More than $160 Million Provided Annually to Support 8,200 Home Support Clients

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, is reiterating the Provincial Government’s commitment to home support in response to comments made by the Third Party in the House of Assembly.

“With an annual investment of $160 million that assists 8,200 home support clients, the Third Party clearly does not appreciate the magnitude of the investments this government has made in home support,” said Minister Sullivan. “This government – under the leadership of Premier Dunderdale – has worked aggressively to advance initiatives that support home care and long-term care for the people of the province. We are achieving success through investments in infrastructure, capital equipment, repairs and renovations, and an increase in the number of portable subsidies for personal care homes. This focus will continue as we support seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Furthermore, Minister Sullivan is noting, for the benefit of the Third Party, that many home support workers are employed by private businesses and their collective agreements are negotiated between companies and their employees.

“As part of collective bargaining between a company and its employees some companies have negotiated higher rates of hourly pay,” said Minister Sullivan. “The Provincial Government is not a party to these agreements and cannot be responsible for the negotiated terms.”

- 30 -

Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 04 24                             11:30 a.m.