(NB-Mental-Health-Addictions)
A new mental health and addictions program is coming to Moncton.
The Moncton Addictions and Mental Health Court Program is slated to start up next year, and will be open to people 18 and older who consent to participate.
The program will connect individuals in the justice system with treatment and empathy, pushing for recovery and help over punishment.
Eligible participants must have displayed criminal behaviour associated with moderate to severe substance use, a gambling disorder or mental illness. (The Canadian Press)
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(Old-Tree-Development)
A red spruce tree in New Brunswick which may date back to the time of French explorer Samuel de Champlain is part of a forested area at risk of being paved over.
Saint John city council recently approved the plans for the Spruce Lake Industrial Park.
Mayor Donna Reardon told the meeting that while council had heard residents’ concerns, it needed to cater to what she called the “fastest-growing port in North America.”
But scientists say the red spruce — likely about 400 years old — is among the oldest trees in the province, and the old-growth forest is a piece of history the city should protect from the axe.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Mountie-Sex-Assault)
A Nova Scotia Mountie has been charged with sexual assault.
The province’s police watchdog agency says it investigated Constable William McNutt after the R-C-M-P referred allegations to the agency in November 2024.
The R-C-M-P says McNutt had been suspended without pay in January 2024 when separate allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him.
The constable is scheduled to appear in Shubenacadie provincial court on August 11th to face the charges laid by the director of the Serious Incident Response Team.
(The Canadian Press)
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(PEI-Summer-Tips)
P-E-I is reminding people to protect themselves and their loved ones from heat-related illnesses as summer sets in.
The Chief Public Health Office says people should drink plenty of water all day even if they don’t feel thirsty and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages because they can lead to dehydration.
It’s also asking people to wear loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing and use sunscreen.
The province says people should check on the young, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses; and to not leave children and pets in a parked car, even with the windows down.
(The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Wildfire-Evacuation)
An evacuation order has been lifted for residents near Ostrea Lake, as a wildfire burning east of downtown Halifax is now being held at about 30 hectares in size.
The Halifax Regional Municipality issued an alert telling residents of the affected areas they can return to their homes.
Residents near Ostrea Lake in Musquodoboit Harbour are being told to stay prepared in case the situation changes.
The Department of Natural Resources says 20 firefighters are working the scene about 45 kilometres east of downtown Halifax. (The Canadian Press)
