Michael Gorman

The Nova Scotia government has served notice that it intends to expand the provincial 811 system and services it offers ahead of the current contract expiration.

A Health Department spokesperson said in a statement that the government wants an expanded scope that includes a centralized navigation service.

Currently 811 supports Nova Scotians by assessing their needs and providing health advice on where and how to access services,” Dan Harrison said in the statement.

“Other than a small number of options, 811 does not have the ability to directly transfer callers to an appropriate service or directly book an appointment.”

The government is looking to change that.

Harrison said the plan is for the centralized navigation service to triage and directly connect people with the appropriate service based on their needs. That could include options such as virtual care and pharmacies.

“This will enable 811 to transition from an advice line to a comprehensive navigation service for Nova Scotians.”

Currently, people who call 811 for non-urgent health issues can get information and advice from a registered nurse.

The province posted the proposed procurement notice last week, noting that the tender for the work is expected to go out in February and will be for a five-year period with option years that could stretch the agreement up to nine years.

The current contract for the service with Emergency Medical Care Inc. does not expire until the end of March 2027.

Eileen Stewart is calling on the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to take action after a snowplow leaked chemicals on the street behind her house.


Eileen Stewart is concerned for the health of her family and community. 

Eileen Stewart

Eileen Stewart is concerned for the health of her family and community after the spill early last week.

Cape Breton woman concerned about health, environment after chemical spill outside home

Minudie, N.S., was once home to about 600 people, but now just a handful of homes remain scattered amidst the farmland. While the population has declined, there’s been a decades-long effort to preserve the community’s history, which has piqued the interest of descendants from near and far.

a snowy field with three churches in the background. 

While the population has declined substantially, three churches remain in Minudie, N.S. 

Minudie, N.S. 

a woman sits on a chair. the wall behind her his full of portraits. 

Sharon Gould wishes her father, who grew up in the community, could see the work of the Minudie Heritage Association.

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Community archives foster sense of pride in Cumberland County 

Owner of Metro Pet Crematory says he can't compete as big corporations take over more veterinary hospitals in the city and seek out lower-cost crematory services. 

Metro Pet Crematory in Dartmouth is shuttering its doors after 20 years in business. 

metro pet

The owner of Metro Pet Crematory says he was forced to shut down after learning he was losing many of his clients to a new corporate competitor. 

Dartmouth pet crematory closes after 20 years in business

The large and slow-moving system will impact the region for nearly 36 hours, bringing 10-40 cm of snow, wind and blowing snow for Sunday night through to Monday night before tapering off to flurries through Tuesday morning. 

Lots of snow and poor visibility on Queen Street in Fredericton.

storm

Snow and blowing snow will impact the Maritimes from Sunday night through Tuesday morning.

Long-duration snowstorm on the way for the Maritimes

Parks Canada says it will deactivate the Canadian Register of Historic Places website this spring, leaving no alternative database to look up Nova Scotia heritage sites in one location.

The Parks Canada heritage properties website is scheduled to shut down this spring.

Parks Canada shuttering Historic Places website, sparking heritage concerns

The provincial government is looking to enhance how 811 operates, by allowing nurses on the line to directly transfer calls to appropriate services.



N.S. government looks to expand 811 services

Contract could be for up to 9 years

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