By Michele Doucette

As a Canadian, long had I believed that this was the land of the free; that is, at least until Covid invaded our shores. Today marks the very last day that I am able to visit my 61 year old husband at the Nursing Home. In an effort to force me into getting the jab, the Nova Scotia government is now holding my husband hostage.

Leaving Albert was incredibly difficult. I did my best to explain. He, too, was saddened by my words and my tears.

My husband is hurting as a result of this mandate. He no longer gets to see me.

Since February 13, 2021, the 39th anniversary of our first date, I was spending upwards of 6 hours per day, three to four days every week. My stealth observation skills (as a former Pervasive Needs Special Education teacher) were always being utilized. I would sit with him, talk with him, watch TV with him, listen to music with him, feed him, brush his teeth (when he would allow me to do so), cut his fingernails, cut his toenails; anything to help to ensure that he was comfortable. In stripping me of my rights and freedoms, the Nova Scotia government has forcefully removed me from his life. I am now his POA and caregiver in name only.

My husband has logopenic variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (lvPPA). There is very little known about this particular illness, aside from the fact that it is believed to be a rare and unique form of Alzheimer’s. Diagnosed at age 58, he also falls into the early-onset Alzheimer’s category; one that affects 8% of Canadians. As a result of my research, it appears that lvPPA probably impacts 5% or less of the population.

He is the first patient with this condition at the Nursing Home. As a result of the early-onset Alzheimer’s, he is no longer mobile, he is incontinent, he is unable to use utensils to feed himself. The aphasia, however, has also robbed him of his language and ability to communicate, outside of facial expression. Having been married for 36 years, and together for almost 40 years, no one knows his moods and can read him like I can. Apparently, this means nothing to the Nova Scotia government.

Should his health rapidly decline, or worse, as a result of this mandate, can anyone be held liable?

I am hoping that you might be interested in helping me bring my story to the Canadian public.

Regards,
Ms. Michele Doucette