This article was originally published on October 14, 2025, in the Newsletter of the Family Alliance on Severe Mental Illnesses and has been reproduced here.
This week marks a powerful step forward for mental health care and addiction treatment in Nova Scotia.
After more than two years of advocacy and education, the government has passed a legislative change that removes one of the biggest barriers preventing families and caregivers from supporting their loved ones in times of crisis.
On October 2, 2025, after three rounds of debate, heartfelt presentations by Nova Scotia Moms Nancy Saunders and Heather Spidell to the Public Bills Committee, and online submissions from many others, the Legislature passed Bill 127. Tucked inside that bill is an amendment to the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) that removes the word “imminent” as a criterion for allowing health care custodians to communicate with family caregivers when a person is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others.
This change comes into effect on April 1, 2026, to allow time for updating all policies, practice standards, guidelines and to complete all necessary training.
This isn’t just a legal change—it’s the beginning of a culture change. One that embraces collaboration and compassion, recognizing that families and caregivers are essential partners in recovery, safety, and outcomes.
We are deeply grateful to the many families who shared their lived experiences to help make this possible as well as a team of subject matter experts who mentor and support us in the background.
The work doesn’t stop here—but this milestone proves what’s possible when lived experience, listening, compassion, and collaboration intersect.
All the best,
Nova Scotia Moms
Kelly Mae Mitchell
Michele Haire
Cyndi Corbett
Louann Link
Tina Kidd
Laureen Rushton
Sheila Burke
Photo: NS Moms Heather Spidell (left) and Nancy Saunders (right) attend One Government Place for their presentations at the Public Bills Committee. Other moms submitted powerful letters of support for the change online.
Public Bills Committee Presentations Sept 29 2025 https://www.youtube.com/live/yLw9MkyrBPs
Public Bills Committee Submissions https://nslegislature.ca/…/sta…/public-bills/submissions