NSNDP leader Claudia Chender touring the South Shore

LIVERPOOL - NSNDP leader Claudia Chender is visiting the South Shore today to discuss health care, housing, the cost of living, and economic development in the area.

“People on Nova Scotia’s South Shore are struggling with the rising cost of living, inadequate access to health care, and a lack of affordable housing,” said Chender. “The Houston government needs to do much more to address these issues and make sure Nova Scotians can afford to keep living in their communities.”

Almost 10 per cent of South Shore residents are in core housing need, meaning they spend 30 per cent or more of their income on housing. According to the Provincial Housing Needs Assessment, the region has a housing shortfall of more than 3,000 units.

As well, South Shore hospitals are often overwhelmed. Seventeen per cent of the population in the Queens and Lunenburg health networks are on the Need a Family Practice waitlist.

“Two hospitals in the area are operating at well over 100 per cent capacity, and mental health resources are so lacking that at least one municipal police force plans to start billing the province for time spent in emergency rooms on mental health calls,” said Chender. “We need to take drastic action and make the necessary changes to ensure Nova Scotians are getting the care they need, when they need it.”

During the trip, Chender will tour Freeman Lumber and discuss the province’s forestry sector.

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