Opposition has concerns over proposed plan to replace VG Hospital
Posted Apr 22, 2016 08:30:21 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s opposition parties are pleased a redevelopment plan has been announced for the problem plagued Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, but they say some vital questions have been left unanswered.
Premier Stephen McNeil is promising the entire project will be on budget and on time, but he won’t say how much it will cost.
Progressive Conservative health critic Chris d’Entremont says taxpayers need to know the costs up front and need specific information on how long the project will take to complete.
D’Entremont said the plan amounts to a “political document,” meant to make it look like the government is interested in the file.
NDP critic Dave Wilson said his party doesn’t support the possible use of public-private partnerships for certain building aspects of the plan because of cost overruns seen elsewhere.
As for renovations on existing buildings, both critics say the province should retain control of health infrastructure it already owns on behalf of taxpayers.
Under the plan the Centennial and Victoria buildings will be taken out of service beginning in 2020 and demolished beginning in 2022.
