REALITY CHECK: Houston’s budget makes health care cuts to vulnerable Nova Scotians

HALIFAX –Despite claiming that the government is protecting health care, it’s clear that there are extensive cuts to health care programs people rely on every day: day programming that improves people’s quality of life, support for those living with a disability, and financial help for caretakers and organizations that support vulnerable people in our communities.

Houston’s budget’s cuts that impact health care include funding for:

• Tajikeimɨk, the L’nu Health Authority, including programs for supporting pregnant moms and babies, and mental health care
• Programs that support Nova Scotians with disabilities with employment, social connection, and independent living. Including:
• Autism Nova Scotia, Dartmouth Adult Services Centre, Prescott Group, Club Inclusion, Haley Street Society, The Flower Cart, Easter Seals New Leaf program, and Independent Living Nova Scotia
• Programs to support the health and wellness of seniors, including cutting workers at Long-Term Care homes,
• Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia’s Dementia Strategy, Chebucto Links Seniors Programs, Queens County Adult Day Program and the Enriched Housing Program that provided support for seniors to live independently.
• Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers’ work to support children and family well-being
• Caregivers Benefit and support for Caregivers Nova Scotia
• Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment’s Community Fund to help communities connect with and settle health care providers

“This government’s decisions will hurt many Nova Scotians who are looking for care and those who work so hard to support them. These are absolutely health care cuts,” said Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender. “Despite the government’s talking points, people have heard no explanation from the ministers about the impact these cuts will have for thousands of Nova Scotians.

“This government has spent more than $6.7 billion outside the budget process and now they’re asking the people who can least afford it to pay the price – it’s thoughtless and cruel.”

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