Mission Assurance Agreement News Release

News Release June 4, 2026 On September 30, 2026, the Mission Assurance Agreement between the Government of Nova Scotia and the Sisters of Saint Martha will come to an end. The Sisters of St. Martha will no longer be sponsors of the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Mission nor will St. Martha’s continue to be a Catholic hospital. The Government and Nova Scotia Health Authority will align the services and policies of St. Martha’s Hospital more closely with those of other hospitals across Nova Scotia. While this new direction marks the end of 120 years since the founding of the Hospital by the Sisters it is our hope and trust that the Hospital will continue to serve the people of the Town and County of Antigonish, Guysborough, Inverness and Richmond counties, with the values of compassion, competent care, respect and inclusion that are embedded in its very core. The conversation around moving forward was a difficult one for the Sisters of St. Martha as it has the emotional attachment of 120 years of our 125 years of existence as a Congregation. We are committed to working with Nova Scotia Health in implementing this transition. To assist in the transition the Congregation has decided that the name of St. Martha will be removed from the Hospital. The Authorities will undertake the renaming process in accordance with the Nova Scotia Health Facility Naming Policy. The Sisters are pleased that the ministry of Spiritual and Religious Care will remain as a blessing for people of all faith traditions. In the coming months, the Sisters will work closely with the Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Health to design creative ways to celebrate the 120-year history of St. Martha’s Hospital. This memory will be a source of encouragement for the Hospital community to live the legacy of the Sisters of St. Martha long into the future. Sr. Brendalee Boisvert General Superior On behalf of the Sisters of St. Martha