Nova Scotians hopeful new medical school will relieve health-care crisis
A day after Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced a second medical school for the province, people around Cape Breton are still celebrating.
Many feel it could be a game-changer when it comes to health-care services in the future.
“I think it's a great announcement for Cape Breton and actually a great announcement for Nova Scotia, but especially Cape Breton,” said David MacKeigan, a member of community group Bay It Forward.
MacKeigan’s group has attracted three doctors to the area over the past couple of years.
Pre-pandemic potential physicians would be taken on a tour of the Miners Museum, a boat ride along the shoreline and jigging for mackerel — a chance to be introduced to the people here.
MacKeigan says having the school in their own backyard will help with recruiting.
“It will be much easier. We will educate some of our own doctors, and when they're working with doctors here, they can be shown what Cape Breton is all about,” he said
Houston said the new school will be focused on training students from Nova Scotia, in particular from rural areas.
“We don't train enough physicians in Canada to replace the physicians who are retiring. The largest group of physicians practicing right now in Canada are the baby boomers and they'll be retiring soon, and we need people to step in and take those positions,” said Dr. Margaret Fraser.
The goal is to graduate up to 30 new doctors a year for at least the first six years.
Cape Breton University hopes to take over the Nova Scotia Community College near the campus, which is moving to downtown Sydney.
CBU President David Dingwall said the building will be home to the school of nursing, social work, and a new primary health clinic for up to 10,000 people.
Fraser says the new facility will help the province better deal with the current health-care crisis in the years to come.
“In the future, it absolutely will because there will be people coming here who want to work in the emergency department, people coming here who want to help train the next generation of emergency physicians, and if we train physicians here, we know that there's a greater chance they'll stay here,” she said.
The new medical school plans to open no later than the fall of 2025.
Atlantic Top Stories
-
-
-
W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
-
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Interim RCMP commissioner Duheme 'very concerned' about foreign interference
As questions continue to swirl around the issue of other countries' meddling in Canadian affairs, interim RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme says he's 'very, very concerned' about foreign interference, and would like to see the national force be able to use intelligence as evidence in its investigations.
Migrant bodies in St. Lawrence 'heartbreaking' but 'predictable,' advocate says
After the bodies of several people were discovered in the St. Lawrence River, who authorities say were likely trying to cross illegally into the U.S., a migrant advocate is questioning why people are fleeing Canada.
W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
April storms bring May norms: Weather Network’s seasonal forecast
The latest seasonal outlook from The Weather Network shows early April will continue to be chilly with flip-flopping temperatures bringing above and below the usual levels of precipitation seen around this time.
A glass of wine or beer per day is fine for your health: new study
A new Canadian study of 4.8 million people says a daily alcoholic drink isn't likely to send anyone to an early grave, nor will it offer any of the health benefits touted by previous studies, even if it is organic red wine.
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
W5 profile
W5 profile | The Canadian who creates the real, but fake, sounds in Hollywood blockbuster films
W5 profiles the man who makes the sounds for breaking bones and squealing tires in Hollywood’s biggest films; and he does it from a small town in Ontario. Watch 'Sound Farms' at 7 p.m. on CTV W5.
Recent immigrants more likely to have confidence in Parliament, Canadian media: Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada has released its new report about the Canadians level of confidence in Canada’s institutions, finding that recent immigrants are more likely to express confidence in the media and parliament.
Afghan women cyclists who escaped the Taliban are chasing their dreams in Canada
After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and banned sports for female athletes, Afghan women cyclists are chasing their dreams in Canada.
Toronto
-
Brampton, Ont. man charged with sexually assaulting, harassing female paramedics in Peel Region
A Brampton, Ont. man is under arrest after what is being described as a “troubling series of events” that saw female paramedics in Peel Region allegedly sexually assaulted and harassed.
-
Michael Mantha removed from Ontario NDP caucus amid workplace investigation
The leader of Ontario's new democrats says she's removed long-time party member Michael Mantha from caucus amid an independent investigation into alleged workplace misconduct.
-
Should cars be allowed in High Park? Public debate comes to a head
Cherry blossom season is right around the corner – but will you be able to drive inside the park to see the blooms?
Calgary
-
Sawhney to run as UCP candidate for Calgary North-West
The United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta announced Saturday that Rajan Sawhney will run as a UCP candidate for Calgary North-West after announcing in February that she wouldn't be running for re-election in Calgary North-East.
-
Toffoli scores twice, Flames complete comeback in 5-4 OT win against Canucks
It was a Friday night comeback the Calgary Flames needed.
-
Motorcyclist killed in Macleod Trail crash
Emergency crews say a motorcyclist has died in a crash on Macleod Trail and it's suspected that speed was a factor in the incident.
Montreal
-
Search for man continues after police pull 8 bodies from waters near Akwesasne
Akwesasne Mohawk Police say they are working with Immigration Canada and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to confirm the identities of the eight migrants whose bodies were pulled from the St. Lawrence River this week.
-
Legault's on Twitch, Plante has an album, and other Quebec April Fools' highlights
April Fools' Day -- better known as poisson d'Avril in Quebec -- is upon us. Some of the province's familiar faces got into the spirit Saturday with a few light-hearted social media pranks.
-
Father of Old Montreal fire victim launches $22M lawsuit
A father of one of the seven victims of the deadly Old Montreal fire is suing Airbnb and the owner of the building that burned down for $22 million.
Edmonton
-
Oilers in playoff mode while Ducks finish out season
The Edmonton Oilers are showing they can win in a variety of ways, a recent trait that should provide them a boost heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
-
Stuart Skinner named NHL rookie of the month
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner has been named the NHL's rookie of the month for March.
-
Harm reduction group alleges excessive force by Edmonton police officers
A local harm reduction group says force used by Edmonton police officers during a recent arrest on Whyte Avenue on Sunday was "appalling."
Northern Ontario
-
Northern highways reopen after winter storm forced closure
Highways 11, 17 and 17B have all reopened after being closed for several hours on Saturday.
-
W5 investigates
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
-
Northern Ont. man receives lifetime hunting ban, fined $5,000 for grouse stash
A northern Ontario man has been banned from licenced hunting and fined $5,000 after pleading guilty to having more than six times the legal limit of grouse and obstructing conservation officers.
London
-
London, Ont. firefighters brave floodwaters of the Thames River in search
Early Saturday afternoon, the London Fire Department began a search of the Thames River, east of Adelaide Street.
-
Firefighters face water shortage fighting barn fire near Parkhill
A wooden barn has been completely destroyed by fire on Springbank Road near Parkhill, Ont.
-
Conservation authorities warn of potential flooding
Local conservation authorities are issuing flood statements due to the heavy rainfall.
Winnipeg
-
'Important part of the St. Vital community': The repairs coming to Elm Park Bridge
An iconic Winnipeg landmark is getting a makeover.
-
Jets' top guns connect in 6-2 win over Red Wings
WINNIPEG -- Head coach Rick Bowness was glad to see a combination of good effort and good luck pay off for the Winnipeg Jets on Friday.
-
'I want one really bad': Steinbach man expands search for kidney donor
A Steinbach man who has been on dialysis for three years is expanding his search for a kidney donor after exhausting all local options.
Ottawa
-
Fire at LRT construction site in west end causes power to flicker
A fire at a Stage 2 LRT construction site in the west end caused some power to flicker Saturday morning.
-
April Fools' Day jokes from city services, museums and businesses in Ottawa
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at a few of our favourite April Fools' Day jokes in Ottawa on Saturday.
-
Wet weather in Ottawa Saturday, followed by quick cold snap
It's a drizzly Saturday in Ottawa that could be warmer than average, but a significant drop in temperature is less than a day away.
Saskatoon
-
Man injured during arrest with Taser: Prince Albert Police
A 40-year-old man is in hospital after being tasered by members of the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).
-
Sask. government offers pay bump for family doctors who work later hours
In an attempt to take pressure off hospital emergency rooms, the Saskatchewan government will offer a bump in pay for family doctors who work later hours.
-
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
Vancouver
-
Knife attack on Surrey transit bus leaves man with life-threatening injuries
Metro Vancouver Transit Police are investigating a stabbing involving a TransLink bus in Surrey Saturday morning.
-
B.C. nurses reach tentative labour agreement with provincial government
More than 51,000 registered, psychiatric and licensed practical nurses in British Columbia have reached a tentative contract with the provincial government.
-
Vancouver asks artist, vigil keepers to end Indigenous children's shoe memorial
Officials in Vancouver said they plan to meet with the artist and volunteers who are keeping vigil on a children's shoe memorial on the steps of the city's art gallery in an effort to end the tribute to children who didn't return from residential schools.
Regina
-
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
-
Sask. RCMP ask for assistance in search for man wanted on assault charges
RCMP in Punnichy is requesting assistance from the public in the search for a man wanted on assault charges.
-
Accused's mother testifies during second-degree murder trial
Chelsea Whitby notified her mom every time her son, Emerson, got a bump or bruise.
Vancouver Island
-
BC Ferry commissioner proposes up to 9.2 per cent fare hike, final number on Sept. 30
The British Columbia Ferry Commission has announced its preliminary decision on ferry fare increases that if finalized would be up to a maximum of 9.2 per cent for each of the next four years.
-
Former B.C. premier John Horgan officially resigns seat in legislature
Former premier John Horgan has officially resigned his Victoria-area seat in the British Columbia legislature.
-
Video shows rare coastal wolf swimming in B.C. waters
A Vancouver Island woman managed to capture something on video last Sunday that experts say is extremely rare. Maxine Gillette calls it a once in a lifetime experience.