Liberals need to focus on solutions to health care crisis, not blame the sick

HALIFAX -- Liberal backbencher Hugh MacKay should apologize for his insensitive Facebook post this weekend which suggested people are to blame for their own illnesses.

“This is shameful behaviour from someone who was elected to represent the people of this province,” said NDP Health Spokesperson Tammy Martin. “The Liberals continue to ignore the health care crisis in Nova Scotia and blame others for a situation they have helped create.”

MacKay, the Liberal MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's, suggested the government and health professionals are frustrated by “preventable” diseases.

“Before questioning why there is not more money for education, roads, and community services think about the immense wasted costs in treating the results of our lifestyle choices,” MacKay’s post read in part.

The post has been deleted from the social media platform.

“The people of Nova Scotia need access to all kinds of health care, including primary and preventative care, emergency care in their communities, and in-depth and long-term care for those who need it,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “People also need adequate incomes, and affordable educational opportunities beyond high school. What they do not need are high-handed lectures about their diets, their habits, and their lives.”

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