The Nova Scotia legislature goes back into session today amid speculation the NDP government will go to the polls this fall. But Premier Darrell Dexter's dismissing the rumours. He says he has no plans for a fall vote, in fact the preem says he can't even guarantee there'll be an election next year, the fourth year of his government's mandate. Pollster Don Mills says a fall election would be "a death wish" for the government. He doesn't expect there'll be a fall vote considering the N'Dippers trail the opposition Liberals according to his latest survey. Power rates and changes to the province's electoral map will be the hot issues when the legislature gets down to business and the expectation is it will be a raucous session.
While the announcement of a $5 billion liquified natural gas plant in Guysborough County is welcome news, let's hold off dancing in the streets until there are more details about the project. The Goldboro area's had its share of failed project announcements in the past and with issues like financing still unresolved with this proposal, we need to temper our enthusiasm. Pieridae Energy Canada is behind the LNG proposal that would see natural gas imported from the U.S., liquified at the Goldboro plant and then shipped to markets in Europe and India. It could provide as many as 1,000 jobs during construction and another hundred full time jobs once the plant is running. It's certainly welcome news, but again, Guysborough County has heard big promises in the past. Residents are hoping this one's different. Stay tuned.
Gas prices in New Brunswick dropped just over 8 cents a litre overnight and the expectation is Nova Scotians will see another decrease tonight when the province's gas regulatory system makes its weekly price adjustment. The Utility and Review Board used its interruptor clause Tuesday night to knock just over a nickle off the price of gas. A litre sells today for $1.25. Prices could drop another 1 to 3 cents here tonight. George Murphy of Consumers for Fair Gas Prices says before too long we could see prices fall below the dollar a litre mark. Bring it on.
The gun violence in this city continues. Shots rang out in the Bayers Lake Business Park last night. Around 10, witnesses say they heard four or five gunshots. Police later found a car parked outside a residence with several bullet holes in the trunk. The 2 men inside, neither was hurt, say a small car pulled up behind them and shot at their vehicle. Police say they don't think this was a random incident but there's been no explanation offered for the gunplay.
How about those Mooseheads. Jonathon Druin returned to the lineup last night and picked up 2 goals and 2 assists to lead the Mooseheads to a 6-2 victory over Drummondville at the Metro Centre. His linemate, Nathan MacKinnon continued his torrid pace as well scording two goals. It was the 11th straight win for the team now ranked number 2 in the country behind Kamloops. Halifax fans have been waiting a long time for a championship team. The Moosheads have come close in the past, but this year could be the one.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
