Operation Red Nose program cut in Halifax

The Operation Red Nose program will not operate in Halifax this holiday season.

The organization says it couldn't get an insurance company to agree to sponsor the volunteer program in time.

A spokesperson from the organization's headquarters in Quebec said each of their locations 110 across the country must have an insurance companywilling to cover the liability insurance for volunteer drivers.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has been sponsoring the local drive for the last five years but that contract has expired. Halifax is the first program to be cancelled in the organization's 28 year history.

In Halifax last year, Operation Red Nose providedabout 400 rides to 885 passengers in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Donations from users resulted in $7,500 for local safe grad programs.

The company said there's simply not enough time to sort through all of the red tape before the end of the month. The organization is still hopeful it can find a sponsor for next year.