Minister Brian Comer at the announcement.
Nova Scotia and the federal government have launched their first initiative in response to the Mass Casualty Commission’s report on the deadly shootings that took place in the province three years ago.
Both governments are committing $9 million to mental health support services in the communities most affected by the tragedy.
Brian Comer, the Minister Responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, made the announcement today along with MP Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.
The MCC’s final report included over 100 recommendations for the provincial and federal governments in response to the mass casualty. The first deadline for these recommendations is on May 1st. It recommends that the governments jointly fund a program to address the public health emergency that exists in Colchester, Cumberland, and Hants counties.
In the years since the mass casualty, members of those communities have expressed that they have not had the adequate support to deal with the grief and mental health issues that the tragedy brought with it. Some have even said that domestic violence in the region has increased as a result of the mass casualty.
“Today I’m pleased to announce an $18 million commitment to action on behalf of both the provincial and federal governments to deliver on this recommendation,” said Minister Comer.
The money will first go towards staffing a new mental health outreach worker based out of Truro. They will begin working on May 1st, to align with the deadline of the recommendation. They will travel to different affected communities to provide mental wellness supports to both individuals and groups. They can also help connect people with further support as needed.
In addition, the government will provide a mobile unit staffed by mental health professionals already working in the province. They will take time out their weekends to offer health and wellness services to the affected communities, including access to grief support. The mobile units will be available on Saturdays, starting May 6 at the Bass River Fire Hall.
Some have criticized the government for their delay in responding to the mental health needs of the survivors of the mass casualty. Minister Comer addressed the media during the announcement and responded to this criticism, saying that the government couldn’t act on a recommendation that they didn’t have yet.
As for why they needed to wait for a recommendation in the first place, Minister Comer claimed that the province has been doing work in the communities and today’s announcement is merely an enhancement of that work.
The MCC’s final report also includes recommendations on policing and how to deal with violence in communities. As of now, both the provincial and federal governments say they are still evaluating the report.
