Investments for Better Health

Nova Scotians will continue to see shorter wait times, more health professionals and better support for healthy choices as a result of $62 million in federal funding commitments announced today, Dec. 15, by Health Minister Angus MacIsaac and Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald.

"Through our investment of these federal dollars, we will be able to make progress in reducing wait times, by working with and supporting those dedicated health professionals who work on the front lines and at the bedsides," said Mr. MacIsaac.

Mr. MacIsaac said that today's announcement, coupled with $15 million in medical equipment announcements earlier this month, fulfills the government's commitment to devote every penny of these dollars to improving access and reducing wait times, among other priorities.

The funding will address both health and health promotion priorities, recognizing that improving the overall health of Nova Scotians is key to reducing strain on the province's health-care system.

"While government continues to invest more money to improve health services, the best long-term solution to wait lists is to keep people healthy before they need care," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Today's investment reinforces this government's commitment to helping people lead healthy lives."

Funding allocations include four capital projects totalling about $19 million, $19.5 million allocated throughout the province to address key pressure areas affecting wait times, $2 million for addiction prevention and treatment, and $6.3 million for one-time operating costs such as long-term care deferred maintenance and start up funds for the recently announced early intensive behavioural intervention treatment for children with autism.

Also announced today is $1.6 million from equalization funding for construction and maintenance of sport and physical recreation facilities to allow more Nova Scotians to be active.

The spending of Nova Scotia's 2004-05 health-care dollars is consistent with commitments in Your Health Matters, Nova Scotia's multi-year plan for better health care, and with the government's commitment to ensure that all federal health dollars are used to improve the health of Nova Scotians.