Minister Appoints Mediator

Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More announced today, April 20, that she has appointed Bruce Outhouse to mediate the labour-management dispute between the Capital District Health Authority and Local 42 of the NSGEU.

Ms. More said the appointment is an indication of the seriousness of government's concerns for the health and safety of Nova Scotians, and its desire to avoid more disruption in critical health services to the public.

Mr. Outhouse is a veteran mediator, arbitrator and lawyer, Ms. More said, who has successfully mediated a number of disputes in the past.

"The mediator will bring new perspectives and views to the remaining issues as we head into the final days of a strike countdown," Ms. More said. "Mr. Outhouse has extensive experience dealing with complex and difficult disputes at the regional and national level, including disputes in the health sector."

The government is appointing a mediator to provide more support to help both parties reach a settlement. The NSGEU will be in a position to have a work stoppage any time after 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, April 25.