Health & Emergency Services

For information about how health care works in Canada, click here.

Residents of Nova Scotia need a Nova Scotia Health Card. To register for a Health Card in Nova Scotia, you must call the MSI Registration and Enquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll-free within Nova Scotia) to start the application process. Blank applications are not available. More information can be found here.

How to get a family doctor 

Need a Family Practice Registry is for people in Nova Scotia who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. There is no set timeframe determining when you’ll be assigned to a doctor – it could be weeks or months. Registering on this site puts your name in the queue and you’ll be contacted when there is an availability. 

In any major emergency call 911

If you go to the emergency room, be sure to have your Nova Scotia Health Card with you.

Weather Emergency Preparedness

Similar to many locations across the world, Unama’ki – Cape Breton may from time to time experience weather events that ar more extreme than what is experienced the rest of the year. This may sometimes include significant wind and snowfall or rainfall that can impact travel conditions, localized flooding, home and property damage issues, and more. In most cases, residents are made aware of approaching weather systems via the local news, Environment Canada, and various contacts through the local, provincial, and federal governments.

It is important to become familiar with your own Municipality’s Emergency Managaement System’s plans, processes, and contact information to be able to prepare accordingly in the event of extreme weather systems.

Hurricane Preparedness

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with September being the most active month historically. Please see below for useful supports and resources related to local hurricane preparedness:

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Last Modified: February 5, 2024