Since forming government in 2021, our PC government has been working toward a bold vision: making mental health care accessible to all Nova Scotians as part of our universal healthcare system. Today our PC government announced a significant step forward in delivering on that promise.
Nova Scotia is officially launching Canada’s first publicly funded, insured mental health and addictions services program. The first phase will expand access to non-urgent mental health care by funding private-sector professionals—ensuring more people get the care they need, at no cost, no matter where they live.
This initiative is a game-changer. By integrating private clinicians into the public system, we are unlocking more capacity and helping more Nova Scotians struggling with mood and anxiety disorders get the care they need at no cost to them. Our PC government has already issued a request for proposals to secure a billing administrator, and work is underway to identify qualified professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and registered counselling therapists.
We know mental health care needs to be accessible, no matter where you live or your financial situation. That’s why we’re not just making changes—we’re leading the way. Nova Scotia is setting a new national standard for mental health care, proving that a universal system is possible.
This is real progress. This is the future of health care. And we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue Make it Happen for Nova Scotians.