N.S. Liberals release platform promising more housing, tax cuts and boosts to health care
Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill unveiled his party’s election platform on Monday, presenting it as a contract with voters to address key issues such as housing, taxes, and the carbon tax impacting gas prices.
During a news conference in Halifax, Churchill emphasized the importance of holding the party accountable for their promises, stating, “If you vote for a Nova Scotia Liberal government, this is what we will deliver for you.”
One of the main highlights of the platform is the commitment to construct 80,000 new homes by 2032, including 4,000 units led by non-profit organizations and 2,000 co-op units. The Liberals also plan to maintain the rent cap until a vacancy rate of three percent is achieved, establish a residential tenancies enforcement unit, and restrict fixed-term leases to one year for tenants. Additionally, a provincial rent bank will be set up to provide zero-interest loans to renters in need.
To boost housing growth, the party aims to streamline regulations around building materials and construction methods, offer incentives to property owners for developing vacant land, and promote the inclusion of more women in skilled trades.
In terms of healthcare, the Liberals reiterated their commitment to building 20 new collaborative care clinics and expanding 20 existing sites. They also plan to recruit more physician assistants, provide student loan relief for healthcare professionals, and begin work on a new hospital for the Annapolis Valley region. The platform also includes measures to improve access to preventive healthcare, expand early screening for diseases, and focus on women’s health research.
On the economic front, Churchill intends to focus on recruiting individuals and families from high-demand job sectors rather than doubling the population, as proposed by the Tory Leader. The party also aims to explore the implementation of an Atlantic region cap-and-trade system to replace the federal carbon tax, potentially reducing gas prices by 10 cents per litre.
Other promises outlined in the platform include infrastructure investments, banning non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual assault, proclaiming the Coastal Protection Act, and reducing the small business tax rate to one percent.
The total cost of the platform is estimated at $661.1 million in the first year, decreasing to $460 million over four years. The Liberals anticipate running deficits in the first three years before achieving a surplus in the fourth year of their mandate.
In response to the platform, the Progressive Conservatives criticized Churchill for allegedly aligning with Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s agenda. The NDP Leader called for a change from the status quo, suggesting that the Liberal platform mostly offers more of the same.
Overall, the Nova Scotia Liberal Party’s platform addresses key issues such as housing, healthcare, and economic development, presenting a comprehensive plan to address the needs of Nova Scotians if elected into power.
