Budget shows Nova Scotia Liberals’ heads are stuck in the sand

Halifax – The Nova Scotia Liberal government has its head in the sand when it comes to delivering public services,” says CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen, in response to the provincial budget announced today. “We are disappointed that government has not responded to the significant needs Nova Scotians have for greater access to health care and increased staffing and beds in long-term care, home support and acute care.” McFadgen asked government representatives how much of the $2.8 million in the budget, to implement the findings of the Expert Panel on Long Term Care, would be used to hire additional staff. The answer was none. The money will primarily be used to help address concerns about bedsores and service coordination. “We hoped that the budget would also provide for new beds in long term care. We were told that part of the funding will go toward planning for new facilities, but they … Read more…

McNeil government fails to ask people living in Cape Breton how they want their public health care services delivered

“Mounting public pressure on the McNeil government to address the health care crisis in Nova Scotia seems to be the main reason for today’s announcement,” says CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen. “We welcome the improvements to be made to the hospital; however, the Liberals were clearly in a rush to make their announcement,” says McFadgen. “We are deeply disappointed that Minister Delorey and others on the redevelopment team refused to answer questions from the public.” The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents workers in acute care, long-term care and home support, says the province refuses to hear the voices of Cape Breton. “People residing in Cape Breton lost their voice with the demise of the Cape Breton Health Authority. Since then, health care decision-making has been centralized in Halifax,” says McFadgen. “If the new structure is to work, local voices must be heard.” “Also, the McNeil government … Read more…