An outbreak of the mumps that began in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia has spreaf across the nation, infecting at least 203 people. While the initial outbreak in Nova Scotia has lessened recently in areas like Halifax's Dalhousie University, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Sunday that three cases of the mumps were confirmed in Ontario.  Officials in Nova Scotia called for a comprehensive national strategy to deal with the outbreak.  "I just think this needs to be coordinated from a national perspective and we are in ongoing discussions with the Public Health Agency (of Canada)," said Nova Scotia heath official Robert Strang.  "Nova Scotia can lead in this because we're the one learning," he added. "We're on the front lines on this and other provinces can learn from us."  The CBC warned that individuals born between 1970 and 1992 are most at risk for the mumps, a disease that ca potentially lead to sterility and deafness.

Nova Scotia flicks on lightbulb giveaway

The province is offering two free compact fluorescent lightbulbs to every Nova Scotian household to encourage residents to think green.  The program, which is costing the province $200,000, runs until May 20 at Home Depot stores.  Canadians have only a few years to buy incandescent bulbs: The federal government plans to ban their sale by 2012.  The lightbulbs use up to 75 per cent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.