Houston government eliminating provincial communications arm

Premier Tim Houston’s recent decision to dissolve Communications Nova Scotia (CNS) has sent shockwaves through the province, with many questioning the impact this move will have on government transparency and accountability. For almost three decades, CNS has been the go-to agency for providing communications advice and marketing services to Nova Scotia governments, ensuring that government messaging was timely, accurate, and non-partisan.

The decision to dissolve CNS comes as part of an effort by Premier Houston to modernize the delivery of government messaging. In a statement attributed to Leah Martin, the cabinet minister responsible for CNS, it was noted that the agency’s model had not changed in nearly a decade. By reassigning CNS staff to individual government departments, the government aims to enhance productivity, reduce duplication, and streamline processes within the public service.

With a budget of $6.9 million and a staff of 87 people, the dissolution of CNS raises questions about the future of these employees and their roles within the government. While the government has not provided specific details on how many CNS staff will continue to work for the province, the move has sparked concerns among opposition leaders about the impact on government transparency.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender expressed worry that the dissolution of CNS would make it even more difficult for the public to get an objective sense of what is happening within their government. She criticized Premier Houston for his lack of transparency and accessibility to the media, suggesting that the move to dissolve CNS could further limit public scrutiny of government actions.

Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette echoed these concerns, noting that the absence of CNS staff could potentially lead to decisions being made solely by the premier’s office, without the oversight and impartiality that CNS previously provided.

As the province grapples with the implications of this decision, it remains to be seen how the dissolution of CNS will impact government communications and public perception. The move to reassign CNS staff to individual departments raises questions about the future of government transparency and accountability in Nova Scotia.