Restrictions Eased
Today the Province and Public Health announced they are easing some gathering restrictions in Nova Scotia. Malls, retail businesses, and fitness facilities can return to operating at 100% capacity, with physical distancing.
Sports practices, training and games, and arts and culture rehearsals and performances can have 75 people. While physical distancing and masks are not required for these activities, they are recommended when possible. Spectators continue to be allowed at these events except when they are held at schools.
People travelling to Nova Scotia from Newfoundland and Labrador will not have to self-isolate starting tomorrow, April 7th at 8 am, but Nova Scotians do have to isolate if they travel to Newfoundland and Labrador until the Atlantic Bubble reopens on April 19th. The border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia remains open for now, but Public Health will not hesitate to close it if they deem it necessary. Travelling to the Edmunston area is not recommended.
As we watch what is unfolding across the rest of the country, I ask people to continue to be vigilant in observing public health guidelines even as we loosen restrictions, including maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks, and observing good hand hygiene.
Vaccine
Anyone 70 years of age and older can now book a COVID-19 vaccine. There are currently 15 Pfizer and Moderna vaccination sites in Dartmouth.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is now available to those 55 to 64-years-old. More information about AstraZeneca may be found here. If you are eligible, you may book the AstraZeneca vaccine here at one of five Dartmouth vaccination sites.
Note that the NSHA booking site includes all vaccines and age groups, so take care when selecting your appointment.
COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made at https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination or by calling 1-833-797-7772. Appointments cannot be booked directly through a community clinic, pharmacy or physician. Walk-ins will be turned away.
Legislature
Biodiversity Act and Crown Lands Act
I heard from hundreds of people by phone, email, and message who all had concerns regarding Bill No. 4 The Biodiversity Act. I was disappointed to watch the Province remove the application of this bill to private land and remove all enforcement provisions in response to a campaign that, in my opinion, did not accurately represent the bill.
In 2020, the World Economic Forum identified biodiversity loss as one of the top five threats to the world economy. While we appreciate concerns around what will be in the regulations, the Act states that they must be developed through public consultation. Biodiversity Management Zones would have only extended to private land with the agreement of the landowner, and Biodiversity Emergency Orders would have only empowered the Minister to intervene on private land in extreme circumstances.
We have one province, 70% of which is owned privately, and we are in a climate crisis. What actions are required to protect biodiversity are required to protect us all. They also protect our economy by preserving our natural resources, be it for forestry or tourism or our own enjoyment. Several similar acts have provisions of the type that were preemptively removed by the government in this bill. No one during the 11 hours of Law Amendments Committee presentations expressed that they had been impacted by these other bills. Many, however, expressed support for this bill, including many ecological foresters who recognize its importance.
Bill 4 is expected to pass this week, and while we are disappointed that it has been so extensively altered, I will be voting for it, since some recognition of biodiversity is better than none.
2021-22 Budget
This Spring, the Province presented a new budget, which we will spend most of the next few weeks questioning and negotiating. You can watch my response to the Budget Address on behalf of my colleagues below.
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