Provincial Election 2024

The provincial election in Nova Scotia is on November 26, 2024, and we want candidates to prioritize dementia. Over 16,000 people in Nova Scotia currently live with dementia, a number that is expected to nearly double by 2050.

The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is advocating for 4 key dementia care priorities

1. Help break down stigma. Fund and promote a targeted dementia awareness campaign for health care professionals. Increase awareness and understanding that dementia is not a normal part of aging.
    
2. Improve the diagnosis experience. Promote the Best Practice Toolkit for Dementia Diagnosis, Management and Care Planning developed for primary health care providers as part of the Nova Scotia Dementia Strategy. Disseminate the National Dementia Guidelines for Disclosing and Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia.
    
3. Encourage Dementia Friendly Community developments. Include specific funding for Dementia Friendly Community initiatives in the Age-Friendly Communities Grant program especially for equity deserving communities.
    
4. Increase investments across the care continuum for people living with dementia and their care partners. Ensure the right support is available at the right time. Provide greater access to respite beds in long-term care facilities. Evaluate eligibility for respite as a home support service for all dementia care partners (including younger care partners) in the Nova Scotia Home Care policy.

Read our full campaign summary here.

We sent each political party a letter outlining these priorities and asked them how they would address each issue. We will publish their responses below as we receive them:

• Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Help advocate for improved dementia care in Nova Scotia  

Here are five ways you can use your voice to help advocate for improved dementia supports and services:

1. Write an email or letter to candidates in your riding. Use our letter template here to help you get started.
2. Talk to canvassing candidates at your door.
3. Request a one-on-one meeting with your candidates.
4. Attend an all-candidate debate and ask questions.
5. Vote! You can also help others to vote by providing transportation to a voting station.

Download our quick tips sheet here to learn more about our election priorities and how you can help. 

Accessibility for all voters

We’re encouraging people living with dementia and their care partners to get out and vote! Elections Nova Scotia’s accessibility services and voting options can make it easier for everyone including underserved voter communities to participate. Click here to learn about accessible voting methods you can take advantage of this election season. 

Note: Elections Nova Scotia will not be mailing out voter information cards for this year's election due to the potential postal strike. To find your local voting information, click here.