PROVINCE SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON ACCESS TO DEFIBRILLATORS

Manitobans are being asked for their feedback on expert panel recommendations on which public places will be required to have defibrillators under the Defibrillator Public Access Act, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.

“When someone is in cardiac arrest, rapid treatment can mean the difference between life and death,” said Oswald. “We want to hear the public’s thoughts about how to best implement this important legislation that will ensure access to defibrillators where they are needed most to save lives.”

The act was passed with all-party support in 2011 and an expert working group was established to provide advice about which public facilities would benefit most from having defibrillators located on site. The working group included paramedics and representatives from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

The recommendations include a variety of high-traffic public spaces or places with frequent recreational activities such as golf courses, large malls, gyms, schools and airports.

The public is being asked to provide feedback on the types of public places where defibrillators will be installed, the criteria to determine the number and location of defibrillators in public places, the signs that must be posted and the date defibrillators will be required.

Manitobans can respond or provide feedback:

• at the website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/legislation/dpaa.html;
• by mail to Legislative Unit, Manitoba Health, 1052 ‑ 300 Carlton St., Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9, Attention: J. Kydd;
• by fax at 204-945-1020; or
• by email at aed@gov.mb.ca.

Public feedback on the regulations will be accepted until May 31.

Cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital 85 per cent of the time. The legislation was introduced in the spring of 2011 to ensure access to defibrillators in public places where it could be used to save lives, the minister said.

Published by Department of Finance

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Finance Minister Graham Steele has tabled the 2012–13 provincial budget, one that illustrates the government’s fiscal plan is working. The budget projects a deficit of $211.2 million, slightly better than the $215.8 million deficit anticipated in the province’s four-year fiscal plan. Total expenses for fiscal 2012–13 are budgeted at $9.5 billion.

Quotes

“ This budget reflects strong discipline and follows through on the government’s commitment to make life better for families in Nova Scotia. ” Finance Minister Graham Steele

“ Getting back to balance has not been easy, but now a balanced budget is just one year away. ” Finance Minister Graham Steele

“ We have many reasons to be optimistic about our province’s economic future and Budget 2012 supports the game-changing opportunities that lie ahead. ” Finance Minister Graham Steele

Key Budget Initiatives

• investing in the jobsHere plan to help businesses be more productive, innovative and competitive
• reducing the small business tax rate for the third year in a row
• providing modest income tax reductions for tens of thousands of Nova Scotians
• supporting low-income Nova Scotians by increasing the Income Assistance Personal Allowance, the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, the Affordable Living Tax Credit, and the Poverty Reduction Credit
• providing Better Care Sooner through investments in Collaborative Emergency Centres, hospitals and treatment options, and mental health and addictions
• helping seniors stay in their homes longer
• investing in the new Kids and Learning First plan and increasing the per-student funding to its highest level ever.

Quick Facts

• Revenues for 2012-13, including net income from government business enterprises, are estimated at $9.3 billion, an increase of $391.7 million over the 2011–12 estimates.
• Total expenses for fiscal 2012-13 are budgeted at $9.5 billion. Departmental expenses are budgeted at $8.5 billion, up $189.9 million from 2011–12.
• The province’s spending came in below estimate. This is the first time since at least 1967 that this has happened three years in a row.
• The overall net debt is estimated at $13.3 billion as of March 31, 2012, $457 million less than was estimated in April 2011. The province’s debt-to-GDP ratio, a widely used indicator of fiscal health, continues to get better. It now stands at 35.2 per cent.

Learn More

• Government of Nova Scotia
• Department of Finance
• Budget 2012-13

Media Contacts

Michelle R. Lucas

Department of Finance

902-424-8787

Cell: 902-456-3576

E-mail: lucasmx@gov.ns.ca

Throne Speech Focused on Future, Advancing Province’s Priorities

NOTE: A social media version of this release is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2012-03-29-Throne-Speech/ . High-res, downloadable photos, video and audio clips will be added after the event.

Government, today, March 29, announced it will continue to move Nova Scotia forward by sticking to its plan to make life better for families.

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis opened the Fourth Session of the 61st General Assembly of Nova Scotia with the Speech from the Throne. In it, Premier Darrell Dexter outlined how government will advance its plan to continue to do things differently and keep Nova Scotia focused on a better future.

“Nova Scotia is changing in a positive and significant way, and government is focused on continuing that trend in the future,” said Premier Dexter. “Our progress is clear — the plan is on track, it is working, and this government will continue to move that plan forward to secure a better life for Nova Scotia families.”

The province’s priorities are:
– creating good jobs and growing the economy
– better health care for you and your family
– making life more affordable for families
– ensuring government lives within its means

Nova Scotia is on the verge of some of the largest economic projects in the province’s history. jobsHere, the province’s plan to create good jobs and grow the economy, is ensuring that Nova Scotia is ready to seize the opportunities on the horizon with a continued focus on innovation, competitiveness and learning.

Government has supported the start-up and growth of hundreds of Nova Scotia companies in all parts of the province. The Productivity Investment Program will continue to provide support for employee training and for businesses to invest in new equipment.

This year, government will improve the apprenticeship programs that teach young people the skills and trades they will need to make the most of their work lives in Nova Scotia’s bright future. Through its workforce and immigration strategies, the province will persist in its efforts to meet growing workforce demands.

Through the Jobs Fund, the province will continue to pursue investment opportunities that support and retain industry, help small business, invest in infrastructure, fund regional economic initiatives and offer community economic stability where needed. Businesses in Nova Scotia will also benefit from the third tax rate reduction in as many years.

These measures will strengthen the workforce and help grow the economy, ensuring that, as the future starts here, Nova Scotians are ready to be a part of that future.

Collaborative emergency centres are a key part of Better Care Sooner, the plan to improve health care for Nova Scotians. The province will continue to announce and open new collaborative emergency centres in communities across the province so Nova Scotians have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.

The province will develop a physician resource plan to help ensure an adequate supply of family doctors across Nova Scotia. After extensive consultation, government will soon release the first strategy to improve mental health and addictions care.

Making life more affordable for families remains a priority. Last year, the province made the single largest non-capital investment for post-secondary students in Nova Scotia history. Student assistance levels increased, student debt was capped and tuition was kept at, or below, the national level.

The Poverty Reduction Credit and the Affordable Living Tax Credit will continue. As introduced last year, government will continue to refund the provincial portion of income tax paid by seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Nova Scotians in need of prescription drugs can now get the generic form for the same price, or less, than what is paid by most Canadians.

This year, the province will invest more money per student than ever before and will keep average class sizes the lowest they have been in a decade. Kids and Learning First will ensure schools have the resources and supports they need to help every student succeed.

SchoolsPlus, the program that brings services for families and children into schools, will soon be available in every county of the province. A new grants program encourages community use of schools, allowing more Nova Scotians to use school facilities for physical activity, and educational and cultural programs.

To ensure the province continues to live within its means, government will make further improvements to how it operates and delivers public services.

Legislation was also addressed. This year, the province will introduce Status of the Artist legislation to reflect the importance of arts and culture to Nova Scotians. The province will also bring forward bills to establish a new regulatory framework for mortgage brokers and lenders, remove barriers to social enterprise, and update Nova Scotia’s body of family law.

Residents to Benefit from New Generic Drug Pricing Policy

A new generic drug pricing model is being implemented to help ensure the people of Newfoundland and Labrador obtain quality prescription drugs at reasonable prices. The bill titled An Act to Amend the Pharmaceutical Services Act will receive second reading in the House of Assembly today. Once fully implemented, residents of this province will benefit from lower cost generic prescription drugs.

“Our government is committed to continuing to provide affordable access to prescription medication for beneficiaries of our prescription drug program,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “We are also committed to ensuring that residents of our province, whether or not they are beneficiaries of our public drug program, pay reasonable prices for their generic drugs, including those in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Introduction of a new generic drug pricing policy will help to ensure this.”

The new generic drug pricing policy will provide savings to residents who pay for their medications out-of-pocket and to employers and employees who pay through private drug benefit plans. The policy will also provide savings through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.

“Savings that are realized as a result of the new generic drug pricing model will not be at the expense of residents – on average, residents can expect to pay less for their prescription medications as a result of this policy,” said Minister Sullivan.

When compared to other provinces in Canada, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians pay higher prices for generic drugs than provinces who have implemented generic drug pricing policies.

The new pricing policy will be phased in between April 1, 2012 and April 1, 2013:

• From April 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012 all generic drugs, except for a small number that will be considered for exemption, will be priced at no more than 45 per cent of brand.
• From October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 all generic drugs, except for those approved for exemption, will be priced at no more than 40 per cent of brand.
• From April 1, 2013 onward, all generic drugs, except for those approved for exemption, will be priced at no more than 35 per cent of brand.

Currently, when buying generic drugs residents of this province pay approximately 60 per cent of the brand drug price. The proposed new generic drug policy, once fully implemented, will see that drop to 35 per cent of the brand drug price. In recognition that not all products can be brought to market at 35 per cent of the brand price, a process will be established where the manufacturer will have to demonstrate extraordinary production or manufacturing costs to justify an exemption being granted for a particular drug.

In addition, a portion of the savings achieved by the Provincial Government through this policy will be reinvested directly into the health care system for the benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, particularly seniors. Modifications will be made to the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program 65Plus Plan that will come into effect with the introduction of the new generic pricing model, to help ensure that lower income seniors do not pay more for their prescriptions.

In addition, through negotiations with the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, savings will also be reinvested in pharmacies. Initiatives from these negotiations may include such things as dispensing fees, the payment of professional (cognitive) services and the introduction of other targeted investments.

“Our government understands that our province faces unique geographic and demographic challenges in terms of the location of our communities and the distribution of our population,” said Minister Sullivan. “The health care services that pharmacies provide in rural parts of our province are essential to these communities and the residents who benefit from their services and expertise. We recognize that this model will reduce the amount of professional allowances that some pharmacies are currently receiving from generic drug manufacturers. To help offset any loss in revenue the Provincial Government will be reinvesting a significant portion of its projected savings to assist pharmacies in adjusting to their new market reality.”

Currently six other provinces have introduced generic drug pricing models. The planned policy has drawn on the experiences of these provinces to ensure that the decisions made by the Provincial Government are based on best practices. The Provincial Government invests approximately $151 million annually in the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. The program provides financial assistance for the purchase of eligible prescription medications for residents of the province with five main plans; the Foundation Plan, 65Plus Plan, Access Plan, Assurance Plan, and, Select Needs Plan.

Generic drug pricing policy announced

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A generic drug pricing policy that will reduce drug costs for all New Brunswickers was announced today by the provincial government.

“Even though generic drugs are cheaper than brand-name drugs, the fact is New Brunswickers are paying more for generic drugs than most of their provincial counterparts,” said Health Minister Madeleine Dubé. “The efforts announced today will ensure that all New Brunswickers benefit from more affordable drugs; and pay a similar price for generic drugs as their counterparts in other jurisdictions. The policy will help to ensure the sustainability of drug programs for future beneficiaries.”

The policy is part of an overall effort to address rising drug costs, which pose a significant challenge to the New Brunswick health-care system. It will set maximum allowable prices for generic drugs.

The provincial government recognizes that reducing generic drug prices will impact pharmacy revenues. In light of this, the provincial government will reinvest a portion of the savings achieved through the reduction in generic drug prices back into pharmacy services in the following ways:

●    investing about $4.5 million in 2012-13 to increase dispensing fees paid to pharmacists and paying a mark-up on generic drugs to help offset the reductions in revenues that pharmacies receive through rebates from generic drug manufacturers;
●    investing $233,000 to implement NB PharmaCheck, a medication review program, as an insured service under the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program for which pharmacies can be compensated;
●    investing $295,000 in a rural pharmacy incentive initiative by paying an additional $2 dispensing fee for the first 10,000 provincial prescription drug program prescriptions filled at pharmacies 25 kilometres or more from the next nearest pharmacy; and
●    investing $1.2 million to help offset the costs associated with pharmacies connecting to the provincial Drug Information System / Prescription Monitoring Program, which will improve prescribing and reduce the abuse of prescription drugs.

The provincial government will continue to engage pharmacies by establishing a working group comprising representatives from the Department of Health and the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association. This group will monitor savings achieved by the policy and to discuss opportunities related to the role of pharmacists in the health-care system.

The provincial government will continue to work to find efficiencies within the provincial prescription drug program to ensure it is sustainable.

This program has a number of mechanisms in place to contain costs, including:

●    an evidence-based drug review process to ensure cost-effective drugs are covered as benefits;
●    special authorization is required for coverage of certain high-cost drugs when lower-cost alternatives have been tried and found unsuitable;
●    narcotics and controlled drugs have annual quantity limits; and
●    the new Drug Information System/Prescription Monitoring Program is being developed, which will improve prescribing and reduce the abuse of prescription drugs.

“All stakeholders – including government, pharmacy, drug manufacturers and drug plan beneficiaries – must work together to find long-term solutions to rising drug costs that are fair to everyone,” said Dubé. “If we are to maintain a program that helps New Brunswickers with their drug costs, it needs to be sustainable so it can continue to benefit those who need it for many years to come.”

Manitobans Invited to Share Thoughts on Future Prevention, Services: Howard

Ten public consultations will be held throughout the province starting tomorrow to gather information on how to improve prevention efforts and services for those affected by domestic violence, Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.

“The information gathered through these 10 consultations will be used to inform a new, comprehensive domestic-violence strategy for Manitoba called Safer Today, Stronger Tomorrow,” said Howard.  “I encourage all Manitobans to participate.  By continuing to work together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.”

The Safer Today, Stronger Tomorrow public consultation paper is available online at:  www.gov.mb.ca/msw/pdf_files/2012-02moving_on.pdf.

The consultations will run throughout March and April and will focus on five themes:

• services and support for victims of domestic violence and their families,
• interventions for abusers,
• increased co-ordination of services and support,
• awareness and prevention, and
• training for service providers.

Consultations will be held in Brandon, Churchill, Dauphin, Gimli, Flin Flon, Morden/Winkler, Steinbach, Thompson and Winnipeg.  More information, including dates and locations, is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/msw/domestic_violence.html.

To register for a public consultation, call Manitoba Status of Women at 204-945-6281 or 1‑800‑263‑0234 (toll-free).

Manitobans can also share their views by completing an online survey at http://app.fluidsurveys.com/surveys/immigration-surveys/dvpc/ or by writing to Manitoba Status of Women at 401 – 409 York Ave., Winnipeg, MB  R3C 0P8.

Public consultation for a new employment action plan for persons with disabilities

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The public is invited to dialogue sessions to provide input into the development of a new employment action plan for persons with disabilities.
Grand Falls-Drummond-Saint-André MLA Danny Soucy and employer representative Jonathan Davenport, of UPS Canada, are co-chairing the steering committee for the action plan. The objective is to have it ready by April.

The aim of the plan is to encourage more persons with disabilities to take advantage of post-secondary education opportunities and to participate in the labour force.

Public dialogue sessions will be held in several locations at the same time on both Jan. 11 and Jan. 18.  Written submissions will also be accepted until Jan. 20.

Following are the dates and places of the public dialogue sessions:

Jan. 11:

Bilingual sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 24 if cancelled)
Simultaneous translation provided.

●    School District 5, 21 King St., Campbellton.

French-only sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 24 if cancelled)

●    School District 1, 425 Champlain St., Dieppe.

●    School District 3, 298 Martin St., Edmundston.

●    School District 9, 3376 Principale St., Tracadie-Sheila.

●    School District 11, 10 Commerciale St. (Unit 2), Richibucto.

Jan. 18:

Bilingual sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 25 if cancelled)
Simultaneous translation provided.

●    School District 8, Donaldson Room, 490 Woodward Ave., Saint John.

English-only sessions – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Jan. 25 if is cancelled)

●    School District 2, first floor, 1077 St. George Blvd., Moncton.

●    School District 16, first floor conference room, 78 Henderson St., Miramichi.

●    School District 18, Conference Room A, 1135 Prospect St., Fredericton. Use School District 18 entrance.

LINK:

●    Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons: www.gnb.ca/council

Society Act discussion paper invites feedback

VICTORIA – A new discussion paper on the Society Act invites discussion on the governance of B.C. societies and possible directions for reform.

The Province launched a review of the Society Act in 2009 to identify legislative obstacles that may be preventing societies from operating most effectively and to ensure continued protection of the public interest.

The first round of consultations invited stakeholder comments and received submissions from more than 200 individuals and organizations. The discussion paper puts forward a number of proposals based on the feedback received.

The proposals recognize the unique nature of societies and aim to balance societies’ need for flexibility with broader concerns of accountability and integrity. The discussion paper does not represent government policy, but is intended to encourage discussion and provide interested parties with the opportunity to comment on possible directions for reform to the Society Act.

The Society Act outlines the rules that govern B.C.’s more than 26,000 societies. Societies are non-profit corporations organized primarily for social purposes. They make valuable contributions to B.C.’s families and communities, ranging from small community-based organizations to large charitable foundations.

Legislation is targeted for 2013 at the earliest.

The official deadline for submissions is April 30, 2012.

To view the discussion paper or make a submission, visit http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/cep/fcsp/society_act_discussion.htm

Review of Youth Criminal Justice Act to be undertaken

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The provincial government has been notified by the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate that it will carry out a systemic review of services to young persons in New Brunswick in relation to the application of the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act. Christian Whalen, acting child and youth advocate, advised his intention to carry out this review in a letter to Attorney-General Marie-Claude Blais. “New Brunswick has much higher youth incarceration and charge rates than most other provinces in Canada,” said Whalen. “Other jurisdictions have seen youth incarceration rates decline since the inception of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, but New Brunswick has seen little progress.” In his letter to Blais, Whalen raised concerns that the provincial government, law enforcement, and the judiciary have yet to adopt many practices under the act that are intended to divert youth with complex needs from the criminal justice system. Concerns raised by Whalen include: ●    the lack of designated hospital facilities for mental-health assessments; ●    the lack of progress on the development of community youth justice committees; ●    underuse of family case conferences; ●    the absence of detailed guidelines for pre-charge screenings; and ●    the absence of a specialized youth criminal justice defence bar within the province. The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate has notified the following departments of the review and has asked them to provide relevant documents: ●    Social Development; ●    Education and Early Childhood Development; ●    Health; and ●    Public Safety. The RCMP, municipal police forces and the New Brunswick Legal Aid Commission will also be asked to aid in conducting the review. The review follows the Whalen’s recent submission to the House of Commons committee on justice and human rights that called on Parliament to suspend further consideration of the proposed amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, contained in Bill C-10. That 10-page submission raised concerns about what the proposed changes could mean for youth in New Brunswick, and it highlighted six proposed amendments in the bill that appear to detract from the purpose of the act. “We all have an onus to ensure that young people engaged in youth criminal justice processes receive the best services and equal protection and benefit of the law,” said Whalen. “We also need to do a better job of using the act to find solutions at the family and community level that will keep our young people of the criminal justice system and away from a life of crime. That is how we will truly keep communities safe. “Putting families at the centre of the solution whenever we deal with youth with high-end needs is the most effective way of intervening. That is why we want to hear from New Brunswick youth with an experience with the Youth Criminal Justice Act and their families as this review unfolds.” Comments and questions about the Youth Criminal Justice Act may be submitted by e-mail to advocate-défenseur@gnb.ca. Whalen’s submission to the House of Commons standing committee on justice and human rights is online. LINK: ●    Office of the Child and Youth Advocate: www.gnb.ca/cyanb

Government Launches Review of the Registered Disability Savings Plan

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today announced the launch of the Government of Canada’s review of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).

Minister Flaherty made the announcement this morning at the Association pour l’intégration sociale d’Ottawa.

The Government is inviting stakeholders to comment on RDSPs to ensure that the plans are meeting the needs of Canadians with severe disabilities and their families. “It is important for those who benefit from these plans to give their input, so that RDSPs continue to accurately reflect and address their true needs,” said Minister Flaherty.

The RDSP is widely regarded as a major policy innovation and positive development in helping to ensure the long-term financial security of children with severe disabilities. The RDSP was introduced in Budget 2007 and became available in 2008. Budget 2008 announced that the program would be reviewed three years after plans became operational.

The review will seek input on a number of important topics that are crucial to the success of the RDSP. These include issues related to establishing plans, accessing plan savings, plan termination, and the administration of the RDSP program.

Individuals, families, groups representing Canadians with disabilities, financial institutions and experts in the field are encouraged to share their views on these and other relevant issues.

Comments can be sent to the Department of Finance at RDSP-REEI@fin.gc.ca or to the address below. The closing date for comments is December 16, 2011.

RDSP Review
Tax Policy Branch
Department of Finance
L’Esplanade Laurier
16th Floor, East Tower
140 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0G5
Facsimile: 613-943-5597