Nova Scotia to review policy around insurance for catastrophic injuries

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s community services minister says there will be a review of the government’s policy around insurance settlements for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries.

Joanne Bernard says the move is in response to the case of Joellan Huntley, a woman who was left unable to speak or walk following a car accident in 1996.

Huntley’s family is in court fighting an attempt by the province to claw back a $1 million insurance settlement won for her care.

Bernard won’t comment on the specifics of the case, but she says no family should have to go through a similar court process, so the province will review its options following a decision in Huntley’s matter expected Jan. 9.

Bernard defended the province’s position last Thursday, saying then that there was an expectation that people should have to pay for care provided by the province.