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(NB-Mining-Legislation)
The New Brunswick government says its new mining bill cuts red tape and simplifies project approvals.
The Liberal government says the legislation replaces the Mining Act of 1985 and has stronger community engagement policies, including for First Nations.
Natural Resources Minister John Herron says he wants New Brunswick to be the top jurisdiction in Canada for mining development.
The province’s mining industry was a major economic driver in the late 2010s before experiencing years of decline.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NB-Rural-Internet)
The federal government has announced 73-million-dollars in spending to bring high-speed internet to rural homes in New Brunswick.
Funding for two projects was announced today in an effort to connect more than 27-thousand-600 homes.
Rogers Communications will lead one project, while Xplore will lead the other.
More than 500 rural and remote communities in New Brunswick will be supported through the program.
(CTV News New Brunswick)
(The Canadian Press)
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(NB-Clean-Water)
Legislators reviewing New Brunswick’s Clean Water Act have wrapped up a series of public hearings.
The environment committee heard its final three speakers yesterday.
Colin Forsythe, of the St. John River Society, says the act should grant the environment minister emergency powers when appropriate.
Forsythe says that’s because an increase in extreme weather events like flooding or wildfires requires faster response times.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Water-Bombers)
Nova Scotia is preparing for the upcoming wildfire season by contracting four fixed-wing water bombers and a co-ordination plane for firefighting.
Premier Tim Houston says wildfire seasons are becoming more intense and unpredictable, and the additions to the province’s fleet will help ensure Nova Scotia is prepared for what’s to come.
The 6.5 million dollars contract for the four Air Tractor water bombers and one Cessna Caravan Bird Dog runs until September 30th.
The province says the contract can be extended beyond September if necessary.
(The Canadian Press)
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(CUR-Gushue-USA-HPD)
Canadian curling star Bad Gushue (GUH’-zhoo) has been named U-S-A Curling’s high-performance director.
The 2006 Olympic champion will oversee national team operations, athlete development pathways and high-performance strategy.
This means Gushue will work closely with American athletes, coaches, and support staff.
The 45-year-old St. John’s native will remain in Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital city for the role.
(The Canadian Press)
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(Name-That-Puppy)
Three kids from Atlantic Canada are among 13 children across Canada to win the R-C-M-P’s “Name the Puppy” contest for 2026.
The Mounties say they received more than 14-thousand online entries with name suggestions that had to start with the letter “B.”
P-E-I’s Felix Johnson submitted the name Blitz, New Brunswick’s Violet Davenport’s submission was Bandit, while Noah Hobson of Nova Scotia entered with the name Banjo.
The contest ran from February 25th to March 26th for name suggestions for the first 13 puppies born at the Police Dog Services Training Centre this year.
(The Canadian Press)
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(Atlantic Update by Lisa Laporte)
