Nova Scotia budget "epic disappointment"

"This government has tunnel vision, and is only able to focus on one thing: balancing the budget. They don't seem to care that sick, injured and vulnerable Nova Scotians are suffering as a result." — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President

Halifax (27 March 2019) — Premier Stephen McNeil has once again delivered a budget that is pennywise, but pound-foolish, says the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees' Union (NSGEU/NUPGE). His government is failing, once again, to invest in essential resources to support our frontline health care workers and social workers.

NS government ignores cries for health care funding 

"This budget is an epic disappointment," said Jason MacLean, NSGEU President.

"This government has tunnel vision, and is only able to focus on one thing: balancing the budget. They don't seem to care that sick, injured and vulnerable Nova Scotians are suffering as a result," said MacLean.

While the government re-announced a few new seats to train doctors at Dalhousie, this budget announcement is simply repeating funding promises that have already been made toward infrastructure for facilities and long-term care beds in Cape Breton.

"All of these commitments are meaningless, as they don't offer any tangible relief for frontline workers or patients when they are really needed — now," said MacLean.

No money for additional social workers

This budget also failed to include any new funding to hire additional social workers.

"Our child welfare social workers are drowning in paperwork, and have been screaming for government to throw them a lifeline," said MacLean.

"Yet again, their cries for help have been ignored by Premier McNeil," he said.

The NSGEU/NUPGE is inviting all Nova Scotians who want to see government make frontline health care and other important social services a priority to attend a rally on Wednesday, April 3, from noon to 2 p.m. at the legislature.