Legislature Passes Bill 68

HEALTH/PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION -Legislature Passes Bill 68

Bill 68 -- the Act to Continue Health Care Services -- was passed by the Nova Scotia legislature this afternoon.

Due to a government amendment to the legislation, the provisions of the act will immediately apply only to health care workers in the Capital District Health Authority (CDHA) represented by the NSGEU.

"It is with some regret that we have had to turn to legislation to ensure the continuation of health care services in the event of a strike," said Premier John Hamm, adding, "We were always confident that nurses and other health care workers would provide care in the event of a strike. That was not the question. The concern was with the capability of the system."

Parts of the act were proclaimed today to immediately address the strike by health care workers in the CDHA. Specifically, this means the health care workers represented by the NSGEU in the CDHA are no longer in a legal strike position, as the act can stop or prevent strikes or lockouts in the health care sector.

"We recognize the stress debate surrounding this legislation has been placed on all sides, and we hope with the passing of the bill we can focus on delivering health care services to Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm.

The act encourages the collective bargaining process to continue, enabling the parties to reach negotiated settlements. If agreements cannot be reached, cabinet will have the authority to establish the terms of the agreement