Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has announced the restoration of $53 million in budget funding, reversing a planned three per cent cut to nursing home staff. The Nova Scotia government unveiled a list of grants and programs on Wednesday that will see their funding reinstated, including approximately $6.7 million allocated for nursing homes and home care agencies. The initial budget, presented over two weeks ago, proposed $130 million in cuts to discretionary grants and an additional $174 million related to job reductions. The latter entailed a five per cent reduction in the civil service and a three per cent cut across the broader public sector without affecting frontline services.
Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Barbara Adams confirmed on Wednesday that the three per cent cut would no longer impact nursing home staff. Adams stated, “While we were confident in managing this through attrition and retirement, this news brings relief to the facilities, and they were pleased upon hearing it.”
Following significant public backlash over cuts to various programs, including those serving individuals with disabilities, the arts sector, and African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw communities, Houston announced a partial reversal of cuts. Thousands of people protested outside Province House over the reduction of 287 grants administered by the province. The government announced the restoration of $53 million in funding, with many grants falling under the Department of Seniors and Long-term Care.
The majority of the restored funding will be allocated to four key programs, including the Meal Delivery Program ($16 million), Operating Grants for Long-Term Care Facilities and Home Care Agencies ($6.7 million), Operating Grants for Disability Support Facilities ($3.3 million), and Enhanced Adult Day Programming ($2.4 million).
The budget outlines a sustainability plan with cuts planned for the next three years, including continued staff reductions of five per cent and three per cent. Adams declined to speculate on future staffing cuts for nursing homes, emphasizing the government’s need to address a deficit exceeding $1.2 billion while maintaining essential services for Nova Scotians.
Opposition leaders expressed skepticism about the government’s honesty and questioned whether planned cuts, such as those affecting Nova Scotia Health, would proceed. Education Minister Brendan Maguire confirmed that cuts to regional centres for education are still on track. Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin suggested that increased pressure could lead to reconsideration of these cuts, potentially creating further political challenges for the Premier.