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May 2025


What's Happening Across Nova Scotia

 

 

Free Shingles Vaccine Available This Month

 

Starting May 20, Nova Scotians aged 65 and older can book their free shingles vaccine appointment.

 

The vaccine costs about $400 but will be free for seniors starting May 28. People can book an appointment by calling their primary health care provider or at https://novascotia.ca/routinevaccine


Updated Code of Conduct Prioritizes School Safety

 

A stronger code of conduct with clear, consistent direction will help ensure Nova Scotia schools are safe for students to learn and staff to safely do their jobs. The government released the updated Provincial School Code of Conduct Policy including stronger definitions of unacceptable behaviours, new responsibilities for all members of the school community, a requirement to support those affected or harmed by unacceptable behaviours, and provisions for children in pre-primary and students requiring intensive behavioural supports.

 

The code of conduct will make schools safer by defining acceptable and unacceptable child and student behaviours, including violent behaviours, and directing school response. The update also has a comprehensive guide that provides detailed direction for school administrators. The guide includes a process for aligning responses and consequences to the severity of behaviours, ensuring responses consider the age and developmental stage of students, as well as intent. 



New School Leavers Program

 

Starting this fall, the new School Leavers Program will support Grade 12 students with disabilities as they move from high school into early adulthood. There’s nothing more important than the success and well-being of young people in our community. This program is about making sure students have the support they need to thrive.

 


Nova Scotia Removes More Interprovincial Trade Barriers

 

The government is continuing to show leadership by removing more interprovincial trade barriers to grow Nova Scotia’s economy and build a stronger Canada.

 

New regulations will allow more types of commercial trucks and other passenger vehicles to enter and operate in the province, supporting the movement of goods and services across the country. 

 

The proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations will:


  • enhance productivity and accelerate the development of new modular housing

  • allow modular construction contractors to work to one national code, rather than individual provincial codes

  • position Nova Scotia as national leaders in housing innovation and reduction of interprovincial trade barriers

  • position Nova Scotia as an easy export destination for modular housing and invite reciprocal recognition for Nova Scotian manufacturers from other provinces and territories.


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


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. 

 

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 



May in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River

 


Gaelic Nova Scotia Month

 

Gaelic Nova Scotia Month Celebrates Living Language, Culture. During the month of May, Nova Scotia is honouring its rich Gaelic heritage through the annual celebration of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month.

 

Our theme this year – Gaelic Lives in Nova Scotia – reminds us that Gaelic connects us to our history and shapes who we are today. This month is a chance for all Nova Scotians to discover or reconnect with the language-based culture and identity of the Gaels and to celebrate their lasting contributions to our province.


ATVANS AGM

 

I had the pleasure of attending and bringing greetings on behalf of the province to the members of the ATV Association of Nova Scotia at their Annual Meeting at the Inn on Prince in Truro.

 

I was joined by my colleague, Colchester North MLA Tom Taggart, and we spoke with the members on trail support programs, the industry’s economic impact, along with the opportunity to further enhance the sports tourism sector within the province and the region.

 

Thank you to the membership and the ATVANS team for having us.


Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia

 

On May 7 I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia to discuss opportunities to continue supporting a growing industry and the member associations in our province. 

 

Thank you Don and Mike for your advocacy and commitment to the sport and your members. 


McHappy Day

 

May 8 was McHappy Day at McDonalds locations across Canada, where a portion of the proceeds from McDonalds Canada support Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local children’s charities.

 

Thank you to Stephanie and her amazing team at the Robie Street McDonalds in Truro for the invitation to join in the fun!


Make Your Move Day

 

May 9 was #MakeYourMove Day across Nova Scotia.

 

I joined Farida Gabbani from the Healthy Tomorrow Foundation and community members on a hike trail through the Railyard to mark the occasion. 


Local Recreation Facilities Funding Announcement

 

On May 12, I had the pleasure of announcing that the Truro Tennis Club and the Cougar Dome will be receiving support from the province totaling $242,000 to help with infrastructure improvements. These two facilities are community gathering spaces, serving people of all ages and abilities to participate and be active.

 

Thank you to the supportive and passionate volunteers that continue to work hard to keep these facilities going for our community’s use.


Dalhousie Agricultural Campus Visit

 

On May 13 I had the pleasure to join my colleagues Minister Tim Halman and Ministerial Assistant Melissa Sheehy- Richard, along with their team from the Department of Environment & Climate Change for a tour at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in the Village of Bible Hill.

 

We learned about soil research, innovative waste management research, and had a tour of spraying technology. Also we had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Ghader’s work on methane measurements and reduction.

 

Thank you to Dr. Stefanie Colombo, Dr. Derek Lynch, Dr. Gordon Price, Dr. Ahmad Al- Malachi and Dr. Ghader Manafiazar for briefing us on incredible innovations and research being done in the constituency at the Dal Ag campus.


Truro & Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity

 

It's always great to sit down with TCPEP CEO David Phillips. The local REN are seen as a leader in the Regional Enterprise Networks (REN) across the province. We discussed the REN’s vision and continued success growing our small to medium size businesses, innovative housing construction solutions, providing their expertise in people/business attraction to the region. TCPEP has played a vital role in the recruitment of healthcare professionals to the community.

 

The Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity received $75,000 in funding to create marketing videos, digital marketing, and host recruitment and appreciation events, as part of the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR) Community Fund. Thank you David, Karen, AJ and John for all the you do supporting our region’s growth and success!

 

For more information about TCPEP:https://trurocolchester.ca


United Way Maritimes

 

It’s always a pleasure to connect with Sarah McCurdy, Rural Affordable Housing Advisor at the United Way Maritimes. The United Way Maritimes serves the regions of Halifax, Pictou County, Lunenburg County, Colchester and Cumberland, Central New Brunswick, Saint John Kings & Charlotte, and Prince Edward Island.

 

On May 19, we spoke about opportunities within the region and how we can continue to work together to find pathways and solutions that will be impactful for Maritimers. Thank you Sarah for your continued dedication and insight.

 

Catching up with Larry Harrison

 

It is always such a pleasure to get together and connect with my former colleague, Larry Harrison. Thank you, Larry, for your continued support and friendship. 


History of the Gaels in Nova Scotia

 

On May 22 at the Colchester Historeum Museum and Archives, I had the pleasure of joining local residents for A history of the Gaels in Nova Scotia lecture with Cory Matheson. Thank you/ Tapadh leibh Cory!


Truro Farmers Market

 

May 24 had a great start to the day with a visit and support our local Truro Farmers Market Cooperative, open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm!


Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia AGM

 

Congratulations and thank you to everyone that attended this year’s Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) Annual General Meeting on May 26.

 

I had the pleasure of joining the Tourism Nova Scotia team and bring remarks to a room filled of passionate tourism professionals and leaders dedicated to building a bright and sustainable future for Nova Scotia. Together, we’re strengthening Nova Scotia’s position as a must-visit destination and a world-class place to explore, live, and do business. Here’s to continued collaboration, innovation, and growth in the year ahead.


Maggie's Place First Annual Duck Race

 

On May 31, my daughter Alex and I were excited to join residents at Victoria Park to cheer on over 850 ducks supporting Maggie's Place Family Resource Centre's 1st Annual Duck Race!

 

Thank you to Sarah, Melissa, Nancy and the volunteers from Maggie’s Place for all your hard work ensuring this event was a success for an amazing organization in our community.


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

 

If my team can ever be of assistance, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 902-897-0884 or mlaritcey@gmail.com.

 

Sincerely, 

 

  

 





The Hon. Dave Ritcey

MLA Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River

 
 
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