Talbot House Given Opportunity to Respond to RFP

Premier Darrell Dexter announced measures that will enable a long-standing addictions recovery house in Cape Breton to apply to continue to deliver that service.

Premier Dexter and Deputy Premier Frank Corbett announced today, Aug. 27, the province would extend the time for organizations to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) for addictions services in Cape Breton. The extension will allow Talbot House to apply.

Government has also arranged for Talbot House to have the assistance of Wayne Yorke, a respected and experienced person in the field of addiction services, as it prepares its response to the RFP.

"It has been a difficult few months for everyone associated with Talbot House and with the important work of addictions recovery in Cape Breton," said Premier Dexter. "It's time to resolve this issue and ensure people receive the help they need to recover from addictions. I am pleased that Mr. Yorke has agreed to assist Talbot House as it prepares its response."

Deputy Premier Corbett said the RFP will remain open to other applicants. The announcement means the group that delivered the service in the past will have a fair opportunity to deliver it in the future.

"It is time to re-start addiction services here in Cape Breton and, at the same time, ensure that those services meet the highest standards for those in need," said Deputy Premier Corbett.

Rev. Donald MacGillivary, spokesperson for the Diocese of Antigonish, said today he was pleased with the government's action.

"Cape Bretoners deserve the highest standard of addictions care," said Rev. MacGillivray. "The diocese wholeheartedly agrees with the appointment of Mr. Yorke. I thank the premier and deputy premier for giving Talbout House the opportunity to prove that it can provide that service.

"Talbot House has provided this service for a long time. It is our hope that it will continue to provide that service into the future."