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.