On Thursday, the three main parties in Nova Scotia took to the campaign trail, each addressing different issues critical to voters across the province. Here’s a breakdown of their key messages and proposed plans.
Progressive Conservatives (PCs)
Premier Tim Houston announced that a re-elected PC government would create an internal travel nurse team to serve Nova Scotia’s rural communities.
This team would operate as part of the publicly funded system and aims to provide more stability and accessibility in healthcare without the need for costly private agencies.
The pilot program will initially include 30 nurses focusing on emergency department staffing, with an estimated cost of $5.3 million—significantly less than hiring private agency nurses. Houston while on the campaign trail also emphasized his administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare resources, including the recent establishment of a new medical school and an assessment clinic for international medical graduates.
Liberals
Liberal Leader Zach Churchill unveiled a tax reform plan intended to alleviate the cost of living for Nova Scotians.
His proposal includes cutting the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) from 15 percent to 13 percent, raising the basic personal exemption, and doubling tax credits for middle-income earners.
The Liberals estimate these changes will save the average family over $3,000 annually. Churchill criticized Houston’s administration for insufficient tax relief and pledged that his party would deliver more substantial financial support to residents.
Although Churchill’s announcement said they were committed to lowering HST from 15 to 13 per cent, it is currently at 14 per cent after a recent change implemented by the Houston government.
New Democrats (NDP)
NDP Leader Claudia Chender focused on housing affordability, announcing a proposal to protect renters from excessive rent hikes and evictions.
The plan includes a ban on fixed-term leases, implementing stricter rent controls, and reducing the annual allowable rent increase to 2.5 percent.
Chender pointed out that under the current government, rent prices have surged while the vacancy rate remains low.
She pledged that an NDP government would prioritize affordability, supporting renters and stabilizing housing costs across the province.
