By: Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, MP Halifax West
In our country, health care is delivered by the provinces. However, I hear all the time—including in my fall community survey—that you want your federal government to show leadership on health. I agree, and I’m proud to say that that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Right now, Nova Scotians need better access to services, more health workers, and wider coverage of the necessities for good health. To address those needs, we’re taking action to reinforce the health care system that you and your family rely on.
Here’s what that looks like:
INVESTING $355 MILLION IN HEALTH CARE OVER THE NEXT 3 YEARS
Earlier this year, we signed a 10-year health care agreement with Nova Scotia, anchored on reinvestment, collaboration, and accountability. This will help hire more health care workers, expand access to care at clinics and online, train more mental health nurses, and make more of your health information available to you. To keep the province accountable to you, progress on improvements will be reported publicly each year.
HELPING INTERNATIONALLY-TRAINED HEALTH WORKERS WORK HERE
There are many health care workers in our communities who can’t work in the system simply because they did their training abroad. We all recognize that’s a tremendous waste of talent. It’s why we’re providing $10 million in support to Nova Scotia to help more qualified health professionals get their credentials recognized here.
FUNDING MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE
Our youth are resilient, but we can’t let any of them fall through the cracks in our mental health care system. We’re launching a $500 million Youth Mental Health Fund to ensure they can access mental health care close to home.
FILLING THE GAPS BY DELIVERING PHARMACARE
Through the first phase of Pharmacare, the federal government will cover the costs of diabetes medications and supplies and contraceptives. Provinces like British Columbia are ready to work with us on this, and it’s well past time for Nova Scotia to follow suit!
EXPANDING OUR DENTAL CARE PROGRAM
The Canadian Dental Care Plan already covers well over 5,000 people in Halifax West. Early next year, it will begin covering all uninsured Canadians with family incomes under $90,000. Across the country, 1 million people have already received care under the plan—saving an average of $731 each. As of November 1, even more dental services are covered by the CDCP.
This work must—and will—continue. You can count on me to keep pushing for more action on this most critical issue.
