LIBERALS WANT ANSWERS ON CAREGIVER ALLOWANCE PROGRAM
Date: Wednesday June 24, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLA for Digby-Annapolis Harold “Junior”
Theriault is concerned that the province’s successful Caregiver
Allowance Program may be a victim of the new NDP government.

“This program was scheduled to begin on July 2nd,” explains
Theriault. “Information on how to apply and toll-free numbers for
people interested in the program had been online right through the
election. However, now it appears as though all traces of the program
have been removed from the Department of Health’s website.”

The Caregiver Allowance is a province-wide program which recognizes the
important role of caregivers and offers financial support for those
people assisting loved ones and friends. The program and its $2.7
million cost appeared in the MacDonald government’s budget prior to
the election campaign.

“Hundreds of Nova Scotians who are waiting for help through this
program need answers,” says the Liberal Seniors’ critic. “What is
the status of the program? Will those who’ve already applied be turned
away?”

Theriault says it’s disappointing that the Dexter government was able
to keep previous budget commitments around increased tobacco taxes and
pension contributions, but not a program that would help keep seniors in
their homes for as long as possible.

“Will families be able to access help on July 2nd as planned or will
they be forced to wait?”

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