HALIFAX - Nova Scotia Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says the province won't help a Pictou County man undergo liberation treatment for his multiple sclerosis.

Supporters of Bill Peart want the province to help him receive the treatment in Canada because his declining health may prevent him from travelling to New York state for treatment next month.

They have emailed the health department asking it to assist Peart on compassionate grounds.

While MacDonald expresses sympathy, she says the province has already decided that it will not fund the treatment until there is medical evidence that it is safe and effective.

She says that means Peart will not be getting the treatment in Nova Scotia and that the province will not pay for him to receive it elsewhere.

The treatment is based on a theory that narrowed neck veins cause blood-borne iron deposits to build up and damage brain cells, and that unblocking the veins will help those who suffer from MS.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/ns-health-minister-says-man-wont-get-help-for-liberation-therapy-in-province-117739113.html