—
(NB-Power-Hearing)
N-B Power says it fast-tracked approval processes for a proposed natural gas plant to avoid potential rolling blackouts within the next two years.
C-E-O Lori Clark defended the decision after the auditor general criticized the utility for exposing taxpayers to unnecessary financial and regulatory risks.
The auditor found N-B Power entered a long-term agreement with a private partner before receiving regulatory approval, potentially risking more than 55-million-dollars.
The proposed 500-Megawatt plant has received energy board approval but still requires environmental approval from the New Brunswick government. (The Canadian Press)
—
(NB-Clean-Air-Act)
New Brunswick has released a report summarizing public, industry and First Nations feedback on plans to modernize the Clean Air Act.
Participants called for clearer air-quality information, stronger public education efforts and more transparent enforcement of air-quality rules.
The report also supports updating provincial air-quality objectives to better protect human health.
The government aims to update air-quality regulations this year and introduce broader legislative changes by fall 2027. (The Canadian Press)
—
(NS-Smiths-Cove-Fire-Solar)
The Smiths Cove Fire Department in Digby County has received just over 94-thousand-dollars from Nova Scotia to install a solar energy system.
The system is expected to provide about 97 per cent of the department’s energy needs and reduce carbon emissions.
Officials estimate the project will save between 400-and-600-thousand-dollars in energy costs over the solar panels’ 30- to 35-year lifespan.
The funding comes through the province’s Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, which supports climate adaptation and emissions-reduction projects. (The Canadian Press)
—
(NS-Healthcare-Recruitment)
Nova Scotia is offering grants of up to 25-thousand-dollars to community groups working to recruit and retain health care professionals.
The funding supports projects focused on recruitment, retention and creating welcoming communities for health care workers.
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, community groups and municipalities.
Applications for the latest round of the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment Community Fund are due by July 16th. (The Canadian Press)
—
(NL-Workers-Compensation-System)
Newfoundland and Labrador has launched an independent review of its workers’ compensation system as required under provincial legislation.
A five-member committee representing employer and worker interests has been appointed to lead the review and gather public input.
The review will focus on workplace safety, support for injured workers and families, and improving system efficiency and accessibility.
The committee is expected to deliver its final report and recommendations to the provincial government by March 31st, 2027. (The Canadian Press)
—
(NL-RCMP-Torch-Run)
R-C-M-P officers and staff in Newfoundland and Labrador will take part in the St. John’s-area Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador on Friday.
Participants will run from Paradise Park to Capital Subaru in St. John’s, following a route through Paradise, Mount Pearl and St. John’s.
The event raises money for Special Olympics programs, competitions and athlete support across the province.
Motorists are being asked to plan ahead and drive carefully along the route during the event. (The Canadian Press)
—
(Atlantic Update by The Canadian Press)
