MLAs Address Housing, Health, and Living Costs in Pictou County

Members of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are focusing on pressing issues in Pictou County, including housing, health care, and rising living costs. Danny MacGillivray, MLA for Pictou Centre, is advocating for a long-term supportive housing strategy to address the lack of options for the homeless in the region.

Currently, there is no supportive housing available in Pictou County. MacGillivray highlighted that Viola’s Place, a homeless shelter in New Glasgow, provides only temporary relief for those in need. “We don’t have any supportive housing right now in Pictou County,” he stated, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals who leave the shelter. He noted that many clients at Viola’s Place are dealing with severe health issues and addictions, which complicates their transition to stable housing. “To move people through that system you need somewhere else to go,” he added.

To tackle these issues, MacGillivray has planned a Pictou County supportive housing summit on November 21. He aims to bring together contractors, government representatives, and non-profit organizations to collaborate on a housing plan for the region. As discussions continue, the community is calling for changes to Viola’s Place, including a proposed name change that reflects the concerns of the local African Nova Scotia community.

Healthcare Innovations in Pictou County

In addition to housing challenges, health care is a significant concern for residents. MacGillivray welcomed the recent opening of the Highland Health Home and Learning Centre in New Glasgow, describing it as a vital addition to the community. “This health home is a first for our community and our province, as it will increase access to primary healthcare for residents and help to train more healthcare professionals closer to home,” he said.

The new facility also marks the relocation of the Westville Medical Clinic, which has expanded its capacity to accommodate an additional 3,000 patients from the Need a Family Practice Registry. Another key development is the newly established Pictou County Community Health Centre, located in downtown Pictou. This centre aims to assist individuals navigating the health system and offers resources such as a webcam and computer to access Maple, an online health care service that facilitates prescription renewals.

MLA Marco MacLeod, representing Pictou West, is also focusing on health care. He noted that constituents previously had to travel significant distances, such as to Antigonish, for dialysis treatments. He expressed optimism about a new dialysis facility being established at the former Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, which will reduce travel time for patients.

Addressing Daily Living Costs

As living costs continue to rise, MacLeod pointed to the provincial school lunch program as a significant relief for families. Expanding from elementary schools to include middle and junior high schools, the program now serves over 104,000 students across 334 schools in the province. “For some families that may struggle to make ends meet, there is one meal they don’t have to worry about,” he stated. He emphasized that providing food for children is an essential use of taxpayers’ money.

Both MLAs are committed to addressing the intertwined issues of housing, health care, and living costs in Pictou County, as they seek solutions that benefit their constituents. The upcoming supportive housing summit may provide a vital platform for collaboration and action, with the aim of creating a more sustainable future for the community.