Halifax, NS (March 19, 2024) – Cancer survivor Kerian Burnett and migrant worker advocate Stacey Gomez are speaking out against comments made by Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson.
On March 18, 2024, Burnett and Gomez spoke at a press conference in front of the Nova Scotia Legislature. Burnett, who came to Nova Scotia as a migrant worker in 2022, announced that she had finally received Medical Services Insurance (MSI) coverage after a battle that has spanned well over a year. In Nova Scotia, the current policy states that migrant workers must have a one-year work permit to be eligible for MSI. Both speakers echoed the calls being made by dozens of organizations for MSI coverage on arrival for all migrant workers in Nova Scotia.
Gomez, Manager of No one is illegal Nova Scotia’s Migrant Workers Program, indicated that Minister Thompson had declined to meet to discuss this matter, in reference to a meeting request sent on December 5, 2022. On December 16, 2022, Natalie Borden, Senior Executive Director with the Department of Health and Wellness had replied on Minister Thompson’s behalf, stating: “The Minister is unable to meet at this time and has asked that I respond on her behalf.” The email correspondence between Gomez and Minister Thompson’s office can be viewed here.
According to an article from Global News, Minister Thompson denied having received such a request in the last 18 months. In response, Burnett had this to say: “Her response made me feel really bad, as if she is accusing us of lying.”
Minister Thompson also indicated that the Nova Scotia government is not reconsidering their current policy. She said: “The federal program asks that people show that they have private insurance.”
Gomez replied: “Minister Thompson’s response is disappointing. Healthcare policies are provincial, and we see that provinces like Ontario and Quebec provide migrant farm workers with provincial healthcare coverage on arrival. Nova Scotia should follow suit.” Gomez added: “We are open to dialogue on this matter and our request to meet with her office stands.”
