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

Cannabis Sales and Treaty Rights

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, Nova Scotia’s justice minister directed police to crack down on illegal dispensaries. On Tuesday night, the provincial government passed legislation bringing in tougher penalties for those selling unregulated cannabis.

A recent police raid on a cannabis shop on the Bodladek First Nation in Cape Breton resulted in two arrests. According to the broadcast, protesters damaged police vehicles, breaking windows and damaging tires. The Bodladek band council stated it does not condone these actions.

The Nova Scotia government maintains that there is no legal precedent establishing cannabis sales as a treaty right, citing a previous court decision regarding treaty interpretation. However, a representative from the Mi'kmaq community, speaking during the CBC News broadcast, argued that the court decision was incorrect and failed to recognize constitutionally protected rights.

Artemis II Mission Update

The CBC News broadcast also included updates on the Artemis II mission. The crew is preparing for re-entry and splashdown, scheduled for just after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on Friday. According to NASA, the focus is on safely returning the crew to Earth and retrieving the data collected during the mission.

During a live connection with the Canadian Space Agency, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered greetings to the crew. Astronaut Jeremy Hansen and his crewmates discussed teamwork and the importance of collaboration.

Family Anticipation

Dr. Catherine Hansen, wife of Jeremy Hansen, spoke with CBC News about the experience of watching her husband’s historic mission. She described a recent family conference call where Hansen enthusiastically shared his experiences in zero gravity. She stated that he will likely continue to talk about the mission for a long time.

In addition to the Nova Scotia cannabis dispute and the Artemis II mission, the broadcast also briefly covered a guilty plea in the Rex Heuermann serial killer case, a sentencing in the Matthew Perry ketamine case, and an update on Air Canada’s new arbitration process for passenger compensation claims. A spike in cases of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis was also reported in Newfoundland and Labrador.