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Proposed $210 million project misses deposit deadline

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A $210 million offshore oil project has missed the deadline to put down a $50 million deposit, leaving the future of the project unclear.

Premier Tim Houston took to social media to make the announcement, saying “there is no question this is a setback.”

Earlier this year, Nova Scotian-led company Inceptio Oil and Gas Limited was selected for two exploration parcels, with planned work and expenditures totalling more than $210 million. 

Houston called the investment a “massive first step” for renewed offshore oil and gas industry in Nova Scotia.

At first, the company had 30 days to put down the $50 million deposit. The deadline was later moved to August, then again to Oct. 26.

Now, according to the premier, the company has informed him they will be unable to meet the latest deadline to put down the deposit.

Houston says his government will continue efforts to explore offshore petroleum opportunities developed responsibly. 

“Our past success in the sector – the Deep Panuke Offshore Gas Project and Sable Offshore Energy Project – saw hundreds of Nova Scotian families employed right here at home,” said Houston.” (The projects) brought in billions of dollars that helped build schools, hospitals and roads and fuelled the provincial economy.”

The premier went on to say he’s confident that Nova Scotia can see a similar positive impact in the future.

Dr. Georges‑L.‑Dumont University Hospital Centre.

Infrastructure investments for N.B., starting at Dumont Hospital

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A new bilateral infrastructure agreement means $461 million invested in priority projects in New Brunswick.

The deal between the federal and provincial governments includes $155 million for health-related infrastructure.

Moncton’s Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre will get the first bit of the health-care funding.

According to a press release from the Department of Health, $25.7 million will be spent for endoscopy modernization and expansion, as well as $1 million for planning activities to support a broader redevelopment concept and future infrastructure requirements.

“New Brunswickers deserve to get the right care, in the right place, when they need it,” Premier Susan Holt said in a statement.

“That means making sure our health-care teams have the facilities and equipment they need to provide that care.”

The president and CEO of Vitalité Health Network praised the investment in the Dumont.

“The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre plays an essential role in the delivery of specialized care in New Brunswick and in training the next generation of health-care professionals,” said Dr. France Desrosiers.

“These investments will support the transformation of our infrastructure to improve care environments, increase our capacity and better meet the growing needs of the population.”

Federal Internal Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the agreement marks an important step in building infrastructure New Brunswick needs, and not just in health care.

“Canada and New Brunswick are making strategic investments that will help unlock new housing, strengthen post-secondary education and support modern, reliable health infrastructure,” LeBlanc said.

The money comes from the Build Communities Strong Fund, announced in the 2025 federal budget.

Susan Holt during media scrum 4/14/26

N.B. premier attends investment summit

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The premier is headed to Toronto to bring a message to investors.

New Brunswick has what the world wants, and the province is ready to move on its opportunities.

Holt and Natural Resources Minister John Herron are participating in the inaugural Canada Investment Summit Monday and Tuesday.

They’re using the event as the anchor for a trip they hope will be a broader investment-attraction initiative across the Greater Toronto Area.

“New Brunswick has the people, resources, infrastructure and opportunities investors are looking for,” Holt said in a release issued Friday.

“We are going to Toronto to attract new investment, build relationships and show investors that New Brunswick is ready to work with them to get projects moving and create good-paying jobs for New Brunswickers.”

As part of the summit, New Brunswick will showcase major investment opportunities in areas like critical minerals, advanced materials, energy, digital infrastructure and transportation.

The government will highlight and pitch New Brunswick-based projects like the Mactaquac lifetime achievement project, new nuclear development, the Sisson mine project, Belledune port expansion, the Saint John trade corridor, the Lorneville data centre, the Dalhousie pozzolan project and the Atlantic e-methanol production project.

According to the government, those projects represent more than $30 billion in capital investment opportunities in the province.

Belledune Port Authority president and CEO Denis Caron said the summit is an important opportunity to show investors what New Brunswick can offer and how the province can play a part in building stronger, more resilient supply chains.

“The Port of Belledune is advancing a phased expansion that will strengthen our capacity to support critical minerals, bulk products, mine supply and global trade,” Caron said in a statement.

“By connecting investors with projects like ours and bringing the strength of Team New Brunswick to the table, we can demonstrate the significant opportunities available to invest, grow and trade from New Brunswick.”

The investment-attraction mission will be led by Opportunities New Brunswick.

The government said the mission will include meetings on sector-focused business development, engagement with existing clients and prospective investors, networking opportunities and strategic communications.

The mission will focus on priority sectors, including mining, cybersecurity, defence, financial services and other high-growth industries that line up with New Brunswick’s economic priorities.

“New Brunswick has the natural resources, energy opportunities and critical infrastructure that Canada and the world need,” said Herron.

“We have major projects with the potential to bring billions of dollars in investment and create good-paying jobs, and we are ready to work with investors to turn that potential into action.”

ai generated, lock, encryption, cybersecurity, security, laptop, computer, technology, business, data

N.B. cybersecurity company secures $16M investment

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New Brunswick continues to work on positioning itself as a strategic hub for the defence and cybersecurity sectors.

Lastwall, a Fredericton-based cybersecurity company, has secured a $16-million equity investment to support continued growth.

The money is coming from the Business Development Bank of Canada and the New Brunswick Innovation Fund.

Premier Susan Holt said the province has strategic advantages Canada needs to strengthen defence capabilities.

“We are home to the military training ground at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, we have access to two deepwater ports, growing expertise in cybersecurity and a strategic location on the Atlantic (Ocean) with connections to the Arctic,” the premier said in a statement.

Holt says Lastwall’s growth is a good example of leveraging those advantages to attract investment and jobs to the province.

The NBIF’s $1.5-million investment is the largest single investment and largest initial investment in a New Brunswick company from the fund.

Foundation president and CEO Jeff White said every startup that grows creates momentum for the next.

“Lastwall is building technology that solves critical challenges in defence and cybersecurity while attracting significant investment into New Brunswick,” Jeff White said.

“This is exactly the type of company we want to support.”

Lastwall co-founder and CEO Karl Holmqvist said New Brunswick is building an ecosystem where innovation is embraced.

“The province has an opportunity to become a proving ground for world-class identity technology built right here,” Holmqvist said.

“We want to demonstrate what’s possible, strengthen the services New Brunswickers rely on, and show that the technology we’ve built in New Brunswick can solve critical challenges around the world.”

Young woman cooking food recipe with garlic clove on kitchen stove, adding aromatic ingredient in frying pan to prepare restaurant dish. Chef in uniform making meal preparations. Handheld shot.

Federal government announces investment in Devour! Studios

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The federal government announced $135,000 of funding for a Wolfville non-profit.

The money is going to Devour! Studious, to support the development and delivery of the Nova Scotia Seafood Academy.

The academy is a three-day hands-on culinary experience, and in a press release the federal government said curious home chefs and culinary travellers from across the continent will come to learn about Nova Scotia seafood preparation, sustainable sourcing, local products and the stories behind the province’s seafood sector.

They say they expect the academy to draw up to 500 visitors, with many expected to stay multiple nights, supporting local accommodations, restaurants and businesses.

The funding was announced by Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois.

“From our world-class seafood to the creativity of our chefs and producers, Nova Scotia has a fantastic story to share with guests from across Canada and around the world,” said Blois. “This investment is helping Devour! Studies turn that story into an unforgettable experience that brings more visitors to the Annapolis Valley and connects them with the people, businesses and cultures that make the region so vibrant.”

The Nova Scotia Seafood Academy pilot program is currently in its second year. The Food Film Fest, which is also run by Devour! Studios, has welcomed nearly 100,000 attendees, including celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain, Phil Rosenthal and Lidia Bastianich. 

The federal government estimates that the film festival brought in nearly $1.9 million in economic activity in 2019.

The funding is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund.

ANCHOR YOUTH SPACE

N.S. adding five youth mental health hubs

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Young people in Nova Scotia will soon have greater access to mental health services thanks to a $10 million federal investment to expand Integrated Youth Services (IYS) across the province.

Ministers joined IWK President and CEO, Dr. Krista Jangaard, in Halifax Tuesday to announce the funding, which will support the growth of Anchor Youth Space, a network of youth-friendly centres offering mental health, wellness, and community resources.

From left to right: IWK President & CEO Dr. Krista Jangaard, MP Shannon Miedema, Minister of Health Maggie Chi, Minister of Health & Addictions Brian Comer. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING

Three locations are already operating in Amherst, Halifax, and Sydney.

Dr. Jangaard said the investment “reflects a shared commitment to improving how young people experience care, ensuring that they can access the right support at the right time in their communities where they feel safe.”

Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, Brian Comer, said five additional sites are planned for Bridgewater, Eskasoni (serving youth from six Mi’kmaw communities), Halifax (second site located in Spryfield), New Glasgow, and Yarmouth.

The expansion is expected to improve access to services for Indigenous youth, those living in rural areas, and other underserved communities.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, said nearly two-thirds of mental health disorders emerge before age 25, while one in four young Canadians had received a mental health diagnosis in 2022.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi during funding announcement at the IWK in Halifax. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING

Health Canada said the project is funded through the Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF). The centres provide young people aged 12 to 25 and their families with access to services ranging from primary care and mental health supports to substance use, education and employment services.

While the program is still in its early stages, Dr. Jangaard said the three existing sites have already recorded thousands of visits and are receiving positive feedback from youth.

When asked whether young people need a parent or guardian to access services, Comer said youth can often walk in on their own and that “there’s no wrong door.”

Entrance to Anchor Youth Space in North End, Halifax. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING

“You don’t need a referral from any kind of clinical healthcare provider, which is great,” said Comer. “You would probably touch base with one of the staff members to do an intake process. Then, we’d have options to kind of guide you in the proper direction.”

Chi said, “every young person deserves the opportunity to look to the future with hope and know that support is available when they need it.”

Rainbow trout jumps out of water while feeding on fish farm. Concept aquaculture pisciculture. Aerial top view

Provincial government announces $2.67 million for aquaculture projects

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Nova Scotia’s seafood sector is getting a $2.67 million boost.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith announced the projects receiving support on July 15 at Innovative Fishery Products Inc. in St. Bernard, Digby County.

Innovative Fishery Products Inc. is receiving $870,228 for a new oyster hatchery and nursery, and is one of three companies to be receiving funding as part of the announcement.

Cedar Bay Grilling Company in Blandford is receiving $950,000 to install a salmon filleting and processing line, and Lobster Hub Inc. in Meteghan Centre is receiving $900,000 to support a new freezing and concentration process to turn lobster byproducts into lobster stock.

“Our seafood sector is one of Nova Scotia’s greatest economic strengths, supporting thousands of jobs and driving activity in communities across the province,” said Smith. “Through this fund, we are helping businesses modernize, grow and create more value here at home, while positioning Nova Scotia seafood to compete in markets around the world.”

These announcements are part of the province’s plan to invest $4.7 million in the seafood sector. 

In a press release, the provincial government said that the businesses in these announcements have completed the review and approval process, and that more recipients may be announced as remaining applications are processed. All funded projects must be completed by January 2027.

HFX SEED COMPANY 2026

Province invests $1.7M in N.S. agriculture projects

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The Nova Scotia government is investing more than $1.7 million in four agriculture projects aimed at helping businesses expand production, develop new products, and reach new markets.

Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced the funding on Monday, July 13, at East Coast Wild Blueberry Ltd. in Debert. The company is receiving $600,000 through the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund to establish commercial rhubarb production. The project is expected to generate about $7 million in additional annual sales.

“We’re investing in companies that are making a strong contribution to our economy and to rural communities,” Morrow said. “Through this fund, we’re helping them develop new markets, increase their revenue base and build value here in Nova Scotia.”

Three other agriculture businesses are also receiving support:

  • Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. in Great Village, Colchester County, will receive $500,000 to expand year-round greenhouse production of leafy greens using hydroponic technology.
  • Eyking Brothers Farms Ltd. in Millville, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, will receive $400,000 to build a new packing and distribution facility and purchase advanced harvesting equipment.
  • Vitis Vines Inc. in Centreville, Kings County, will receive $235,000 to increase its tissue culture capacity and expand the supply of locally produced grapevines and horticultural planting material.

The province says the projects will help increase local food production, improve efficiency, reduce reliance on imports, and expand access to international markets.

Lynne Godlien, CEO of Perennia, says, “This has been such an exciting and rewarding program for us to administer for the Province. It was a rigorous and competitive application process and the agriculture industry showed up with progressive ideas, business acumen and passion, underscoring how bright the future is for their businesses, their communities and for Nova Scotia.” 

Officials say projects must be completed by January 2027, and that these investments are expected to create long-term economic benefits for Nova Scotia’s agriculture sector while supporting growth in rural communities.

Money annual budget concept. stacked coins and wooden cubes with word Budget on coins background. Free space for advertising materials

Municipality of Yarmouth approves nearly $20M operating budget for 2026–27

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The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth has approved nearly $20 million in spending for its 2026–27 operating budget, outlining priorities for the year ahead.

In a release posted on social media, officials praised council for staying focused on delivering high-quality services while maintaining financial responsibility. Projected revenues include about $16.4 million from taxation and nearly $2.9 million from non-tax sources.

Key highlights include continued investments in fire and emergency protective services ($4.45 million), fiscal reserves ($6.59 million), infrastructure across the district ($1.38 million), environmental health services ($1.82 million), as well as ongoing support for recreational and cultural programs ($1.16 million).

Warden John Cunningham says the budget ensures residents have access to the services they depend on, and that they are “well-funded, well-managed, and built to last.” He adds they are “proud to present a budget that positions our community for a strong and sustainable future.”

Officials say the plan reflects the municipality’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and service excellence while supporting long-term growth and improving the quality of life for all residents.

2026–27 Tax Rates:

  • Residential and Resource Tax Rate – $1.1925 per $100 of assessment
  • Commercial Tax Rate – $2.1825 per $100 of assessment
  • Special Assessment / Sewer – $91.54 per equivalent unit per quarter
  • Fire Rates (per $100 of assessment)
    • F1 Carleton – $[0.11]
    • F2 Port Maitland – $[0.15]
    • F3 Yarmouth – $[0.20]
    • F4 Lakes & District – $[0.17]
    • F5 Lake Vaughn – $[0.16]
    • F6 Valley & District – $[0.10]
    • F7 Kemptville – $[0.13]
Bed at primary care centre

Primary care funding announced for Thunder Bay–Superior North region

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New provincial funding is aimed at improving access to primary care in the Thunder Bay–Superior North region.

The Ontario government says two local health teams will receive support through its $3.4 billion Primary Care Action Plan.

Nearly $1 million is being allocated to the Nipigon District Family Health Team, while the Marathon Family Health Team will receive about $600,000.

Officials say the investment is expected to connect roughly 3,000 more people with ongoing primary care services.

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