HALIFAX – CBC News’s evening broadcast on Monday covered developments in Nova Scotia regarding cannabis regulations and provided an update on the Artemis II mission.

Cannabis Sales Lead to Protests and Arrests

Tensions remain high between the Nova Scotia government and Mi'kmaq communities concerning the sale of unregulated cannabis. According to CBC News, protests have occurred, including a highway blockade, and police raided a cannabis shop on the Bodladek First Nation in Cape Breton. During the raid, two people were arrested, including a man who stated he was exercising his treaty rights.

Police reported finding their vehicles vandalized with broken windows, damaged tires, and urine. The Bodladek Band Council stated it does not condone these actions, emphasizing a desire for peaceful protest and to be heard.

Nova Scotia’s Justice Minister directed police to crack down on illegal dispensaries in December. The provincial government passed legislation Tuesday night bringing in tougher penalties for selling unregulated cannabis. The government cited a Health Canada survey indicating that Nova Scotia youth use marijuana at higher rates than the national average of 23.2%.

Mi'kmaq representatives argue that selling cannabis is a treaty right. However, the government maintains that no legal precedent supports this claim, referencing a previous court decision regarding treaty interpretation. A Mi'kmaq representative countered that the lower court decision was incorrect, stating that constitutionally protected rights should take priority.

Artemis II Crew Connects with Earth

The CBC broadcast also featured an interview with Dr. Catherine Hansen, wife of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, currently on the Artemis II mission. Dr. Hansen stated that her husband is enjoying his time in space and will have many stories to share upon his return. The crew had a private family conference during which Hansen described his experience as “fun.” The broadcast included audio of Hansen communicating with Earth while on the far side of the moon.

Other stories covered during the broadcast included the guilty plea of Rex Heuermann in a serial murder case on Long Island, the sentencing of a woman for selling the ketamine that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry, and a potential spike in a muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis in Newfoundland and Labrador.