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School support union, gov’t back to table days before possible strike

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Just days before a possible strike, the provincial government and the union supporting more than 5,500 school support workers are back to the table Thursday, days before a possible strike.

In a statement on Thursday, CUPE said they were planning on issuing a 48-hour strike notice Friday after talks stalled, with a strike set for Monday.

It includes positions such as early childhood educators, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, janitors and more.

However, Thursday afternoon, Houston said they have reached out to the union.

“I urge CUPE to keep students and families at the centre of these negotiations and work with us toward a reasonable agreement,” said Houston in a statement on social media.

“If CUPE chooses to strike, forcing many schools to move online and cancel programs as a result, students and their families will bear the consequences.”

The union said quality of education and wages are the key sticking points. They are asking for $3.50 an hour wage increase over four years for each member.

In a statement, President of CUPE Nelson Scott says, “We look forward to seeing the government’s revised position and we are confident that they have heard from Nova Scotian’s how important school support workers are to our communities.”

Soctt says they will be happy to recommend a tentative agreement that addresses serious concerns, working conditions and compensation.

Houston said there is still an opportunity to reach an agreement.

…more to come…

Premier Tim Houston March 5, 2025

Man released on bail after premier’s windshield smashed

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A 19-year-old man who is facing charges after the premier’s windshield was smashed has been released on bail.

Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Service said the suspect was released after paying $5,000 and was put on house arrest.

Tim Houston is on a speaking tour across the province this summer and Wolfville was his first stop on July 15.

He had to be escorted by police at Acadia University after protestors blocked him from leaving.

According to the premier’s office, his and his staff’s vehicles were swarmed as they tried to leave, pushing law enforcement and damaged his vehicle while Houston was inside.

Political leaders condemned the acts, including Prime Minister Mark Carney who said there is no excuse for violence and intimidation.

Claudia Chender

NDP calls for N.S. to work with feds on affordable living in Halifax

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The official opposition is calling on Premier Tim Houston to sign a deal with the federal government to make Halifax more affordable.

In a news release, leader of the NDP, Claudia Chender urges Houston to use federal funds to invest in programs that keep affordable apartments and to expand rapid transit and ferry service.

“Rents in Halifax continue to rise while they drop across Canada. People are spending hours in their cars and hundreds of dollars in gas each week just trying to get to work or drop their kids at school,” says Chender.

Chender adds, Ottawa has put $366 million dollars on the table for Nova Scotians through the Building Communities Strong Fund. It can be for housing and post-secondary education infrastructure.

In addition, she says, the Canada Public Transit Fund includes $25 billion over 10 years for public transit infrastructure. Deals have already been signed with Ontario and Quebec.

“We can build functional, affordable cities when we make different choices,” says Chender. “We can make sure renters don’t get hit with price hike year after year. We can make sure commuters Bedford, Sackville, Hants County and Lunenburg don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for gas and parking every day.”

That, she says, starts with a deal from Ottawa.

HOUSTON_1

Houston blames opposition for province-wide arts rally

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Premier Tim Houston said it appears the NDP is looking for ways to gain a political advantage.

He made the comments Thursday afternoon, when questioned by reporters about accusing the official opposition of organizing Wednesday’s rally for arts and culture, the Premier responded, “well, the NDP were obviously speaking there, promoting it. They’ve, you know, it’s part of what they’re doing.”

Thousands of people across Nova Scotia joined the rally in response to last week’s spring budget, which included hundreds of cuts to arts and culture programs. The government said the reductions are necessary to help tackle a $1.2 billion deficit.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender said she was not the only one to speak at the rally. Other government officials stepped outside to address the crowd including Liberal Leader Ian Rankin and Independent MLA Becky Druhan.

The event drew widespread attention from the arts community, with many participants voicing concern that the budget cuts could have lasting impacts on cultural institutions and local artists.

While Houston reiterated that the province must focus on fiscal responsibility, opposition members argue that the arts are a vital part of Nova Scotia’s identity and economy.

The debate over funding priorities is expected to continue as the legislature reviews the details of the spring budget.