Nova Scotia Energy Minister and Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau on Offshore Energy and Natural Gas

On July 7, Nova Scotia announced it is opening bids for offshore natural gas exploration. Because all of the province’s natural gas is currently imported through the U.S., Energy Minister and Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau said the government is looking to develop its own supply.

“This will mean good-paying jobs for Nova Scotians, growth for local businesses, and long-term investment in our communities,” Boudreau said. “We also need natural gas to play a key role as we move to a low-carbon economy.”

The province estimates 3.2 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves on the Scotian Shelf, with the potential for up to 35 trillion cubic feet. It pointed to “successful” past projects like the Deep Panuke and Sable Offshore Energy projects, which generated hundreds of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue. The deadline for bids is April 28, 2026.

At the same time, Nova Scotia and the federal government jointly designated the province’s first four offshore wind energy areas: the French Bank, Middle Bank, and Sable Island Bank off mainland Nova Scotia, and Sydney Bight off Cape Breton.

“We’re moving forward to seize the full potential of our offshore energy resources for the benefit of Nova Scotians,” Boudreau said. “As this industry builds, it’s creating jobs, bringing investment, and making Nova Scotia more resilient. Designating these areas signals to industry that it’s time to prepare for bids and invest in Nova Scotia.”

Province Announces New Wildfire Restrictions

With hot, dry conditions heightening wildfire risk, the province introduced new restrictions on travel and activities in wooded areas.

As of 4 p.m. on August 5, hiking, camping, fishing, and use of vehicles in the woods are prohibited. Trail systems are closed, and camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds. The measures apply to both Crown and private lands until October 15 or until lifted, with fines of up to $25,000 for violations.

Premier Tim Houston urged Nova Scotians to take the risk seriously. “I’m asking everyone to do the right thing – don’t light that campfire, stay out of the woods, and protect our people and communities,” he said.

Forestry, mining, and commercial activities on Crown lands are also restricted, though permits are available through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Beaches and parks remain open, but trail access is closed. Private landowners may use their own wooded land but cannot allow others access.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said about 100 wildfires have occurred this season, all contained quickly, but warned conditions could shift rapidly. On August 6, the province expanded restrictions to ban all fireworks and pyrotechnic displays during the burn ban.

That same day, Parks Canada closed all trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, and Canso Island National Historic Site, including boat access to Canso Island. A full fire ban is also in effect in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Investments in Parks and Recreation

The province announced $1.1 million in improvements at Pondville Beach Provincial Park in Isle Madame, including a new parking lot, washrooms, change rooms, beach stabilization, and improved access.

Other projects include:

• $250,000 for coastal monitoring and water system upgrades at Battery Provincial Park in St. Peter’s.

• $200,000 for a new dump station at Whycocomagh Provincial Park.

• $100,000 for internet upgrades at all camping parks.

• $50,000 for new entrance signs at several day-use parks.

Housing and Agriculture Initiatives

Guysborough recently opened an eight-unit housing complex for health care workers through the Housing for Health Care Initiative. Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Guysborough–Tracadie Greg Morrow said the project has helped fill critical health care positions in the community.

On the agricultural front, the province launched the Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund, aimed at supporting large-scale, innovative projects that boost productivity, expand businesses, and open new markets. “We can’t keep doing things the same old way,” Morrow said. “This fund is about supporting fresh thinking and innovation.”

NDP Calls for Action on Housing, Energy, and Affordability

NDP MLAs pressed the government on a range of issues, from housing and energy to health care and affordability.

• Housing: The NDP said Nova Scotia needs thousands of new affordable units, with CMHC estimating a shortfall of 12,000 units annually. They called for a dedicated Department of Housing and a minister to address the crisis.

• Energy: Environment Critic Lisa Lachance said offshore wind is a real solution to rising power bills.

• Affordability: Leader Claudia Chender pointed to Statistics Canada data showing Halifax’s cost of living is now comparable to Toronto’s, with roughly half of households spending 31% or more of their income on housing and transportation.

• Health care: Chender accused the government of failing to disclose the full scale of Nova Scotians without primary care.

• Workers’ rights: The NDP criticized Nova Scotia’s poor return-to-work record for injured workers, saying other provinces take a more proactive approach.

New Return-to-Work Legislation

As of July 15, new legislation requires injured workers and employers to cooperate on safe and timely return-to-work plans. Known as the Duty to Co-operate, it forms part of the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act.

The legislation follows a 2024 review showing Nova Scotia has the country’s lowest return-to-work rates, with claim durations averaging 168 days. In 2022, just 46% of workers returned within 30 days, down from 52% in 2012; within 180 days, the rate was 81%, down from 88% a decade earlier.

Labour Minister Nolan Young said staying connected to the workplace improves recovery outcomes. “When workers stay connected after an injury, they recover better and have better long-term outcomes,” he said.

100 Women Who Care Rural Cape Breton Relaunches Giving Event

The 100 Women Who Care Rural Cape Breton Chapter announced its annual giving event will take place August 27 at 7 p.m. at the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre.

Founded in 2017, the group brings together women from Inverness, Victoria, and Richmond counties to support local charities. Since its founding, members have donated more than $70,000 to grassroots organizations.

At each event, three charities present five-minute pitches, with members voting on the most compelling project. Each member donates $100 to the winning cause. While one charity receives the full donation, all benefit from exposure and community support.

Organizers Mary Janet MacDonald and Josephine MacEachern said membership has declined in recent years, reducing total donations. They called on women across rural Cape Breton to join or return to continue making a meaningful difference in their communities.