The province was listening to Lunenburg County for ways to improve doctor recruitment and establish high speed internet.
Representatives from NOW Lunenburg County made a presentation to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development earlier this week.
Tina Hennigar says a group like hers can allow potential doctors to experience the communities in ways a formal process cannot.
She suggests government could find a way to support the work of organizations like NOW Lunenburg.
“Maybe if we don’t fit in box maybe we could create a box that fits organizations like ours. ‘Cause we’re not alone. There are other organizations who are doing great work that don’t qualify for whatever reasons.”
Hennigar says sometimes a tour of the community and what it has to offer can be the piece needed to attract new doctors.
Lynn Hennigar says outside-the-box thinking is behind their plan to use a co-op model to supply high-speed internet.
“From our point of view, the Co-op isn’t just a way to deliver internet. It’s a way to deliver internet that is affordable and accessible and will start to level the playing field for a lot of our families.”
Hennigar expects if everything goes to plan, they could have the internet co-op in place this fall.
Lunenburg MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft Chairs the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development
Lunenburg MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft says it’s important to get fresh ways of thinking in front of government.
NOW Lunenburg County was invited to appear before the committee after speaking to the Liberal Caucus.
Lohnes-Croft says she was impressed with the group’s message.
“You don’t always need a big pot of money to develop something and implement something. It takes a lot of creativity and volunteer work but, if there’s a will, sometimes there’s a way and you’ll find a way.”
Lohnes-Croft says she will take what she’s heard to the appropriate ministers.
“I will be making sure that I send the transcript link to certain people to read and discern and I will follow up, like I always follow up.”
Lohnes-Croft says she appreciates the group’s desire to take risks to find creative and innovative ways to solve problems.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
