Faced with protests across the province, Nova Scotia Liberal Premier Stephen McNeil suddenly reversed course this afternoon and decided to re-open Nova Scotia schools on Tuesday morning. In a statement released at 4:59PM, Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey said that "we are confident that the Nova Scotia Teachers Union has modified its directives to teachers in such a way that schools can now open safely."
Here is Casey's statement:
Read more
[This document is the official notice for parents on the student lockout put out by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development on December 3, 2016.]
Information Notice for Parents and Guardians
from the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
December 3, 2016
Public schools closed to students
As of Monday morning, Dec. 5, all public schools in Nova Scotia will be closed to students to ensure students’ safety.
Read more
MONDAY 4:59 PM: BREAKING NEWS: MCNEIL REVERSES COURSE: SCHOOLS TO OPEN ON TUESDAY MORNING!
[Note: The following material was posted before McNeil's Monday afternoon decision to re-open schools on Tuesday morning.]
Liberal Premier Stephen McNeil's stunning decision to lock out all of Nova Scotia's students has left parents scrambling for options and provoke a storm of outrage. Students at Eastern Shore District High and other schools walked out on Friday to support the teachers. The Nova Scotia House of Assembly has been called back into session on Monday at 10 AM to ram through a bill forcing the teachers to go back to work under the terms of a contract that the union rejected earlier this fall. Schools may be closed for as much as a week.
Keep coming back to this article on the Cooperator website for links to the latest news on the growing number of protests, on the government's effort to legislate a contract and force teachers back to work, and on efforts along the Eastern Shore to care for all of the locked-out students. And check out the Eastern Shore Cooperator's Facebook page for additional news. You can also leave your comments on the Facebook page, and share information about where to find daycare, etc.
Read more
Pain is one of the more prominent symptoms of arthritis, but need not prevent people from being physically active. There are many benefits to regular activity and exercise, including improving muscle strength and endurance, reducing pain, improving joint mobility and improving the health of joints and the strength of bones. Regular activity and exercise also help to improve sleep, balance, self-confidence, and the ability to manage stress. A physiotherapist can design, modify and monitor your exercise routine to address your specific needs.
Read more
Building on a series of successful pilot programs, Justice Minister Diana Whalen has announced the province-wide expansion of the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program to adults. Whalen made the announcement on November 21 at a National Restorative Justice Symposium in Halifax
Read more
If you’re not happy with the speed of your Internet service, here’s a chance to get some provincial funds to improve your service. From now through December 31, 2016, municipalities and community groups can apply for funding for small-scale projects to bring higher-speed Internet service to rural areas of Nova Scotia.
Read more
If you know someone you think is an outstanding volunteer in his or her community, here’s your chance to see the province recognize them. From now until February 24, 2017, you can send in your nominations for the following categories:
Read more
HRM’s sudden decision to choke off development permits for 25-acre lots was not the only surprise blow against rural development this year. Regional Council also overrode the recommendation of its staff and decided to require lot-grading permits for all new buildings in the municipality. Staff had recommended these expensive permits—(up to $6,000 and weeks of additional waiting time)—only for areas serviced by municipal sewers.
Read more
[Note: The Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest (OPDF) in Mooseland is a 1,595 acre woodland operated as a division of the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association. OPDF is a place for all Nova Scotians to learn about forest ecology and the sustainable management of our native Acadian Forest.]
Read more
If you spend any time at all on the Internet, you have seen the ads: a friendly looking woman, photographed against a wealthy-looking background, explains how she wants to show you how to make $100,000 in the next 3 weeks. Then the ad cuts to another person, who waives a check for $54,600 and tells you he made that much money yesterday.
Read more
