Premiers Focus on Families

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – Mental Health and Addictions
Recognizing the profound effect that mental health and addictions have on individuals, families and communities, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador is making significant investments throughout the province in mental health and addictions services to increase awareness and strengthen mental health services. In the last two years alone, the government has invested $15.9 million to enhance mental health and addictions services.

Through Budget 2011, the government invested $4.5 million to begin planning of a new mental health facility in St. John’s, $1.1 million to implement new initiatives to demystify mental illness and break down barriers, and $2.2 million for the placement of five, full- time mental health and addictions counsellors in Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik and Natuashish.

In addition, plans are underway for a provincial public awareness campaign to further reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to increase understanding of how and when to seek help.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – Career Planning
In 2008, a unique partnership between the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment and BHP Billiton was established to bring two innovative career planning programs to NWT students. Smart Focusing for students in grades 8 and 9 and Career Focusing in high schools help students to become aware of their “gifts” and the way that these strengths can connect them to various types of work in the world. Students learn about education and training options after school and how to use post-secondary information to understand program pre- requisites in order to “back-map” their course selections through school.

Results of the two-year pilots indicate that the programs are having a profoundly positive impact on students’ ability to make a plan that supports their course selection in high school and transition from school into a post secondary pathway. Whether the pathway involves on-the-job training, apprenticeship or an institution of formal learning, students have a clear understanding of what “work that fits” looks like for them, why it fits and why they have selected the pathway in their plan.

NOVA SCOTIA – Healthy Eating in Child-Care Settings
Nova Scotia has introduced regulated comprehensive food and nutrition standards under the Day Care Act and Regulations. The Standards for Food and Nutrition in Regulated Child-Care Settings ensure:

  • menus are based on food groups identified by Health Canada
  • clean drinking water and food safety
  • special dietary considerations can be met
  • nutrition education is provided; and
  • breast milk is labelled and stored consistently.

The Act also gives centres more support and flexibility in preparing healthy meals and snacks. The new regulations allow centres to develop and change menus based on a clear set of standards for nutrition and provide numerous tools and tips.

For more information on the new Standards, please see: http://www.gov.ns.ca/coms/families/provider/NewDayCareRegs.html