Improving Access to Healthcare
Emergency Health Services Employees Honored
More than 100 Emergency Health Services (EHS) employees with 20 or more years of service were recognized on December 4th for their commitment to keeping Nova Scotians safe.
The long-service award recipients include two 45-year employees – Dale Bartlett and John Lewis. The awards were presented at a ceremony in Halifax.
In addition to paramedics, this year’s award recognizes other employees who contribute to Nova Scotia’s emergency health services system. To qualify, employees must have at least 20 years of service, be in good standing, and be involved in or directly support the administration, preparedness and operation of the system.
Province to Cover Full Tuition for New Acelerated Nursing Program
People in Nova Scotia who want to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in continuing care can get free tuition through a new pilot program.
The Province will cover the full cost of tuition and books for 30 future LPNs who agree to work in continuing care in Nova Scotia for two years after graduating. Students will be enrolled in an accelerated 18-month practical nursing program at Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) Ivany campus in Dartmouth.
The pilot program will use the same course curriculum used in other practical nursing programs. Classes will run from January 2025 to June 2026 in the afternoons and evenings, allowing students to complete a two-year diploma program six months faster. Students will work one to two shifts a month in continuing care while they study.
Local Healthcare Access Points
Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic +
The Pharmacist Plus Clinics are another way we're improving access to healthcare for all Nova Scotians.
The Truro Lawton's Pharmacist Plus Clinic is a walk-in clinic that has a nurse practitioner and pharmacists working as a team to provide a variety of health care services, from primary care to chronic disease prevention and management.
Services include:
Diagnosing and treating routine and more immediate health concerns
Prescribing medications and prescriptions renewals
Medication management or modifications
Chronic disease management
Health screening and preventative care
Ordering and interpreting tests
Vaccinations and injections
Making referrals to specialists and other health care providers
Lawton’s Pharmacist Walk-In Clinic + 316 Willow Street, Suite 20 902-896-0987
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Monday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Tuesday | 12:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Wednesday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Thursday | 12:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
Friday | 9:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic
Pharmacist-led clinics provide an extended suite of pharmacy primary care services at no charge to people with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.
These services include assessment and prescribing for:
Strep Throat
Pink Eye
UTIs
Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Asthma, COPD)
Prescription renewals for all medications and more
Publicly funded vaccines for adults and children are also available at these clinics as well as medical injections.
The Medicine Shoppe Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic 1B-664 Prince Street 902-814-2679
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Monday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Tuesday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Wednesday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Thursday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Friday | 9:00 am | 5:30 pm |
Saturday | 9:00 am | 1:00 pm |
Sunday | 9:00 am | 1:00 pm |
VirtualCareNS
Did you know that Nova Scotians with a primary care provider get two free visits through VirtualCareNS per year? And that those without a primary care provider have unlimited access to virtual care?
To learn more about VirtualCareNS and to register today, visit: www.virtualcarens.ca
Grants & Funding Opportunities
Seniors Care Grant
The Seniors Care Grant helps low-income seniors with the cost of household services like lawn care, snow removal, grocery delivery, transportation, small home repairs and phone service, healthcare services like physiotherapy and mental health support and home heating.
Grants are $750 for each household and applications are open until 31 March 2025.
Heating Assistance Rebate Program
The Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps low-and modest-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating.
Rebates are $600 for each household and applications are open until 31 March 2025.
Property Tax Rebate for Seniors
Property Tax Rebate for Seniors helps low-income seniors with the cost of municipal residential property taxes.
Rebates are 50% of what you paid on last year’s property taxes, up to a maximum of $800. Applications are open until 31 December 2024.
Grant Finder Tool
Use this service to find grants and funding programs offered through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage that you may be eligible to apply for.
The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage helps businesses and communities grow by providing program and event funding for arts, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, cultural identity and languages, and tourism.
Grants and funding programs are available for:
businesses
individuals
non-profit groups (like charities, community groups and social enterprises)
December in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
2024 CEC Sports Wall of Fame Induction
It is always a pleasure to attend the CEC Wall of Fame induction ceremony which honors the athletic accomplishments of local athletes and coaches.
Congratulations to the 2024 inductees - Ron Meech, Taunya Pynn-Crowe, Mark Burley, John Richard, Joanne (Evans) McPhee, and the 1992 Track and Field Team!
65th General Assembly of Nova Scotia
On December 10, I joined members of the 65th General Assembly of Nova Scotia at the swearing in ceremony at Province House.
It is an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to continue to represent the constituents of Truro-Bible Hill- Millbrook-Salmon River, and I thank you for the support.
Cabinet Ministers Swearing-In Ceremony
On December 12, I was incredibly honoured and grateful to be sworn into Premier Houston’s cabinet, as the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage and Minister of Gaelic Affairs at a ceremony presided over by Lt. Governor Arthur J. Leblanc.
I am excited to get to work with our Premier, some incredible colleagues and the teams at CCTH and Gaelic Affairs to make it happen for Nova Scotians.
Thank you to my family, colleagues and constituents of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook- Salmon River for your continued support and trust.
2025 World U17 Challenge to be held in Truro
On December 17, I had the pleasure of announcing the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro will be the host of the 2025 World U17 Challenge, starting October 31 through November 8th, 2025.
This announcement is particularly special to me. The World U17 Hockey Challenge holds a significant place in my journey, as I had the privilege of coaching in this tournament twice—once in 2005 and again in 2013—as the Head Coach of Team Atlantic. I’ll always treasure the memory of winning a bronze medal in 2005.The World U17 Challenge represents an incredible opportunity to welcome people from around the world to our beautiful province and community.
For more information: https://hockeynovascotia.ca/.../truro-to-host-2025-u17...
Province Recognized as a Top Travel Destination
Nova Scotia has been named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025.
We are thrilled to be acknowledged in the prestigious list of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025. Nova Scotia’s unique charm and scenic coastlines draw visitors from around the world. It’s great to see our province and tourism industry receiving recognition as a world-class vacation destination.
Nova Scotia is featured under the category For Moments on the Water. It highlights Nova Scotia’s increasingly accessible air travel, appealing accommodations and iconic coastal activities and attractions. The province is one of only two Canadian regions on the list.
As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. If you know of anyone who would be interested in receiving future editions of our monthly newsletter, please reach out to my office at 902-897-0884 or mlaritcey@gmail.com to be added to our list of subscribers.
Also, don't forget to check out my website http://www.daveritcey.ca to stay up to date with what's happening with me and with our community.
From my family to yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Hon. Dave Ritcey
MLA Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River