MLA accuses province of stalling on Bedford tick problem
Posted Jun 23, 2010 03:01:30 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Dexter government is being accused of dragging its heels on a decision to deal with a black-legged tick infestation in Admiral’s Cove in Bedford.
Bedford Liberal MLA Kelly Regan says the delay is putting the health of residents at risk. She says six residents who live near the park have contracted Lyme disease, a sickness carried by and contracted through ticks.
Regan wants the government to set up deer bait stations laced with ‘tick-a-cide’ to rid the area of the pests. But she says she suspects the NDP is worried if it is a successful program, they’ll have to pay for it in other neighborhoods.
“HRM has offered to help pay for this particular one,” she says, “Maybe they’re concerned it’ll get expensive.”
Regan is asking for a public meeting on the matter and she wants a commitment from Health Minister Maureen MacDonald that she will be there.
“We would love to have her come in and explain why nothing has happened towards getting this tick-a-cide approved for a deer bait station,” says Regan.
She says the longer the delay, the more likely it is that someone else will contract Lyme disease.
