New premier + Virtual Mi-Carême Activities

News for Chéticamp and surrounding areas from February 21 to 28, 2021.

-  This past week was new premier Iain Rankin’s first week in office. His first announcement: a new energy target. The plan is for Nova Scotia to get 80 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. The province will be putting $19 million into energy saving rebates. From that, about half will go into programs meant to help low-income families make their homes more energy efficient. The other half will go into a rebate program for new and used electric vehicles. The new premier, who previously served as Environment, and Lands and Forestry Minister, said that besides the pandemic, climate change will also be a priority. CHNE invites viewers to share what they think about the new measures. What impact will they have on life in Cape Breton?

- Following some previous delays in the delivery of COVID vaccines, Dr. Strang said the province is now on target for its second phase of the immunization plan. “We anticipate receiving 14,700 doses of vaccine, which we’ll be receiving throughout this week,” he said. “And our vaccine supply is expected to be steady with weekly shipments of at least 10 000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine until the end of March.” Starting next week, the province will be mailing letters to seniors who are 80 years and older, so they can book their vaccination appointments. Nova Scotia plans to open community immunization clinics in different parts of the province over the next few weeks.

- COVID-19 isn’t going to damper this year’s Mi-Carême celebrations. Last March, all activities were cancelled due to the pandemic. The holiday is one of the most awaited times of the year for Acadian communities, as people of all ages dress up, share food and live music with their neighbours. Although some adjustments were required, the Société Saint-Pierre is planning several virtual activities starting on March 11th. Program organizer Jérémie Poirier said he received a very good response from community members, as they were afraid to miss another year.