PC platform takes aim at power rates, expands health services, cuts taxes
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston recently unveiled his party’s election platform, emphasizing that it is a continuation of the successful plan that has been in place. He highlighted the progress made since 2021, noting that Nova Scotia’s economy has shown significant growth and that there is a strong foundation for further development.
Houston outlined several key initiatives included in the PC platform, many of which were announced prior to the early election call or during the campaign. These initiatives include reducing the HST by one percentage point, increasing the basic personal amount, and raising the minimum wage to $16.50 next year.
One notable aspect of the platform is a promise to cap power rate increases in Nova Scotia. Houston explained that this measure would set new criteria for the utility and review board to consider when Nova Scotia Power applies for a rate increase, preventing any hikes from exceeding the national average. The goal is to create a “guardrail” to ensure that power rates remain affordable for residents.
In terms of healthcare, the PC platform includes measures to attract and retain more healthcare workers, expand training capacity, and streamline credentialing processes. Additionally, there are commitments to cover the cost of the shingles vaccine for seniors, provide free parking at healthcare sites, establish a provincial travel nurse program, and create a menopause center of excellence.
While the Tory platform highlights achievements from their first mandate, such as a universal school lunch program and indexing income assistance rates to inflation, it does not allocate new funding for housing. However, existing efforts to increase housing starts and support those in need of housing will continue if the PCs are re-elected.
Two housing-related initiatives in the platform include a program for first-time home buyers with lower down payment requirements and making vacant land parcels available for affordable housing developments. The PCs aim to ensure that affordable rents do not exceed 80% of the average market rent.
Houston also reiterated promises to remove tolls from the Halifax harbour bridges and address traffic congestion in Halifax by expanding and upgrading highways. The party’s 10-year plan for transportation improvements would cost $810 million, with hopes of federal funding covering 40% of the expenses.
Overall, the PC platform is projected to cost approximately $142 million in the first year, increasing to over $200 million in subsequent years. The party plans to run deficits for the first three years of a new mandate before achieving a surplus in the fourth year.
In response to the PC platform, Liberal Leader Zach Churchill criticized it as lacking vision, particularly in addressing the province’s high cost of living. NDP Leader Claudia Chender also expressed concerns that the platform overlooks key issues such as healthcare access, housing availability, and affordability.
As the election campaign continues, the PC platform stands as a blueprint for the party’s vision for Nova Scotia’s future, emphasizing economic growth, healthcare improvements, and housing initiatives.
