News release

Supporting Community Efforts to Recruit and Retain Doctors in Chester

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

No one knows communities better than the people who live and work in them. That is why government is supporting a community-led project to support doctor recruitment and retention in the Municipality of the District of Chester.

“Nova Scotia has so much to offer doctors and their families – not just on the south shore, but throughout the province,” said Lunenburg MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, on behalf of Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “We’re pleased to support municipalities like Chester that are stepping up to help make our communities more welcoming for doctors and their families, and to keep them here long-term.”

The Municipality of the District of Chester will receive $25,000 to create a “Love Where you Work” campaign based on the unique needs of doctors and their families. The campaign will include a website as well as community recruitment and training champion, and scheduled check-ins with doctors.

Quotes:

“Having essential systems in place, such as health care, is critical to the functionality of rural municipalities. Their presence has a direct impact on economic development and other key municipal operations that grow our communities. We all have a significant role to play in assisting in ongoing efforts to attract and retain physicians. Partnering with Our Health Centre at the community level is a positive step towards accomplishing this.”

– Allen Webber, warden, Municipality of the District of Chester

Quick Facts:

  • this is the second Lunenburg County project to receive funding through Healthy Communities. NOW Lunenburg received $20,000 in 2019 to support a six-episode online video series for doctors considering starting a life and practice in the area
  • municipalities, museums, libraries, social enterprises, First Nations, communities and community groups and cultural organizations that are registered Nova Scotia not-for-profits may apply
  • funding is available through the program to a maximum of $25,000
  • $200,000 is available each year in the Healthy Communities Stream of the Culture Innovation Fund
  • the next round of applications for the program opens April 1

Additional Resources:

For more information, visit: https://novascotia.ca/culture-innovation-fund-healthy-communities/

Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan: https://novascotia.ca/culture