Premier McNeil, Dr. Strang discuss how they are doing after
the past 10 months in the fight against COVID19
HALIFAX: The Premier and Chief Medical officer of health for the province acknowledged the pressures they and their staff have felt as they worked to keep Nova Scotians safe during the past 10 months of the COVID19 pandemic.
Premier Stephen McNeil, who became emotional near the end of his answer to the question asked by The Laker News, started off by noting that he and Dr. Strang are just the faces, and there’s many people behind the scenes working hard.
“Staff who work for the both of us have been through a tremendous amount,” he said. “I want to thank those Nova Scotians who often write me a note and acknowledge the contribution of staff who work in my office over the past 10 months.
“To be perfectly frank, it would have been an extremely impossible 10 months if I had not had the staff I do.”
McNeil recognized the sacrifices those staff members put in as the pandemic hit the province.
“Early on, many of them isolated from their own families for a period of months before we actually knew what was happening so we could actually deliver a message to Nova Scotians,” said Premier McNeil. “Now we’re able to find different ways.”
(Video cut by Dagley Media)
Dr. Robert Strang said he is fortunate to be surrounded by a team that is dedicated and skilled.
“I have many colleagues across the healthcare system who are very skilled in their work,” said Dr. Strang. “We’re all lifting the load together.”
He said the outpouring of support in letters, cards, and emails from Nova Scotians continues.
“That gives me great strength and helps me keep committed,” said Dr. Strang.
Dr. Strang said the holidays was one where he enjoyed and took some down time.
“I have been fortunate to have been able to be a bit more relaxed over the last few days, but I’m here for the long haul,” he said with a chuckle.
McNeil said he is grateful for the support of Nova Scotians and the kindness they have shown.
“As hard as this may be at times, I have never lost sight that there are many, many Nova Scotia families that have paid a much bigger price then I have through COVID,” an evidently emotional McNeil said as he finished his answer.
