BILL NO. 60
(as introduced)
3rd Session, 63rd General Assembly
Nova Scotia
70 Elizabeth II, 2021
Private Member's Bill
Mental Health Crisis Hotline Act
Brian Comer
Sydney River–Mira–Louisbourg
First Reading: March 24, 2021
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
An Act to Establish a Crisis Hotline
for Mental Health Emergencies
Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:
1 This Act may be cited as the Mental Health Crisis Hotline Act.
2 The purpose of this Act is to establish a number as the primary mental health emergency telephone number for use in the Province.
(a)"mental health emergency telephone number" means the three-digit number designated as the primary mental health emergency telephone number under Section 5;
(b) "Minister" means the Minister of Health and Wellness.
4 (1) The Minister has the general supervision and management of this Act and the regulations.
(2) The Minister may delegate a power or duty conferred or imposed on the Minister by this Act or the regulations to a person or organization designated by the Minister.
5 The Minister shall, by regulation, designate a three-digit number as the primary mental health emergency telephone number in the Province.
6 Subject to Section 11, the Minister shall co-ordinate with municipalities, mental health advocacy and support groups and experts in mental health in developing and implementing the mental health emergency telephone number and related programs.
7 (1) Subject to Section 11, the Minister shall ensure that the mental health emergency telephone number is staffed with appropriate professionals at all times such that the wait time does not exceed one minute.
(2) Subject to Section 11, the Minister shall operate an internet site with a live chat feature with similar functionality and staffing as the mental health emergency telephone number.
8 The Minister shall advertise the mental health emergency telephone number, with a focus on advertising aimed at youth and vulnerable persons.
9 No person shall use or permit another person to use the telephone to place a false, frivolous or vexatious call to the mental health emergency telephone number.
10 (1) The Minister may make regulations
(a) establishing a three-digit number as the mental health emergency telephone number in the Province;
(b) defining any word or expression used but not defined in this Act;
(c) for any purpose necessary or advisable to carry out the intent and purpose of this Act.
(2) The exercise by the Minister of the power contained in subsection (1) is a regulation within the meaning of the Regulations Act.
11 The money required for the purpose of this Act must be paid out of money appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature.
This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2021 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created March 24, 2021. Send comments to legc.office@novascotia.ca.
