July 2010 Newsletter
Dear friends:
I hope this summer season finds you well. I wanted to pass along a few items that may be of interest...
Lyme Disease and Ticks – This issue has been a frustrating one for many residents, myself included.
As some of you are aware, I raised this issue in the House four times during our last session. During budget estimates on Health and Health Promotion, the Minister offered to assist in the process to get the Y Tex tickicide (for a deer baiting station in Admirals Cove Park) approved by the federal government. This was in April.
When no action had occurred by mid-June, I wrote to the minister and asked her to attend a public meeting in our riding so she could explain her actions (or lack thereof) to the people most affected by black-legged ticks .
This is the news release we sent out:
June 22, 2010
Kelly Regan, MLA
Bedford - Birch Cove
REGAN: MINISTER OF HEALTH PROMOTION AND PROTECTION NEEDS TO PROTECT PEOPLE AT RISK OF LYME DISEASE
(Halifax, NS) Bedford - Birch Cove MLA Kelly Regan is calling on the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection to attend a public meeting on the risk of Lyme Disease in the Eaglewood Subdivision, and to take steps to approve an emergency or special permit for tickicide.
"The minister is failing to protect people from a real threat," said Regan. "She needs to meet the people who are affected and explain her actions directly to the residents of Bedford - Birch Cove."
Regan says the department has acted to educate residents; but now is the time for the government to act to protect its citizens.
"Residents have the right to enjoy their property, knowing that our government has acted to control the Lyme Disease bearing black-legged ticks in their area," said Regan.
During the past session of the legislature, Regan raised the issue of Lyme Disease bearing ticks and received assurances from the minister that she would facilitate the approval process with Health Canada, and assist in obtaining an emergency or special permit for the tickicide.
"I am disappointed the minister has failed to live up to these commitments. She needs to explain her change of heart directly to those affected and at risk."
I look forward to hearing from her.
Lucentis – we continue our fight to have this drug covered by the provincial plan. Lucentis not only stops the progression of wet aged-related macular degeneration, it actually reverses the damage. Nova Scotia is the ONLY province in Canada not to announce that it will cover this life-changing drug.
If you’d like to sign our petition, please call my office at 407-3777 to arrange a time to come in.
Bears— Bears have been spotted throughout the riding. The Department of Natural Resources has asked that we store food sources (like green bins) inside our garages and desist from feeding birds – suet will attract bears. The wildlife officer I spoke to at DNR also says this is the time of year when mother bears send their 18-month olds away from them (so the mothers can prepare for new cubs). There is also a lot of development underway in our riding – which may displace bear habitat. For more information on what to do if you spot a bear in your neighbourhood, check out http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/ .
Tax Hike – Don’t forget that Canada Day this year is a day to celebrate and commiserate – as the provincial government ushers in a 2% tax increase. (You may want to make any major purchases before July 1. For more information about the impact of the tax increase http://nsliberalcaucus.ca/news/view/134
Events –
Bedford Days - There’s always lots to do at Bedford Days – don’t forget Bedford Days Canada Day Celebrations! For a full schedule, check out: http://www.bedforddays.ca/content/welcome-bedford-days-2010
Canadian Blood Services is having a blood donor clinic on Wednesday June 30th at the Bedford Legion from 12 to 3 pm and 5 to 7:30. Call 1 888 2 DONATE to book an appointment.
Hike into Susies Lake – part of which is protected by the province within the Blue Mountain – Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. (Let’s hope more will be protected soon!) There will be interesting flora and fauna along the trail, which may be wet in places, so wear suitable footwear. Meet in the parking lot in front of Kent Building Supply in Bayers Lake Business Park on Wednesday , July 14 at 6:15 pm for a 6:30 start. Pre-registration with Nancy at snjennin@ns.sympatico.ca is advised in case the hike is cancelled or postponed. For more info, check out www.halifaxnorthwesttrailsassociation.ca or www.halifax.ca/rec/walking.html
For a schedule of events at Scott Manor House this summer, check out
and click on Summer 2010 Schedule. (And don’t forget, there are seasonal berries, oatcakes and ice cream for sale there each day from Canada Day on...)
Have a safe summer...
Sincerely,
Kelly Regan, MLA
Bedford – Birch Cove