“Unprecedented, brutal snowfall across large parts of Nova Scotia induced a local state of emergency in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. But when Premier Tim Houston questioned the municipality’s decision, it sparked instant controversy.
Snowpocalypse Strikes!
Last weekend, over 100 centimetres of snow covered Cape Breton, with other parts of the province also hit hard. The deluge led the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to declare a state of emergency and prompted locals to take to Twitter, pleading for assistance.
Premier’s Response Stirs Criticism
Yet, Premier Tim Houston opened a floodgate of backlash by publicly expressing doubts about CBRM’s decision. He questioned the necessity of the emergency declaration and suggested that it could be more of a public relations issue than an actual emergency. His comments are drawing criticism from various quarters.
Opposition Leaders Express Outrage
Leaders of Nova Scotia’s opposition parties are hitting back hard. They accused Houston of dismissing the seriousness of the situation and ‘playing politics.’ Moreover, Nova Scotia’s Liberal leader, Zach Churchill, highlighted the Premier’s comments on social media, calling the storm a ‘PR issue.’ NDP leader Claudia Churchill also jumped into the fray, accusing the Premier of insensitive behavior.
CBRM Mayor Claps Back
In the midst of this escalating tension, CBRM Mayor Amanda McDougall clarified the nature of the state of emergency, emphasizing that it doesn’t prevent businesses from operating – it merely imposes travel restrictions for non-essential purposes. The Mayor urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
As the snow cleanup is underway, the Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister and Nova Scotia’s Minister are stepping in to provide support and resources. Both provincial and federal establishments have been forced to shut down operations due to the aftermath of the snowstorm.
