People in need of a family doctor was the opening topic at the Nova Scotia legislature.
Liberal leader Zach Churchill says over 160,000 people are without right now.
“ER closures unlike we’ve ever seen before, wait-times have tripled and the government hasn’t even released the latest numbers from the Need a Family Doctor waitlist,” said Churchill.
Premier Tim Houston says they want people to be attached to a primary care provider but they’re taking action, and the plan is working.
He says there are 300 more doctors and 2,000 more nurses in the province than there were three years ago.
Churchill says apps and virtual care won’t solve the healthcare crisis.
Meanwhile, the NDP wants the province to take action on affordability.
Leader Claudia Chender says rent is up 18 percent, and finding housing is a struggle for many.
Chender asked the Premier what the government plans to do.
“Nova Scotians will know that measures are working when people aren’t being evicted into homelessness, when encampments aren’t lining our streets, and when people can find housing they can actually afford,” said Chender.
Houston says they’re making record investments in affordable housing, and they’re trying new things.
He says they know more work needs to be done, but housing starts are up with the current government.