Emergency Shopping Permitted This Sunday

In order to help Nova Scotians in the hurricane-affected areas of the province as they clean up, make repairs to their homes, and restock their food supplies, retail stores in Nova Scotia that normally would be required to be closed this Sunday, Oct. 5, will be permitted to be open.

Justice Minister Michael Baker announced in the legislature today, Oct. 3, that police agencies across the province are being asked to refrain from laying charges under the Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act.

"Many Nova Scotians have gone without power since last Sunday night, indeed, some are still without electricity," said Mr. Baker. "We want to do whatever we can to help families and communities cope with these extraordinary circumstances. Retail stores that would otherwise be closed this Sunday, can now open to provide food, building materials and other emergency supplies."

Mr. Baker said if charges are laid he will issue a directive to the Public Prosecution Service to stop the prosecution.

"Although this exemption applies provincewide, we expect that only retailers serving areas affected by the hurricane to open. We will trust in the good judgment of store owners and operators to make that decision," said Mr. Baker. "This is intended to allow retailers to assist their friends and neighbours with their recovery efforts -- to serve their communities. It will help Nova Scotians with their recovery efforts -- to make food and other essentials available in a timely and appropriate fashion."