Map shows Nova Scotians facing severe economic hardship

Halifax-- A map of Nova Scotia, created by the Department of Internal Services, shows large parts of the province have serious levels of material deprivation. The NSNDP discovered the map as part of a freedom of information request.

“The McNeil Liberals continue to turn away from the realities of people’s lives,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “While people are struggling to find a place to live and keep from going under, the Premier continues to congratulate his government on what he sees as an economic job well done.”

Material deprivation, as explained by the government, is based on unemployment rate, adults with less than high school education and median individual income. The level each community experiences is classified using a 5-point scale where 1 is the least deprivation and 5 is the most. Based on the Liberals’ map, the majority of the province is in the 3-5 range.

“People aren’t asking for the moon, but they have a right to ask for enough. Enough to have a good place to live, pay their grocery and power bills, and to get their kids a good start in the world,” said Burrill. “When this is beyond the reach of so many in our province, the Premier needs to address this urgent situation squarely.”

The NDP has tabled legislation to increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2020, establish rent control in Nova Scotia, and improve access to post-secondary education.

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