Our mother, a cherished resident of St. Anne’s Community Nursing Care Centre in Arichat, Nova Scotia, symbolizes a generation that has given so much to society. Now, at 87, she faces the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Having contributed immensely through her work and life, we had hoped and expected that her remaining years would be treated with dignity, calmness, and support, enabling her to create new and cherished memories even in her later stages of life. Regrettably, this hope is currently undermined by the current lack of adequate support and attention to certain staff employed in Long Term Care facilities in Nova Scotia. 

Long Term Care facilities like St. Anne’s are crucial as they provide essential services to our aging population. Despite their importance, many of the staff are expected to accept an offer BELOW the calculated living wage in Nova Scotia. Such acts are serving no other purpose than denying our seniors the dignified care they deserve. These conditions not only compromise the well-being and comfort of residents like our mother but also create undue stress for their families.

One major step toward resolving these issues would be for the Nova Scotia Provincial Government to return back to the table and negotiate a FAIR wage for CUPE members employed in Long Term Care facilities. By doing so, we not only improve the quality of life for residents and staff but also ensure that families can trust and rely on the care their loved ones receive.

We are reaching out to the compassionate citizens and lawmakers of Nova Scotia to recognize and address these urgent needs by taking decisive action. Each of our elders has a story, and they deserve to live the rest of their lives in peace, surrounded by respect and support.

Sign this petition to urge the Nova Scotia government to take immediate action in supporting the staff of Long Term Care facilities and to honor and preserve the dignity of our elders.