Caitlin Snow is an award-winning news anchor who started in the radio business nearly 20 years ago. She is based in Halifax, reporting on and broadcasting stories across Nova Scotia. Contact Caitlin at snowc@radioabl.ca.
The only Catholic hospital in Nova Scotia is about to lose its religious sponsor and become more in line with every other hospital in the province regarding policies and services.
Nova Scotia Health says the Congregation of the sisters of St. Martha will not renew their agreement to sponsor St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish, when it ends September 30.
The congregation was the sponsor of the Mission Assurance Agreement with the Department of Health since 1996.
“The Sisters’ stewardship, service and leadership in healthcare includes much more than the delivery of exemplary care; it has also contributed to the education and preparation of thousands of healthcare professionals including nurses, lab technicians and X-ray technicians,” says the health authority in a news release.
Nova Scotia Health says St. Martha’s was founded by the congregation in 1906 in response to the “community’s needs”.
They say they extend their “deepest gratitude” and will honour its legacy.
A First Nation in Nova Scotia is threatening legal action against the province after five on-reserve cannabis stores were raided this week.
It was Tuesday when officers inspected illegal cannabis storefronts in Eskasoni First Nation, Potlotek First Nation, Paq’tnkek First Nation, Waycobah First Nation, and Digby.
In a statement on social media, Thursday, Pictou Landing First Nation says they want to make clear to the public, province and law enforcement that their needs to be proper consultation with their community.
“The enforcement of provincial cannabis laws on-reserve raises serious concerns and risks undermining the honour of the Crown, while disregarding the legal and historical agreements that define the relationship between the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Government of Canada,” says the statement.
It comes after a provincewide directive in December that ordered a crackdown on illegal cannabis.
In February, Nova Scotia introduced legislation to increase fines and strengthen penalties for unlicensed cannabis operations.
The First Nation says they will share their statement will relevant political representatives as they remain open to “respectful dialogue and collaboration”.
However, it says they have limited options if the pattern continues.
“Pursuing legal avenues may become necessary to ensure that our rights, governance and jurisdiction are respected,” says the statement.
Officials say the changes are intended to address ongoing challenges since legalization, as illegal dispensaries continue to outnumber legal outlets in many regions.
The province’s police watch dog has charged an officer from the Cape Breton Regional Police (CBRP) with assault.
The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) says it was November 29, 2025, when CBRP contacted them about the offence that happened the night before, involving one of their officers who was off duty.
He was charged, Thursday, and will appear in court in Sydney, May 1.
Thousands of people from across Nova Scotia gathered to protest the Houston government’s recent cuts to arts, heritage, and culture. Creatives from every corner of the province made their stance clear, with demonstrations taking place in Halifax, Yarmouth, Truro, and Windsor.
During the rally, advocates led cheers, chants, and songs as the crowd raised its voice outside the House of Assembly during Question Period, determined to make sure they were heard.
Rally for Arts, Heritage, and Culture in Halifax. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
MLA for Dartmouth North, Suzanne LeBlanc, spoke passionately about the heartfelt letters she’s received over the past week from Nova Scotians feeling the impact of these cuts.
“A mom who is devastated that their daughter was not going to have performances at their school anymore. I had someone write me to just say they live in a small town, and they understand how important the little museum is,” LeBlanc said, her voice shaking as she shared real people’s stories. “I heard from a young dancer who has been volunteering with Dancers with Disabilities every Saturday, and she is devastated that she doesn’t get to do that anymore.”
Artistic Director at Live Art Dance, Liliona Quarmyne, speaking at a rally for Arts, Heritage, and Culture in Halifax. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
As the demonstration grew louder, protesters demanded the Premier come outside and address them, chanting “bring him out” so powerfully that it could be heard for blocks.
Rally for Arts, Heritage, and Culture in Halifax. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
Rallies held in southwestern N.S.
About 75 people rallied outside Yarmouth MLA Nick Hilton’s office.
Signs read: ‘art saves lives,’ ‘support the arts,’ and ‘get in tune with Nova Scotians.’
Organizer Kathryn Davidson says the cuts slam the door on our ancestors.
“It disrespects everything that makes our beloved province so special to thousands of yearly tourists, and so many of us that are proud to call Nova Scotia home,” Davidson said.
NSGEU members were also in attendance, and say the cuts will hurt their members.
“It’s just a sad situation all around,” said local NSGEU member Lynette Hayward-Byrd.
“A lot of these cuts will hurt families, who live right here in this community. We want the Houston government to reverse this decision.”
Protestors plan to write letters to the Premier, Minister and MLAs.
Hilton responds via open letter on social media letter
Meanwhile, Yarmouth MLA Nick Hilton said he would address concerns directly in person, if he could.
In a statement on social media, he says he’s required to be in Halifax at the Legislature, representing the people of Yarmouth.
Hilton pointed to $100 million in the budget for Yarmouth, on things like the emergency department, Mariners Centre, housing, and renovations at the Th’YARC.
He adds the impact of job losses are not lost on him, but they will continue to support tourism as they push for long-term sustainability of the Yarmouth ferry.
Hilton promised to listen and make sure the community’s voice is heard.
Shelburne rally hosts over 100
In Shelburne, a rally was held in front of a museum that’s slated for closure.
Protestors gathered in front of the Ross-Thomson House and Store Museum, which was affected by the budget cuts.
Linda McNichol organized the event, and says people have worked hard to promote tourism.
“It’s going to really affect tourism. Places like restaurants, B&B’s, everything. Along with our spirit and culture, who we are as a community,” said McNichol.
The group also marched to MLA Nolan Young’s office, and will write letters to him and government officials.
Solidarity rally in Antigonish
In the northeastern part of the province, a solidarity rally is planned in Antigonish.
Andrea Boyd, Artistic Director for Theatre Antigonish and Festival Antigonish told us they planned it for later in the day so more residents could attend.
Boyd says hearing about the shocks was shocking, devastating, sort of unbelievable and everybody is feeling it.
“If it’s not a direct impact, because maybe you don’t directly receive those funds. It’s demoralizing,” said Boyd.
She added, the arts sector contributes $989 million to Nova Scotia’s GDP and supports more than 14,000 jobs.
Houston says difficult decisions need to be made
While chants were heard loudly in Province House, Premier Tim Houston said difficult decisions need to be made and times are tough.
“We are focusing on protecting health care, we are focusing on protecting school lunch programs, protecting students. We are focusing on the core services of Nova Scotians,” said Houston.
He stressed they are doing those things while keeping taxes down.
Dozens teaching assistants, research assistants and independent course appointees have walked off the job at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) after negotiations fell through.
In a news release, CUPE Local 3912 says talks with the school failed, late Tuesday.
“CUPE members need the profound insecurity they face addressed,” say Vice President Lachlan Sheldrick.
It was in February when the two sides reached an impasse after failing to agree on their first collective agreement.
The union says 113 academic workers are asking for a “fair and equitable” hiring procedure and “meaningful job security protections,” which are basic and necessary for a first contract.
According to CUPE, instructors do not have any guarantee of employment beyond a single semester.
“People are moving to Halifax from elsewhere in the country to work at NSCAD, only to find out they’re guaranteed work for just three months once they arrive,” says Lachlan Sheldrick, Unit Vice-President of CUPE 3912’s NSCAD component.
“That’s hard on our members and it’s not a reasonable expectation from the employer. As a newly organized group, we’re trying to establish clear, fair hiring rules that provide stability and recognize experience.”
You can expect AI at the main entrance (facing East River Road) as well as the emergency department entrance, with no other access available into the hospital.
Any item that is classified as a weapon, resembles a weapon or can be used as a weapon, will not be allowed inside.
To prepare, the health authority suggests arriving up to 15 minutes early, avoid bringing anything you don’t need such as backpacks, have your belongings ready and be respectful.
This summer you will have to book your parking spot at one of the most visited landmarks on Cape Breton Island.
Parks Canada says the Skyline Trail will have reserved four-hour parking timeslots from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 26 to October 25.
“The Skyline Trail is the most visited trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and offers one of the province’s most celebrated views,” says Parks Canada in a news release. “In recent years, increased visitor demand has led to frequent congestion, temporary trail closures and travelers being turned away.”
In addition to that, the Park says, overcrowding causes off-trail travel which degrades the “fragile ecosystem”.
“These trends pose challenges for visitor safety, visitor experience, staff safety and protection of fragile ecosystems,” says the Park.
Only visitors with a confirmed reservation will be allowed in the parking lot, which are available to book online or by phone.
Parks Canada says they are working to inform visitors and local communities about the new reserved parking requirement before it kicks in.
They will also promote other trails within the national park.
The stepfather of two young children who went missing from rural Nova Scotia nearly one year ago, had his first court appearance Monday, for sexual assault charges involving an adult.
The province’s public prosecution service says Daniel Martell was arraigned on sexual assault, assault and unlawful confinement.
“The Crown elected to proceed by indictment; a publication ban was also ordered. [This] prohibits information from being published, broadcast, or transmitted in any way that could identify the victim,” says the prosecution service in an email.
Martell is scheduled to be back in court on March 30 for an election and/or plea.
The 34-year-old has been in the public eye since Jack and Lilly went missing; he was in a relationship with the children’s mother for three years.
The four-and six-year-old children disappeared from Landsdowne Station, Pictou County, May 2 after allegedly wandering away from home and have not been found since.
Photo: Nova Scotia Government
Multiple searches were triggered since Jack and Lilly disappeared including one in September with cadaver dogs that covered a 40 km radius, but no remains were found.
That investigation is still a missing persons case being investigated by multiple agencies including major crimes.
Student leaders across the province are gearing up for a historic university strike to protest deep cuts to post‑secondary education, demand affordable tuition, and call for a new approach to university funding.
Organizers say the week‑long action, March 15 to 21, will mark the first province‑wide student walkout in Nova Scotia’s history.
The idea was first mandated at a Canadian Federation of Students–Nova Scotia (CFS‑NS) meeting last year, but Premier Tim Houston’s recent budget, which slashes over $20 million from post‑secondary education, has reignited momentum and intensified calls for change.
Students are demanding a 20% tuition cut, a single tuition rate for all students—including international students—and for universities to divest from companies linked to weapons production, fossil fuels, human rights violations, or resource projects on Indigenous land.
Students are reviving Quebec’s iconic red square strike symbolism. PHOTO BY NATALIE CHIASSON /Acadia Broadcasting
The event is inspired by Quebec’s 2012 student movement.
Organizers are reviving the iconic red square symbol with the slogan “Meet our demands or you’ll be squarely in the red.”
Owen Skeen, National Treasurer of the Canadian Federation of Students, explains that “students are squarely in the red. We’re paying for exorbitant tuition rates; we are taking out loans. We’re ending up in debt.”
He adds, the phrase also warns government: meet demands or face economic consequences from the strike.
Dalhousie student Leah Walter says, “Dalhousie has $28 million invested in fossil fuels and $207 million in Israel—yet they’re cutting minority programs.”
However, the school argues that current investments conflict with university values and come at a time when some programs face cuts and funding pressures.
Representatives say students from schools including Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD), King’s College and Acadia University will walk out to stand together.
NSCAD Student Union President Ziggy Kirch asks, “If we don’t fight for these things now, where are we going to draw the line?”
The report shows 22.7 per cent of children lived in poverty, a 4.6 per cent decrease from 2022, however that is still over 40,000 children.
These figures leave Nova Scotia with the highest rate of child poverty in Atlantic Canada and third-highest for all the provinces in Canada.
Co-author and director Dr. Christine Saulnier says when one in five children live in poverty, that is policy failure.
“The structural drivers reflected in the 2023 data – low wages, inadequate income supports, and unaffordable housing- remain in place today. This government cannot claim progress while maintaining the lowest per-capita spending on social protection in Canada,” says Saulnier.
She says knowing what works, the question is whether this government is prepared to invest at the scale required.
“As the legislature opens, children and families deserve more than incremental change. The upcoming budget is the clearest opportunity to demonstrate whether reducing child poverty is truly a priority,” says report co-author and Acadia University Sociology professor and Director of Fed Family Lab, Dr. Lesley Frank.
