November & December 2025
- Jan 28
- 9 min read
What's Happening Across Nova Scotia
Growth in Nova Scotia Tourism
Nova Scotia’s tourism sector keeps growing. In the first nine months of 2025, it brought in $3 billion in revenue, up 9 percent from last year. That’s a strong sign of how far this industry has come and how important it is to our economy.We’ve welcomed 1.7 million tourists so far this year, with a big jump over the summer months.
Nova Scotia’s tourism story is one of steady growth, new ideas and strong interest in what our province has to offer. Thank you to the countless tourism operators and those who continue to make Nova Scotia a world-class destination.
Energy Board to Conduct Investigation
We have called on the Nova Scotia Energy Board to conduct a thorough investigation into estimated billing, review the adequacy of consumer protections and communications, examine timelines for restoring accurate billing systems, and consider financial relief measures such as credits or bill-smoothing options for affected customers.
Review would determine whether any financial penalties apply and, if so, the maximum amount that may be levied. Protecting consumers and restoring confidence in our energy system remains our top priority.
NS Exceeds University Healthcare Program Enrollment Target
Most universities have filled their healthcare programs this fall, surpassing the 97 per cent enrolment target set out in their funding agreements with the Province. The target was nearly 1,800 first-year students filling seats in 35 programs at six universities this year. Enrolment has instead risen to about 1,900 students as programs expanded to meet growing demand.
Under the 2025–27 bilateral agreements between the Province and universities, a portion of a university's operating grant is withheld until it demonstrates that 97 per cent of healthcare program seats are filled. Programs at Acadia, Cape Breton, Dalhousie, St. Francis Xavier and Mount Saint Vincent universities are operating above their original capacity to meet demand.
The Province also offers targeted incentives for students entering designated healthcare programs, such as free tuition, tuition relief, bursaries, and debt assistance, with specific supports varying by program.
RPNs to Practice in Nova Scotia
Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) will soon be able to practice in Nova Scotia. This change will strengthen care for people living with mental health and substance use challenges across the province. RPNs bring specialized training and work in diverse settings, supporting people and families with complex needs.
Recruiting and retaining skilled professionals is part of government’s commitment to universal mental health and addictions care.
Need a Family Practice Registry Drops Again
As of November 1, 93.4% of Nova Scotians are attached to a primary care provider.
There are now 69,420 Nova Scotians on the Need a Family Practice Registry. The 8,100 is a net total of Nova Scotians newly added to the list, as well as those who’ve been matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The next update is in early December.
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
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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
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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
Your MLA at Work
Bollywood 2025
Another amazing Bollywood Night in Truro. It is always a pleasure to see Sanjay, Kavita and the Khanna family. Thank you to everyone who made this event happen and attended in support of the a great cause, the STEPs on Arthur Foundation.
World Under 17 Hockey Challenge
In 2005 and 2013, I had the privilege of coaching at two World Under 17 Hockey Challenge events in Lethbridge and Victoriaville/Drummondville. It was a dream come true to be involved and to work alongside some amazing athletes, coaches and staff representing our region and country.
Now, as the Minister of CCTH, responsible for Sport/Recreation and MLA for Truro-Bible Hill- Millbrook- Salmon River, it was an honor to welcome everyone to our province and community.
Watch my welcome video here! Minister Ritcey_U17 Hockey on Vimeo
Consulate General of Switzerland
It was a pleasure welcome Consul General Anne-Béatrice Bullinger, representing the Consulate General of Switzerland in Montreal. This meeting served as an opportunity for Nova Scotia to deepen trade, economic and cultural ties with Switzerland.
Take your Kid to Work Day
I was excited to have a special visitor at the CCTH office on November 4! Thank you Alex for joining me at the office for Take your Kid to Work Day.
No. 2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility
On November 8 I had the distinct honour of participating in the Official Renaming and Monument Unveiling Ceremony at the No. 2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility in Truro, joined by my colleague, the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Hon. Twila Grosse.
This solemn and celebratory gathering paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Black soldiers who served with courage and dignity, in the face of systemic exclusion. The renaming of this facility stands as a powerful and permanent symbol of remembrance, justice, and pride and a space where history is not only acknowledged, but uplifted. Lest We Forget.
Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame 2025
Congratulations to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame induction class of 2025! It was truly an honour to bring greetings on behalf of the province at this year’s unforgettable induction ceremony, recognizing some of Nova Scotia’s most accomplished athletes, coaches, teams and builders.
It was great to connect with Coach Mike MacKay and Jen Lloyd at the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame inductions — congratulations Coach MacKay on your well-deserved induction.
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees: https://nsshf.com/induction-night/
Ministers of Tourism Conference
The federal, provincial and territorial ministers of Tourism concluded a two-day conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was a great opportunity to discuss priorities, such as global competitiveness, innovation, embracing technology and tools used across the country in rural and urban communities to attract investment.
Canada’s tourism sector is a critical economic driver. The sector is a vital economic pillar in every province and territory, supporting over 702,000 direct jobs in 2024 (over 2.1 million supporting jobs) and contributing nearly $50.8 billion, or 1.8%, of Canada’s GDP.
Thank you to Minister Nellie Kennedy and Canada’s Minister Rechie Valdez for co-chairing the 2025 FPT Tourism Ministers meeting.
Congratulatory Certificates
It's always a pleasure to spend some time with Lloyd Coady — especially to wish him a Happy 101st Birthday! Happy Birthday my friend!
Happy 100th Birthday Theresa Kaye! It was so great to see so many friends and family celebrating her special day, including her granddaughter and former hockey player I had the privilege to coach, Sue Kaye.
Thank you Glen, Katherine, Dale, Sue and the entire Kaye family for the invitation to attend Theresa’s special celebration!
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
I was honoured to take part in this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony in Truro and the community dinner in Millbrook as we paused to remember and give thanks to the brave women and men who served, and to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of peace and freedom.
150 Years of the Truro Curling Club
November 21 was an amazing celebration to honor the Truro Curling Club on their 150th anniversary at the Truro Legion.
Congratulations to all involved with the Truro Curling Club on this incredible milestone!
Downtown Truro Santa Claus Parade
November 22 was another amazing Santa Claus parade by the Downtown Truro Partnership, sponsored by Libcan Restoration.
Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, organizers and the community support for the annual event. A special thank you to the CC Riders Soccer U18AA girls soccer team and our former colleague Larry Harrison for joining us again this year!
Canadian Olympic Curling Trials
What a week of curling in Halifax! Congratulations to Team Homan and Team Jacobs on earning your trip to Milano and Cortina Italy for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games!
Thank you to Curling Canada, the local host organizing committee, over 500 volunteers, partners and fans who made this event a huge success! Congrats Team Christina Black! The first time a Nova Scotia team has made the finals in 20 years — Nova Scotia is behind you!
CEC Wall of Fame 2025
I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 CEC Wall of Fame Induction night. I look forward to the Wall of Fame event each year that recognizes the contributions and achievements of our athletes, teams, coaches and builders. The night also provides us with the opportunity to catch up with friends, classmates, teammates, coaches and teachers that come together for this special event each year.
Congratulations to this year’s very deserving wall of fame class:
Jim Taplin
John MacKenzie
Donna Retson
Marc Roberts
Jeff Piers
1991-92 CEC Girls Soccer team
Thank you to the organizers, Bob Piers, Nevin Jackson, Joyce Millman, Taunya Pynn Crowe, David Higgins, Scott Annand and Jason Williams for your dedication and commitment to this annual event each year.
TIANS Tourism Summit
It was a pleasure to bring remarks to over 400 delegates attending the TIANS Tourism Summit in Halifax. Tourism is a powerful economic engine, adding $2.5 billion to our GDP creating over 55,000 jobs across our province.
We have seen strong growth in our visitor numbers across the peak summer months with July up 3%, August up 8% & September surged by a whopping 17%- added up and that's 75,000 more visitors than we had last summer and tourism revenues are up 9%.
Thank you to everyone in the tourism and hospitality sectors across our province. Let’s keep working to build on what already makes Nova Scotia a place people want to live, work and visit — a place we’re proud to call home.
Information on Nova Scotia’s Tourism Sector Strategy - Roadmap to Sustainable growth 2025-2030: https://nstourismstrategy.ca
Boston Tree Lighting
It was a pleasure to join colleagues and guests in Boston for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting — a wonderful celebration of the longstanding friendship between Nova Scotia and Massachusetts, and a reminder of the spirit of generosity that connects our communities year after year.
Christmas Events
It was great to spend time celebrating the season at a few Christmas gatherings this year including our annual PC Caucus Christmas Social and our annual Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River PC Association Event— thank you to everyone who helped organize these events and shared in the holiday spirit.
Scotia Pool Community Room Grand Opening
Thank you to the board members at Scotia Pool for the invitation to the Grand Opening & Ribbon cutting ceremony of their new Community Room. Scotia Pool received a grant of $50,000 through the Community Recreational Facility program last year.
I am also pleased to announce I will be sponsoring a Free Community Swim at Scotia Pool on December 22 from 3-4pm. Thanks to the great staff at Scotia Pool for facilitating this fun family event!
Truro U13B Bearcats Puck Drop
Thank you to the Truro U13B Bearcats for the invitation to be part of the opening puck drop, prior to their game vs the Pictou County Crushers in Debert at West Colchester United Arena.
As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA.
Please note that our constituency office will be closed from Monday, December 22nd through Monday, January 5th for the Christmas break.
Emails and voicemails will continue to be monitored remotely, so please don't hesitate to reach out during this time if there is anything we can do.
From my family to yours, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
Sincerely,
The Hon. Dave Ritcey
MLA Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
