Three Ministers to Focus on Health Care, Mental Health and Seniors’ Care

Premier Tim Houston has given three cabinet members responsibility to deliver on his vision to fix the issues in health care, mental health and seniors’ care.

Michelle Thompson (Health and Wellness), Brian Comer (Mental Health and Addictions) and Barbara Adams (Seniors and Long-term Care) were sworn in as cabinet ministers today, Aug. 31.

“I’m looking forward to working with these ministers and the people working in health care to fix the issues that Nova Scotians all over this province consistently identified at the doorstep – health care, mental health and seniors’ care,” said Premier Houston. “There’s a shortage of family doctors, a lack of mental health support and people are waiting far too long for surgery and long-term care beds. This is the team I’ve tasked with finding solutions.”

The premier’s vision includes:

• hope for health care – a plan focused on patient care, recruitment and retention of doctors and shorter wait times for surgery
• universal mental health care – a plan that treats mental health care like physical health care
• dignity for seniors – a plan for more beds and more staff

“The health of Nova Scotians of all ages, both physical and mental, needs to be our number one priority. We can no longer accept the status quo. Nova Scotians who need care deserve better and those providing the care deserve better,” said Premier Houston.