Kerian Burnett has faced extreme hardship over the last two years. Originally from Jamaica, she came to Nova Scotia to work on a farm, which initially provided her with health insurance for medical emergencies.
After being diagnosed in 2022, she lost her job and consequently her medical coverage. cancer She described how she desperately sought necessary cancer care medication at the pharmacy but was refused due to lack of health insurance.
She was also unable to get coverage at some Nova Scotia hospitals.
The following years were filled with emotional stress and physical pain. In August 2023, she learned that she was approved for the Interim Federal Health Program, which provided crucial health care coverage for her cancer treatments.
In an interview with Global News, she recounted the moment she received the card. While checking the mail, she found a letter marked “MSI.” By feeling the envelope, she immediately knew it contained a medical card.
Burnett proudly displayed her Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance (MSI) card outside the legislature on Monday.
“When I saw the letter was from MSI, I was like, ‘Wow, this is the card,'” she said.
“I tore the envelope open and there was the card.”
Living on chemotherapy has been difficult. Burnett has had to deal with a colostomy bag and leg numbness. Everyday activities have been a challenge, but she's optimistic about gradually returning to work.
The criteria for obtaining an MSI card in Nova Scotia depend on the duration of one's stay in the province and their Canadian citizenship.
Requirements for an MSI card (according to the provincial government):
- Being a Canadian Citizen or “Permanent Resident” (Landed Immigrant);
- Establishing permanent residency in Nova Scotia;
- Residing in the province for 183 days annually; and
- Enrollment with MSI.
According to No One is Illegal Nova Scotia, Burnett is just one of numerous workers experiencing challenges in obtaining health care coverage in the province.
Stacey Gomez from No One is Illegal stated, “Employers control their workers' health coverage.”
“Several organizations in the province have been advocating for MSI coverage to be provided to all migrant workers upon their arrival.”
Gomez mentioned that she sought a meeting with Health Minister Michelle Thompson, but her request was declined.
The minister stated that she hadn't received any requests in the past 18 months to discuss providing early MSI coverage for migrants, shortly after reaffirming her stance.
“We expect individuals from outside of Nova Scotia to come with insurance,” Health Minister Michelle Thompson told Global News from the legislature foyer.
“This is typical for those who travel or work on short-term contracts. It's the reason why we have it. The federal program requires individuals to demonstrate that they have private insurance.”
Burnett aims to return to work in the future but is currently focused on her recovery.
She's hoping to witness significant changes in Nova Scotia's legislation.
