The Nova Scotia government has turned down a resolution to prioritize the immunization of volunteer firefighters and help protect them from contracting the H1N1 virus.

Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain introduced the resolution in the Legislature this afternoon following discussions with concerned firefighters in his constituency.

Since they are often the first to arrive on the scene of medical emergencies, he said it is incumbent upon the province to ensure they are safe and healthy enough to carry out their duties as the pandemic unfolds.

"We rely on these people to intervene in medical emergencies of all sorts, so it is only logical that we protect them from being exposed to the virus," Bain said.

He is disappointed the NDP government does not agree.

"The Minister of Health Promotion and Protection is not willing to step up on behalf of volunteer firefighters by placing them at the top of the list when it comes to prioritizing vaccinations," Bain said.

"To me, it is just one more reason to question this government's ability to grasp the seriousness of the situation, and to execute an immunization strategy that is not going to place further strain on Nova Scotia's emergency health services."

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Janna MacGregor
Public Relations Officer
NS Progressive Conservative Caucus
Tel:  902.424.5238
Cell: 902.220.4343
Fax:  902.424.7484
macgrejl@gov.ns.ca