No Order Imposed on Health Care Workers

The Executive Council has not imposed any order under An Act for the Continuation of Healthcare Services in Nova Scotia, Public Service Commission Minister Ron Russell said on Friday.

"No order has been imposed under the Act," Mr. Russell said following a meeting of the Executive Council Friday morning.

"The Act allows for collective bargaining to continue between the parties, and that has always been government's preferred option." The meeting was held to provide Cabinet with an update on the status of health care service delivery in Nova Scotia.

"I'm pleased that health care workers have returned to their jobs and are providing patients with the care they need," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "A commitment to patient care was made by all the parties involved in this dispute, and providing that care is in the best interests of everyone involved."

Mr. Russell wrote to NSGEU president Joan Jessome and Bob Smith, CEO of the Capital District Health Authority, on Wednesday, indicating that it would be acceptable to government should the union and the employer wish to resume discussions to explore possible reallocation of the monetary package that has already been negotiated.

The only portion of the act now in effect is the provision that required striking health care workers to return to their jobs.