Gaming Strategy Progresses

The province is taking a major step forward to reduce the number of problem gamblers.

Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald announced today, Dec. 22, the selection of two Nova Scotia firms to undertake important prevention and treatment aspects of the province's Gaming Strategy.

Pyra Management Consulting Services Inc. of Newport, Hants Co., was awarded the contract to develop a comprehensive problem gambling strategy for Nova Scotia. Similar to the province's successful Tobacco Control Strategy, the strategy may contain components such as legislation and policy; ongoing communications; community-based prevention and treatment programs; and evaluation and monitoring. It will be developed in consultation with interested groups and citizens from across the province and be based on best practices from other jurisdictions. This contract is for $75,000 for six months.

Allura Communications and Marketing of Halifax has been selected to develop a campaign to increase awareness, prevent at-risk gamblers from developing a problem and encourage problem gamblers to seek help. This contract is for $200,000 for one year and is scheduled to launch this spring.

Mr. MacDonald said that awarding these contracts lays the foundation for Nova Scotia Health Promotion to fulfill its responsibilities in the Gaming Strategy.

"The purpose of the gaming strategy is to reduce the number of problem gamblers in Nova Scotia," said Mr. MacDonald. "These projects are key components of reaching that goal."

In preparation for the awareness campaign, Dunn & Associates Communications and Public Affairs completed a communications audit on the existing problem gambling newsletter and website to determine how they can improve to be most effective in reaching counselors, problem gamblers, their families and others.

Health Promotion was given $3 million last April to enhance its problem gambling prevention and treatment work. New radio ads for the Problem Gambling Help Line have increased calls by 50 per cent since January 2005, new brochures are being distributed to addiction centres around the province, and funding is going to district health authorities to increase prevention and treatment resources to better serve the needs of problem and at-risk gamblers.

All firms were selected through the province's procurement process.