On Friday, I got my second shot!
Thank you to all the healthcare workers and scientists who made this possible.
We still have a way to go... As of Sunday, our province is eighth out of ten in total doses administered per capita.
What else happened this week:
- I started the week in Halifax Needham with PC candidate Scott Ellis. Then I travelled to Lunenburg West to meet up with our candidate, Becky Druhan. The next day, I was in Kings West with Chris Palmer. On Wednesday, I spent the morning in Arisaig with Michelle Thompson - candidate for Antigonish. The best part about this job is hearing directly from Nova Scotians about the issues they face. In my travels from Halifax to the South Shore to the Valley to Antigonish (and everywhere in-between), I can tell you the number one issue I’m hearing is healthcare.
- I mentioned this last week, but the South Shore is finally getting a new palliative care unit, a first for Lunenburg and Queens County. It’s exciting but it took too long. Kim Masland, MLA for Queens-Shelburne, has been a passionate advocate. Read why she has been driving for this project.
- School’s out for the summer! A lot of unexpected twists and turns in the school year, but to all students: you made it. From starting the school year off in-person during a pandemic, to moving to e-learning during the third wave to then unexpectedly moving back to finish the year in-person. Thank you to the teachers, custodial staff and administrators on a job well done.
Tip of the hat
I’m so honoured and proud of the candidates who have put their name forward under the PC banner. Representation and diversity matter. That’s why, when I became leader, I called for a Party committee with a dedicated focus on diverse communities. Thank you, to Betty Thomas and her team for the many hours they log supporting this endeavour.
We have nominated 47 candidates to date, 25 of whom are women or from a diverse background.
This week, the CBC caught up with each Party. Our incredible campaign co-chair, Tara Miller, spoke with them. Read it here.
Failing grade
Troubling reports this week centered around long-term care are the result of weak leadership by the Premier.
Ivy Meadows, a 38-bed facility in Beaver Bank, N.S., has decided not to renew their contract with the province to provide continuing care, and will be closing their doors.
Across the province, we need more beds. This is terrible news for those who call Ivy Meadows home and for those who are waiting on a list to move into a facility.
The news comes just two days after contract talks between Northwood employees and the Rankin government stalled. During the outbreak at Northwood, the government accused the frontline workers there of “fear-mongering” about the conditions there. After the first wave, they were hailed as healthcare heroes. Now they’re forgotten.
Let’s remember that this is the same facility that for three years wanted improvements and single rooms for our parents and grandparents.
But for three years, a report sat on the desk of the Minister of Health and collected dust. This government made virtually no investment in long-term care homes in their eight years in power, and we are seeing the ramifications of their failure to act.
Besides re-announcing beds that were already announced, the Premier hasn’t lifted a finger for seniors or the people who care for them.
They are not priorities of his.
Read mine here.
Committees
On Thursday, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts will meet to set the agenda. The meeting will be to review the Auditor General Reports that will be released on July 7th.
Until next week,
Tim