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A Special Editorial - Why we have Cannabis
By Maurice Rees
The reason we have legalization of Cannabis in Canada is GREED.
However let’s explore over a century of activities which brought about similar greed decisions.
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Income tax was "temporarily implemented" to pay for World War I.
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During the prohibition era starting nearly a century ago the flow of liquor couldn’t be stopped.
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Many family fortunes were amassed during that time, including some of Nova Scotians most prominent families, who are still in business and continue at or near the top of power and success.
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Eventually some smart number crunchers convinced politicians, "If we can’t fight them, why not make money off liquor and put them out of business".
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Hence "The War on Prohibition" ended with government "getting into the business" as a tax grab.
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Then we had to deal with World War II: get our troops home; resettled and start a population boom.
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Since the mid 60’s consumption of weed has become more acceptable, but you had to stay below the radar line by being secretive.
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Those who started smoking weed in the 60’s, as part of the "hippie revolution", now sport grey hair are receiving their old age pensions.
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During the ensuing 50 years, the age of "trying it" has lowered. It would not be a surprise to hear of elementary students trying it.
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We can’t afford to "Fight the War on Drugs" is a statement which gained popularity.
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Finally nearly 60 years later, various levels of government are looking for the "Tax Grab".
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The era of the "Bootlegger" for that extra pint or case of beer lasted for 80 years, but subsided in Nova Scotia, when "NSLC Agency Stores" provided more local access and helped maintain the economic viability of "selected" rural retailers.
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With the availability of "legal cannabis" don’t think the black market sellers will be eliminated.
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Each household can legally grow four plants (15-20 with a medical designation). Some people will attempt to grow it, but get discouraged.
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Possession of small amounts (30 grams) of cannabis possession is legal.
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The "black market" will not fade away. Some budding entrepreneurs might set up facilities to grow the weed for you, similar to some businesses brewing your beer or making your wine.
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Continued success of the black market will be based on pricing, convenience to buy, supporting a "local entrepreneur" and knowing where it was grown.
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Not enough research has been done to determine the full extent of medical benefits:
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Many proclaim ailments have been "cured or more easily manageable" by using cannabis, instead of taking prescriptions written by the family medical doctor.
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Now that it’s legal, if the medical profession can be convinced, (which will take time) they should look for and accept proven alternative solutions to bottles of pills.
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To achieve this, the monies pharmaceutical companies pay doctors must be outlawed.
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Any monies doctors receive from drug companies must be deducted "off the top" of what they receive from the provincial treasury or re-directed to research.
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If medical benefits exist, as I believe they do, requires all to have an open mind. If it can be proven as a natural solution to many ailments and diseases, it should be explored to the fullest.
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From what I have been told these "natural medicines" could significantly reduce health care costs while reducing the urgency for a national pharmaceutical program.
For the record, I am not a cannabis user. I have an open mind. I am not promoting either way. However, I wanted to express my thoughts of what 56 years hanging around this profession has provided and realizing government has a good record of setting policy, but a poor record to implement and manage. - Maurice
The Shoreline Journal is a monthly community newspaper based in Bass River, Nova Scotia, and serving the Fundy Shore/Glooscap Trail from Truro to Parrsboro. See submission deadlines...
Established in 1994, the paper was originally published as the West Colchester Free Press by Ken Kennedy Publications, and later renamed to The Shoreline Journal. In January 2008 The Journal changed hands and is now under the management of the husband and wife team of Maurice & Dorothy Rees. They initiated a redesign of the paper, with the addition of several colour pages in each issue. Each monthly issue concentrates on the many community events which involve residents of all ages, from the elderly to the very young, and those young at heart. A primary focus is those activities which involve students, whether it be school or 4-H club activities.
Maurice has extensive experience in the community newspaper & advertising field, and has been running several businesses in Maitland for the past few years. Dorothy is a lady of many interests who added new features to the Journal in particular her Kitchen Korner. Since November 2008 she has operated her own business, Dorothy’s T-shirt Factory, later renamed to “tshirtsrus.ca”. The energetic couple have a busy schedule as they are also sales agents for Nelson Monuments and also travel frequently to annual Nova Scotian festivals selling t-shirts.
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Features
The Shoreline Journal understands that rural communities want to know about news and events in their communities, so that's our focus, the things that directly affect our subscribers, sponsors and customers. Watch for regular items:
| Rees' Pieces (Publishers) | Letters to the Editor | Community Calendar |
| Heritage Notes | Sports Events | Classified Ads |
| Senior Affairs | Nature Notes | Credit Union News |
| MLA Activity Report | Community Centres | Fire Brigade |
| Favourite Pet Photo | Parish News | 4-H Clubs |
| Dorothy's Kitchen Korner | Poems & Photos | Obituaries |
| Front Page Briefs |
plus notes from many communities and organizations such as:
Bass River, CCJS Student Council, Chiganois, Debert Elementary, Debert Legion, Great Village, Londonderry Council, MacCarell Villa, Masstown, Onslow Belmont, skating clubs & other groups
The Shoreline Journal
November 2018 Issue follows:
Rees's Pieces - November 2018 - The Hardest job in Canada
(Before I get onto the main subject matter, I need some assistance. I prefer to shop downtown. Where in Downtown Truro can I find regular shoelaces? Found one store on the Esplanade which had sneakers laces, not appropriate and about 40 inches long. Of all the things available, hard to imagine, not easily found. Can someone let me know?)
If you analyze election results over the past few years, the hardest job in Canada is being an elected official, who wishes to get re-elected. Yes, I mean the elected at any level of government.
The electorate is irate and willing to try anything or anyone other than those who are there. Voters normally don’t elect a favourite, their intent is to turf out the ones who don’t listen.
Look at Alberta. Who in their wildest imagination would have believed after four decades of Conservative rule voters would elect an NDP government?
Future Fire Fighter! One-year old Cooper Ferdinand is ready to roll during his visit to the Onslow Belmont Fire Brigade Open House. The annual Fire Prevention week Open House was held on Oct. 13. See Linda Harrington’s OBFB Open House Photo Feature on page 18.
Jed Ritcey Legacy Fund to distribute $19,700
By Maurice Rees
The Board of Directors of the Jed Ritcey fund have announced on October 15th they will be disbursing $19,700 of the fund to grassroots program development and equipment support to the four minor hockey associations in Colchester County that submitted requests for funding.
The 2017 World Junior A Challenge (WJAC), hosted in Truro at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre from December 10 – 16 featured 6 teams, including Canada East, Canada West, USA, Czech Republic, Russia, and Switzerland. Canada West defeated USA in front of a sold-out crowd to take home the gold. 88,000 viewers tuned in to TSN to watch Canada win the title where Truro was highlighted to the entire Country.
it is estimated that the event had a net economic impact of $1.9 million in the Country. Of that, $1.7 million directly impacted the Province of Nova Scotia, with $1.5 million in the Truro/Colchester Region alone.
Dave Ritcey, Chair of the 2017 WJAC Host Organizing Committee and JRLF Board member said that "We are pleased to share with everyone that approximately $40,000 was raised through the 2017 World Junior A Challenge event last December. Jed Ritcey was Dave’s father.
The Jed Ritcey Legacy Fund’ (JRLF) fund was developed in memory of Colchester Sports Hall of Famer and community leader Jed Ritcey. Through his long-term service and contribution to Hockey Canada, Hockey Nova Scotia, the Maritime Junior Hockey League, Truro Minor Hockey, the Truro resident always believed in the importance of giving back to his community.
Applications for funding were sent out to the local minor hockey associations with specific criteria in late August. There were four applications received by the board at the deadline.
The associations that will benefit from this year’s funding are the Truro Minor Hockey Association, Colchester Female Hockey Association, South Colchester Minor Hockey Association and the Tatamagouche Minor Hockey Association.
The Jed Ritcey Legacy Fund will be an ongoing operating fund for future years with the support of dedicated volunteer board members and members of the community.
The Jed Ritcey Legacy Fund shall be administered by a volunteer Board of Directors compromised of a minimum of six members: Member(s) of the Ritcey Family; Member of the Hockey Nova Scotia; Members of the Community of Colchester County and Members of the Host Committee 2017 World Junior A Challenge.
The Jed Ritcey Legacy Fund Board of Directors include the following dedicated community volunteers: Betty and Dave Ritcey- Family Member; Matt Moore, Heather Fraser and Nick Sharpe, 2017 WJAC Host Committee and Community members; Mike Field- Hockey Nova Scotia Representative/ Community Member, plus Bob Taylor, Greg Mullen and Courtney Nicholson, Community Members.
LaFarge gets Industrial Permit
By Maurice Rees
On October 10th the Environment Department granted Lafarge Canada an industrial permit for a one-year pilot project to burn discarded tires as kiln fuel in its cement plant near Brookfield. The company will have to do air quality monitoring at regular intervals when the kiln is operating. Groundwater and surface water monitoring are also required.
In July 2017, Lafarge got an environmental assessment approval for the pilot project, to be conducted in conjunction with the Dalhousie research team. Six weeks later, a residents group that opposed the pilot project filed notice with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court for a judicial review of then-minister Iain Rankin’s decision. The group claimed the minister failed to properly consult the public, to protect human health and to prevent pollution.
Justice James Chipman dismissed the complaints, ruling that the minister’s approval of the pilot project was reasonable, that the process considered the risks, and that the minister was satisfied that any significant adverse environmental effects could be mitigated.
The company plans to burn 350,000 tires, predicting that it will reduce carbon emissions in one year by 30 per cent for every tonne of coal and petcoke fuel replaced by tires. It also predicts a 10 to 15 per cent reduction in the nitrogen oxides that form smog and acid rain and constitute most air pollutants.
There are about one-million tires discarded every year in the province. Divert Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit corporation that operates at arm’s-length from government, picks up the $4.50 per tire environmental fee that Nova Scotia consumers pay for tires at retail outlets.
Through its tire management program, Divert had been paying a $200 per tonne fee to C& D Recycling in Goodwood for taking the discarded tires and shredding them into aggregate that can be used for highways, retaining walls, drainage, foundation backfilling and other products. Lafarge’s bid landed the cement company 30 per cent of the province’s discarded tires over a five-year period. The company will be paid $105 per tonne by Divert to take the 350,000 tires each year, if the pilot project is extended.
Plant upgrades are underway. The earliest that tires could be used as fuel would be late fall, possibly not starting until early in 2019.
$6-Million TAAC Revitalization?
By Maurice Rees
A $6-Million investment in Truro/Colchester TAAC facilities might be just around the corner. Colchester Council approved support for the TAAC Revitalization Project by agreeing to co-sign a promissory note on 50/50 basis with Truro for $1.62-Million and to agree to contribute up to a maximum of $310,000 financial support for the project. It is reported Truro has okayed the same commitment.
The municipal commitment of $1.62-Million will enable the TAAC revitalization Society to proceed with an application for $4.38-Million under the Canada Infrastructure Program, for joint Federal and provincial funding for the project.
This does not indicate taxpayers are on the hook for $1.62-Million, plus $310,000. If the federal and provincial funding is not approved, the project will be dead in the water. However, if funding is secured Truro and Colchester each will be responsible for $310,000.
Brian Wood, President, TAAC Revitalization Society and his team have high hopes to put Colchester and Truro back in first place. With presentations to Truro and Colchester councils they have been gaining support and hope to submit additional applications this fall for a revitalization project which totals around $6-Million.
In a letter to council for the October 25th meeting, Wood stated, the $310,000 commitment is subject to possible reduction based on the success of private funding, reduction of project costs through "in-kind" donations and any contribution received from Millbrook First Nation.
Wood’s letter further states the TAAC Revitalization Society (fundraising group) would in turn sign a promissory note with Truro and Colchester to provide a minimum of $1-Million in private sector fundraising. The proposed $1-Million private sector contribution would be deducted from the original $1.62-Million co-sign promissory note leaving only $620,000 to be split equally between the municipalities.
Wood’s team have been busy doing a design of the facilities, getting quotes, surveys and preparing drawings in preparation for submission of its official application.
A $6-Million fund raising has been launched to put Colchester and Truro into first place with an iconic track and field facility. The volunteer team are reporting strong support for the $1-Million local financing commitment, which as of early October was up to $392,140 raised to date; 57 total donors; 4 ongoing campaigns with local businesses; 16 requests for "in-kind" work (such as electrical, excavation, etc), and if it’s a one year project there are several grant opportunities with major national and international companies.
In each presentation Wood reminds people the municipal contributions of $310,000 is a 1,840% rate of return towards a $6-Million project.
In a presentation to Colchester council in early October, Wood reminded council that a presentation given in 2015 stated current facilities were out of date, unsafe and inadequate to host competitions. In fact elite athletes from the area must travel to Halifax or to Pictou and Antigonish Counties for training.
Truro and Colchester have been left behind by 17 other communities, with improved facilities, when it comes to track and field facilities. Colchester is unable to apply for or host regional, provincial or national events.
The project would include: build new high quality stadium on Angus Drive; revitalize the TAAC location with multi use all weather field for soccer, football, lacrosse, and ruby; install new 8-lane synthetic track and regulation throwing areas and increase storage and public use space such as washrooms.
The TAAC team has broken down the costs as follows: Ball field, $1.526-million; TAAC grounds, $200,000 to purchase property on Prince Street and $3.459-Million, as outlined, plus storage buildings. Equipment costs will include $35,000 for baseball and $550.000 for track and field. All quotes are current and have been escalated by 15%.
If the project moves to implementation it will provide the ability for all amateur sport – minor / senior baseball; soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, elementary / high school track and field to host provincial and national events. The community would benefit from better facilities for health and wellness, plus ability to book field use for recreational use.
Local businesses, particularly hotels and restaurants, would benefit from the area’s ability to host regional, provincial and national events. In addition the modern facilities provide much lower maintenance costs.
Page One Briefs - November 2018
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STRESS RELIEF: I have more
friends I should send this to, but right now I can't remember
their names, so consider yourself lucky!
Remembrance Day service at Veterans Memorial Park, Bass River begins at 10:45AM On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month one hundred years ago, the Armistice was signed ending WWI. Join us as we remember all souls lost in war. Fellowship to follow at West Colchester Consolidated School, Maple Ave. All are welcome. To order a natural bough wreath in Memory or in Honour, please call 902-647-2478. Wreaths are available for $25.00 until Nov 6th. Community Credit Union has upped its staffing by appointing Dave Ritcey as Director of Community and Business Development for both Amherst and Truro branches. In another appointment, Sarah Doyle has been appointed Director, Member Services for both branches. For the third consecutive year the Shoreline Journal will sponsor the annual "Wheels to Meals" Christmas Dinner at the Great Village Legion on December 4th beginning at 12 noon. Doors open at 11:15 am. The 123rd Annual Meeting of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture will be held at the Best Western Glengarry on November 29th and 30th. Farmers from across Nova Scotia will gather to provide direction on key industry issues, hear from prominent political and industry figures. Keynote speaker is Andrew Campbell. Town of Stewiacke will receive $31,286 towards a well field search. The Provincial Capital Assistance Program is investing $690,000 in the provincial-municipal cost-shared program. Projects that will be supported include expansion design for wastewater facilities, and studies on wastewater and sewage treatment plants. Wentworth Recreation Centre, 13752 Highway 4 is hosting the 28th Annual Community Christmas Craft Fair, on November 27th. Hundreds of customers are expected to keep the venues filled from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. As is tradition in many small rural communities, several community groups join forces to cooperate to offer a shopping experience and make it worthwhile for carloads of people to attend the event. Other venues in the community are participating including: Old Valley Schoolhouse, Baptist Church, United Church, and the Learning Centre. Admission of $3 gets shoppers access to all 5 locations up and down Highway 4. The Rec Centre will provide a full menu at its canteen and other venues will also offer a variety of refreshments. For information, contact Barb Palmer at wentworth.crafts@gmail.com or call 902-897-8372. Shoppers will enjoy a large selection to shop for handmade crafts from all over Northern Nova Scotia and great home cooking at a delicious lunch. The Wentworth Recreation Centre at 13752 Highway 4 is hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre on November 10th. The event will begin with social at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Purchase tickets online at www.squareup.com/store/wentworth-recreation-centre For information, call Laurel at 902 899-3634. You will enjoy a hilarious, suspenseful, interactive, theatrical experience! More businesses across the province are investing in improvements to their establishments, making them more accessible to persons with disabilities. So far 24 businesses throughout the province will receive $580,000 under the Business ACCESS-Ability program to cost share accessibility-related improvements. Funding supports improvements such as removing physical barriers, providing accessible communication and information, accessible shuttle transportation and education and training programs. None of the successful applications were located in Cumberland or Colchester Counties. The Business ACCESS-Ability program is still open to applications. More information about the program is available at: https://cch.novascotia.ca/business-access-ability-grant-programGeneral deer hunting season in Nova Scotia began October 26, and continues to Saturday, December 1. Hunters are required to carry a compass and waterproof matches. Anyone going into the woods should also carry a map or GPS unit, a first-aid kit and a communications device. They should tell someone when and where they will be in the woods. Those planning to be in the woods this time of year should put safety first and wear orange. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays during the season except for Oct. 28 and Nov. 4. |
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| November 2018 issue | |
| THE SOUTH CUMBERLAND NEWS November issue | |
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| Issue | Deadline | Published |
| December 2018 | November 20, 2018 | November 28, 2018 |
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