Nova Scotia charities warn budget cuts could cost government more later

Some Nova Scotia charities are concerned with recent budget cuts.

Even though they weren’t directly impacted by Nova Scotia’s budget cuts, the Brunswick Street Mission says cuts to social services and other organizations like them will likely send more people to their doorstep.

“Over the last three years, the number of people using our services has gone up and up,” said Lisa Harrison, executive director at the Brunswick Street Mission. “And if more people have less, it means there’s going to be more people coming to us for help.”

Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender held a press conference Friday to blast the Progressive Conservative government’s budget and its spending cuts.

Chender says the budget is being cut in the wrong places and hurting some of the most vulnerable Nova Scotians and she wants the budget redone.

“We need to make sure that this government gets it right,” said Chender. “This is a difficult time for Nova Scotians and we need a budget that meets the moment and this isn’t it.”

Family SOS had $300,000 in funding cut from the province, which is the bulk of its operating annual budget and could force the charity to shut down.

Family SOS helps families in crisis by offering supportive services geared towards building healthier relationship inside the home.

“I just received an email from a community member that said without our services, she is sure that her children would have been taken from her,” said Halpern.

It’s cuts to organizations like this that the Brunswick Street Mission says will put pressure on them.

“If everyone is a little bit poorer, there’s going to be more people coming to our door or using our food bank and our breakfast program, and the other services that we offer,” said Harrison.

Family SOS says their work is like preventive medicine and believe the help they deliver to 200 families annually makes a big difference and if they fold, it could lead to larger costs later for government.

“As Nova Scotians we can’t let families fall through the cracks,” said Halpern, who believes it costs the government up to $100,000 per year to support a child in care. “We’re part of extended health care, the part that happens at the home. It is cost savings for the government.

“Think what we can do to alleviate poverty and keep children with their families.”

Premier Tim Houston is travelling to the United States for an energy conference, but his office responded with an email statement saying the budget makes tough choices to manage financial pressures while protecting core services.

The budget debate resumes next week at the Nova Scotia Legislature.

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