the three major parties answer our questions

A week ago, the Halifax Examiner published questions we received from readers asking for comments or commitments from the three major political parties. Here are the responses we received from the Progressive Conservatives, the New Democratic Party and the Liberals.

Fast payment

The Construction Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Prompt Payment Coalition wanted to know which political party would commit to passing legislation by the end of 2020 that would set minimum standards for paying contractors.

“Overdue payments are hurting our economy and continuing to get worse. Each year, 35 to 40 construction-related companies go bankrupt, resulting in the loss of 700 to 800 jobs, and these impacts are increasing at an alarming rate, ”said Duncan Williams, CEO of CANS.

Liberal Answer: Our government understands the importance of prompt payment legislation for small and medium-sized businesses in the construction industry. Particularly during the pandemic, timely payment is needed to ensure that businesses can maintain high employment levels and a good flow of working capital. We are aware that this is an issue that is a priority for many and we are committed to establishing a fair process with clear expectations for all in the construction industry.

Progressive Conservative Answer: A Conservative government will commit to finalizing the changes under the Builders’ Lien Act. The Builders Lien Act is intended to protect subcontractors and suppliers who perform work or supply materials as part of a construction project if the person they contracted with directly breaches their contract.

NPD Answer: An NDP government would proceed on the basis of the work done by the current government to prepare a prompt payment law, consulting with key stakeholders and other parties in the legislature to ensure that the prompt payment law is in place. understood and more likely to gain approval in the legislative process.

The Admiral Long Term Care Home in Dartmouth.

Long term care

Advocacy groups seeking better long-term care have called for:

• How many new single rooms will you build during your first term for people requiring long-term care (LTC)?
• Will your party commit to implementing the national long-term care standards for nursing homes when they are released? (standards are under discussion)
• Will your party commit to improving staff-to-resident ratios in order to provide at least 4.1 hours of direct daily care to each LTC resident?
• Will your party commit to aligning the salaries of LTC providers with those of workers in other healthcare settings to help retain and recruit staff?

Liberal Answer: The Liberal government has made historic investments in long term care to rejuvenate the sector. This year, we have pledged $ 152.6 million – the largest long-term care investment in our province’s history. This investment will add 500 new beds in communities that need them the most, reducing the average wait time for a placement to 60 days. In total, we will renovate, replace or add 2,498 beds in 24 facilities across the province.

To support the growing demand for nurses in all sectors of the healthcare system, we are committing to invest $ 4.05 million over three years to add 270 new places to the NSCC Licensed Practical Nurse program, of which 30 will be reserved for upgrading ACCs. their skills to practice in long-term care.

Progressive Conservative The Answers8: We are going to build 2,500 new rooms. At the end of our first year of PC government, a plan will be established for the expansion and renovation of existing properties as well as the development of new housing.

We support the recommendations of the Nurses Union and a Conservative government will amend the Homes for Special Care Act to ensure that every long-term care facility must maintain levels of care for RNs, LPNs and nursing staff. Combined CCA sufficient to meet at least 4.1 hours of care per capita. To meet the recommended staffing levels, an additional 600 nurses (a combination of RNs and LPNs) and 1,400 CCAs would be needed.

NPD Answer: An NPD government would build nearly 3,000 beds to achieve the goal of a single room for all who need it.

An NDP government will work with the federal government to implement national standards if they are passed, in any case where they would be a further improvement

The NDP has committed to a staffing standard of 4.1 hours per day, including 1.3 hours of nursing care. An NDP government would propose wage harmonization with health care unions to discuss how to foster retention and a positive work environment.

Note: Neither the Conservative Party nor the Liberal Parties have addressed the issue of national standards for nursing homes which are currently being drafted by Ottawa.

The Quest Regional Rehabilitation Center in Lower Sackville. Photo: questsociety.ca

People with physical and intellectual disabilities

The Disability Rights Coalition is seeking a timeline for the next government to implement recommendations approved by the Liberals in 2013 to shut down large institutions and provide smaller housing for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

“Will you commit to fully implementing the Roadmap within the 10-year deadline adopted by the Liberals and ending the institutionalization of people with disabilities by 2023?” “

Liberal Response: We are committed to making Nova Scotia accessible and continue to work with the disability community, municipal governments, and the education and private sectors to achieve our collective goal of an accessible province here. 2030.

Progressive Conservative Response: The PC Party supports the Accessibility Act and its goal of making Nova Scotia more accessible and inclusive. While the ambitious goal is supported by the Conservative Party, we would like to hear more update from the department to see where they stand to make Nova Scotia more accessible. We need to ensure accessibility for those who need it now.

NPD reply: The NDP would develop an acceleration plan to implement the Roadmap as soon as possible. Training the required workers, budgeting and opening up many other options need to be accelerated. This plan would include steps like helping families develop their own housing solutions that can ease the bottleneck of highly centralized management.

Note: The Disability Rights Coalition’s question was about improving services for people with disabilities who are often institutionalized. The responses of the PC and the Liberals are vague and do not deal with a timeline for deinstitutionalization.

A cyclist rides the South Park Street cycle path in Halifax in June 2021. – Photo: Zane Woodford

Cycling

“During COVID 19, we saw unprecedented growth in cycling, for transportation, recreation and sport,” Bicycle NS writes. “What is needed now is a clear financial and political commitment, including under the Sustainable Development Goals Act and the Traffic Safety Act, to solidify Nova Scotia as a safe and inclusive place to people of all ages who wish to travel on two wheels. “

Liberal Answer: The Nova Scotia Liberal Party believes that active transportation contributes to healthier communities, greater physical well-being and a greater appreciation of our beautiful outdoor spaces. We appreciate the work that has been done so far on the Blue Route and we are committed to continuing this important work. In fact, the Blue Route will appear in the Nova Scotia Liberal Party’s environmental platform that will be released today by Premier Rankin.

Progressive Conservative Answer: The PC platform is committed to developing a provincial active transportation strategy and exploring options to help provide more active transportation options, such as walking trails, bike paths and other forms of active mobility, which are a complementary tool that can reduce dependence on cars and provide healthy transportation alternatives.

NPD Answer: An NPD government will provide the provincial funding needed to complete the Blue Route, in partnership with municipalities that are to help complete the route within their boundaries, with the goal of building the Route by 2030.

anecdotes about the 2021 elections

The Examiner names this August 2 press release for the “best headline” (so far) in the 2021 election campaign. See below:

PC government would change bear cub policy
HALIFAX – A Tim Houston PC government will allow regulated wildlife centers to rehabilitate injured and orphaned baby black bears, said John Wesley Chisholm, PC candidate for Halifax Chebucto.

Nova Scotia is one of a handful of provinces and territories that do not rehabilitate black bears that are injured or cubs if they are orphaned. Instead, the Department of Lands and Forests euthanized the bears.

“Nova Scotia’s black bears are a barometer of the health of our forests and of our concern for the environment. Published research proves that orphaned bears can be safely rehabilitated and released, ”Chisholm explained,“ It’s just the right thing to do.