(NB-Power-Rate)
N-B Power wants to increase electricity rates by an average of 5.5 per cent for each of the next three years.
The utility says the rate hike is needed to cover the costs of maintaining and modernizing its aging system.
Last year, N-B Power proposed a 4.75 per cent increase and the final number approved by the regulator was 4.29 per cent.
If approved, the new rates would come into force next April. (The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Hockey-Consent-Education)
Minor hockey players in Nova Scotia will participate in mandatory training about consent and hazing later this month.
It’s part of a pilot program from Hockey Nova Scotia and the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre in Halifax.
It comes after two under-15 minor hockey players in Colchester County were charged with sexual assault following a hazing incident during a team sleepover last fall.
One of the accused players changed his plea to guilty last month, while the other pleaded not guilty in May. (The Canadian Press)
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(NS-Traffic-Safety)
Nova Scotia’s new traffic rules go into effect on October 19th.
The province unveiled regulations under the new Traffic Safety Act on Wednesday.
It adds “vulnerable road users,” such as pedestrians and emergency crews, to the law and increases fines for drivers who harm them.
The rules also clarify that drivers must clear snow and ice before driving and limit e-bike use to riders over 14. (The Canadian Press)
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(NL-Churchill-Falls)
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham has spoken with Quebec premier-designate Paul St. Pierre-Plamondon.
Wakeham’s office says they spoke about advancing a sweeping new agreement to share energy from the Churchill River in Labrador.
The office says St. Pierre-Plamondon needs time to be brought up to speed on the file.
St. Pierre-Plamondon and the Parti Québécois won a minority government in Quebec’s provincial election earlier this week. (The Canadian Press)
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(NL-NunatuKavut-Challenge)
The NunatuKavut Community Council in Labrador is fighting Canada’s decision to deny the group Indigenous rights under Section 35 of the Constitution.
In a Federal Court application, the council says the Canadian government ignored historical and genealogical evidence when it ended talks with the group.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada said last month that information provided by the council did not meet established tests for Section 35 rights.
The section of the Constitution Act recognizes and affirms Indigenous and treaty rights. (The Canadian Press)
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(PEI-Province-House)
The Speaker now has the keys to P-E-I’s Province House after 12 years of building restoration.
The legislature has not met in the legislative chamber since November 2014.
Lawmakers first took their seats there in 1847.
An open house — complete with a parade — is scheduled for October 24th. (The Canadian Press)
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(Atlantic Update by The Canadian Press)
