People like me who got their vaccine were hoping it would help end the pandemic. But for a small percentage of society, they say it's their right to refuse. Maybe we should just give them what they were asking for in the beginning.

Most Canadians support vaccine passports for large events in their province. And it's even more relevant for us now that mandatory masks and other health measures are being eased in parts of the Maritimes. I have a simple way to figure out how I'll be responding to people without asking them about their vaccination status.

France is looking to have people prove they have been vaccinated or have had a negative test result in order to attend public events. And with vaccination rates slowing, some are suggesting that might be a way to nudge the vaccine hesitant people along. And I think that might be a good idea until we get herd immunity.

There's a famous quote that there's no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation. And the story of a Dartmouth woman who was forced to step aside as the Liberal candidate shows how there are still conversations that need to be had.

If the first five days are any indication, the partisan followers will be digging dirt and flinging mud for the rest of the election campaign. And it won't surprise me if people tune out, even more than usual.

Social media has apparently scuttled the hopes of one candidate in the first few days of the Nova Scotia general election. And there are calls for another to be removed. But both are suggesting the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives had the information in question prior to them entering the race. What does this say about the attempts at attracting a new generation of candidates? (Note, a previous version of this article incorrectly stated the PC candidate had been removed. I regret the error.)

Like it or not, you'll be seeing and hearing from politicians for the next four weeks now that the general election campaign is underway. And when he made the call over the weekend, Liberal Leader Iain Rankin wasn't wrong when he said it was the worst kept secret in the province. And I'm thinking it was the second-worst kept secret.

It's been unlike anything any of us have experienced in our lifetime. And dealing with the challenges of the public health restrictions has brought out the best and worst in some people. I thought instead of dwelling on the negative, we should take some time to recognize the positive. And that includes people who are helping others as a way of thriving instead of just surviving.

Another day closer to the provincial election with another government announcement. Premier Iain Rankin says the spending and programs have nothing to do with the pending vote. And he claims he'll catch up to the aggressive campaigning of the other parties when it's time. I think we all know the game when we see it and who is leading that race.

Nova Scotian are now entering the fourth phase of the reopening plan that includes full capacity and regular hours at restaurants and other businesses. And there's a lesson I learned in a recent post from a couple who were served a teachable moment. How would you react if your meal was missed? This family shared some of the wisdom they've taken away from the last year and a half of the pandemic.