Improving Access to Healthcare
Free Tuition for LPNs
We’re making it easier for Nova Scotians to start their careers in healthcare!
We’re covering tuition and books for an accelerated Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at NSCC. In return, graduates will commit to working in continuing care for two years, helping us care for our seniors and build a stronger healthcare system.
This 18-month program is a fast track to a rewarding career, and it’s all part of our plan to ensure better care for Nova Scotians.
Autism Action Plan Consultations & Survey
The Province introduced its First Provincial Autism Action Plan this past May, and the community consultation aspect has begun this month.
This announcement marks a historic milestone for autistic individuals and families who have, and continue to, advocate tirelessly for more integrated services and support to better meet their needs.This action plan will focus on filling the gaps and creating equitable services that the autistic community deserves, across the lifespan and across the province. The action plan will start with community consultations, including first-voice autistic individuals, Autism Nova Scotia regional staff, community members and cross-governmental government support.
The Community Consultation Schedule can be found here.
You are also encouraged to provide your feedback through the Autism Action Plan Survey.
Funding for Grief, Bereavement, Mental Health Supports
The Healing Pathways Community Fund has awarded grants to 14 community-based organizations offering grief, bereavement and mental health supports in Colchester, Cumberland and Hants counties.
The Healing Pathways Community Fund is providing one-time grants of up to $50,000 to the organizations. Grief, bereavement and mental health supports will be available for all ages and could include:
training in supportive grief and loss
development of digital and online information resources
individual and group programs
creation of indoor or outdoor designated spaces
outdoor activities designed to improve emotional health.
Recipients in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River were:
Canadian Mental Health Association, Nova Scotia and Colchester East Hants divisions ($6,654.42) – they have collaborated with artist and author Holly Carr and the Portapique Community Build Up on the Holly Carr Story Trails Project, which connects art, nature and mental wellness through an interactive experience that generates safe discussion around the topics of fear, anxiety and hope
Colchester East Hants Community Hospice Society ($39,167) – working through its Hug Centre (Hope and Understanding for the Grieving), the society’s project will support children experiencing grief and bereavement
Millbrook First Nation/Millbrook Mental Health ($46,350) – will provide a confidential and secure area where kids can process their emotions, build resilience and develop coping skills after experiencing trauma
STEPs on Arthur ($4,801) - the STEPs into Music program aims to establish a music therapy program for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues, serving 83 participants aged 20-70
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce ($17,600) – will provide wellness resources for businesses designed to support entrepreneurs and their employees; plans include events to discuss mental health challenges entrepreneurs face, a social media campaign to promote mental health resources for entrepreneurs, a survey to understand members’ needs, and discussions with business owners to create opportunities for meaningful connections
New Centre to Support More International Medical Graduates
Nova Scotia is opening an international medical graduate assessment centre in Halifax to help more internationally trained physicians become licensed to practise in the province.
The initiative will begin with four international medical graduates providing primary care for about 2,500 patients. Two Nova Scotia physicians will supervise the graduates and assess them for independent licensure.
Over time, the centre will expand to include five physician-led teams of up to three international medical graduates each. As the number of teams expands, so will the clinic’s capacity, to about 6,400 patients. Graduates who complete the 12-week assessment program and receive licensure will be required to sign a three-year return-of-service agreement.
The centre takes over from Dalhousie University’s Practice Ready Assessment Program, which did similar work, and since 2019, issued 39 licences. The timeline was about 18 months from the date of application to licensure.
It is anticipated that in one year, this new program will issue more licences than have been issued over the last five years. The duration of the new program is 12 continuous weeks, if the candidate meets all requirements.
Influenza, COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available to Book; COVID Testing Requirements Change
Nova Scotians can now book appointments for the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. These safe, effective and free vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older.
Nova Scotians can get the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines from participating family doctors, nurse practitioners, family practice nurses, pharmacies, public health offices and mobile units. People have several options for booking an appointment:
online at: https://novascotia.ca/vaccination
through the YourHealthNS app
by calling 1-833-797-7772
by calling their primary care provider.
During this respiratory illness season, Nova Scotia has additional focus on older adults. An enhanced influenza vaccine, which is shown to provide better protection for older adults, is available to people aged 65 and older. And in November, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines will be available to Nova Scotians aged 60 and older living in licensed long-term care facilities, as well as hospital inpatients that age who are awaiting placement in long-term care.
This fall, COVID-19 testing guidance is changing to align with eligibility for COVID-19 medications, which benefit people at higher risk for severe disease or hospitalization. Both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid testing will be focused on those at higher risk, such as people who are 65 years of age and older or immunocompromised.
People at higher risk can access rapid and PCR tests by booking an appointment online at https://covidbooking.nshealth.ca or by calling 1-833-797-7772.
Full details of the testing eligibility criteria and availability can be found at: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting
Physician Retirement Incentive Fund
The government will provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of ongoing efforts to expand recruitment and retention initiatives in Nova Scotia.
The support is through annual contributions that doctors put toward their retirement savings. The Province’s contributions will be based on doctors’ years of service, full- or part-time status, and the amount they contribute to their preferred retirement savings option.
The retirement benefit is available to all full- and part-time doctors who are licensed to work in Nova Scotia and provide direct patient care or clinical services such as specialists in radiology and pathology.
The amounts doctors can receive based on their years of service, as of December 31, are as follows:
five or fewer years of service – $5,000 annually; no savings contribution by the doctor is required
five to 15 years – up to $10,000 annually
more than 15 years – up to $15,000 annually.
The Province’s contribution is based on full-time equivalency. Doctors who work part-time will have their hours prorated and contribution matched based on their full-time equivalency.
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
Senior's 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.
Apply here: Apply for a property tax rebate: Property Tax Rebate for Seniors - Government of Nova Scotia
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)
Access the Provincial Grant Finder here: Find grants offered through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage - Government of Nova Scotia
October in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
Door Knocking
Being on the doorsteps and chatting with constituents is one of my favourite aspects of being an MLA.
Thank you to the folks in Salmon River and Bible Hill for taking the time to chat with me at the door.
Fish and Chips Dinner at the Legion
Had a wonderful chat with Lloyd Coady at the Truro Legion Branch 26 Colchester’s monthly Fish and Chips dinner!
Nova Scotia Small Business Week 2024
Small businesses are the heart of Nova Scotia’s economy—they create jobs, drive innovation, and help build the strong, vibrant communities we are all proud to call home.
I had the pleasure of attending & joining many of our amazing small businesses at the 2024 Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce Annual Small Business Awards luncheon at the Inn on Prince in Truro.
Congratulations to the award recipients and thank you to all of our small businesses in our community!
United Way Open House & Trivia Fundraiser
I attended the United Way of Colchester Open House event at the Marigold Centre and a Trivia Fundraiser at the Truro Brewing Company this month.
It was great to meet and speak with the agencies that attended and learn more about what they do help support our community. Thank you Sarah and your team for an amazing Open House and fun night of trivia!
Women in Business Breakfast
Amber and I attended the Women in Business Breakfast at the Best Western Glengarry. The breakfast event featured a panel of trailblazing women in trades ready to share their insights and experiences.
Thank you to the moderator Laura MacLaughlin and panel guests Shannon Landsberg from Kings Freight Lines, Kara McCurdy from Halifax Fire, and Becca Rosborough from Elevate Aviation.
Seniors Week 2024
I had the honour to bring greetings on behalf of my colleague the Honorable Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long Term Care, to residents in our community.
There’s been a series of speakers during Seniors week, sharing experiences and information to our residents including today’s session- that focused on Estate Planning. Thank you to everyone who attended this informative session.
Investing in Our Community
TAAC Revitalization
In 2022, I was honoured to announce $2.6 million in funding for the revitalization of the Truro Amateur Athletic Club (TAAC), the Multi-Use sport facility and senior baseball facility.
The existing TAAC location is being revitalized to include a multi-sport, all-weather field and a synthetic, eight-lane running track with regulation throwing areas, which will provide athletes and casual players with a high-quality training facility. The current seniors’ baseball diamond has been relocated to Argus Drive to improve accessibility, and it will be upgraded to reflect championship-quality baseball field standards.
This investment ensures our community has the best possible facilities while supporting healthy, active living. Let’s continue to build up Nova Scotia!
Tuition for Paramedics
Earlier this year, our government announced that the Province would cover FULL tuition costs for primary care paramedic students. In return, paramedics must work in the province for four years. There is an upcoming course in Yarmouth starting in January 2025!
To apply or for more information about the program, visit: https://www.medaviehealthed.com/.../primary-care.../.
Upgrades to Colchester Legion Stadium
Fourteen community rinks across the province are receiving critical upgrades that will extend their lifespan and create more access to sport and recreation, especially for women and girls.
Through this initiative, the Colchester Legion Stadium has received $1 million for repairs from hurricane Fiona damage.
Construction is advancing steadily, with significant progress being made on interior work and finishes. Major upgrades to essential systems, including HVAC, electrical, and life safety, are currently underway to ensure the stadium meets modern standards.
The anticipated date for reopening the facility to the public is December 1, 2024.
Willow Street/ McClures Mills Roundabout
The Willow Street/ McClures Mills Road Roundabout is nearing completion! Construction is winding down, and paving has begun.
Before it's fully open, take a quick minute to brush up on how to safely yield, enter, and exit a roundabout. It’s easier than you think and helps keep traffic flowing smoothly!
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 this newsletter, please contact the constituency office at 902-897-0884 or mlaritcey@bellaliant.com, or visit www.daveritcey.ca to view the newsletter and more community updates.
Sincerely,
MLA Dave Ritcey
Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River