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What you need to know about the proposed CCA Registry Act

CUPE member update Legislation making it mandatory for all continuing care assistants in Nova Scotia to register annually was introduced on Wednesday, April 7 by Minister of Health and Wellness Zach Churchill. Bill 92, entitled the Continuing Care Assistant Registry Act, was developed based on recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Panel on Long-Term care in 2019. The stated purpose of the bill is to improve workforce planning, recruitment and retention efforts. CUPE represents the majority of continuing care assistants (CCAs) in Nova Scotia and we have serious concerns about this legislation, which leaves questions about fees, fines and privacy unanswered. Too much has been left out of the bill, to be decided behind closed doors in regulations that have yet to be developed. Based on our first reading of the bill and information we’ve received from the Department of Health and Wellness, we believe the registry will ultimately be administered by the Health Association of Nova Scotia, an organization that provides human resources services to many long term care employers. If an employer-associated group is to be responsible for administering the registry, government must take measures to protect workers.  CUPE recognizes the need for workforce planning, however this bill does not provide enough transparency, and we are opposed to it as it is written. We … Read more…

Web banner. Text: Provincial Budget 2021. Image Premier Iain Rankin

Iain Rankin government tables “uncaring” budget 

Halifax – The “uncaring” budget presented yesterday by the Rankin government has many gaps in new program spending, some of which includes long term care, child care and community services. “Most notably, there was no recognition for the value of ‘care’ related jobs – predominantly female, low paying sectors of work,” says CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen. “Some of the important lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are that we must act now to fully support these ‘care’ sectors. They are public services and public sector workers that keep our economy going, but who are undervalued by this government,” says McFadgen. “Is this budget actually enough to address the needs of Nova Scotians? Does it do enough to ensure that no one in a nursing home dies alone?” asks McFadgen. “Is it enough to provide child care for all families who need it, not just the families of four-year-olds? Is it enough to make it possible for homecare workers to see the same clients on a consistent basis? Will new supportive housing incorporate enough resources to meet the needs of people who currently live … Read more…