LIBERAL LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES BILL TO ENHANCE SAFETY IN NOVA SCOTIAS CLASSROOMS
Date: Friday September 25, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Today at the legislature, Liberal education critic
Kelly Regan introduced a bill that would see the implementation of a
uniform life-threatening illnesses protocol for all Nova Scotia’s
schools.

“All children deserve policies and procedures that will keep them
safe in the classroom,” stated Regan. “This bill highlights the need
for essential partnerships within our schools in order to provide a
positive educational experience for children with diabetes and other
life-threatening illnesses.”

Regan says the legislation would mandate the Minister of Education to
work with school boards in developing comprehensive medical plans for
students living with critical illnesses.

“We’ve heard about students being denied school trips or
participation in education programs because of their diabetes, for
instance,” recounts Regan. “We need to ensure our educators and
schools are equipped to include all students in these types of
situations.”

While school boards have policies governing severe allergies, Regan
points out that there is a lack of guidance around potentially-fatal
ailments like asthma, epilepsy or diabetes.

“If Liberals can convince the NDP government to pass this bill, Nova
Scotia would be just the second province in the country to adopt a
province-wide policy,” concludes Regan.

“Government should be making every effort to ensure the health and
well-being of this province’s children.”

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