Houston must support Nova Scotians in the face of rising costs

HALIFAX – The Houston government must do more to help Nova Scotians struggling to make ends meet. Today’s financial update included an increase in revenue with millions more in unaccountable spending and not help for those who need it most.

“We hear from the Houston government nearly every week about some new spending but for everyday Nova Scotians, it's not moving the needle,” said NDP Leader Claudia Chender. “Over the last year, the housing crisis has been top of mind for the people I talk to across the province. Yet when this government announces funding for new housing there’s almost never a guarantee that it will be the truly, permanent affordable housing that people need.”

Earlier this month, the Auditor General called on the Houston government to fix the Finance Act after they spent $1.7 billion last year without legislative oversight.

“Month after month Nova Scotians have found it harder to afford the basics, like food, housing, and medication,” said Chender. “There are hundreds of people sleeping outside and the Houston government has left folks to struggle, cutting back on who was eligible for the Heating Assistance Rebate, ignoring our calls to cut the tax on all groceries, and refusing to help renters or ban child care waitlist fees.”

Nova Scotia families are facing skyrocketing costs of living including another 6.9 percent power rate increase on January 1, 2024.