by Lieutenant-Governor Arthur LeBlanc opened a new session of the legislature with the Speech from the Throne this afternoon.
Climate change was one of the key topics in the speech that included aims to phase out the use of coal by 2030.
The government is also aiming for Nova Scotia to become the first carbon neutral province, and it’s pledging to create jobs in the renewable energy, trades, digital, and high-technology fields.
It’s also committing to what it’s calling a proactive approach on mental health and addictions and doing a recovery review it says will make sure government programs improve quality of life in the province.
Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston seized on the quality of life theme in his response to the throne speech when he pointed to long wait times in the health system.
The spring sitting of the legislature will be working under a so-called hybrid model because of COVID-19.
The model will see most MLA’s joining the proceedings virtually.
Each of the three party caucuses will be allowed up to three members to sit in person.