(NB-First-Nation-Shooting)
First Nation chiefs across Atlantic Canada are calling for an urgent meeting with the federal government after two Indigenous men were fatally shot by R-C-M-P officers over the past two weeks.
A group representing Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, Peskotomuhkati and Innu communities say they want to meet as soon as possible with federal ministers and senior leadership from the R-C-M-P.
The chiefs say they have serious concerns following the deaths of a man on Neqotkuk First Nation in New Brunswick and another on Sipekne’katik First Nation in Nova Scotia last week.
Both cases are being investigated by the police watchdog responsible for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. (The Canadian Press)
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(NB-Brain-Disease)
The New Brunswick government is today expected to release its final report on a mystery brain disease that for years has baffled experts.
Nearly 400 New Brunswick residents – mostly in the Acadian Peninsula and Moncton areas – have reported symptoms of what the province has deemed a — quote — “neurological syndrome of unknown cause.”
First reported in 2021, symptoms include memory problems, balance issues, behavioural changes, muscle spasms and bursts of intense pain.
In 2022, health officials said experts found no evidence that a cluster of cases existed following an investigation of 48 patients – 46 of them referred by a single neurologist. (The Canadian Press)
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(NS-LGBTQ+-Funding)
Organizations supporting the L-G-B-T-Q-plus community in Nova Scotia have a new way to access funding.
A community impact grant program will now provide up to 25-thousand dollars to help strengthen and stabilize non-profit community groups.
The province says grants can be used to cover administrative costs, help conduct work and better serve underrepresented communities.
The government has set aside 150-thousand dollars for the program. (The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Drug-Bust)
Two men are facing multiple charges after a drug bust in New Glasgow yesterday.
Police say they executed a search warrant at a home on Pleasant Street around 6:30 A-M.
They arrested two men and seized cell phones, scales, a large amount of cocaine, methamphetamine and cash.
The men, both in their 30s, face charges related to trafficking and possession. (The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Youth-Extremist)
A Halifax youth accused of being part of a violent extremist group and making child pornography is now facing only one of the five charges originally filed against him in October.
Crown attorney Terry Nickerson says charges related to inciting hatred, possessing obscene material and a child pornography charge had been withdrawn.
Nickerson says the Crown determined there was no realistic prospect of convictions on those four counts.
The last remaining charge against the 16-year-old relates to possessing child pornography. (Global Halifax)
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(NL-Health-CEO)
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham has replaced the man running the province’s health care system.
The premier has appointed Ron Johnson, a Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services vice-president, as interim C-E-O.
He replaces Dr. Pat Parfrey, who was the top civil servant in the Department of Health before the former Liberal government appointed him C-E-O of health services a year ago.
He was also charged with writing the Health Accord, a multi-year effort to revamp the health care system. (The Canadian Press)
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(Atlantic Update by The Canadian Press)
