The Record Episode 4

Episode 4 of The Record starts with an interview with Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier NDP MLA Kendra Coombs discussing several topics of local importance: specifically her evaluation of the current provincial government entering the third year of their mandate; her take on the government’s approach to health care; her reaction to the new contract for teachers; her ideas to address classroom conditions, notably violence and threats between students; the NDP’s “Housing Within Reach” plan; and what her party would do to address the state of roads and bridges.

Next, The Record provides an update on the court case involving Daryl and Shelley Digout who are scheduled to stand trial in the fall.

According to Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Services, (PPS), Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 has been aside for the trial in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court.

In the meantime, public prosecution said the Digouts are slated to return to court in Port Hawkesbury on June 6 for a status report, noting there are concerns from the Crown about the Digout’s cross-examining witnesses.

PPS recently confirmed that the Digouts, who are facing sex charges involving a minor, want to represent themselves and proceed with a joint trial.

On Oct. 12 in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court, Daryl and Shelley Digout pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to appear in court and being at large on a confirmed undertaking, sexual assault, sexual interference, and sexual exploitation.

Richmond County District RCMP said there may be additional victims connected to the Digouts and are encouraging others to come forward.

After that, The Record looks at the case of William Taylor Johnson Burke of Potlotek First Nation.

The Crown has withdrawn a charge against the Richmond County man who was arrested on child pornography charges in February.

Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Services said the charge of distribution of child pornography was withdrawn but a hearing on two counts of possession of child pornography is scheduled for June 24 in Port Hawkesbury.

On Feb. 8, the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Unit, assisted by Richmond County District RCMP and RCMP Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a home in Potlotek.

According to the RCMP, investigators were directed to the residence after a social media application notified law enforcement that child pornography was transmitted on their service.

As a result of the search and investigation, the RCMP said Burke was arrested at the residence and later charged.

Burke was released on conditions and was arraigned on April 11, Public Prosecution Services added.

The Record then looks at recent news from a company proposing a large-scale green energy project in Point Tupper.

EverWind Fuels announced the completion of Front-End Engineering Design or FEED and Front-End Loading Engineering for Phase 1 of its green hydrogen to green ammonia project.

EverWind Fuels said the completion of the FEED, marks a “major milestone” in the development of the project and represents the first announced completion of this phase for a large-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia production facility in North America.

The project will use cutting-edge PEM electrolyzers and ammonia synthesis technology to convert water from Landrie Lake and energy primarily from newly-built wind farms into green hydrogen and green ammonia.

The first phase of the project is designed to produce approximately 240,000 tonnes per year of green ammonia.

Work to fix damage at the Petit de Grat Library from Hurricane Fiona was examined by The Record.

Laura Emery, CEO of Eastern Counties Regional Library, said the library is temporarily operating out of Room 113 at Centre La Picasse in Petit de Grat and is open during its usual hours.

The region library said renovations started on April 15 and work will also include general improvements to the library space.

The ECRL said library services available at Petit de Grat’s temporary location include a public access computer, staff assistance for requesting materials, a small collection to browse for checkout, and pick up and return of requested materials (holds). But they said there will be a limited seating area.

And finally, on The Record, we look at Yvon Samson of Petit de Grat who was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of significant service during the inaugural investiture ceremony at Government House in Halifax on May 6.

The medal recipients represent a broad cross-section of Nova Scotians who have made significant contributions to Canada, the province, or their community.

Samson has been a tireless advocate of Acadian language and culture and a devoted volunteer in his community.

Lt-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc, a native of Isle Madame, presented Samson with the honour.