Provincial Health Council Money Goes to Community Health Board

HEALTH--Provincial Health Council Money Goes to Community Health Boards

To direct more health dollars to the benefit of people in communities, the Minister of Health announced today, March 31, that the Department of Health is disbanding the Provincial Health Council in order to give ongoing and sustainable funding to community health boards.

"We're committed to improving the health of Nova Scotians and with these new dollars in the Office of Health Promotion's budget, we can provide sustainable funding to community health boards to continue their valuable grassroots work," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We have to invest in health promotion today to create a healthy and strong province in the future."

Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Health, thanked council members and staff for their valuable contribution and said the council has fulfilled its legislated duty to develop health policy and direction for the system over the past five years.

All of the money previously dedicated to the council will flow to community health boards for local wellness and healthy living activities through the Office of Health Promotion. The annual budget for the Provincial Health Council was $348,000.

"Every part of the provincial government must manage its spending effectively to ensure that services and benefits to Nova Scotians are protected and enhanced," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Now that Nova Scotia has a more fully integrated health system and the Department of Health has developed strong working relationships with many stakeholders, the mandate of the Provincial Health Council is being met through other channels."

"The council has served us well these past five years as we've come through an important period of transition," said Mr. MacIsaac.