News release

Premier Calls on Federal Party Leaders to Make Health Care Top Priority

Premier's Office

Premier Tim Houston is calling on all party leaders in the upcoming federal election to work with provinces to make health care the number one priority.

“No matter the outcome, I want all of the federal leaders to know that we are ready to work together to find solutions for the problems facing our health-care system,” said Premier Houston. “This will enable us to deliver the level of care that Nova Scotians, and all Canadians, have the right to expect.”

In an open letter to the federal party leaders, Premier Houston outlined ways the federal government can help improve health care in Nova Scotia:

  • an increase in funding to 35 per cent of total health-care spending
  • implementing a funding formula that recognizes each province’s unique demographic challenges
  • partnering to build 1,000 new single-room long-term care beds
  • supporting the province in recruiting more health-care professionals, faster
  • additional financial support to help Nova Scotia become the first province with universal access to mental health care sooner

Nova Scotia also wants to work with the federal government on other priorities to help create a brighter future for the province:

  • reducing Nova Scotia’s dependence on coal by 2030
  • building more affordable housing for those who urgently need homes
  • increasing immigration so that Nova Scotia can double its population by 2060 and attract the workforce the province needs
  • making child care affordable for all by honouring or improving the current federal-provincial agreement

Additional Resources:

Premier Houston’s open letter to federal leadership candidates is available at: https://novascotia.ca/news/docs/2021/09/09/