Nursing program at Acadia University to start in September

Nova Scotia is getting another school of nursing, the premier announced Thursday.

The program at Acadia University in Wolfville is set to be a satellite site of Cape Breton University’s bachelor of science in nursing program. Eventually, it’s supposed to transition into a standalone program.

“This nursing program is a significant milestone event in the 185-year history of Acadia,” said Peter Ricketts, president and vice-chancellor of the university.

The first cohort of 21 students will start in September, said Premier Tim Houston.

The program is set to graduate 42 nurses in 2026 and 63 nurses each year after that. The province is spending just under $2 million on it.

It comes in addition to an expansion of Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) practical nursing program.

The college is set to add 30 seats to practical nursing programs at the following campuses: Annapolis Valley, Lunenburg, Strait Area, Truro beginning in September 2023, and Burridge and Kingstec beginning in January 2024.

Houston said the new program and expansion are part of his government’s “long-term plan for health care.” He campaigned on fixing it and the provincial waitlist for a primary care provider has never been longer.

“We know Nova Scotia needs more nurses and we're pulling out all the stops to ensure they have a nurse when they need one,” said Houston in a news release.

“More nursing seats means more opportunities for people to learn, work, live and to care for people in communities across the province,” he said.

The province says about 50 per cent of the seats at Acadia will be designated for Mi'kmaq, Indigenous and African Nova Scotian people.

The Acadia Students’ Union president says the new program is good news.

“It’s honestly just a great way to increase accessibility and future pathways for students who are in our science programs,” said Sadie McAlear.

Applications to Acadia’s nursing program will open at the end of May, CTV News was told.

With files from CTV’s Sarah Plowman.

For the latest Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.

Atlantic Top Stories

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Judge rules Donald Trump defrauded banks, insurers while building real estate empire

A judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.

Anthony Rota resigns as House Speaker amid condemnation for inviting Nazi veteran to Parliament

Anthony Rota has resigned from his prestigious position as Speaker of the House of Commons over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls to apologize, and investigate.

How was veteran Yaroslav Hunka's military unit linked to the Nazis?

During the height of the Second World War, Nazi Germany formed a division of Ukrainian volunteers to fight against Soviet Russia. One of its members was controversially honoured with a standing ovation in Canada's Parliament this week.

ER doctor challenging 'toxic environment' in Ontario hospital after secret investigation based on unfounded murder allegation

After more than 30 years of caring for critically ill patients in emergency and intensive care, Dr. Scott Anderson is preparing to face off against the hospital where he works in London, Ont., in a case described as "unusual" by lawyers and potentially costly for Ontario taxpayers.

2 dead, 4 injured in helicopter crash near Prince George, B.C.

Two people have died and four others were injured after a helicopter crashed near Prince George, B.C., Tuesday morning.

OPINION

OPINION Tom Mulcair: Why Anthony Rota had no choice but to resign

Anthony Rota had no choice but to resign as House Speaker after he invited a Nazi veteran to Parliament. But, as former NDP leader Tom Mulcair writes in a column for CTVNews.ca, if history is going to retain the profound embarrassment caused by his mistake, it should also recognize the contributions Rota has made to democratic life.

Mystery customer present during police killing of Ontario gunsmith files $2.6M lawsuit against TPS, family estate

An unidentified customer who was present during the fatal shooting of a Port Dover, Ont. gunsmith by Toronto police has launched a $2 million lawsuit against the service and the slain man’s estate, claiming he was placed in unnecessary danger during the November 2021 raid.
Nygard used secret bedroom in his company's Toronto HQ for sexual assaults: Crown

Former fashion mogul Peter Nygard had a private bedroom constructed within the walls of the Toronto headquarters of his fashion empire, where he sexually assaulted five women starting in the 1980s, prosecutors said in their opening statement in a Toronto courtroom Tuesday.
Toronto is looking to more than double parking lot tickets. Here's why

The City of Toronto is looking at more than doubling the fines for parking lot violations, noting it currently costs drivers less to pay the penalty than to pay for parking.

Calgary

'Unprecedented numbers': Alberta sees huge demand at food banks

A new report from Food Banks Canada shines a light on the growing number of Canadians struggling to feed themselves.
Anthony Rota resigns as House Speaker amid condemnation for inviting Nazi veteran to Parliament

Anthony Rota has resigned from his prestigious position as Speaker of the House of Commons over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls to apologize, and investigate.
Alberta government extends E. coli compensation program to more daycares

The Alberta government appears to have extended a one-time payment of $2,000 for each child affected by an E. coli outbreak in Calgary to 19 daycares.

Montreal

'COVID is making a comeback' in Quebec, says MUHC specialist

Many people have been able to enjoy the summer, while pushing away thoughts of the pandemic. This fall however, there's been a rise in cases of COVID 19 in Quebec and there's new information about how the virus behaves now and should be managed.
Residents in Laval's west end urged not to use tap water

Some residents in Laval are being urged not to consume the tap water until further notice because 'it poses a health risk.'
Dube vows to make private rooms free in all Quebec hospitals

The Coalition Avenir Quebec government wants to make private rooms free in all hospitals.

Edmonton

Boy, 5, missing east of Edmonton

Police are searching for a five-year-old boy who disappeared from Frog Lake First Nation Monday afternoon.
'Break-ins, robberies': Whyte Ave businesses ask for more police, money for broken windows

Fed up with violence, theft and shattered glass, a group of business owners in one of Edmonton's signature neighbourhoods is making a public plea for help.
New river valley pedestrian bridge opens in south Edmonton

A new pedestrian bridge to replace a 100-year-old structure opened in southwest Edmonton on Tuesday.

Northern Ontario

Anthony Rota resigns as House Speaker amid condemnation for inviting Nazi veteran to Parliament

Anthony Rota has resigned from his prestigious position as Speaker of the House of Commons over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls to apologize, and investigate.
Four people charged following controversy at northern Ont. fishing tournament

Four people are facing charges for violating Ontario Fishery Regulations in connection with a recent tournament on Lake Nipissing.
Manitoulin man in historical sexual assault case avoids jail time again

A Manitoulin Island taxi company owner charged in a historical sexual assault pleaded guilty to a lesser charge Tuesday morning, his second conviction this year.

London

LIVE FROM COURT
LIVE FROM COURT Veltman trial, day 13: Crown to present more evidence

The Crown is expected to present more evidence Tuesday as the trial of Nathaniel Veltman, who stands accused of intentionally running down Muslim family in a London, Ont. vehicle attack, continues.
‘We know him well’: London Knights acquire OHL Playoff MVP in trade with Peterborough

If you can’t beat him, acquire him. The London Knights made a deal Tuesday to bring in OHL Playoff MVP Michael Simpson from the Peterborough Petes.
Minor evidence presented to jury Tuesday in terrorism trial in Windsor

The jury learned more details about items seized from Nathaniel Veltman’s apartment in the days after the fatal attack on a Muslim family in London.

Winnipeg

High school students charged, weapons seized: Manitoba RCMP

The Manitoba RCMP arrested several teenagers in Portage la Prairie on Monday after seizing various weapons, including machetes, knives, and BB guns.
Manitoba RCMP rescue pilot from plane crash

A pilot has been brought to safety following a plane crash on Sunday near the Red Sucker Lake airport.
Anthony Rota resigns as House Speaker amid condemnation for inviting Nazi veteran to Parliament

Anthony Rota has resigned from his prestigious position as Speaker of the House of Commons over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls to apologize, and investigate.

Ottawa

Anthony Rota resigns as House Speaker amid condemnation for inviting Nazi veteran to Parliament

Anthony Rota has resigned from his prestigious position as Speaker of the House of Commons over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls to apologize, and investigate.
Percy Street Bridge replacement won't go ahead this weekend. Why? No one will say

The Ministry of Transportation says the Percy Street rapid bridge replacement will not take place this weekend due to ongoing issues.
OSTA outlines next steps as it aims to solve school bus driver shortage

The authority that manages school buses for Ottawa's English public and catholic school boards says it is taking steps to rectify disruptions to bus service in the capital.

Saskatoon

Sask. town fears school closure could mean bleak future for community

Residents in a Saskatchewan town fear the closure of Grades 7 to 12 at the local school may be a setback the community won't be able to recover from.
Sask. provincial parties eye priorities for fall legislative session

Politicians are preparing for the fall sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature.
Saskatchewan scores D on poverty report card: Food Banks Canada

A recent report from Food Banks Canada has handed Saskatchewan a grade of D on its poverty report card, behind the national average of D+.

Vancouver

B.C. reveals 60,000-unit housing target for 10 municipalities

Ten municipalities in B.C. must build a total of 60,103 housing units over the next five years, B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced Tuesday.
2 dead, 4 injured in helicopter crash near Prince George, B.C.

Two people have died and four others were injured after a helicopter crashed near Prince George, B.C., Tuesday morning.
Settlement includes $200K fine for conduct 'abusive to the capital markets': B.C. regulator

A North Vancouver man and his company have agreed to pay a provincial regulator $200,000 after admitting to insider trading and conduct that was "abusive to the capital markets."

Regina

Saskatchewan scores D on poverty report card: Food Banks Canada

A recent report from Food Banks Canada has handed Saskatchewan a grade of D on its poverty report card, behind the national average of D+.
Crimes with random victims are increasing in Regina, police say

Crimes against people and property are on the rise in the Queen City, according to the latest numbers released by the Regina Police Service (RPS).
Sask. provincial parties eye priorities for fall legislative session

Politicians are preparing for the fall sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature.

Vancouver Island

Homicide investigation underway in Victoria, risk to public 'considered low'

Major crime investigators say the death of a man who was found injured in downtown Victoria earlier this month has been ruled a homicide.
Ottawa not ready to share housing strategy with B.C., premier says

Premier David Eby says "it's pretty clear" the federal government is not yet ready to share its renewed housing strategy or how it will work with British Columbia's plans to tackle the provincial housing crisis.
Body found after woman, 26, swept off Washington state beach

The body of a 26-year-old woman has been found after she was swept off a beach by strong ocean currents in northwestern Washington state Monday.

Nursing program at Acadia University to start in September

For the latest Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

OPINION | Tom Mulcair: Why Anthony Rota had no choice but to resign

LIVE FROM COURT | Veltman trial, day 13: Crown to present more evidence

Stay Connected

OPINION Tom Mulcair: Why Anthony Rota had no choice but to resign

LIVE FROM COURT Veltman trial, day 13: Crown to present more evidence