Biggest 2024 news stories in the Maritimes from A-to-Z: Part 2

As we approach the end of 2024, CTV Atlantic is looking back on some of the top news stories in the Maritimes – from A-to-Z.

This list picks up at the letter “I.” You can find Part 1 – from A to H – here.

Irving: Arthur L. Irving, the chairman emeritus and former president of Irving Oil, died in May at the age of 93.

Just over a month later, James K. Irving – Arthur’s older brother and chairman of the privately-owned J.D. Irving – died at the age of 96.

Both men were remembered for their contributions as business and community leaders in New Brunswick.

Job action: There were a number of labour strikes this year, including one by 55,000 Canada Post employees, who walked off the job in November, just ahead of the busy holiday season.

Earlier in the year a strike prompted Halifax Public Libraries to shut down for nearly a month and several other strikes were narrowly avoided in the region.

KKK costumes: Four people showed up at a Halloween dance at the North Sydney Firefighters Club wearing what appeared to be Ku Klux Klan costumes in October.

The incident sparked an online firestorm, with people criticizing both the group who wore the costumes and the firefighters club for allowing them to stay.

The club and deputy fire chief both apologized and said the four people were not associated with the organization.

Lottery: A New Brunswick man won $64 million from Lotto 6/49 – just in the nick of time.

Merel Chiasson from Bas-Caraquet, N.B., claimed the big prize in March, just 19 days before it was due to expire. The ticket had been sitting on his bedroom dresser for nearly a year.

Marsman: More than two years after a Halifax teenager was reported missing, four people were charged in connection with his death in September and October.

Devon Sinclair Marsman was last seen alive in the Spryfield area in February 2022. His cousin was charged with second-degree murder while three others were charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

New Halifax mayor: For the first time in more than a decade, Halifax elected a new mayor.

Former Liberal MP Andy Fillmore won the race by a landslide in October.

Former Halifax mayor Mike Savage announced in February he would not be seeking a fourth term, after 12 years in the mayor’s office. Savage was named the new lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia in October.

Oysters: Parasites threatened Atlantic Canada’s oyster industry this year.

Pallets: The first Pallet villages opened in Nova Scotia in 2024, offering shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness.  

Part 3 of A-to-Z will be available Tuesday afternoon.