3 things to know this week

MORE INPUT ON TRAFFIC SAFETY ACT

Nova Scotians can provide feedback on proposed regulations of the new Traffic Safety Act that outline rules for businesses and people who are licensed to sell and inspect vehicles, as well as those who train drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles.

This is the fourth set of draft regulations shared for public comment. Some highlights include:

• allowing driver improvement programs and the theory component of driver education courses to be delivered online;

• more stringent eligibility criteria for individuals teaching driver improvement programs;

• a proposed fee change for motor vehicle inspections to $50 from $29.50;

• establishing rules for temporary dealership locations in malls or parking lots.

The Traffic Safety Act will replace the outdated Motor Vehicle Act. Nova Scotians can provide feedback on this phase at: https://novascotia.ca/trafficsafety-act-public-engagement/. The deadline is Feb. 22.

NEW FOIPOP PORTAL LAUNCHES

Nova Scotians have a new easy and secure online portal to submit and receive Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) requests.

The new portal allows the public to submit information requests, track the progress of requests, pay fees, and receive responses online. A new and updated disclosure site was also launched to replace the temporary site and will give the public access to previously released information requests.

A step taken to enhance the security of the new FOIPOP portal and disclosure site includes conducting multiple levels of cyber and privacy reviews and security tests during the design phase.

HEAT FUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

There is additional funding for the

2021 Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund.

The province contributes $800,000 annually to the fund and Nova Scotia Power gives $200,000. In December 2020, Nova Scotia Power Maritime Link Inc. announced a donation of $1.5 million to the fund, which will provide support to electricity customers who have been hardest hit by the financial challenge of COVID.

The online application form and eligibility rules can be found at https://salvationarmy.ca/maritime/heat/