Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Moderated by Jane Taber - Vice President at NATIONAL, former journalist and host of CTV's Question Period

Starting soon! Watch at https://liberal.ns.ca/livestream/

Virtual care is one of several essential measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the health system and get Nova Scotians the care they need, when they need it. Yesterday, our government further extended access to virtual care options like telephone and videoconferencing to help connect patients with their doctors. For more info: https://bit.ly/39YS9OQ

Parents, teachers, and students need our support as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to develop. As we find ourselves facing a second wave, technology will play an increasingly important role when it comes to learning. That’s why our government is investing an additional $21.5 million for 32,000 Chromebooks and equipment upgrades. Our back-to-school plan is designed with contingencies in mind, including blended and at-home learning options, and our education system is prepared to account for these scenarios. Today’s announcement represents thousands of new devices that will benefit students and teachers now and into the future.

Our candidates have had thousands of conversations with Nova Scotians and heard about the issues most important to them. Watch our candidates talk about what they've heard most from them throughout this campaign. To vote for the next Liberal Leaderand Premieryou must register as a delegate. To register, click here: https://liberal.ns.ca/?delegate-registration

Nova Scotia continues to be recognized as a leader in energy efficiency. Our province has placed third nationally in Efficiency Canada's second annual Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The scorecard is a comprehensive benchmarking of provincial energy efficiency policies across the country. Our government’s programs are designed to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, while protecting our environment and creating well-paying green jobs right here in Nova Scotia. That’s why we’re investing $120 million over the next three years in programs that reduce emissions and fight climate change and an additional $25 million in deep energy efficiency retrofits for indigenous and community housing.

Today marks the first of eight days of the celebration of Hanukkah. Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Peace and Happiness. Happy Hanukkah!

These increasing case numbers tell us we need to follow public health protocols to get back on track, especially in the greater Halifax area. We have restrictions and guidelines in place to protect the health of fellow Nova Scotians - limit social contacts, practice social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands. -Premier Stephen McNeil

Nova Scotia has been recognized internationally for our public health response to COVID-19. This achievement comes as a result of our province’s development of an electronic notification system for negative test results. This Healthcare Excellence Award also recognizes teams that collaborate across disciplines to transform health care delivery, ultimately improving patient lives. Through hard-work and innovation, hours once spent notifying thousands of Nova Scotians by telephone are now spent effectively providing valuable contact tracing support, as well as directly helping communities with COVID-19 response. At the same time, those awaiting test results receive them more expediently, relieving undue stress and allowing them to return to their routines sooner.

"As we continue seeing cases increase, I am growing more concerned that people are going about their lives as if we are not still in the midst of a pandemic. I know the vast majority of Nova Scotians are following public health guidelines to keep each other safe. But for those who are not, you are not only putting your own health in jeopardy, but also the health of others. We all have to act responsibly to keep the virus from spreading." - Premier Stephen McNeil

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Protecting the health and safety of Nova Scotians by taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 is our top priority. That’s why our government introduced new restrictions on gathering limits, new measures for bars and restaurants, as well as new restrictions for long-term care facilities today. For more details and a full list of new restrictions visit: https://bit.ly/390NZpb

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to remember and honour the many lives lost due to unacceptance, stigma, discrimination and violence toward transgender and non-gender conforming individuals. We each have a responsibility to create a more inclusive and diverse society and to ensure equal rights for all Nova Scotians.

"I am concerned that people are not taking the virus seriously and putting others in jeopardy. It is imperative that everyone follow public health protocols - wear a mask, limit social contacts, practice social distancing, stay home when feeling unwell and wash your hands." - Premier Stephen McNeil For more information, visit https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20201114001.

Our government is committed to protecting the health and safety of seniors in long-term care. That’s why we’re investing $6.2 million to establish six Regional Care Units across the province that will help reduce and manage the spread of COVID-19. Each unit will have specialized resources, and dedicated staff like occupational health, as well as infection prevention and control experts. This is just one step we are taking to keep our senior population safe, while strengthening our response to a second wave.

This year, Diwali arrives and will be celebrated during a challenging time. With this in mind, may the spirit of this festival bring light to your life, and fill you and your loved ones with bliss and contentment.