The Atlantic Road Report
Bits and pieces of news you can use collected from across the Atlantic region
Newfoundland and Labrador
Public Advisory: Construction Begins on Diversion on Trans-Canada Highway at Aspen Brook Bridge
Work is underway to construct a diversion around Aspen Brook Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway, approximately 20 kilometres west of Grand Falls-Windsor.
A contract valued at $684,000 was awarded to Edward Collins Contracting Ltd. and involves the construction of a two-lane road diversion to allow eastbound and westbound traffic to travel around the bridge.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates work on the diversion being completed this fall. The department will be issuing a tender to replace Aspen Brook Bridge this winter.
Additional details on this project and other highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.
New Brunswick
Carbon-pricing system for large emitters one step closer
The provincial government has posted the proposed Reporting and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standard to support its output-based pricing system for large emitters, for public review and comment.
Since Jan. 1, 2019, large emitters of greenhouse gases in New Brunswick have been subject to the federal system while a provincial one was being developed.
The federal government approved in principle the province’s system in September 2020. Changes to the province’s Climate Change Act, which were necessary to make the transition from the federal system to the provincial one, were introduced in November 2020.
In June 2021, the provincial government published the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulation under the Climate Change Act to provide supporting information for the output-based pricing system.
The standard posted today is intended to further support the legislation and regulation.
The New Brunswick output-based pricing system will drive incremental greenhouse gas reductions in the province’s industrial and electricity generation sectors. Facilities that emit 50,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gas emissions annually will be required to participate in the system. Facilities that emit between 10,000 tonnes to 50,000 tonnes may voluntarily opt-in.
The provincial government anticipates fewer than 20 facilities will participate in the system.
“We have proven that we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman. “Having our own system will reduce our carbon emissions while recognizing that our economy is heavily dependent upon trade.”
New Brunswick is a national leader in lowering emissions, having reduced emissions by 38 per cent since 2005. The province has a 2030 target of 10.7 megatonnes, which is equivalent to a reduction of 47 per cent below 2005 levels.
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia create partnership to investigate serious incidents involving police
The following joint news release was issued October 4 by the provincial governments of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia:
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have reached an agreement in principle that would allow Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) to act as the police oversight body for both provinces.
SiRT is an independent agency that has a mandate to investigate serious matters such as death, serious injury, sexual assault or other public-interest concerns involving the police.
The collaboration ensures both provinces will benefit from SiRT expertise and independent oversight in the interest of public safety. Premier Blaine Higgs and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston agreed that citizens can be assured these investigations will be undertaken in an efficient, professional manner, as has been and continues to be the case in Nova Scotia.
“We know the importance of having an independent oversight body to investigate serious incidents involving police and we are pleased with this agreement in principle,” said Higgs. “This is an example of how the provinces in our region can work together to ensure we have ready access to the expertise that we need to serve our communities.”
Both provinces have committed to make the necessary changes in legislation and related policies. Additional resources will also be required to support the expanded service. The partnership is expected to start in 2022.
“Citizens need to have confidence that serious incidents involving police are thoroughly and independently investigated. Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team is highly regarded and we are proud of the work they do,” said Houston. “Collaboration between the provinces promotes and supports public safety in both provinces.”
*********
Nova Scotia
Province Supports Emergency Services Providers
Ground search and rescue, volunteer fire departments and other emergency services provider groups will get more than $1.14 million from the province to buy equipment that will help them save lives.
The Emergency Services Provider Fund offers money to fire departments and ground search and rescue organizations, including hazardous materials teams, to upgrade equipment that is used directly in response to a fire or emergency.
“Every Nova Scotian deserves to feel safe in their community and know that help is available, if needed,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We rely on these people, many of whom are volunteers, to keep us safe and help us in our worst moments. I know personally what it is like to need those services. I’d like to thank them for their dedication and commitment.”
“Cape Breton Search and Rescue is grateful to have been chosen to receive funding this year through this program. With this money the team is able to purchase essential equipment to keep our volunteers safe in the field and improve our communications to help reunite loved ones in our community during a time of need,” said Greg O’Flaherty, president, Cape Breton Search and Rescue
Quick Facts:
- 65 organizations are receiving funding under the program this fiscal year
- categories include personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus, communications, rescue equipment, miscellaneous firefighting equipment, hazardous materials equipment and emergency power for buildings
- organizations can apply every three years
- the program provides up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000
Prince Edward Island
PEI Implementing Mandatory Covid Testing Upon Entry Sept 30
The Government of Prince Edward Island is implementing Covid testing at all points of entry into the province, effective September 30 – regardless of immunization status and time outside of province – as an additional measure to protect local residents from increasing cases of COVID-19.
Information provided to CTA by the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association indicates the following will apply to truck drivers entering the province:
- Drivers who make regular trips to PEI (e.g. at least twice weekly) will only be required to be tested every 5 days;
- Drivers who don’t make regular trips to PEI will be asked to be tested upon entry;
- All testing must be completed by PEI authorities;
- Test results from other jurisdictions completed in advance of arrival will not be accepted;
- Drivers who are not fully vaccinated are required to work-isolate when in PEI;
- Drivers who are fully vaccinated are NOT required to isolate when in PEI, but they are still required to get tested based on above frequency of trips.
The province’s website also highlights that “due to increased testing at the points of entry, travel delays, especially in Borden-Carlton, are to be expected”.
