Biggest 2024 news stories in the Maritimes from A-to-Z: Part 1

In just 12 months, the Maritimes experienced major storms, political sea changes, historic heat levels and no shortage of triumphs and tragedies. As 2024 draws to a close, check out an alphabetical ranking of some of the biggest stories that shaped the lives of people on the East Coast.

Aurora borealis: At this time of year? Localized entirely in the Maritimes? It happened multiple times across the region in 2024 due to increased solar activity, treating sky-gazers to a colourful and dazzling display.

Blue wave: Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston called a snap election in November. He said he needed a new mandate from voters and he got one as they put the Progressive Conservatives back in power with a 43-seat supermajority. That election also saw the rise of the NDP as the official Opposition as the Liberals collapsed to just two seats.

Cellphone ban and cost of living: Some students may find it hard to be separated from their phones, but this year they had to go without their devices as provincial governments banned or restricted the use of them in classrooms. Similar bans, which are aimed at improving engagement in (in sounds better than with to me?) school, are in place across the country.

Like most Canadians, Maritimers struggled with the cost of living in 2024 as food, rent and heating prices continued to soar. Food banks reported record usage from new customers and the supply of housing units struggled to meet the demand.

Drought: Halifax Water customers served by Lake Major were urged to conserve water in November. Much of the Maritimes were declared to be in moderate droughts by October.

Eclipse: Aurora borealis wasn’t the only thing in the sky to catch people’s eye this year. A rare solar eclipse cast parts of the region in darkness on April 8. A similar event is expected to happen in 2079, so mark your calendars.

Flash flooding and ferries: Thirteen-year-old Eli Young died in a flash flood in Wolfville, N.S., in July, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community and a fundraiser that collected more than $50,000.

Ferry travellers faced their fair share of frustrations this year as multiple crossings between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia were cancelled due to mechanical issues and engine problems. In a recent interview, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said the ferry service needs to improve in 2025.

Goal: Sidney Crosby scored his 600th NHL goal in 2024, becoming only the 21st player to achieve that feat. Crosby also closed out the year by breaking Mario Lemieux’s record for the most assists in Pittsburgh Penguins history.

Holt beats Higgs: For the first time in New Brunswick history, the province has a female premier. Liberal Leader Susan Holt beat Blaine Higgs in an October election, unseating the Progressive Conservatives after six years in power.