Houston must act on women’s health, rent protections in fall sitting: NDP

HALIFAX –Today, Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender is calling on the Houston government to take meaningful action to improve women’s access to health care and protect renters during the fall sitting of the legislature.

“This fall we’ll be bringing forward practical solutions and we hope the government will take Nova Scotians’ concerns seriously and get to work. People are fed up, five years in, the results they were promised just aren’t there,” said Chender. “Premier Houston needs to start working with us to improve health care access for thousands of women and gender diverse Nova Scotians and protect renters from limitless price hikes.”

Nova Scotians pay some of the highest rents in the country and people are having to move in search of a more affordable life, while women in our province are stuck waiting years in pain for basic care.

Chender will table legislation focused on improving women’s access to health care, including covering the costs of birth control, hormone replacement therapy for menopause, and a full cycle of IVF. The NDP will also table bills to create real protection for renters, providing predictability they need to afford their home and plan their future.

“We are urging the Premier to use this session – this opportunity – to make things better for Nova Scotians,” said Chender. “The Houston government’s current rent cap ends next year, and the Premier has already suggested he doesn’t plan to replace it. This isn’t about who gets the credit. It’s about making our communities work. It’s about helping Nova Scotians build the kind of life they deserve– right here at home.”

The fall sitting of the Legislature begins September 8.

-30-