Minister Cancels Trip to Atlantic Health Ministers'' Meeting

HEALTH--Minister Cancels Trip to Atlantic Health Ministers’ Meeting

Health Minister Jamie Muir today cancelled his trip to the Atlantic Health Ministers’ meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in response to the uncertainty created because health care workers in the Capital District Health Authority (CDHA) have voted in favour of a strike.

"This situation is particularly distressing because the tentative agreement offered to the workers was unanimously recommended by the NSGEU bargaining committee," said the Health minister.

The minister also noted that although the nurses belonging to the NSGEU are back at the negotiating table today, they did vote strongly last week in favour of a strike. He remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached.

"All in all, I thought it best to stay in the province in light of the status of negotiations with health care workers and nurses in the Capital District Health Authority," the minister said.

"The health and safety of Nova Scotians is my top priority," said Mr. Muir. "I am very concerned that both nurses and health care workers in the Capital District Health Authority voted in favour of a strike that would have a significant impact on patient care. As a result, I have asked to meet with the health authority’s CEO, Bob Smith, and board chair, Bruce McLaughlin, tomorrow to get an update on the status of their contingency planning should a strike occur."

The minister will meet in his office with Mr. Smith and Mr. McLaughlin on Tuesday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m.