Kim Masland MLA Queens

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--One New Case of COVID-19 ---------------------------------------------------------------- As of today, Nov. 19, Nova Scotia has 23 active cases of COVID-19. One new case was identified Wednesday, Nov. 18. The new case is in the Central Zone and is currently under investigation....Continue reading

An important message for our Queens Manor community: As we see the beginnings of a resurgence of COVID 19 in Nova Scotia with Dr. Strang acknowledging that ther...e is "community spread" in the province, we have made the difficult decision to cease all community outings/visitation between residents and their families and loved ones. We recognize the disappointment this will cause for all involved. Indoor visitation will continue. We look forward to being able to reintroduce community outings between residents and loved ones when we are confident that the associated risk to our residents and staff is minimal. Dr. Strang has sent a clear message that we are at the edge of a fall into a second wave of COVID 19 here in Nova Scotia. He also has stressed that this is not inevitable and that it is up to each of us to do our part to prevent this from happening. We each hold that responsibility and have the power to prevent what we are seeing in other parts of the country. This difficult decision is part of that responsibility. For those residents who already have medical appointments scheduled with family members transporting them, we will permit these outings where other arrangements cannot be made in short notice. We thank you for your understanding and we look forward to coming out on the other side of this once-in-a-generation pandemic healthy, happy, and resilient. Andrew MacVicar Executive Director

It was a pleasure to question witnesses from the Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage (CCH) at Veterans Committee. The topic of discussion was the Legion Capital Assistance Program. I was joined by my colleague Murray Ryan. Thank you to Natasha Jackson, Director of Communities Nova Scotia and Bill Greenlaw, Executive Director Communities, Sport and Recreation for an overview of a program that is very important to our Legions. I am very proud to be part of this committee to advocate for our Veterans and Legions.

Houston: Government needs to commit to meeting their testing goals For Immediate Release November 18, 2020... While Dr. Robert Strang continues to push Nova Scotians to take care of each other after all but confirming community spread, Stephen McNeil has come up short on providing resources to keep the province safe. On October 6th, the Premier told Nova Scotians that his government would process 2,500 tests per day by mid-November, but the province has refused to test at airports and has struggled to break 1,000 tests on most days. We are testing well below our capacity, said Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston. The province should test individuals who are asymptomatic at pharmacies like other provinces, we should test everyone coming into the province at a point of entry. Then we could test them again if they’ve tested positive. There is much more we can do to minimize the spread. Back in the summer, the PCs previously called for mobile testing at Nova Scotia schools. A study yesterday from McMaster HealthLabs tested over 8,600 international travellers at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. It found a 1% positivity rate of Covid-19, with 0.7% detected on arrival at the airport, 0.3% detected on day 7, and less than 0.1% detected on day 14. COVID-19 isn’t going away. says Houston Travel in the near future will likely require either testing or proof of vaccination and it’s time that the Premier catches up and listens to the science and data. It’s the only way to keep us safe and rebuild our economy. Nova Scotia is the second last in cumulative testing per capita in the country, and with the second wave here, people across the province are wondering why we didn’t increase capacity when times were good. With $228 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus funding from Ottawa still unaccounted for, members of the media have asked for a breakdown of the money. The Premier told them: I’m not your research department. For Houston, that money should be used to keep people safe through testing. Is it a money issue? Houston asked. Is Premier McNeil not spending the money that Prime Minister Trudeau sent down? This isn’t a time to be stingy while Nova Scotians are fighting hard to keep cases low. When we aren’t close to reaching testing levels, we have to ask why.

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--Two New Cases of COVID-19, State of Emergency Renewed ----------------------------------------------------------------- As of today, Oct. 30, Nova Scotia has six active cases of COVID-19. Two new cases were identified Thursday, Oct. 29. The two new cases are in the Northern Zone and are related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. One individual has been in self-isolation since returning to the province, as required. The other individual was not requir...Continue reading

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--One New Case of COVID-19, State of Emergency Renewed ----------------------------------------------------------------- As of today, Oct. 16, Nova Scotia has four active cases of COVID-19. One new case was identified Thursday, Oct. 15. The new case is in the Central Zone and is related to travel outside Atlantic Canada. The individual has been self-isolating, as required....Continue reading

In my role as Justice critic, yesterday I spoke with CTV News Atlantic concerning the delay in the Desmond Inquiry. It is important that this inquiry resumes quickly so that societal changes to the way we address PTSD particularly amongst veterans to inform public policy in the future. Families had been waiting for years for some kind of closure. These delays are taking a toll on them. Government needs to treat this serious and sensitive issue with the respect it deserves. ... Listen to my thoughts below in this clip

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--Three New Cases of COVID-19 --------------------------------------------------------------- As of today, Nov. 18, Nova Scotia has 24 active cases of COVID-19. Three new cases were identified Tuesday, Nov. 17. The new cases are in the Central Zone. All the cases are close contacts of previously reported cases. ...Continue reading

Temporary closure at Roseway Hospital’s emergency department, Oct. 31 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, October 30, 2020... SHELBURNE, N.S. Roseway Hospital’s emergency department will be closed: From 7 a.m., Saturday, October 31, until Sunday, November 1, at 8 a.m. This is due to lack of physician coverage. Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911. For general health advice and information call 811, which is a service offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by experienced registered nurses. The Mental Health Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167. All temporary closures can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/temporaryclosures

Temporary closure at Roseway Hospital’s emergency department, Nov. 18-20 SHELBURNE, N.S. Roseway Hospital’s emergency department will be closed: From 7 p.m., tonight, Wednesday, November 18, until tomorrow, Thursday, November 19, at 8 a.m.... From 7 p.m., Thursday, November 19, until Friday November 20, at 8 a.m. This is due to lack of physician coverage. Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911. For general health advice and information call 811, which is a service offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by experienced registered nurses. The Mental Health Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167. All temporary closures can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/temporaryclosures

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--No New Cases of COVID-19 ----------------------------------------------------------- As of today, Oct. 15, Nova Scotia has three active cases of COVID-19. No new cases were identified Wednesday, Oct. 14. Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 907 Nova Scotia tests on Oct. 14....Continue reading

So very happy to stop by and wish this beautiful couple a Happy 50th Anniversary! The love these two have for each other has brought great happiness and allowed them to overcome tremendous loss. For me, they are role models of how a marriage should be. Both supporting, giving, caring and loving each other above all. Please join me in wishing Anne and Reide Mansfield of Westfield a very Happy 50th Anniversary.

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--COVID Alert App Available in Nova Scotia ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotians will be able to receive COVID-19 exposure alerts directly to their smartphones when using Health Canada's free COVID Alert App. "As a province we have all shown a steadfast commitment to flattening the curve and keeping COVID activity low," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "As we learn to live with the virus, COVID Alert is another too...l that will help keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy." COVID Alert can be downloaded through the Apple or Google Play app stores. When installed, the app communicates using Bluetooth with nearby phones which also have the app installed. An app user who tests positive for COVID-19, is given a unique code by the Nova Scotia Health Authority to input into COVID Alert. If any other user with the app, whose phone was within two metres/six feet for at least 15 minutes of the infected person's phone, will be notified that they may have been exposed to COVID 19. The app will give the user guidance like monitor for symptoms, take the online self-assessment if they begin to feel unwell, and more information about what to do next. COVID Alert does not collect personal or health information and does not know or track the location, name, or contacts of any user. "I would encourage Nova Scotians who are able, to download and use COVID Alert as one measure to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our province," said Dr. Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health. "Nova Scotians are reminded that they should continue to follow all public health measures in place, regardless if they use the COVID Alert app." Quick Facts: -- as of Oct. 15, more than four million Canadians have downloaded COVID Alert Additional Resources: Coronavirus (COVID-19): download COVID Alert: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/covid-alert-app/ How the COVID Alert app works: https://www.canada.ca//pub/services/video/covid-alert.html

COMMUNITIES/CULTURE/HERITAGE--Investments to Improve Community Facilities Nova Scotia communities depend on safe spaces where people can gather, celebrate and connect. To support these spaces, the province is investing in 36 projects that will improve existing cultural and community facilities. I am very excited that Milton Community Association was successful in receiving $20,000 for kitchen upgrades and Little Harbour and Area Social Society in Shelburne County received $14,500 for roof repairs and heat pump installation.

Government inaction is putting mental health, school sports seasons at risk. On September 22, 2020, I wrote to the Minister of Education concerning school gyms closing at 6pm. I am deeply concerned about the emotional and physical health benefits of those living in our communities not being able to access our school gyms. In Queens-Shelburne many of our coaches are working during the school hours and with access to our schools being restricted, it has resulted in many of ...Continue reading

Welcome to Queens County Xaver Varnus!

Temporary closure at Roseway Hospital’s emergency department, Oct. 15-18 SHELBURNE, N.S. Roseway Hospital’s emergency department will be closed: From 6 p.m. tonight, Thursday, October 15, until Saturday, October 17, at 8 a.m.... This is due to lack of physician coverage. Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911. For general health advice and information call 811, which is a service offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by experienced registered nurses. The Mental Health Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167. Please note - All Nova Scotia Health outpatient blood collections take place by booked appointments only. At this time we are not able to accept walk-ins. For a blood collection appointment at Roseway Hospital, call toll-free: 1-833-998-2722 call between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. to Fri., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All temporary closures can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/temporaryclosures

This certainly makes the heart happy! I am delighted to see community members coming together once again to give gifts to Seniors who may be alone for Christmas. During my time in Senior Safety, I would hear from Seniors, time and time again that Christmas was a lonely time of the year for them. Once again, let's spread the wonder and magic of Christmas for those living in our communities. "Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate by giving the light of love to those who need it most"

COVID-19/BUSINESS--CXN--Commercial Property Tax Relief for Owners of Hotels, Motels and Inns ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia's hotel, motel and inn operators are getting assistance with property tax bills to help with COVID-19 recovery.... The Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program will provide qualified operators a 25 per cent rebate on payment of 2020-21 commercial property tax. The program opens Nov. 16. To be eligible, a business must meet the definition of a roofed accommodation as set out in the Tourist Accommodation Registration Act, be registered as a host under the act, have more than five rooms and have paid their tax bill in full. Qualified operators must, for the period from April 1, 2020 to Oct. 31, 2020, have incurred a year-over-year revenue loss for room accommodation of greater than 30 per cent compared to same period the previous year. New operators who were not in business before April 1, 2020 may still be entitled to a rebate if they can demonstrate lower than 50 per cent occupancy rate since opening their business. Program information and eligibility criteria is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/ Quote: "This program is a great first step in opening conversations with the province about the need for relief that can assist us at this time. Our role as the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia is to continue to work with the province. The hotels need relief that will not only sustain us now, but that will work towards the regeneration of our industry in the future." - Megan Delaney, Hotel Association of Nova Scotia Quick Facts: -- Nova Scotia's tourism industry is expected to generate $900 million in 2020, compared to nearly $2.7 billion last year -- accommodations operators experienced on average a 56 per cent decrease in the number of room nights sold to the end of August over the same period in 2019 -- the industry employs about five per cent of Nova Scotians, or close to 50,000 people -- federal and provincial pandemic-response programming for the tourism industry to date includes wage subsidies, rent assistance, grants, business continuity vouchers and access to low-interest rate loans and credit Additional Resources: Tourist Accommodation Registration Act: https://nslegislature.ca//tourist%20accommodations%20regis Provincial COVID supports for business: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/ Federal COVID supports for business: https://www.canada.ca//depart/economic-response-plan.html

Mill Village Bridge --------- Please know that I have reached out to Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) again this morning about Mill Village Steel Truss Bridge. Recently, a few decking boards were replaced on this bridge by a local crew. PLEASE KNOW THIS IS NOT THE PLANNED REPLACEMENT OF THE DECK SURFACE OF THIS BRIDGE! ... As many of you know, I have written to the Minister, asked questions in the Legislature and spoken with the District Director and Area Manager about the deck resurfacing and inspection of this bridge. I have been relentless for a commitment. TIR committed to me months ago the repairs to the bridge will be done in December 2020. I have re-confirmed this commitment again this morning. I have also been advised all Steel Truss bridges are inspected annually by a Provincial Truss Bridge Inspector. Presently this bridge has a 18 tonne weight restriction which will be the same after the bridge's surface is replaced. This bridge has created concern for those who use it daily and I share your concerns. It is the reason why I have been pushing for it to be a priority of the department each time I meet with them. If you have further concerns or wish to discuss with me, please reach out to the office. You can also call 902-354-5035 to register your concerns with the Departments call center. Photo Credit: Susan Levy

BUSINESS--Applications Open for Second Round of Forestry Innovation Fund Nov. 1 ----------------------------------------------------------- Applications for the second round of the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust will be accepted in November. Applications open Sunday, Nov. 1 and close Monday, Nov. 30. The $50-million fund was announced in February to continue to advance the transition and development of Nova Scotia's forestry sector. Twenty-two applications were received... in the first round. Those applications are being reviewed with decisions expected in early December. The trust may be used by companies, organizations or post-secondary institutions working and researching in the forestry and biological resources sectors. A three-member trustee board will review submissions and make spending decisions. An application guide and forms are online at https://novascotia.ca/forestry-trust/ . Quotes: "The trustees and I have been impressed by the ideas that have come forward to develop new markets and products. Applications from the first round cover a range of sector issues and are from a diverse mix of private sector, industry and research groups. We look forward to seeing more innovative proposals to advance ecological forestry and secure the future of the sector." - Sandra McKenzie, chair, Forestry Innovation Transition Trust board Quick Facts: -- projects may include the development of high-value products and/or new and enhanced business models, processes or services, inclusive economic growth opportunities and new ecological services -- forestry workers may also seek funding to support training or retraining, if other education funding sources have been exhausted -- advice and guidance on proposals will be sought from sector leaders and innovators -- the fund will be available until March 31, 2025, or when the funds have been spent -- trustees are chair Sandra McKenzie, Douglas Hall and David Saxton Additional Resources: Government's forestry sector support website is at: https://novascotia.ca/forestry-sector-support/ A new vision for the forestry sector, developed by the Forestry Transition Team, is available at https://novascotia.ca/forestry-sector-support/transition.asp

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL--Weekly Traffic Advisories ------------------------------------------------------------- SHELBURNE COUNTY: Highway 103 Highway 103, near Sable River Station to Exit 23, is reduced to one lane, from sunrise to sunset. Lane closures will alternate until Oct. 30. Expect delays.

COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS--Guidance for Trick-or-Treating and Halloween Gatherings ------------------------------------------------------------- Government is reminding Nova Scotians of current public health guidelines and providing specific advice around Halloween as the holiday approaches. "Halloween is a fun celebration but I am concerned about parties and behaviours that would see us letting our guard down," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of he...Continue reading

This guy is a gem! Actually - both of these gentleman are shining gems and we are so thankful for their commitment to our community and Queens General Hospital. Dr. Doucet has had a tremendous impact on the lives of our residents during his years of practice and he keeps on giving in his retirement years. Thank you will never be enough! ... PS- Dr. Blackadar, this is what retirement looks like!

The following is a statement from Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston regarding the Commercial Property Tax Relief for Owners of Hotels, Motels and Inns: After months of poor planning by the Nova Scotia government, I’m pleased to see the Liberals do in the second wave, what they should have done during the first. Small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism sector are hurting. For a program that doesn’t go nearly far enough and misses helping so many, I don’t unde...rstand why it took this long. The federal government sent $228 million to our province for COVID-19 aid, and the province still will not tell Nova Scotians where that money is going. Just last week, the Liberals were caught playing favourites and giving money to companies with Liberal lobbyists, all while leaving small and medium tourism operators with nothing. Progressive Conservatives put forward ideas in May that would have helped these businesses immediately, like a $200 tax deduction for every Nova Scotian tax filer towards hospitality spending, and short-term commercial rent relief with a no-eviction backstop. I note that the supportive quote in the release calls this a first step. On the eve of the eighth month of COVID-19, Nova Scotian businesses deserve more than a first step.

COVID-19/BUSINESS--Commercial Property Tax Relief for Owners of Hotels, Motels and Inns ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia's hotel, motel and inn operators are getting assistance with property tax bills to help with COVID-19 recovery. The Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program will provide qualified operators a 25 per cent rebate on payment of 2020-21 commercial property tax. The program opens Nov. 16.To be eligible,... a business must meet the definition of a roofed accommodation as set out in the Tourist Accommodation Registration Act, be registered as a host under the act, have more than five rooms and have paid their tax bill in full. Qualified operators must, for the period from April 1, 2020 to Oct. 31, 2020, have incurred a year-over-year revenue loss for room accommodation of greater than 30 per cent compared to same period the previous year. New operators who were not in business before April 1, 2020 may still be entitled to a rebate if they can demonstrate lower than 50 per cent occupancy rate since opening their business. Program information and eligibility criteria is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/ Quick Facts: -- Nova Scotia's tourism industry is expected to generate $900,000 in 2020, compared to nearly $2.7 billion last year -- accommodations operators experienced on average a 56 per cent decrease in the number of room nights sold to the end of August over the same period in 2019 -- the industry employs about five per cent of Nova Scotians, or close to 50,000 people -- federal and provincial pandemic-response programming for the tourism industry to date includes wage subsidies, rent assistance, grants, business continuity vouchers and access to low-interest rate loans and credit Additional Resources: Tourist Accommodation Registration Act: https://nslegislature.ca//tourist%20accommodations%20regis Provincial COVID supports for business: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/ Federal COVID supports for business: https://www.canada.ca//depart/economic-response-plan.html

Liberals continue culture of secrecy, keep Public Accounts Committee restrained For immediate release October 14, 2020... HALIFAX, N.S. -- The McNeil Liberal government once again affirmed their culture of secrecy, by voting against a motion to restore the Public Accounts Committee to weekly meetings and to topics outside Auditor General reports. The Liberal government’s secretive approach to how taxpayers' dollars are spent is an insult to all Nova Scotians, says Tim Halman, MLA for Dartmouth East and member of the Public Accounts Committee. There are too many important issues to be discussed for the Liberals to continue to limit Public Accounts meetings to just twelve (or less) per year. Under every previous government, the Public Accounts Committee met 20 to 29 times per year. The McNeil Liberals slashed the Committee to just twelve meetings in 2019 after growing frustrated that the Opposition was able to use this committee to shed light on issues with costly government projects. Halman says that with Premier McNeil stepping down, the next Liberal Premier should restore Public Accounts and commit to leading a more open and transparent government. Three McNeil era Cabinet Ministers are competing for the job: Randy Delorey, Labi Kousoulis and Iain Rankin. I’m calling on the Liberals who want to be Premier do the right thing, commit to restoring Public Accounts to its weekly meetings, and lift the restrictions on government accountability, says Halman. Just this week, the McNeil Liberals refused to release the details for a project list that will cost $228 million dollars in COVID-19 stimulus spending. Halman says that with the increase in government spending, caused by the pandemic, it is imperative that committees like Public Accounts have the opportunity to examine this kind of spending. Nova Scotians are tired of the behind-closed-doors approach to governing and deserve a government that will be more transparent with how their money is spent, says Halman.

The Standing Committee on Health met this afternoon to discuss the ongoing doctor shortage in Nova Scotia with witnesses from Doctors Nova Scotia. Did you know ...that there are 48,812 self-identified Nova Scotians who need primary care? The meeting was an opportunity to discuss an important aspect in today’s delivery of healthcare: virtual care. Representatives from Doctors Nova Scotia spoke at length of the positive impact of virtual care for Nova Scotians and physicians, and clearly indicated that they’re in favour of its permanent implementation. Survey data suggest that 95% of Nova Scotians who used virtual care are completely or mostly satisfied with their experience. Our party’s leader, Tim Houston first spoke in February of integrating virtual care in our healthcare system to complement the care provided by doctors. Unfortunately, the Liberals didn’t want to commit in today’s committee to virtual health care. Read more in the comments below.

The municipal election is just days away and I encourage you to vote. Municipal government plays a crucial role in the direction and shaping of our communities, providing local services, infrastructure, safety and much more. I wish all candidates who offered their name on the ballot the best. Thank you for commitment to our communities.... Make your vote Count! See more

SHELBURNE, N.S. Roseway Hospital’s emergency department will be closed: From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 14.... This is due to lack of physician coverage. Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911. For general health advice and information call 811, which is a service offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by experienced registered nurses. The Mental Health Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167. Please note - All Nova Scotia Health outpatient blood collections take place by booked appointments only. At this time we are not able to accept walk-ins. For a blood collection appointment at Roseway Hospital, call toll-free: 1-833-998-2722 call between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. to Fri., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All temporary closures can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/temporaryclosures

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Temporary closure at Roseway Hospital’s emergency department, Oct. 14... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, October 13, 2020 SHELBURNE, N.S. Roseway Hospital’s emergency department will be closed: From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 14. This is due to lack of physician coverage. Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911. For general health advice and information call 811, which is a service offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by experienced registered nurses. The Mental Health Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167. Please note - All Nova Scotia Health outpatient blood collections take place by booked appointments only. At this time we are not able to accept walk-ins. For a blood collection appointment at Roseway Hospital, call toll-free: 1-833-998-2722 call between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. to Fri., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All temporary closures can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/temporaryclosures