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March 2025



Important Provincial Announcements

 

Nova Scotia's First Child & Youth Psychology Doctorate Program

 

A major step forward for mental health care in Nova Scotia is underway! The Province is funding a groundbreaking doctoral psychology program at Mount Saint Vincent University, dedicated to training child psychologists who will directly address the mental health needs of young people. 

 

A new on-campus clinic will provide free, compassionate care to more than 200 children and families each year. This initiative is a powerful step toward brighter, healthier futures for children and families across Nova Scotia.


Funding to Prevent Gender Based Violence

 

Community-based organizations across the province are receiving funding to support their work to address gender-based violence. The funding is through the 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, an agreement with the federal government. This year, $5.1 million is being invested to support projects that will enhance prevention efforts, increase supports for victims and survivors, and ensure that Nova Scotians can access culturally appropriate services.

 

Of 28 projects, 26 are receiving multi-year funding to ensure long-term impact. Projects align with Standing Together, the Province’s action plan to prevent domestic violence, and recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report and the Desmond Fatality Inquiry final report. This is the second year of funding; last year, the Province provided more than $3.1 million to support 16 projects. 

 

Housing Plan Progress Exceeds Targets

 

The province of Nova Scotia is delivering more homes, faster! With housing starts up by 38% and 51,352 new units on the way—125% of the 2028 goal—that means more options and better opportunities for homebuyers are within reach.

 

Here are some of the key achievements made from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024:

 

  • Affordability has been improved for 16,200 households; the five-year goal is 17,250 households

  • Development fees have been frozen in Halifax Regional Municipality, and the provincial portion of the HST has been cut for new rentals

  • Housing conditions have been improved for 38,844 households; the five-year goal is 47,900 households

  • 663 first-time home buyers were supported through the Down Payment Assistance Program

  • 335 publicly owned affordable housing units have been upgraded; with the goal to upgrade 900 units by 2028.


The path has been cleared for 3,517 affordable and supportive housing units.


More Retailers Join Nova Scotia Loyal

 

It will be easier for shoppers to find Nova Scotia products in more of the province’s largest retailers. On March 6, Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc announced that Loblaw Companies Limited and Walmart Canada have committed to displaying the Nova Scotia Loyal brand in their stores.

 

Nova Scotia Loyal signage is already up in all 46 Loblaw-owned stores in the province, which include Real Atlantic Superstore, Your Independent Grocer and No Frills locations. Walmart has started rolling out the branding at its 18 stores.

 

Other Nova Scotia Loyal initiatives include:


  • the producer labelling pilot program, which provides a 70 per cent rebate, up to $3,000, for expenses related to putting the Nova Scotia Loyal label on product packaging

  • an expanded website that includes a searchable database of Nova Scotia farmers, growers, crafters, manufacturers and producers

  • signs and merchandising support for large and independent retailers across Nova Scotia

  • consumer loyalty reward programs through Scene+ at Sobeys and Air Miles at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. on more than 2,000 local products

  • 10 per cent instant cash incentives for online farmers’ markets

  • Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia school vouchers.


Need a Family Practice Registry 

 

In March, the province celebrated an exciting milestone - Nova Scotia's Need a Family Practice Registry is now under 100,000 for the first time in years! 

 

There is still much work to be done, but we will continue with our commitment to creating a stronger healthcare system for all Nova Scotians.


Five Areas Proposed for Offshore Wind Farms

 

Identifying suitable areas for offshore wind farms is the next step to safely develop this new clean-energy industry that will create jobs and provide long-term energy security for Nova Scotia. Working with federal partners, the Province is proposing five wind energy areas for designation after a regional assessment of offshore wind:


  • French Bank

  • Middle Bank

  • Sable Island Bank

  • Sydney Bight

  • Western/Emerald Bank.


Nova Scotians are welcome to provide feedback on the proposed wind energy areas by April 14. More information is available at: https://novascotia.ca/offshore-wind-energy-areas-engagement/.

 

Later this year, after areas are designated, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator will manage a competitive licensing process for developing wind farms. The process will include identifying specific parcels within wind energy areas for development.


First Session of the 65th General Assembly of the Nova Scotia Legislature

 

Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award Recipients

 

On March 4, I was honored to join Kim Masland, Minister of the Department of Emergency Management, to welcome recipients of the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award to the House of Assembly and to thank them for their hard work and tireless dedication to the safety and well-being of Nova Scotians.

 

Congratulations to Ancel Langille and David Westlake from Colchester on this well deserved recognition!


Community Wellness Grant Recipients

 

On March 6, representatives from many community organizations across Nova Scotia were recognized at Province House by the Minister of Addictions and Mental Health and congratulated by members of the House following the announcement of 23 Community Wellness grants, including the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society.

 

Strengthening community organizations is an important part of creating universal access to mental health and addictions care – connecting people with support close to home. 


Recognizing BIKE Truro

 

I had the opportunity to welcome and recognize a dedicated and hardworking group of volunteers from BIKE Truro on March 5.


Thank you to Dr. Henry Smit, Keith Gillis, and Mike Knowlton for all your efforts in maintaining the trails at the Railyard and your commitment to promoting the sport of mountain biking to our community and province. 


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 



March in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River

 

Frank & Gino's 25th Anniversary

 

On March 11, I had the opportunity to visit and offer congratulations to a local favourite, Frank & Gino's Grill and Pasta House on a remarkable 25 years!

 

Thank you to Don Hay, Don Moore, Nicole Burris and the entire team at this locally owned restaurant for your continued dedication to hospitality excellence in our community.


Canadian Water Quality Association Groundwater Expo

 

March 22 was World Water Day, and I thank my good friend MLA Tim Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the invitation to recognize the day and attend the Canadian Water Quality Association Groundwater Expo held at the Best Western Glengarry in Truro.


Hub Cycle 25th Anniversary

 

Congratulations to local business owners Bruce and Daisy Roberts, along with the team at Hub Cycle on Inglis Street in downtown Truro, on celebrating an incredible 25 years in business!


39th Annual Rick Russell Loggersports Competition

 

On March 22 in Bible Hill at the Dal AC, I attended the 39th annual Rick Russell Loggersports Competition to cheer on our Dal AC Rams. An amazing turnout of teams, community members and talented student athletes from across Atlantic Canada! Go Rams!


 2025 U-20 Men's Curling Champions

 

MLA Tom Taggart, Minister Scott Armstrong and I were happy to welcome home and celebrate the 2025 U-20 Men’s Canadian Curling Champions, Team MacIsaac at the Truro Curling Club!


As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. 

 

This newsletter and its past editions can be viewed on my website along with other local events and resources - check it out here!

 

Sincerely,  



 



Hon. Dave Ritcey

MLA Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River

 
 
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