June 2025

Throughout Nova Scotia

Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

Trade barriers between Nova Scotia, several provinces and the federal government will soon be removed.

Nova Scotia, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island have taken action to remove barriers and red tape that will open up new trade and investment opportunities. It is also anticipated that the federal government will do the same.

The barriers being removed by Nova Scotia focus on three key areas:

• ending Canadian Free Trade Agreement exemptions that limit interprovincial trade with Nova Scotia

• allowing goods or services that are legally sold, used or provided in another province to automatically be able to be sold/used/provided in Nova Scotia without having to meet Nova Scotia’s specific labelling, packaging, certification or inspection requirements

• removing labour mobility barriers by requiring regulators to process equivalent licences within 10 business days and restricting application requirements to evidence of good standing and liability insurance.

  
  

Nova Scotia’s removal of trade barriers with Alberta and P.E.I. comes into effect immediately, while barriers with the other provinces and federal government will be removed upon proclamation of their equivalent legislation.

More Funding Available for First Responders

Fire departments, ground search and rescue teams and hazardous materials units can get more help from the Province to buy equipment this year through the expanded Emergency Services Provider Fund. 

Individual organizations can apply for up to $30,000 from the fund, an increase from $20,000 last year. The fund will also now cover up to 90 per cent of costs, up from 75 per cent. Up to $200,000 will be available under the new regional category. 

Examples of eligible purchases by individual organizations include:

• personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus

• equipment for:

  • firefighting

  • communication

  • rescue

  • water supply/suppression

  • hazardous materials

• emergency power for buildings.

  
  

Examples of eligible purchases through the regional fund include:

• major equipment and specialized vehicles and trailers

• regional training facilities

• shared equipment pool

  • self-contained breathing apparatus

  • drones

  • rope or swift water kits

  • remote rescue kits

• regional mobile command unit

• multi-purpose utility terrain vehicles, all-terrain vehicles for wildland and search and rescue missions

• regional hazard and vulnerability analysis, regional risk reduction strategies and public education projects

• regional exercise and training programs

• regional FireSmart program enhancements

• mental health resiliency programs. 

Better Access to Diagnostic Imaging Reports

Nova Scotians can soon access more diagnostic imaging reports through YourHealthNS. Mammogram, MRI, and CT and PET scan reports will start to be available in the app as early as June 30.

Reports completed from June 16 onward will be available through YourHealthNS 14 days after they are processed. For each type of scan, the report includes the body part examined, the reason for the scan, findings and a comparison with any previous scans. Images will not be available. Providing Nova Scotians access to their electronic health records to better manage their healthcare is part of a larger digital health transformation that includes YourHealthNS, virtual care, e-referrals, the Care Coordination Centre, the Oncology Transformation Project and the One Person One Record clinical information system.

More information can be found in the news release here: YourHealthNS Expands Diagnostic Imaging Reports | Government of Nova Scotia News Releases 

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Local Healthcare Access Points

Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic + 

The Pharmacist Plus Clinics are another way we're improving access to healthcare for all Nova Scotians.

The Truro Lawton's Pharmacist Plus Clinic is a walk-in clinic that has a nurse practitioner and pharmacists working as a team to provide a variety of health care services, from primary care to chronic disease prevention and management.

Services include:

• Diagnosing and treating routine and more immediate health concerns

• Prescribing medications and prescriptions renewals

• Medication management or modifications

• Chronic disease management

• Health screening and preventative care

• Ordering and interpreting tests

• Vaccinations and injections

• Making referrals to specialists and other health care providers

		Lawton’s Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic + 316 Willow Street, Suite 20 902-896-0987
Monday	9:00 am	5:00 pm
Tuesday	12:00 pm	8:00 pm
Wednesday	9:00 am	5:00 pm
Thursday	12:00 pm	8:00 pm
Friday	9:00 am	5:00 pm

Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic 

Pharmacist-led clinics provide an extended suite of pharmacy primary care services at no charge to people with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.

These services include assessment and prescribing for:

• Strep Throat

• Pink Eye

• UTIs

• Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Asthma, COPD)

• Prescription renewals for all medications and more

  
  

Publicly funded vaccines for adults and children are also available at these clinics as well as medical injections. 

		The Medicine Shoppe Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic 1B-664 Prince Street 902-814-2679
Monday	9:00 am	5:30 pm
Tuesday	9:00 am	5:30 pm
Wednesday	9:00 am	5:30 pm
Thursday	9:00 am	5:30 pm
Friday	9:00 am	5:30 pm
Saturday	9:00 am	1:00 pm
Sunday	9:00 am	1:00 pm

VirtualCareNS

Did you know that Nova Scotians with a primary care provider get two free visits through VirtualCareNS per year? And that those without a primary care provider have unlimited access to virtual care?

To learn more about VirtualCareNS and to register today,visit: www.virtualcarens.ca

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June in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River

New Stage Curtains for CEC Portia White Auditorium

On June 2, I had the pleasure of visiting with principal Chad MacPherson at CEC, where our government was pleased to invest in new stage curtains for the Portia White auditorium at the high school. Thank you for having me, Principal MacPherson. 

NSCC Truro Campus Convocation

I had the pleasure of attending the NSCC Truro Campus Convocation at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre to see over 250 graduates receive their diploma. The Truro Campus offers a range of programs, including unique offerings like Digital Animation, Game Development, Criminal Justice and International Business.

A special congratulations to my cousin, Brayden Cream, on receiving his Diploma in Business Administration with Honours after a successful two years at NSCC - can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

Bible Hill Kinsmen 50th Anniversary

On June 5, I had the opportunity to attend and present congratulatory certificates to the

Kinsmen of Bible Hill on their 50th Anniversary celebration.

Thank you to this fantastic organization for the invitation and for your tireless dedication and service to our community. 

Farm Equipment Museum Anniversary 

On June 6, Bible Hill's Farm Equipment Museum celebrated its 35th anniversary. Thank you to all of the knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers for your hard work in curating the finest collection of farm related artifacts in eastern Canada. 

Warmth by Design's Throttled Up BBQ Throwdown

What a great BBQ event on Saturday, June 7, by Warmth By Design Inc for their Throttled Up BBQ Throwdown! I was honored to be a guest judge for their Kids-Q along with the talented Alain Bosse, the Kilted Chef! 

A big thank you to Leif and Trina for all that you do for our community and shout out to all the teams, volunteers and sponsors for making this great event happen.

Colchester-East Hants Public Library 75th Anniversary

On June 7, I was happy to join many community members, staff and volunteers from the Colchester-East Hants Public Library to celebrate their 75th anniversary milestone.

Revitalizing Public Spaces in Truro–Bible Hill–Millbrook–Salmon River

The Houston government is investing $176,977 in local infrastructure and community spaces, supporting cultural programming, recreation, and accessibility across Truro–Bible Hill–Millbrook–Salmon River.

The following projects are receiving support:

• Scotia Pool Society, Bible Hill: $50,000 for renovations to the community room, expanding programming and community use.

• Village of Bible Hill: $50,000 for pedestrian park pathways, improving walkability and access to outdoor space.

• Truro and Area Mountain Bike Association: $33,500 to replace trail grooming equipment, maintaining vital recreation routes for cyclists and hikers.

• Immaculate Conception Parish, Truro: $15,359 for kitchen upgrades, increasing accessibility and service capacity for community events.

• Fletcher’s Restaurant Ltd., Truro: $15,172 to install an accessible entrance, removing barriers for patrons and staff.

• Red Knot Bakery, Truro: $12,946 for the addition of a barrier-free entrance, ensuring inclusive access to a growing local business.

National Indigenous People's Day

June 21 was about honouring the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the country - right here in Mi’kma’ki.

As Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage, and as your local MLA for Truro-Bible Hill- Millbrook- Salmon River, I was honoured to be in attendance to support National Indigenous Peoples Day in Millbrook. 

Marigold Cultural Centre Visit 

It's always great to catch up with Marigold Cultural Centre Executive Director Marshall Feit. The Marigold houses a 208 soft seat theatre, the MMFI Art Gallery, the Colchester County Sports Hall of Fame, a boardroom, and a workshop space for arts education programs for all age groups.

George Jones Memorial Fire Hall

On June 25, we gathered to unveil the George Jones Memorial Fire Station, honoring a man whose leadership helped shape Truro’s fire service.

In 1860, George Jones, a Black barber and respected community builder, brought people together in his Queen Street barbershop to form Truro’s first “Bucket Company.” His leadership and vision laid the foundation for the modern fire department and showed the power of collective action.

This renaming is one way we honour his contributions and acknowledge the deep and ongoing presence of African Nova Scotian communities in Truro’s history.

Remise des diplômes pour École acadienne de Truro  

Félicitations à tous les élèves qui ont obtenu leur diplôme hier soir à l'École acadienne de Truro.J'ai eu le plaisir d'assister à la cérémonie de remise des diplômes pour célébrer les incroyables réalisations de la promotion 2025 ! Meilleurs vœux à tous pour ce nouveau chapitre de votre vie, qu'il s'agisse de votre travail, de vos voyages, de vos études supérieures ou de votre vie universitaire.

Congratulations to all the students graduating at the Ecole acadienne de Truro. It was my pleasure to attend the graduation to celebrate the incredible achievements of the graduating class of 2025!

CEC Convocation

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 at Cobequid Educational Centre! It was a pleasure to present our annual bursaries to Bria Burnham and Stella Henderson at the 2025 convocation on June 27th. 

Truro Pride Week

On June 26, the Pride flag was raised at the Truro Town Hall as a symbol of inclusion, belonging, and solidarity. 

Pride Week is a time to honour the voices and experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, while continuing the work to build a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and free to be themselves.

My wife, Amber, and I were pleased to take part in the Truro Pride Parade this year with the Rotary Club of Truro on June 28, and to have the opportunity to celebrate together as a community.

Town of Truro's Kickoff to Canada Day

The Town of Truro did things a little differently this year, holding their Kickoff to Canada Day celebration on the 30th of June.

Special thanks to Saribel with the Downtown Truro Partnership for her hard work in making this year's event another great success!

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As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. If you know of anyone who would like to receive future editions of this newsletter, please contact the constituency office at 902-897-0884, mlaritcey@gmail.com.

Sincerely, 

Hon. Dave Ritcey

MLA Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River