HALIFAX – Tensions remain high in Nova Scotia regarding the sale of unregulated cannabis, leading to protests and law enforcement action, CBC News reported.

Cannabis Sales and Legal Challenges

Protests, including a highway blockade, have occurred as the Mi'kmaq community asserts that selling cannabis is a treaty right. This claim is disputed by the Nova Scotia government. In December, the province’s justice minister directed police to crack down on illegal dispensaries.

Rhabdomyolysis Spike in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing an unusual increase in cases of rhabdomyolysis, a condition caused by intense exercise, CBC News reported. Since October, 20 people, mostly women between 19 and 30 years old, have been admitted to hospital emergency rooms with the illness. Symptoms include extreme pain, swelling, and dark-colored urine, and in severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure. Experts suggest fitness trends and social media may be contributing factors.

Air Canada Arbitration Pilot Project

Air Canada is testing a new arbitration process with an independent third party to address its backlog of passenger compensation claims, currently estimated at 96,000, CBC News reported. The airline will be bound by the arbitrator’s decisions, but passengers will not be, retaining the option to pursue claims through the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). Industry experts have expressed concerns about the impartiality of the UK-based Canadian Aviation Dispute Resolution (CADR) group, which is running the pilot project.

Dr. Hansen on Husband’s Space Mission

Dr. Catherine Hansen, wife of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, spoke with CBC News about her husband’s experience on the Artemis II mission. She described a recent family communication with her husband after his flyby on the dark side of the moon, during which he expressed his excitement about being in space and his love of zero gravity. Dr. Hansen also shared that the crew honoured the late Carol Weissman by naming a crater on the moon after her, a gesture that evoked strong emotion. She anticipates many stories upon his return and noted his enthusiasm for the scientific aspects of the mission. The Artemis II splashdown is scheduled for Friday, with CBC News providing live coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.