NDP focused on health care, addressing climate change as session wraps up

HALIFAX- The NDP Caucus focused on people’s access to health care, the need for urgent action on climate change, and improving wages and reducing poverty throughout the spring sitting of the Legislature. The spring sitting is expected to end today. The New Democrats introduced a series of important legislative proposals including the Emergency Room Accountability Act and a Green Jobs Plan.

“It’s been clear throughout this sitting that Stephen McNeil and the Liberals are spinning their wheels when it comes to the health care crisis. We have emergency rooms that are overcrowded or closed, ambulances backed up outside hospitals, and seniors stranded in hospital beds when they should be in nursing homes,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “Our party proposed workable solutions, based on suggestions from front-line workers, but the Liberals continue to be lost in denial about the crisis.”

The Liberals’ budget address didn’t include any mention of climate change or the need to take action to protect the province from rising sea levels.

“I’m especially proud of our Green Jobs Plan,” said Claudia Chender, NDP House Leader. “Our province needs to do more to mitigate the effects of climate change, and in the process of doing so there are huge opportunities for new green industries and renewable energy. The Liberals are letting those opportunities pass us by.”

New Democrats also introduced legislation to reduce poverty, create a school-based dental care program, and expand presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters.

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