Department of Seniors

May 16, 2013 1:07 PM

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The province is providing help to community organizations who want to raise awareness of elder abuse.
The province announced today, May 16, one-time contributions for non-profit community groups trying to stop elder abuse by helping Nova Scotians recognize its signs and where to go for assistance.
“The best way to prevent elder abuse is to help Nova Scotians understand the tragic issue, spot the signs and provide information about where to get help. This makes it harder for anyone to take advantage of an older adult,” said Seniors Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. “When seniors can live comfortably and independently in their communities and be protected, it makes life better for them and their families.”
Community groups can get up to $250 each for events on or around June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“Sometimes people feel like they have to deal with abuse alone, either as a witness or a victim, and they are not quite sure how to find help,” said Rebecca Walker, co-ordinator of Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s Seniors’ Safety Program. “We want these individuals to know there is a lot of support for them from within their communities and across the province.
“These community contributions are an excellent way for groups to rally together to raise awareness about elder abuse. We want to show people in our communities that we support seniors who have been the victims of abuse and that we are working together to prevent abuse of older adults.”
Senior abuse is often not easily recognized and frequently unreported. The province is working to better protect seniors and make abuse easier to spot: — Changes to the Adult Protection Act help ensure seniors without the mental capacity to make financial decisions do not suffer financial abuse. — Understanding Senior Abuse: A Toolkit for Community Champions helps teach how to deliver educational sessions about senior abuse. — The Senior Abuse Information and Referral Line offers information on abuse and resource referrals. The toll-free number is 1-877-833-3377.
Senior abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, and/or a violation of rights and freedoms. It is especially harmful when it happens from someone they trust, such as family, friends, care workers or a service provider. Financial abuse is the most reported form of senior abuse.
Funding applications are available by calling 424-0065 or toll-free at 1-800-670-0065, or e-mailing seniors@gov.ns.ca . The application deadline is June 3.
The province continues to make life better and more affordable for seniors and their families by supporting seniors’ efforts to live independently, while working collaboratively with communities to create places where Nova Scotians can live and age well.

May 6, 2013 11:42 AM

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Community-based businesses are creating jobs and helping strengthen local economies in the province, with help from a Nova Scotia program that is getting international attention.
The World Economic Forum recognized Nova Scotia’s Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIF) program as a successful example of fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship, and local economic development. The program was acknowledged during the forum’s Social Innovation Summit in Peru recently.
“This is an enormous honour for Nova Scotia to have our homegrown CEDIF program recognized by one of the world’s top authorities on economics,” said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. “Many small businesses in every region of the province are supporting families and having great success with the help of the CEDIF program. We’re very proud of what they have achieved.”
Wind fields, farmers’ markets, co-ops, coffee roasters and environmental enterprises are a few examples of CEDIF businesses that Nova Scotians have chosen to invest in. The program creates a pool of investment capital for small local businesses, and encourages new and innovative ways of growing the economy. Businesses are run by community members, and owned by the Nova Scotians who invest in them.
CEDIFs raised a record $9.4 million last year, up from $7.5 million the previous year. Wind4All achieved the highest amount raised in one year in the program’s history with $5.5 million. The wind-energy company has more than 400 investors for two projects: the Gaetz Brook Community Wind Farm in Halifax Regional Municipality and the Hillside Boularderie Community Wind Farm in Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Since joining the CEDIF program nine years ago, New Dawn has raised more than $8 million, and paid about $655,000 in dividends to investors. The community-based organization re-invests the money in local businesses and social enterprises, employing 175 Cape Bretoners, and creating an estimated economic impact of $150 million.
“The support we’ve received from Cape Bretoners through our CEDIF offerings has been incredibly inspiring,” says Rankin MacSween, corporate secretary of New Dawn Innovation Fund. “The investment capital we’ve raised is contributing to the community through the generation of new jobs and injecting wealth into the local economy; that’s something to celebrate.”
During the past 13 years, the program has grown to support more than 60 projects. Almost 7,500 Nova Scotians have invested more than $55 million in small- to medium-sized local companies, fuelling economic growth throughout the province.
The majority of CEDIF investments are made between January and April because they count as RRSP investments. In 2010, the province raised the program’s equity tax credit from 30 to 35 per cent to further encourage investments.

May 6, 2013 11:33 AM

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NOTE: A social media version of this release will be available at http://novascotia.ca/news/smr/2013-05-06-Housing-Strategy/ . Hi-res, downloadable photos and audio clips will be added after the event.

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More Nova Scotians will find affordable housing that meets their needs as part of the province’s first long-term housing strategy.
Premier Darrell Dexter and Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse unveiled the strategy today, May 6, during a visit to the North Woodside Community Centre in Dartmouth.
“Our homes, and the communities they are part of, shape nearly every aspect of our lives — health, education, success in the workplace, even the security of our retirement and dignity in old age,” said Mr. Dexter. “Yet many working families cannot afford rent, let alone a mortgage, and many seniors and people with disabilities lack good housing options.
“Our strategy will build vibrant communities, revitalize existing neighbourhoods, and offer affordable new housing choices to Nova Scotia families.”
The strategy represents a fundamental shift in the province’s approach to affordable housing. Diverse mixed-market development is an important component to healthy, vibrant communities. Over the next 10 years, the development of affordable housing and affordable home ownership will substantially increase and will focus on diverse communities with different housing and tenure types, income levels and family composition.
“Few things are as important as having a good, affordable home that meets a person’s unique needs,” said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. “Through collaboration, we have developed a strategy that sets out a new direction for housing — one that stresses affordability, partnership and community-building. The right housing choices can mean safer, more sustainable, and more vibrant communities.”
Highlights of the 10-year strategy include: — $500 million over 10 years to support new and enhanced affordable housing projects and programs — Establishing innovative, affordable home ownership programs to help young people and families of modest income — Enhancing initiatives to support seniors and persons with disabilities to stay at home, in their communities — Initiating new housing developments that support a mix of income levels and supports for independent living — Helping chronically homeless individuals move off the street and providing them with the supports they need to transition toward independence
“Shelter Nova Scotia is pleased to see a collaborative strategy that espouses a housing first model,” said Don Spicer, executive director of Shelter Nova Scotia. “We have seen first-hand the benefits this model has had on the men and women we serve.”
The strategy was built on themes that emerged from province-wide public consultations held in 2012 with more than 500 Nova Scotians, including non-profit and community organizations engaged in housing issues, housing developers, governments, and interested Nova Scotians. A key theme was more modest and energy efficient home options.
“It is a challenge but we must build more housing that people can afford,” said Paul Pettipas, president of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “We must not continue to equate big with better when we discuss housing options. This strategy is a bold and innovative road map in that direction.”
The strategy will also restructure the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation and all housing staff in Community Services as Housing Nova Scotia. The new entity will continue to finance and manage government’s social and supported housing programs, but under a new mandate focused on innovative housing and investment models, and collaborative partnerships.
Among the programs that Housing Nova Scotia is considering are downpayment assistance, lease-to-own opportunities, a graduate home ownership program, and retrofit programs to help seniors and families caring for loved ones with disabilities stay in their home longer.
“I am so grateful to own a home that my children grew up in. I believe this is something we all wish for,” said Karen Cole, a single mother who purchased her home through Habitat for Humanity. “It is because of the work that community and private organizations do that I was able to own my own home while my children were young enough to live there. Programs that give more Nova Scotians a chance at affordable home ownership or rent is good news.”

May 2, 2013 5:02 PM

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The following is a statement issued today, May 2, by Auditor General Jacques Lapointe.

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The Speaker of the House of Assembly has asked me to conduct a review of Richmond MLA Michel Samson’s entitlement to benefits as an outside member of the House. I have agreed to do so.
My office will start the review immediately. We will examine relevant documentation and interview individuals as appropriate. I will report my findings and conclusions in due course to the Speaker, MLA Samson and the House.
As is my normal practice, I will not comment further on this matter until the review is completed.

May 1, 2013 12:50 PM

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Organizations that provide support for victims of sexual violence are getting some help themselves to deal with recent spikes in demands for services. The province created a $100,000 Emergency Fund, today, May 1, to ensure organizations across the province have the resources to help those in need. “The province launched a public education campaign to encourage people who need help to seek help,” said Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Status of Women. “The campaign is working, and people are reaching out. “I have been speaking with a number of organizations that provide services to victims of sexual assault. They tell me that emergency funding will help them respond to these people who are in need of help.” Organizations can request one-time emergency funding based on demonstrating an increased demand for services. The fund will help provide front-line supports to those who need it. “We are very grateful to the government of Nova Scotia for stepping up and providing the extremely needed emergency funding to sexual assault service providers to better meet the current surge in need and demand for sexual assault services,” said Margaret Mauger, executive director of the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre. “This is definitely a move in the right direction, and timely considering May is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” Community-based organizations that provide services to individuals who have experienced sexual violence are eligible to apply including sexual assault centres, women’s centres, youth groups, transition houses, aboriginal groups and men’s support groups. “As a Woman’s Centre we are encouraged to hear today’s announcement that funding will be made available to organizations throughout Nova Scotia,” said Wanda Earhart, support worker with the Every Woman’s Centre in Sydney. “It is vital that we as a community can offer support services to victims and provide education and programs to raise awareness, particularly in rural areas of the province. This is a positive step for those coping with issues surrounding sexual assault.” Beyond the Emergency Fund, the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, will receive $100,000 in one-time funding to assist the organization in dealing with the surge in demand they have experienced in the last month.  Avalon serves women in the Halifax Regional Municipality, representing about half the province’s population. Organizations from across the province also reach out to Avalon, when they have reached their capacity or need certain expertise.
The board and staff of Avalon Sexual Assault Centre are relieved that the government has recognized and responded to needs.
“We are relieved that the government listened to Avalon Centre. This funding will enable us to better respond in the moment to the current increase in requests for services. However, a longer-term, sustainable strategy is still needed,” said Irene Smith, executive director. “We look forward to working transparently and supportively with government and other community based organizations from across the province to develop a strategic framework for sexual assault services for all of Nova Scotia.”
Avalon’s requests for counselling have doubled, and they have had a 50 per cent increase in calls. Referrals are coming from clinicians, social workers and other service providers including mobile crisis unit, transition houses.
“We know there are gaps in services for victims of sexual assault,” said Ms. More. “Later this week, we will be announcing longer-term measures to help fill these gaps, including supporting organizations to build on, and broaden, their collaboration and partnership with each other. Working as a team, we must also consider how to ensure these vital services are provided in all parts of the province.” Ms. More is co-ordinating provincial action around the issues of sexual violence and bullying in Nova Scotia. She is meeting with community and women’s groups, youth and others to seek their advice.
May is Sexual Assault Awareness month in Nova Scotia. The province is marking the month with community and government partners on Friday, May 3, 11 a.m., at Province House.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to convey a sincere thank you to the community-based organizations and caring professionals across this province that have tirelessly and passionately worked to address the issues around sexual violence,” said Ms. More. “Your strength, courage, and commitment to addressing sexual violence is to be commended.”
Events recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month are planned across the province. For more information on the Emergency Fund, call 424-8662. More information on where people can turn if they need help is available at http://novascotia.ca .

April 30, 2013 11:30 AM

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Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to learn about the incredible story of exploration and discovery in the Canadian Arctic that began a century ago.
The travelling exhibition, Expedition: Arctic, produced by the Canadian Museum of Civilization in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature, will visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax from April 30 to July 21. It features dozens of artifacts of the Arctic Expedition’s years of travel on sea, ice and land.
“The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic helps Nova Scotians build an appreciation of our marine history, our continuing role in exploring and mapping the oceans and the development of innovative research and technology,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra. “Bringing this artifact-rich exhibition to Nova Scotia gives visitors a chance to explore the life, culture, heritage and landscape of the Arctic.
The voyage of discovery revealed in this exhibition coincides with a time when the museum ship CSS Acadia surveyed waters of the Eastern Arctic on its inaugural mission.
“Expedition: Arctic is an excellent complement to CSS Acadia’s 100th anniversary celebration this year,” said Mr. Preyra.
The exhibition revisits the triumphs and tragedies of the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-1918, which claimed the lives of 17 men, most of whom were lost to exposure, mishap or starvation. It also helps people understand Canada’s Western Arctic and the cultures of its First Peoples.
“We are very pleased to share the story of one of the greatest voyages of discovery and exploration in the North with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic,” said Mark O’Neill, president and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “Through our travelling exhibitions, we broaden our audiences, and reach Canadians wherever they live so that we can share the stories that have helped to shape our country.”
Expedition: Arctic is the first of four exhibits that the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Museum of Natural History will host this summer that explore the north and include northern themes. For More information, go to http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew . Follow the Nova Scotia Museum on Twitter @ns_museum.

April 29, 2013 12:28 PM

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Halifax-based ABK Biomedical Inc. is developing technology to improve the treatment of uterine fibroids, a medical condition affecting 40 per cent of women over the age of 35.
With investment from the province, the company plans to further develop and market its products worldwide.
“Imagine drastically reducing the need for invasive surgery for so many women throughout Nova Scotia and beyond,” said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. “In addition to the profound positive impact this company could have on our mothers, daughters, sisters and wives, it is a perfect fit with the innovation and competitiveness priorities of our jobsHere plan to grow the economy.”
ABK secured a $250,000 equity investment from Innovacorp, Nova Scotia’s early-stage venture capital organization. The investment was part of a larger round of financing that included more than $500,000 from angel investors and $500,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in October 2012.
“This investment will help us get much closer to bringing a product to the healthcare market,” said Pat O’Connor, CEO of ABK. “We look forward to being able to deliver on the clinical promise of our innovation while also fostering the development of additional technologies to add to our product pipeline.”
The company will use the funds to complete development of its products for treating uterine fibroids, which are benign tumours that form in the uterus and can cause severe pain and bleeding.
ABK’s OccluRad and OccluDel products work with uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting small beads through a catheter placed into the arteries feeding the uterus, to treat uterine fibroids. The beads cut off blood supply to the fibroid tumours and as the tumours shrink, the patient’s symptoms resolve.
The beads currently used cannot be seen on X-ray imaging used during the procedure and have to be mixed with X-ray dye. This adds to procedure time and cost and the dye can be toxic to the kidneys. ABK’s products include novel radiopaque beads that can be seen by X-ray, minimizing or eliminating the need for X-ray dye and resulting in safer and more efficient uterine fibroid embolization procedures.
ABK was co-founded by Capital District Health Authority interventional radiologist Dr. Bob Abraham, and Dalhousie University materials scientists Daniel Boyd and Sharon Kehoe. The co-founders have been working with Innovacorp since 2011 when they were recipients of Innovacorp’s Early Stage Commercialization Fund, a program that helps post-secondary institution researchers with their early commercialization efforts. The company has been a resident client of the Innovacorp Enterprise Centre in Halifax since January 2013.
“ABK has a solid plan for future growth and we’re enthusiastic to be a part of its future success,” said Stephen Duff, president and CEO of Innovacorp. “Their innovative platform puts them in great standing in the competitive market for the effective treatment of a condition affecting so many women.”