The New Democrats were quick to point out what they feel is missing in the province’s new budget.
Gary Burrill, leader of the NDP, says there’s no money being promised for new beds in seniors homes.
Burrill says the lack of nursing home beds is putting a burden on the healthcare system.
“This problem has been getting continually worse, we know that now over a fifth of the beds in the province are taken up with people who are waiting for placement in a nursing home,” says Burrill.
“There is so much concern with our hospitals, that are unable to admit people, who are having to place people in hallways and corridoors.”
The province has committed $5.5 million to home care support including expanding the caregiver benefit.
The premier has said in the past that the majority of Nova Scotians want to remain in their homes as long as possible.
However, Burrill says the lack of funding for seniors homes in this budget shows the province doesn’t see the problem.
Burrill is also unhappy with the funding to mental healthcare.
“I’m disappointed to see they only increased the mental health budget by one per cent which is less than the rate of inflation.”
He says wait times are too long and that the system needs ‘major investment.’
The province tabled the 2018-19 budget in the legislature today.
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