Minister of Health Requests Cabinet Meeting

A cabinet meeting will take place today at the request of Health Minister Jamie Muir.

"I’ve asked the premier to reconvene cabinet as soon as possible," said Mr. Muir.

"I believe that the status of negotiations with nurses and other health care workers are at such a critical point right now that I need to meet and brief my cabinet colleagues immediately. I am very concerned about the health and safety of Nova Scotians in the event of a provincewide hospital strike."

Last week the minister and his senior staff met with officials from the Capital District Health Authority for an update on the status of contingency plans. Senior staff from the Department of Health have been in ongoing discussions with the other districts.

"We’re looking at the possibility of more than 9,000 health care workers and nurses striking," said the minister. "There will obviously be a serious impact on the provision of services regardless of contingency plans. The health system can’t sustain a strike for any great length of time."

Cabinet will meet at 4 p.m today.