The provincial budget that was released this week included big spending for healthcare.
$5.7 billion was announced in healthcare spending, with 1.2 billion of that earmarked for continuing care.
Continuing care assistants across the province recently received a 23 per cent wage increase, with money included.
When asked what she would say to support staff in continuing care environments who feel overlooked The MLA for Lunenburg, Susan Corkum-Greek, said “Be patient and have faith.”
“We will be coming to negotiating tables with that same intention.”
Even though the 23 per cent wage hike for CCAs was announced prior to the budget, support staff in continuing care environments won’t be overlooked, Corkum-Greek.
The move to go outside of collective agreement bargaining was made because staffing was at a crisis point and the treasury board felt it couldn’t wait for the budget, she says.
“The wage hike that was announced for CCAS was to address a critical point in time — it couldn’t wait for our budget.”
The budget includes $15 million to continue additional staffing in long-term care and $66.3 million to fulfill the promise to increase wages for continuing care assistants.
Tax break for skilled trades workers
Meanwhile, skilled trades workers may see some extra money back on their taxes next year.
As part of the budget, it was announced that some skilled trades workers under the age of 30 will be eligible for a full refund on their 2022 income tax, on their first $50,000 in earnings.
Susan Corkum-Greek says the move is aimed at keeping young people in our province.
No official list has been released detailing who will be eligible yet, but Corkum-Greek says eligibility will be targeted at those industries facing staffing shortages, particularly the construction-based trades.
“I think Nova Scotians will find that it is actually quite broad, in reflection of the actual needs of our various industry sectors.”
Too many (young) Nova Scotian’s have to the leave the province for opportunities and they want to show that there is a future for them here, Corkum-Greek says.
“Like I say to friends and neighbours, tell those grandkids that have gone off somewhere else to work to come home – we want them here.”
