Nova Scotia is moving closer to its renewable energy target with new wind farms set to come online by the end of 2025. One of the key projects, the Benjamins Mill Wind Project in Hants County, is nearing completion and could be operational later this year, according to developers.

Built by Halifax-based Natural Forces, Benjamins Mill is part of a group of four projects selected by the provincial government in 2022, with agreements to sell energy to Nova Scotia Power. Combined, the projects are expected to add more than 300 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid — a significant step toward the province’s legislated goal of achieving 80 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Construction delays, however, have pushed timelines back. Robert Apold, a principal with Natural Forces, said Benjamins Mill and the other projects acted as “Guinea pigs” for a new procurement process, which faced challenges such as extended grid impact studies by Nova Scotia Power and global supply chain disruptions. While turbine components are now easier to source, grid connection equipment still takes years to procure.

Despite the setbacks, Nova Scotia is pressing forward. Earlier this year, the provincial government approved six new wind projects expected to deliver 625 megawatts by 2028. Yet, with only two projects having signed purchase agreements, the expectation has dropped to 262 megawatts. Nova Scotia Power says a third round of procurement could bring in another 350 megawatts.

Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau said the province remains confident it is on track. “We’re always looking at what we need to reach our 80 per cent renewables, and we believe we’re well on our way,” he told reporters. Future procurement rounds will be overseen by Nova Scotia’s independent energy system operator.

The success of Benjamins Mill, likely the first project to finish from the 2022 batch, will be a crucial indicator of how smoothly Nova Scotia can scale renewable projects and keep momentum toward its 2030 target.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has denied a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to an Indian student, with the decision upheld in court. The case highlights the strict rules around PGWP eligibility and the risks for international students who do not maintain full-time study status throughout their programs.

The PGWP allows graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to gain valuable work experience in the country. However, IRCC specifies that students must maintain full-time status during each semester of their program, except for the final semester where part-time study is permitted.

In this case, the student was enrolled part-time during a fall semester that was neither a scheduled break nor their final term. As a result, IRCC refused the PGWP application. When challenged in court, the judge ruled in favour of IRCC, confirming that the student did not meet the required conditions.

PGWP Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a PGWP, applicants must:

1. Graduate from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI) with a program of at least 8 months.

2. Maintain full-time student status in Canada during each semester, except the final one.

3. Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion.

4. Hold a valid study permit at some point after program completion and before applying.

Students who are denied a PGWP may still qualify for other types of work permits, such as employer-specific permits or open work permits, depending on their circumstances.

This case serves as a reminder for international students to carefully follow PGWP requirements and seek guidance early to avoid risking their post-study work opportunities in Canada.

Enquiries from students aspiring to study abroad in the United States and Canada have seen a sharp decline, according to IDP Education, a global leader in international education services. Founded by the Australian government in 1969, IDP Education helps students worldwide achieve their academic goals.

Officials at IDP revealed that in the past year, enquiries for studying in the US dropped by over 46%. Meanwhile, enquiries for Canada saw a steeper decline of nearly 75% over the last two years. These figures highlight a significant shift in international student preferences.

The sharp drop in interest comes amid changing immigration policies, rising costs of education, and global competition among study destinations. Countries such as Australia, the UK, and emerging European destinations appear to be gaining traction with international students.

Education experts suggest that while Canada and the US remain popular destinations, the decline may reflect growing challenges related to visa delays, affordability, and uncertainty around post-study work opportunities.

IDP continues to monitor global trends and guide students on making informed decisions about their study abroad journey.

Authorities in southeastern Alberta issued urgent evacuation orders on Sunday after a fast-moving wildfire broke out near the community of Dunmore.

According to Alberta Emergency Alert, the wildfire is located east of Dunmore, south of Highway 1 along Range Road 40, and is threatening nearby residential properties. Residents in the immediate area have been told to evacuate immediately, using Range Road 40 if it is safe to do so.

Local fire crews and emergency responders are on the scene, working to contain the blaze and assist residents in leaving the area safely. Officials are urging people to follow evacuation instructions closely and avoid the region unless necessary.

The wildfire danger rating in southern Alberta has remained high in recent weeks due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. Officials warn that wildfires in this environment can spread rapidly, leaving little time for preparation.

Residents outside the immediate evacuation zone are advised to prepare in case conditions worsen. This includes having an emergency kit ready with essentials such as water, food, medications, important documents, and pet supplies.

In addition, authorities have reminded drivers to stay alert while traveling on Highway 1 and surrounding routes, as smoke may reduce visibility and complicate evacuation traffic.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Alberta Wildfire and local municipalities are expected to provide regular updates as firefighting efforts continue.

For the latest evacuation details and safety instructions, residents are encouraged to monitor Alberta Emergency Alert and follow updates from Cypress County and Alberta Wildfire officials.

Anyone in the affected area should leave immediately and head to designated safe zones. Evacuation centres are being prepared, and further instructions will be released as soon as possible.