Women who fought for out-of-province care worry about fate of auditor general report
Crystal Ellingsen and Jennifer Brady thought their battle with the government of Nova Scotia had come to an end last year. However, they are now raising their voices once again to continue the fight for healthcare reform. Both women suffer from debilitating chronic illnesses that could not be treated in Nova Scotia, and were denied coverage for out-of-province care. As a result, they were forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars each for medical treatment in other provinces and around the globe.
Their persistence led them to file for a judicial review against Nova Scotia’s Health Department in 2022. In 2024, a judge ruled in their favour, stating that the province had violated their rights by refusing to cover their procedures. This groundbreaking decision from the Nova Scotia Supreme Court prompted Premier Tim Houston to promise reimbursement for the women’s expenses and to cover their future treatment costs. Additionally, Houston requested the auditor general to review the circumstances that led to Ellingsen and Brady’s legal case, as well as to conduct a broad review of how all cases of out-of-province medical care are handled.
However, several months later, Houston proposed changes that would grant the government greater power over the auditor general. This move has left Ellingsen and Brady concerned about the fate of the audit that was requested. They worry that the proposed changes, including the ability to fire the auditor general without cause and keep reports private, could hinder the office’s ability to hold the government accountable.
The proposed bill would allow the government to dismiss the auditor general without cause if two-thirds of the MLAs in the House support it. It would also grant the justice minister the power to redact parts of auditor general reports and enable the cabinet to keep reports confidential. Ellingsen and Brady fear that these changes could lead to censorship and a lack of transparency in government operations.
Auditor General Kim Adair has expressed her concerns about the proposed changes, stating that they would erode the office’s ability to perform its duties effectively. She has called on the province to scrap the bill, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of the auditor general’s office.
Despite the challenges they face, Ellingsen and Brady remain steadfast in their fight for healthcare reform. They believe that systemic changes are necessary to ensure that all Nova Scotians have access to the care they need. While they are grateful for the promises that Houston has kept, they are committed to advocating for others who may benefit from the reforms that could be spurred by a thorough review of out-of-province medical care.
As the Progressive Conservatives consider whether to proceed with the proposed changes, Ellingsen and Brady hope that the government will prioritize the public interest and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. They remain dedicated to fighting for healthcare equity and ensuring that the voices of patients are heard in the decision-making process.
