Clarification Regarding MacKinnon Family in Durham, Pictou Co.

HEALTH--Clarification Regarding MacKinnon Family in Durham, Pictou Co.

NOTE: Health Minister Jane Purves issued the following statement today, Jan. 14, to clarify media reports regarding the MacKinnon family of Durham, Pictou Co., whose father -- Charles MacKinnon -

• has applied for financial assistance for the cost of his nursing home care.

The Department of Health's first priority is to ensure the client, Charles MacKinnon, receives the care he needs, and that has been done.

Recent media reports seem to suggest the Department of Health has been treating Mr. MacKinnon's family unfairly. This is not true.

Last week, the Department of Health made a decision regarding the MacKinnon family's farmland. The land surrounding the MacKinnon residence will remain the property of Mr. MacKinnon. Its value will not be applied to Mr. MacKinnon's cost of nursing home care.

This is not unusual. Similar decisions have been made in previous cases. If family members use land for income or fuel, that land is considered exempt.

At the request of the family, all communications in this case have been with their lawyer. The decision was communicated to the lawyer and to Mr. MacKinnon's representative last week.

Discussions between department officials and the family's lawyer have been cordial and co-operative throughout this process. The file will be closed when the Department of Health receives final paperwork from the family through their lawyer.