeys warehouse in St. John’s, and the other in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The number of workers affected has not yet been announced.

    vocm.com

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Mucho Burrito (Sackville), Maverick’s Donuts (Bedford), The Gratto (Hubbards), envy + grace (Dartmouth), Pit Stop Eats Food Court (Dartmouth), Clayton Park Bar & Grill and Da Zero (Halifax); Closures: Robie Street Station and El Chino (Halifax), SWAG Home Furnishings (Bedford), Greco (Clayton Park) and Turkish Delight (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • Talks are still underway to keep Saltwire operating, after the company applied for bankruptcy protection in March. One unnamed buyer is being considered. Some of Saltwire’s affiliated companies will be shut down or sold, while Door Direct will continue.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced funding to upgrade community infrastructure in the Halifax Regional Municipality that include facilities and trails. Grant recipients include Future of Hockey Lab ($750k), Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia ($450k) and Culture Link CIC ($175k).

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced funding to upgrade community infrastructure to several facilities in Colchester County and Musquodoboit Valley. The largest grant recipient is the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex in Brookfield ($750k) to expand the facility.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Port Hawkesbury Health Centre is a new collaborative clinic under NS Health. The team includes 4 physicians, a family practice nurse, a dietitian, social worker and 4 administrative staff with plans to add a nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse, care co-ordinator and administrative staff.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced combined provincial/municipal funding of $2.52M in wastewater infrastructure upgrades for Stewiacke to help support the town’s continued growth. The project is part of the Municipal Capital Growth Program, a one-time $102M investment in projects across the province.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Alliance française d’Halifax is now offering Haligonians the opportunity to benefit from a new bursary named “Coup de Pouce” for five 10-week sessions instead of only one 10-week session to learn French. This bursary will give irregular workers more flexibility and time to improve their language skills.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)
• Week of 2024-06-14 to 2024-06-20

  • EverWind is planning to build a series of wind farms with close to 500 turbines at three sites in central N.S. to produce green hydrogen and ammonia in Point Tupper. About 1,000 jobs are expected during construction, which could begin in 2026, and up to 100 permanent positions during the 35-year project lifespan.

    cbc.ca

  • NS Power is gearing up to build battery systems at 3 sites (Bridgewater, HRM, and Kings County) at a cost of about $354M to help the province replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. Regulators approved the expenditure and construction is expected to start soon and be operational by 2026.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $3.23M towards in infrastructure improvements to sidewalks, water and wastewater systems in Digby and Annapolis counties with another $3.69M coming from the municipalities and other sources. The projects are part of the $102M Municipal Capital Growth Program.

    novascotia.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Crumbl Cookies and Skechers (Dartmouth Crossing), Steve Madden (Halifax Shopping Centre), Sage & Sweetgrass (2nd location/Halifax), Peppercorns (2nd location/Halifax), Chamos (Halifax), and Pria Café & Deli (Halifax); Closures: Minato Sushi (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • N.S. Health launched specialized clinics back in December 2022 to provide care for newborns who do not have a family doctor or primary care provider and the number of referrals has been steadily increasing each quarter. This is attributed to the shortage of family doctors and an increasing population.

    cbc.ca

  • Details have been released on the tentative deal for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers, which includes a 15.7% wage increase over four years, retroactive to June 2022. The agreement also has improved provisions for shift scheduling.

    thewave.ca

  • Nova Scotia’s first emergency medical responder program by Medavie HealthEd has just graduated 14 students that are now ready to provide direct care as part of the province’s paramedic care team. The second class began in May and is expected to graduate in August.

    novascotia.ca

  • A new outpatient recovery support centre opened on June 13 on Fenwick Street in Halifax to help for people struggling with addiction, substance use and gambling disorders. It is staffed by a team of physicians, registered nurses, social workers, and administrative staff.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-06-07 to 2024-06-13

  • Halifax Regional Municipality has stated that the initial spring timeline for the installation of 56 new electric vehicle charging stations announced in January 2024 won't be met due to process delays with no new installations currently in progress.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $6.5M to create the new 3-year Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund to assist the provincial seafood sector reduce the carbon footprint of their operations with new projects.

    novascotia.ca

  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers have reached a tentative agreement with the federal government. The more than 9,000 workers will receive wage enhancements and other benefits. Further details will be released this week.

    charlottefm.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Mr. Freeman’s Exotic Emporium (Halifax), NSLC (Dartmouth Crossing), and Rumours (Halifax); Closures: Wobbly Duck (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The Bangor Sawmill and Museum in Meteghan (Digby County) has been destroyed by fire. The building was about to be approved as municipal and provincial heritage sites.

    cbc.ca

  • After a 30-year ban in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, redfish fishing is permitted this season. The season begins on June 15 with a total allowable catch of 60,000 tonnes. Around 15% of the quota is reserved for ships under 20m long, and 60% has been allocated to ships over 30.5m long.

    L'Acadie Nouvelle (capacadie.com) (available in French only)

  • After Atlantic Mining wrapped up operations at the Touquoy gold mine in Moose River back in 2023, they now plan to partner with Halifax-based renewable energy firm Natural Forces for a feasibility study to explore repurposing the mine to create a hydro energy storage system and solar farm.

    cbc.ca

  • The Halifax Particular Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is constructing 38 affordable housing units for people aged 50 and older who are experiencing homelessness. The $15M non-profit housing project funded by all three levels of government is expected to open in March 2025.

    cbc.ca

  • The future is uncertain for Productions Le Moulin, a non-profit organization that hosts shows in Baie Ste-Marie. Even with the support of $9,000 from the federal government, and $2,000 from the municipality, the head of the organization is uncertain about whether operations can continue unless it can find other subsidies.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)

  • Yarmouth Airport and Spiri Robotics, a technology company with core capabilities in autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, reached an agreement allowing drone research and development at the airport. Additionally, this agreement will enable Spiri to lease portions of the airport's facilities.

    Le courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse (available in French only)
• Week of 2024-05-31 to 2024-06-06

  • Three of N.S.’s biggest industrial manufacturers - The Shaw Group, Michelin and Port Hawkesbury Paper - are exploring the potential of using green hydrogen to power parts of their operations. Two green hydrogen projects (EverWind Fuels and Bear Head Energy) have received provincial approval.

    cbc.ca

  • Pilots represented by the Airline Pilots Association union have reached a tentative agreement with PAL Aerospace. The 3-year agreement contains improvements to scheduling, working conditions, compensation, job security, and benefits. The international company has bases in the Atlantic in both St. John’s and Halifax.

    vocm.com

  • Habitat for Humanity NS has dropped a long-planned $30M 52-unit affordable housing project in Spryfield citing spiking construction, labour costs, and house prices. The non-proft is currently in talks to sell the land to the Spryfield Social Enterprise and Affordable Housing Society.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Chick N’ Chill, Sokia, Coffee Street (all in Dartmouth), Bismillah Butchery and Deli (Halifax), Kiki Queer Bar + Kitchen (Halifax), and Noor’s Mediterranean kitchen (Indian Harbour); Closures: Subway and Dominos (Wyse Rd. Dartmouth) and Chanoey’s Pasta (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $2.95M in funding to the new Ronald McDonald House in Halifax through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. Construction began in 2022 and is ongoing. When completed, the new location will double the number of people it can support.

    canada.ca

  • The Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney is welcoming 37 new fleet officers from its graduating class of 2024. The college offers the opportunity to train in either marine navigation or marine engineering in its 4-year officer training program.

    canada.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced funding for the newly opened Portapique Community Centre - an accessible cultural event hub with a variety of of community programming. Funding went to the Municipality of the County of Colchester ($748k) and the Trustees of Riverside Community Hall Assoc. ($425k).

    novascotia.ca

  • The new $25.5M North Cumberland Health Care Centre in Pugwash is opening on June 10. The new facility will offer all the services currently provided by the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital and the North Cumberland Primary Healthcare Clinic.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced $397M in funding over 5 years to ensure the Canadian Coast Guard has the necessary training capacity, seagoing personnel, support staff and provisions to operate new vessels to be delivered for the fleet of the future.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-05-24 to 2024-05-30

  • ACOA will provide a repayable contribution of $950K to help Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. expand, automate and purchase solar panels. The company will build a second facility in Debert, which will result in them doubling its current workforce.

    canada.ca

  • N.S. is continuing its recruitment efforts for more family doctors, but an emerging trend in family medicine are family doctors that work in other parts of the system. Reasons include better life-work balance, reduced administrative work, and more money.

    cbc.ca

  • Cape Breton fishermen are concerned with dropping prices as a backlog of lobsters ready for live sale or processing must be temporarily stored, with processing and holding facilities maxed out. Opening day price was $8.25/lb, but has since dipped to $7/lb.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government has passed a bill that will ban federal companies from using replacement workers during a strike. There are over a million federally regulated workers employed with ports, airports, railways, telecoms, banks and Crown corporations.

    globalnews.ca

  • Halifax coffee company Java Blend has reached a settlement agreement with the union representing its workers. The union said 90% of the workers voted to join the union and will start bargaining over the next four weeks to reach a collective agreement.

    cbc.ca

  • New figures from the N.S. Finance Dept show that the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) was the fastest-growing area in Nova Scotia last year and its population is getting younger. CBRM grew by 6.7% to 104,801, mainly due to international students.

    cbc.ca

  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers have voted 96% in favour of strike action, as it prepares to secure a new contract. Issues include wages comparable to other Canadian law enforcement, flexible work options, retirement benefits and hours of work.

    charlottefm.ca

  • The African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-Being Index was released, a three-year initiative to measure social and economic indicators in N.S.’s black community. Key areas studied include population, income, housing, education, labour and well-being.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. government and Northern Pulp have reached a settlement agreement, that if approved, will see Northern Pulp do a feasibility study for operating a pulp and paper mill in Liverpool, as well as end legal battles and protect worker’s pensions.

    cbc.ca

  • Halifax council has voted for a number of zoning changes, which will allow thousands of new housing units to be built, with the help of $79M from the Housing Accelerator Fund. The new housing plan will allow for more housing density and taller buildings.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-05-17 to 2024-05-23

  • The N.S Government has announced another $3M for eligible projects later in 2024 under the Clean Fuels Fund. The fund started in 2023-24 with $3M for 7 projects that included Balodis Inc. ($1M), King Freight ($450k), Verschuren Centre ($442k), Net Zero Atlantic ($189,250), Greenspring Bioinnovation ($450k) and more.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $11.8M for new affordable public housing for up to 82 people in western Nova Scotia. The 26 new modular housing units will be built over the next year in Shelburne, Liverpool, Digby and Wedgeport and will be a mix of 3 eightplexes and 1 duplex.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Teachers Union, which represents 10,000 teachers in the province, has ratified a new collective agreement with the N.S. Government. Highlights include an 11.47% salary increase over 3 years retroactive to Aug. 1, 2023 with substitute teachers seeing a raise with an additional 12% salary increase.

    cbc.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: The Empanada Shop (Halifax), Buenos Tacos (Halifax), Kiyoto Sushi (Halifax), and McDonald’s (Quinpool, Halifax); Closures: Bay B Boutique (Halifax) and Nana’s Gluten Free Takeout (Mt. Uniacke).

    retales.ca

  • The former Video Difference building on Quinpool in Halifax is now the new home of the 2b Theatre company. The space is being turned into a multipurpose hub for arts organizations and independent artists with over a dozen arts groups already renting space in the building.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced it is increasing funding to Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) with an additional $3.98M for 2024-25 and $5.6M annually starting in 2025-26. Compensation for private lawyers will increase to $120-$160/hour from $70-$95. NSLA has 104 staff lawyers and 213 on its certificate list.

    novascotia.ca

  • Combined Federal, Provincial and Municpal Government funding of $1.1M has been announced for The Hants County Exhibition Arena to become a more accessible community space that will continue to host the annual exhibition and be used for skill development and youth recreation programs.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-05-10 to 2024-05-16

  • The NS College of Social Workers says workload and a lack of feeling valued contribute to challenges recruiting and retaining social workers in the province. The salary range is $56,518-$87,487 with social workers in N.S. paid at the low end of the scale nationally when starting out and then the higher end at 5-10 years experience.

    cbc.ca

  • Cape Breton University is pushing ahead with plans for a new medical school that is on track to open in the fall of 2025, despite concern by local doctors about their ability to take on new teaching duties due to the ongoing shortage of family physicians and specialists. Detailed plans for recruiting staff are expected soon.

    cbc.ca

  • Dalhousie University’s Creative Destruction Lab - Atlantic, will receive a 5-year provincial investment of $250k/year ($1.5M total) to support scalable science and technology start-up companies through programming, mentorship, education and networking.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced eight critical water, wastewater and emergency management projects in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality through the Municipal Capital Growth Program, a one-time $102M investment in projects across Nova Scotia.

    novascotia.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced the opening of a $25M state-of-the-art ocean federal research facility on the campus of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth. The Facility for Intelligent Marine Systems can accommodate 45-50 federal researchers and employees from various departments.

    canada.ca

  • Mount Saint Vincent University has announced it is partnering with the provincial and federal governments on a $10M expansion for its new child-care centre. The centre will allow for expanded teaching and research opportunities and create an additional 82 spaces, 32 of which will be dedicated to infants.

    cbc.ca

  • A report released by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) states that Canada needs more and better training for truck drivers. Canada has Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT), but it isn’t implemented across all provinces and minimum training can vary.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-05-03 to 2024-05-09

  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC) reports that in the first three months of 2024, P.E.I. and N.S. had three times the number of apartment starts compared to N.B. Back in September, both P.E.I. and N.S. eliminated sales tax on new rental construction.

    cbc.ca

  • Premium Seafoods, a large N.S. seafood company, has stopped aquaculture operations after frustration with slow government processing of shellfish leases. In 2021, N.S. oyster farming was valued at $4.7M and mussels at $1.2M, considerably lower than P.E.I.

    cbc.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $3M in funding for the new Nova Scotia Centre for Curling Excellence facility to be built in Timberlea in Halifax Regional Municipality. It will become the new home of the Mayflower Curling Club with eight ice surfaces and at a total project cost of $22M.

    novascotia.ca

  • The N.S. Government has announced $650k for Dalhousie University’s Emera ideaHUB to enable them to add a spring cohort to its ideaBUILD program that will double the number of advanced technology startups for the next 3 years. Half of the new enrolments will be focused on biomedical technologies.

    novascotia.ca

  • A heritage building in downtown Dartmouth will be the site of a new 26-storey high-rise development that will create 142 housing units, commercial space, and public seating. Halkirk Properties Inc. is the developer behind the project. Construction is expected to take 2.5 years.

    cbc.ca

  • WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association have reached a tentative collective agreement. The union represents around 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and skilled trade groups, who will need to ratify the deal with the airline.

    citynews.ca

  • New/Coming Soon Businesses: Villa Madina (Sackville), Downtown Village Lounge (Halifax), Kababji (Dartmouth), Gold Star Chicken (Bedford), EFES Turkish (Bedford), Torrid (Dartmouth) and Popeyes (Dartmouth); Closures: Curry Village (Halifax).

    retales.ca

  • To help address the demand for Medical Laboratory Technologists, the N.S Community College is increasing the number of seats in its training program from 40 to 60 this September. This follows last year’s introduction of a second training program program for up to 40 people in partnership with the Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network.

    novascotia.ca

  • The federal government has rejected N.S.’s plea to allow private daycare operators to tap into the $605M daycare expansion fund. Private operators make up about 55% of the province's daycare sector. A $25M provincial infrastructure program has been announced for new construction or major renovations to create new child-care spaces.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has announced over $9.8M in funding to Springboard Atlantic. Made up of 19 Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions, the group brings researchers and industry together to commercialize ideas in key sectors like advanced manufacturing, ocean sustainability and clean energy.

    canada.ca

  • East Coast artists say it’s a difficult time to make money in music. Artists are seeing rising expenses, while people have less disposable income to support developing artists. Some tour, sell CDs, or get their music in movies, TV and games to earn money.

    cbc.ca