Government of Nova Scotia

The Province has a plan in place to lessen the impact of the Canada Post strike on Nova Scotians who usually communicate with the government and receive provincial cheques by mail. You can find details at: https://lnkd.in/eMS7RBK7 Nova Scotians are encouraged, where possible, to use online services and direct deposit. Many people already use these electronic options for receiving payments and important government information. During the strike, Community Services caseworkers will contact clients who still get cheques directly to arrange pickup. Beginning Wednesday, November 20, people will be able to take some correspondence that cannot be sent electronically to an Access Nova Scotia centre. Starting Saturday, November 30, Nova Scotians who rely on the postal service for delivery of high-priority items will be able to pick them up at an Access Nova Scotia centre. This service will depend on the length of the strike. Pickup will be available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff will contact people to let them know the department is arranging to have their item at a centre. People should allow two Saturdays from the time they are notified and bring valid government identification with them.

Today, we remember and honour those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Lest we forget.

Government is covering the full cost of tuition and books for 30 future LPNs who agree to work in continuing care in Nova Scotia for two years after they graduate. Students will participate in an accelerated 18-month practical nursing program at NSCC’s Ivany Campus in Dartmouth. They will work one to two shifts in continuing care a month while they study. The program starts in January 2025. More information on the program, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found at: https://lnkd.in/eW5QnXNU

Nova Scotians will see more money in their pockets beginning April 1, 2025 following a 1% decrease in the harmonized sales tax (HST) rate. The new combined sales tax rate in Nova Scotia will be 14%.

The submission deadline for the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project has been extended due to popular demand, until October 25, 2024. The Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project is accepting proposals for an innovation challenge to address childhood obesity and chronic disease in Nova Scotia. If you’re an organization registered to do business in Canada – for profit or not for profit – submit your proposal by October 25. The challenge focuses on expanding access to healthy food, promoting healthy eating, physical activity, free play and active transportation, and reducing screen time and sedentary behaviour. Organizations whose proposals are approved will be invited to submit a detailed application for funding. Learn more at: https://lighthousens.ca/

Nova Scotians are invited to submit their ideas for the next provincial budget. Send in your ideas and solutions by November 18 and let government know what matters most to you to create the 2025-26 budget at https://lnkd.in/dPQ9EzBf

ICYMI: Over the past few weeks, the Province announced more pharmacy primary care clinics, new dialysis units, the expansion of a practical nursing program for continuing care assistants, a new international medical graduate assessment centre, and a physician retirement fund initiative. Here are the details: Fourteen more community pharmacy primary care clinics will open this fall. For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/eAqN2ZRF More Nova Scotians will receive dialysis treatment closer to home with three new dialysis units coming to the communities of Springhill, Shelburne and Evanston, Richmond County. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dwyF-Brd More continuing care assistants (CCAs) will be supported to become licensed practical nurses with the expansion of a pilot training program. For details, read the news release at: https://lnkd.in/dSqaaHM7 Nova Scotia is opening an international medical graduate assessment centre in Halifax to help more internationally trained physicians become licensed to practise in the province. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/esVxduMN The government will provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of ongoing efforts to expand recruitment and retention initiatives in Nova Scotia. For more details visit: https://lnkd.in/e3CCXncF

The government will provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of ongoing efforts to expand recruitment and retention initiatives in Nova Scotia. The support is through annual contributions that doctors put toward their retirement savings. The Province’s contributions will be based on doctors’ years of service, full- or part-time status, and the amount they contribute to their preferred retirement savings option. For details, you can read the news release at https://lnkd.in/e3CCXncF

The Action for Health monthly newsletter shares all the latest information and progress updates about healthcare in Nova Scotia, including how to access care. Read the October edition and sign up for future newsletters here: https://bit.ly/4ew5Hjj

Be prepared during hurricane season. Are you ready to look after yourself and your family for at least 72 hours? Make an emergency kit! https://lnkd.in/edhA3heJ