Expand Public Nonprofit Long-Term Care Capacity

Summary#

This bill requires Nova Scotia to plan and build enough high‑quality long‑term care beds for an aging population. It sets clear priorities to cut crowding and wait times, sets a daily care standard, and limits new growth to public and non‑profit homes. It also calls for yearly public reporting.

• A new long‑term care strategy must be published by October 1, 2026, planning for needs through 2032.
• The plan must focus on reducing shared rooms/bathrooms and shrinking the wait‑list.
• New beds must be in public or non‑profit homes only; no government funding for new for‑profit homes.
• Non‑profit builders get department support to avoid overcharging by contractors.
• Every resident must receive at least 4.1 hours per day of hands‑on care from continuing care assistants (CCAs), on top of nurse care.
• The Minister must act to raise CCA staffing by improving pay, working conditions, and recruitment/retention.
• An annual public report will track wait‑lists, bed needs, crowding, staffing, and compliance.

What it means for you#

• Seniors and families

  • More long‑term care beds are planned, with a focus on reducing wait times.
  • Less crowding over time, with fewer shared rooms and bathrooms.
  • Care levels would increase to a set minimum of 4.1 hours per day from CCAs, which may improve daily support like bathing, dressing, and meals.
  • New capacity will be in public and non‑profit homes; existing for‑profit homes may continue, but expansion will not fund new for‑profit sites.

• Residents in long‑term care

  • You should receive at least 4.1 hours of hands‑on CCA care daily, plus nurse care.
  • Over time, you may be more likely to have your own room or bathroom, or share with fewer people.

• Continuing care assistants (CCAs)

  • The government must work to raise wages and improve working conditions.
  • A longer‑term plan is required to recruit and keep CCAs, which may mean more full‑time positions.
  • Annual reports will show how many CCAs work in long‑term care and how many are full‑time versus part‑time.

• Public and non‑profit long‑term care providers

  • You are the focus for new or replacement beds.
  • You can access department support during building projects to help control contractor costs and avoid overcharging.
  • You must meet the 4.1 hours‑per‑resident‑per‑day CCA care standard.

• For‑profit long‑term care providers

  • The government will not fund new for‑profit homes or beds (capital or operating).
  • Existing for‑profit homes are still counted in public reporting but are not part of the expansion strategy.

• Taxpayers and the public

  • You will get a yearly report showing wait‑lists, how many beds are needed, crowding levels, staffing levels, and whether homes meet the care standard.
  • The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Centering new growth in public and non‑profit homes keeps care dollars in care, not profits.
• Setting a 4.1 hours daily care standard should improve quality, safety, and dignity for residents.
• Cutting shared rooms and bathrooms can reduce infections and improve privacy.
• Clear timelines and yearly public reports add transparency and keep the government accountable.
• Better wages and conditions can help fix staffing shortages and reduce turnover.
• Department support for non‑profits can prevent waste and overcharging in building projects.

Opponents' View#

• Banning funds for new for‑profit homes could limit capacity growth and reduce choice for families, especially in areas where non‑profits are scarce.
• The 4.1 hours care standard may be hard to meet if staffing is tight, risking non‑compliance or bed closures.
• Raising wages and adding staff hours will increase operating costs; without new funding, providers may struggle.
• Building only public and non‑profit beds could slow expansion if these sectors cannot build quickly enough.
• Added reporting and oversight could create administrative work that takes time away from direct care.