This week, my government released the results of an in-depth review of Nova Scotia's healthcare system. Entitled 'Changing Nova Scotia's Healthcare System: Creating Sustainability Through Transformation', the report is the result of consultations with over 1,000 Nova Scotians concerned about health care in our province.

The results were clear. We are now at a turning point in the history of health care in our province. We are at a point where the system is simply not sustainable in the long run. There isn't enough money and there aren't enough people.

The report contained 103 recommendations that government has accepted and will implement over the next three years. They are the tools we need to help us chart a path to better, safer, sustainable healthcare system.

Since 1999, Progressive Conservative governments have made substantive change in the area of health care. For example, we brought health care decisions closer to home for Nova Scotians with the creation of nine district health authorities (DHA). My New Democratic colleagues believe that my government is giving DHAs too much input and responsibility. I say, local people know best what is best for them. Unlike the NDP, Progressive Conservatives have confidence in the judgement of Nova Scotians.

Within the last six months, my government introduced the Family Pharmacare Program that helps Nova Scotians with the cost of prescription drugs. We announced 832 long-term beds, a new hospital in the Truro area, three new bone density machines, the last of six new MRI machines and a new $17 million emergency room in Halifax.

It was a Progressive Conservative government that initiated and implemented the province's first ever comprehensive nursing strategy, designed to enhance the quality of work life for nurses. Through it, we're making sure that Nova Scotia has what it needs to keep experience nurses here and to attract high-calibre recruits.

The strategy is a success. In 2006, almost 86 per cent of Nova Scotia nursing graduates who found jobs, found them right here in Nova Scotia.

We are fortunate in our province to have the highest doctor-patient ratio in the country. And currently there are 43 doctors and 13 clinics in 29 communities all over Nova Scotia accepting new patients. We want to make sure that nurses, doctors and other health professionals have a robust system in which to work in the future. Reducing wait times and creating safer healthy communities are two of my government's five priorities outlined in the Throne Speech. Forging that new path will not always be easy. It will mean changing the way we are accustomed to doing things.

For instance, it will not mean closing emergency departments. But it will require changing the way those emergency rooms are being used so we can ensure those services are there for true emergencies.

Building the healthcare system in the New Nova Scotia will require increased spending of between five and seven percent and it will mean solving challenges in creative and innovative ways. It will take determination, hard work and flexibility.

But having a reliable, safe and sustainable healthcare system in place for future generations will make it all worthwhile. Nova Scotians deserve nothing less.