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All eyes on Budget 2023 -2024
Mar 23, 2023
Today, March 23, 2023, the Nova Scotia Government will release the 2023-2024 Provincial Budget.
A commitment to quality health care, including mental health care, will only be demonstrated when sufficient funding is given to community-based programs and support services that address the social determinants of health and social inequity.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division [CMHANS] supports the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives newly released Alternative Vision Forward: Leave No One Behind.
We will be monitoring today’s budget process closely with a special focus on the ensuring the government’s investment in mental health and substance use care comprises at least 12 per cent of total Department of Health and Wellness spending with 50 per cent dedicated to community-based care.
“We are watching not only how much is spent on healthcare, but is spent on for-profit care. Our public healthcare system has many gaps. The answer to filling them is not using private for-profit services,” says Karn Nichols, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division.
“Mental health care is basic care. It’s not a frill. It’s not an add-on. We are calling for investment in a system that is affordable and comprehensive. A system that leaves no one behind. So that all Nova Scotians can access the care they need, not only those who can afford it.”
Key Recommendations
1. Invest at least 12 per cent of total Department of Health and Wellness spending on mental health and addictions programs with 50 per cent dedicated to community-based care.
2. Investment of 6.5 million in non-profits/advocacy organizations, including women’s centers, and organizations serving marginalized people and low-income populations.
3. Investment of 5 million in proactive enforcement staff for Labour Standards, Health and Safety Regulations.
4. Investment of 2.5 million in community-based harm reduction services and supports including safe
supply (of pharmaceutical grade alternatives to unregulated drugs), supervised
consumption services, and drug checking services.
6. Investment of 26.79 million Funding for housing supports (for nonmarket housing providers) and 4 million to support for alternative ownership models including resident-run co-ops and
community land trusts (CLTs) especially for African Nova Scotians.
6. Invest in voluntary and evidence-based drug treatment programs, including peer
support, outreach services, medication assisted treatment, counselling, and
residential treatment.