Bridgewater Police Budget Increasing For 2014-15

A slight rise in funding for the Bridgewater Police Commission budget for the upcoming year. The commission oversees policing in the town and has just over $4-million for 2014-15, but that includes more than $442,000 in income. The budget is increasing by roughly $170,000 from last year including a raise in small equipment costs, crossing guards and training. Police Chief John Collyer says there are a lot of young members that require training.



Collyer feels it's a reasonable budget, but understands the public might not be happy with the increase. He says they work hard to find efficiencies each year to keep the figure as low as they can.

New Grads Can Apply For Loan Relief

New graduates can apply to have the government pay the interest on their provincial student loans. The average loan is roughly $5,600. Removing the interest would save about $800 over the life of the loan. Education Minister Kelly Regan says it will save money as people get ready to begin their career. In order to qualify, you would have to live in Nova Scotia, have a government-sponsored direct lend loan and have graduated from a post secondary school. A link to the application forms is available here

MODL: Mayors Not Interested In Partnership On Bridgewater Arena

It's a decision based on what is affordable. The deputy mayors and mayors of the Municipality of Lunenburg and town of Bridgewater recently met to talk about working together to fund the Memorial Arena. However, initial feedback from Don Downe is that the municipality isn't interested in supporting the arena because they have already invested $3.85-million in the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Downe feels it wouldn't be something council would entertain.



Downe feels council wouldn't support a facility in competition with the LCLC. The Memorial Arena will remain open for the the year at a cost of over $150,000.

Puppy Program A Farce: Baillie

A program that provides puppies for inmates of provincial jails is still being funded by the McNeil government. Yet, it was supposed to be scrapped. PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says the government is still pouring out money to do nothing more than make prisoners feel all warm and fuzzy. Baillie says the program plays no role in boosting the economy or re-habbing inmates.



Baillie says getting guns off the street should be a priority of the government. He says the puppy program is simply an indication of poor fiscal management.

Shelburne County Youth Park Changes Hands

The Municipality of Shelburne will take over a local youth park. Council has agreed to assume maintenance needs and operating costs at the Jordan Falls Youth Park. A local association in Shelburne County had been looking after the park but they no longer have the resources to continue up keep on the property. The municipality is currently looking at what needs to be done for upgrades at the park. They want to keep it in good shape so families and visitors can continue using the park. The Jordan Falls Youth Park is located just off Highway 103.

Nova Scotia: NDP MLA Fighting Cancer

A Cape Breton MLA is fighting cancer. Gordie Gosse has announced he has been diagnosed with the disease and is set to undergo chemo-therapy. He represents the riding of Whitney Pier-Sydney. Gosse will reduce his responsibility while he receives treatment and states the cancer was detected in its early stages. The long-time NDP MLA was first elected in 2003. He hopes to return to his seat in the legislature for the fall session.

Health Reform Costs To Soar Says MacDonald

Its going to cost a lot more than first estimated to reform health care in the province. Former health minister and now NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald has told the Legislature newly released Freedom of Information documents showing cost projections. She made them public by tabling documents released by Freedom of Information.



MacDonald called on the premier to make good on his election campaign promise of transparency in government by revealing all costs associated with health care reform.

MODL: Chief Administrative Officer Resigning

The search is on for a new Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Lunenburg. Tammy Wilson is resigning from the position as of May 30. She spent 18 years with the municipality including eight years as CAO. Wilson is moving on to work with the province as a director in the Department of Municipal Affairs. Mayor Don Downe says it will be tough to replace her.



Council received the resignation during a special meeting today. Downe says they are developing a plan for recruiting a new CAO.

Park View Students, Staff Raising Money To Grant Boy's Wish

A group of students and staff from a local high school are gearing up to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The Alternate Program at Park View Education Centre are participating in the Rope for Hope fundraiser. Participants must raise a minimum of $1500 each in support of sick children in Nova Scotia. Teacher Katie Wheatley says they are working toward sending five people "over the edge" in June.



The team is also raising funds to grant a wish for Brennan, a four-year-old train lover from Cape Breton who is living with leukemia. He wants to go to Thomas Land in Florida. People can support the group through donations and their upcoming Pancake Breakfast at the Local Public House in Bridgewater on Saturday May 3 from 9am to 11am. Tickets are $10.

MLA Wants High-Speed Internet For Residents

Hundreds of residents in Pubinco and Woods Harbour are frustrated over slow internet connections. Tory MLA Chris d'Entremont has submitted two petitions in the Nova Scotia Legislature calling for upgrades to the services. The petitions have roughly 700 signatures. D'Entremont says it's unacceptable that rural areas don't have high speed Internet with all the improvements to technology. He wants to see the service brought up to current standards. Residents report that the system - owned and operated by Eastlink is at the same speed and quality of dial-up.

Province Prepares For Tick Season & Lyme Disease

Tick season will soon be upon us as deer and wood ticks hatch and spring into action. The province's health minister says more is known today about Lyme disease than 10 or 20 years ago. Leo Glavine says there are ways of preventing getting bitten by a tick and in some cases, the resulting occurance of Lyme Disease.



Glavine says people should not be afraid to get out and enjoy the outdoors. More information about ticks, Lyme Disease and ways of preventing it are available at the Nova Scotia Department of Health's website.

Bridgewater: Mi'kmaq Group Allowed To Use Land To Promote Event

A local group will be allowed to erect a large sign promoting their event in Bridgewater. The Mi'kmaq Burial Ground Research and Restoration Association proposed the idea to the town.  They will be allowed to put a sign at Aberdeen Green for roughly three months to promote their month-long fundraiser called 'Christmas in July'. Group member Krystle Retieffe says they hope the sign will help their efforts.



There was some concern among council about setting a precedent, but members agreed to support the group. A sign will be placed at 45 Aberdeen Road until the end of July.

Bridgewater: Groups To Discuss Health Care Funding

Changes within the health care system will be the hot agenda item during a meeting in Bridgewater. The Council of Canadians and CUPE are joining together for a public discussion on the need for a new Health Accord. The accord expired at the end of March. It guaranteed a certain level of funding from Ottawa to the provinces for health care and medication. The meeting will also discuss a potential funding crisis in the health system across Canada. It will be held this evening at the Best Western in Cookville at 7PM.

UPDATE: Bridgewater Hotel Guests Forced To Evacuate Their Rooms

There was considerable smoke and water damage resulting from a fire earlier this morning at the Best Western Hotel and Convention Centre in Cookville. The blaze broke out around 4am in a laundry room and quickly spread smoke through the building. Sprinklers were set off causing water damage. Northfield Fire Chief John MacKay says about four dozen overnight guests were forced into the pre-dawn cold. He says no one was hurt and guests were allowed back into their rooms about half an hour after being evacuated.

Fire crews from Northfield were assisted by those from the Oakhill, Conquerall Bank and Bridgewater fire departments. 

Bridgewater Passes 2014-15 Budget

A challenging budget has passed in Bridgewater. The town decided to hold the line on their residential and commercial tax rates at $1.65 and $3.99 per 100 of assessment respectively. Council also chose to make a debt payment of $1.2-million, to move ahead with the first phase of repaving Dominion Street from High Street to Forest Hill and keep the Memorial Arena open for at least one more year. Mayor David Walker says there is work to do for the future.



Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis and Councillor Jennifer McDonald voted against the budget, both voicing concerns about keeping the Memorial Arena open. McInnis feels there are other arenas in the local area that could be utilized.



Bridgewater's capital budget is just over $2-million while their operating budget is over $18.5-million.

Nova Scotia: More Support For Low-Income Children

Low income families will get more support beginning in July. The Nova Scotia government will increase the income threshold for child benefits up to $26,000. The move will bring another 1,300 children under the program's umbrella. The current threshold is $25,000. Meanwhile, families earning between $18,000 and $26,000 can still qualify for partial benefits. The province invests roughly $2.2 million each month in support for those families struggling to make ends meet. The Nova Scotia Child Benefit Program began in 2001.

Municipal Partners Managing Resource Website

A website focusing on businesses and services in Lunenburg and Queens Counties is sticking around. Municipal partners including the District of Lunenburg, Bridgewater Development Association, Municipality of Chester and the Region of Queens will manage 'WhyHere.ca' until a new economic network is formed. The move follows a decision by the South Shore Business Growth Association to stop managing the site at the start of April. Economic Development Officer for the Municipality of Lunenburg, Dave Waters, says the website is critical for attracting people to the area.



A plan is also in place to expand the website to include Shelburne. Waters expects it may cost the group a couple hundred dollars to manage the site.

Proposed South Shore Crematorium On Hold

A proposal for a funeral home crematorium in Liverpool will not be moving ahead for now. Chandler's applied to Region of Queens Council to allow the establishment of the facility adjacent to the existing funeral home.However, the company has now withdrawn its application with manager Kevin Samuels saying public opposition played a role.



Region of Queens had given approval in principle to the project but subject to further study. Samuels hasn't ruled out bringing the proposal back to the table in the future for a different site.

Court Appearance Today For Those Accused In Homeless Death

The accused in the bus shelter death last fall of a homeless man in the Annapolis Valley are in court today. 26-year-old Daniel Wayne Surette of Berwick and 25-year-old Kyle David James Fredericks of nearby Berwick District were charged Friday with first-degree murder. 62 year old Harley Lawrence was found dead in a burned out bus shelter in Berwick on Oct. 23. Lawrence is said to have begun using the shelter for refuge as temperatures dipped last fall.

Baillie Skeptical About Gas Deregulation Promise

The province's Official Opposition Leader says he'll believe it when he sees it! Jamie Baillie says Premier Stephen McNeil's claim his government will look at gasoline price deregulation this fall comes with a big question mark. He believes deregulation should happen now, not later, to quickly eliminate the tax on tax at the pumps and give everyone a break.



Baillie also says the HST should be lowered by a cent or two now .. not later! He believes lowering that and deregulating gas prices would be helpful in fanning the flames of economic growth across the province.

NS Gasoline Industry Faces Possible Price Deregulation

With gasoline prices through the roof at South Shore pumps, the province is now seriously considering deregulating prices. Premier Stephen McNeil says prices are way out of control and something may be done in the fall, aimed at deregulating them.



Prices across the province increased by more than two cents on Friday for regular self serve and more than a cent for diesel. Regular gas is now at $1.46.2 a litre at South Shore pumps. Thats the highest its been in years.

Day Of Mourning Event Held In Bridgewater

Nova Scotia is joining the rest of Canada to remember people who were injured, killed or became ill at work. The International Day of Mourning is marked today. There were 34 workplace deaths last year in Nova Scotia, while just over 25,000 people were injured on the job. There have also been two deaths so far this year. President of the South Shore Labour Council, Lisa Mason, says it's something that needs to stop.



An event is planned for today in Bridgewater at 1pm at Shipyards Landing. Other ceremonies are planned for Halifax, Sydney, Kentville, and Port Hawkesbury.

Yarmouth: RCMP Arrest Man In Possession Of Firearm

A Yarmouth man is in court Monday after he was arrested with a loaded gun in a shopping area. RCMP say the man was taken into custody around noon on Saturday near the back of a grocery store. The Mounties say the 49-year-old man appeared to be intoxicated. A short time later, RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a home where a .22 calibre rifle was allegedly stolen. Police believe the two incidents are related. The man is facing several charges.

Teens In Custody Following Kings County Fires

Two teenage boys are in police custody following a pair of fires in Kings County. RCMP say they are investigating the fires, which happened Sunday in Aylesford. Police and firefighters responded to the call of an abandoned house and abandoned barn fire around mid-afternoon. Both buildings are a complete loss and the fire is being treated as suspicious. No one was injured. The Fire Marshal's Office is determining the cause. A 15-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy were still in police custody as of Sunday night.

Rail Museum Readies For New Season

Just like "The Little Engine That Could", there's a South Shore Museum that's working to keep the area's railway history alive! Duane Porter owns and operates the Halifax and Southwestern Railway Museum in Lunenburg and he says his company is one that will not be going, hat in hand, to government seeking financial support. He says the rich history of the former line is strong enough to keep tourists dropping by each year and in turn financially supporting the museum. Porter says the rail line's unique characteristics endeared itself to South Shore communities for 80 years.



Porter says the railway museum is known all over and has become a "must-see" spot in tourism circles.
It re-opens for the summer season, May 2nd.

Author MacLeod Returns Home

A church in a tiny section of Cape Breton will celebrate the life of an author known around the world. A memorial service is being held today in Broad Cove for Alistair MacLeod. The church is located only a short drive from where the decorated writer grew up and later spent his summers with his family. MacLeod died last Sunday in Windsor, Ontario with his family at his side. He's credited with writing timeless novels such as No Great Mischief and Lost Salt Gift of Blood. MacLeod was 77.

Two Men Charged In Harley Lawrence Death

RCMP in Nova Scotia have charged two men with first degree murder in the death of an Annapolis Valley man. Twenty-six-year-old David Wayne Surette and 25-year-old Kyle David James Fredericks of the Berwick area were arrested and charged in the death of Harley Lawrence. Lawrence was found dead in October after a fire at a bus shelter. Both men have been remanded into custody and will appear in Kentville court on Monday.

Group Looking To Bring 'Awesome' Ideas To South Shore

Are you ready to be awesome? A group of people are willing to pay $1,000 to see just how awesome you can be. Awesome South Shore is offering money to people who have ideas that could bring great events to the local area. Trustee Andrew Button says it could be anything from a lego party to using the money to recreate a scene from a famous movie. He says they want to inspire people.



The group is made up of 30 people. Every month 10 people donate $100 to create a $1,000 grant for an idea. They are collecting ideas on their website and will give out their first $1,000 during a May 28 event at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg. The website where you can submit ideas can be accessed here .

Program Attracting Doctors To South Shore Expanding

Introducing student doctors to rural Nova Scotia in the last year or so of their residency is the focus of the province's rural retention program. It offers encouragement to settle in places like the South Shore where its always a challenge to retain doctors. Premier Stephen McNeil says the program will be continued and expanded.



McNeil says there has been too much focus in the past on Halifax and having many doctors and specialists centred there. He says every effort is now being made to provide incentives to new doctors to settle here on the South Shore and in other rural areas of the province where the need is greatest.

Waldorf School Heading Toward The Finish Line

A South Shore independent school is in the middle of the pack in the hunt for first prize in a major national competition. The Waldorf School in Blockhouse is a candidate for winning the National Trees of Knowledge online competition. Parent Anastasia Malay says winning the $20,000 top prize will allow for an expansion of the school's tools of learning.



The Waldorf School is in sixth place and voting online runs until May 5. You can vote for the school at least once a day until then and stand a chance to win $10,000 for doing so. You can vote here .

Gas Prices Hot Topic In Legislature

Gas prices are up across the board today at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve has increased overnight by more than 2 cents a litre to $1.46.2 and diesel is up by a similar amount to $1.42.7 in many locations. With prices today now having reached record-breaking territory, the issue of double taxing gas has hit the floor of the province's legislature during question period. Opposition PC Leader Jamie Baillie led the attack on the McNeil government.



Some industry watchers predict gas prices will balloon past $1.50 before the start of the summer.

Berwick: Arrests Made In Death Of Homeless Man

There are new developments in the case involving the suspicious death of a homeless man in the Annapolis Valley. Mounties say they have two people in custody in connection with the death of Harley Lawrence. Lawrence died in a bus shelter in Berwick last year. The shelter was set on fire in October. Police say one person was arrested in Berwick around midnight and another was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. in the Sackville area. They are being interviewed by members of the RCMP's Major Crimes Unit.  However, police say no further details are being released.

Extensive Repairs Completed At Lunenburg Academy

The roof and chimney at Lunenburg Academy are now repaired, but not without more funding from the federal government. The town of Lunenburg was given almost $31,775 last summer for the work. However, significant roof rot and more repairs to the chimney were identified. Ottawa has since provided an additional $33,048 in infrastructure funding to complete the work. Mayor Rachel Bailey says she was happy to see the feds step up.



The Castle on the Hill has been a mainstay in Lunenburg since it opened its doors in 1895. It served as a school for 117 years until 2012. The town is looking to re-purpose the building for future use by community members and businesses.

Nova Scotia Looks For More US Visitors

Nova Scotia is looking to an old friend in hopes of boosting tourism. The province launched a ambitious marketing campaign in the Boston area to attract more first time US visitors. The tourism agency is leading the efforts which will focus on TV, newspaper and online ads. CEO Patrick Sullivan says the return of the Yarmouth ferry may also give tourism a boost this summer.



Sullivan says as part of the campaign they have bought room for signage behind home plate at Fenway Park for 10 games beginning April 29. However, he says the ads will really heat up in May.

Lunenburg: Music Academy Close To Accepting First Class

Over 140 musicians from 27 countries have applied to be a part of the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance. The group announced they will accept 14 of them for their Rossini Opera Academy, which opens up in October. Maestro Alberto Zedda will conduct the intense two-week course in Lunenburg. Artistic Director Burt Wathen says a pair of Canadians will be included in the class.


Wathen says the 14 students will be notified in early May about their acceptance into the program. The Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance has also planned a number of outreach concerts in the community between October and December. Wathen says the group has come a long way and are close to realizing a dream.

NS Liberal Government Accused Of Building Two Slush Funds

The McNeil government is taking heat over writing-off debts or giving loans to big companies with Liberal connections. That's something when in opposition, the Liberals criticized the Dexter government about over and over again. Current PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie went drilling for answers from Premier Stephen McNeil during question period in the Legislature. He wanted to know why the government is carrying on with big, forgiveable loans.



Premier Stephen McNeil took Baillie up on the challenge.



Baillie alledges the Liberals are padding a couple of slush funds for political rainy days with money supplied by companies loyal to the party. McNeil wrote off Baillie's comments as nonsense!

Governments Accused Of Making Fortune Off High Gas Prices

Gas prices at South Shore pumps are expected to take another jump overnight tonight by at least a couple of cents a litre. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic director Kevin Lacey says last fall's pre-election political rhetoric about forcing prices down has lost its lustre. He says governments are slow to react now because they're making a fortune in taxes.



Prices are expected to increase tonight at South Shore pumps by at least two cents a litre for regular self serve. That'll push the price past $1.46, the highest in a couple of years. Diesel is also expected to rise by a penny or so tonight.

Gas Prices Rise To Record Levels

A dubious record has been set this morning at South Shore gas pumps!
Prices are blowing already set records out the door. Regular self serve is up about 2.5 cents to $1.46.2 per litre, busting a record of almost a cent less in April 2012. Meanwhile, Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic director Kevin Lacey tells us last fall's pre-election political rhetoric about forcing prices down has lost its lustre. He says governments are slow to react now because ... they're making a fortune in taxes.




Gas prices are about 20 cents more a litre than they were a year ago and diesel is almost 40 cents higher.

Program To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Introduced In Queens

Youth in Queens County are about to learn better ways of preventing sexual abuse. The Canadian Red Cross introduced its 'Be Safe!' program Wednesday afternoon at Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy in Liverpool. The program gives kids ages five to nine-years-old educational tools to recognize and prevent situations that may lead to sexual abuse. School Board Communications Manager, Trish Smith, says the program engages kids through activities.



'Be Safe!' will also be available at North Queens Community School. Both Queens County schools are the first to offer the program in Nova Scotia. Additional information about the Canadian Red Cross program is available online here .

Bridgewater Youth Shelter In Limbo

The future of a youth shelter in Bridgewater is unclear. Empire House for youth who are homeless or at risk of being homeless is transitioning. It has been run by the province since 2007 but the Nova Scotia government is looking for a community organization to take over control. However, it's not known what will become of the current shelter on Empire Street. The home opened in 2002. The new service model will begin in July. Four youth workers will be re-assigned within the department. The province says the program will link youth with health providers, school, housing, employment and other social support.

No Need For Bridgewater Memorial Arena: Deputy Mayor

What started as an outdoor arena in 1948 appears to have at least one more year of service left. Town council has tentatively approved another year of operation for the Bridgewater Memorial Arena. It was a 4-3 vote in favour of providing almost $155,000 to keep the rink open for 2014-15. Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis voted against. He feels arenas in Chester, Lunenburg and Liverpool could fill the void if the rink at the new Lifestyle Centre is booked.



McInnis says the recent Ivany Report calls for more regional services and feels this could be one way to take advantage of it. A final decision is expected to be made on this topic and the town's budget on Monday.

School Closure Still Up To Elected Board

Elected board members will have the final say when deciding whether or not to close schools in Nova Scotia. Education Minister Karen Casey introduced changes in legislation today around school review. Casey says the new process puts an emphasis on better planning and more collaboration when a school is up for review. No schools are currently under review and none can be put forward until the new process is in place. A review committee was established last year to look at the process in depth and come up with a modified system. The new school review process will be in place by September.

For more information:

The recommendations and Casey's click the link Department of Education.

Funding Boost For Family Resource Centres

Family resources centres in Nova Scotia are getting a boost. The provincial government is increasing its annual funding to the centres by two million dollars. The money will be spread out equally throughout the province's 26 facilities. It will mean roughly $75,000 more in funding. New money will also be made available for training. Local family resources centres are located in New Ross, Bridgewater and Yarmouth. They offer support and programs for parents, children and families before and after birth - normally up to age six.

"Government Supporting New Grads" - Samson

The Liberal government is firing back at both of Nova Scotia's opposition parties over the availability of jobs for graduating university students. The Tories and NDP are accusing the government of coming up short when it comes to incentives for new graduates to stay and work in the province. Economic Development Minister Michel Samson told the Legislature during question period, they're trying to set up an economically-friendly working environment in the province.



New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan offer thousands of dollars in rebates to students who stay and work in those provinces following graduation. Samson says nothing like that is being considered for here.

Any Oak Island Treasure & Artifacts Need Protecting Says MLA

Protecting Oak Island from being plundered and historic artifacts spirited out of the area for international sale is the focus of a bill being introduced in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Chester-St. Margarets NDP MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse is leading the charge in the house, drawing attention to the consequences if fellow members, opposition and government, don't guarantee its passage.



A reality show on the History Channel has renewed interest in the tiny Mahone Bay island, with many viewers indicating their wish to pay a visit. The latest intriguing theory claims not only Captain Kidd's treasure may have been buried on Oak Island centuries ago. There may also be significant religious artifacts connected to the Knights Templar and even Shakespeare.

QMJHL: Moose Stage Huge Comeback, Look For More

Just when most people had written off the Halifax Moosehads last night as headed for defeat in Game 3 of their Q-League playoff series something happened that turned the tables on Val D'Or. After trailing 5-1 to Val D'or, the Moose stampeded out of the gate with sticks and goals flying to send the game into overtime. Jessie Lussier  scored the winner. The final score 6-5 Halifax. The Mooseheads still trail the series 2-1. They'll try to even it in game 4 tonight, again in Val D'Or.

Roseway Manor: Head Colds Shut Down Visitation

There is a visiting ban in place at Roseway Manor in Shelburne. Administrator Sharon Callan says roughly 10 residents are dealing with head and chest colds. She says the move is precautionary.



She advises loved ones to call and speak to their staff if they have any further questions. Callan says they will let the public know when the visitation ban is lifted.

Top Doc Saying Goodbye To South Shore Health

The CEO for South Shore Health says it's an emotional week as he wraps up his time at the position. Dr. Peter Vaughan spent almost two years as CEO. He is moving on to be the province's deputy minister of health, wellness and seniors next Monday. Vaughan says he enjoyed his time at the helm and feels South Shore Health is well-positioned for the future.



He points to collaborative health centres in Lunenburg, Bridgewater, New Germany, Caledonia and another in the works for Liverpool as good foundations. Vaughan says he would have liked to see more work done on redeveloping the emergency rooms in Bridgewater and Lunenburg. A replacement CEO has not been named.

Nova Scotia: "New Health Model Will Improve Service"

The process to streamline the health care system is underway. CEO of Pictou County Health, Patrick Lee has been appointed to lead the efforts as Nova Scotia moves to consolidate its 10 health authorities into two. Lee has spent 33 years in the health care system. He says he believes in the idea to reduce the health authorities.



The province is hoping to complete the process by next April. The new system would mean one health authority for the province and another for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

Yarmouth Native Receiving Medal Of Bravery

A Yarmouth native is one of three Nova Scotians who will receive a medal of bravery at a ceremony in Ottawa. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, will present 43 medals at Rideau Hall on Thursday morning. Among those being honoured is Angel Margaret MacEachern. She rescued a boy in July 2011 who was in danger of drowning at Ingonish Beach in Cape Breton. MacEachern swam out against the strong current without rescue equipment to reach the boy and struggled in the choppy water to bring him safely to the beach. Other provincial recipients include Constable Andrew Robert Aucoin of Centreville and Jeffrey Wakeham of Dartmouth.