Premier Tim Houston weighs in on GST holiday, property taxes for wildfire victims, MLA pay

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston held a meeting with members of the Province House press gallery on Tuesday, marking his first interaction with the media since his party’s resounding victory in last month’s election. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, providing insight into the premier’s priorities and plans for the province.

During the meeting, Premier Houston discussed his recent meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, describing it as productive. He emphasized the importance of increasing his mandate through the election to garner more respect from the federal government. While there are areas of agreement between the two leaders, such as addressing concerns around illegal fishing and infrastructure upgrades, there are also contentious issues like the federal carbon tax where they stand on opposing sides. Premier Houston expressed support for the federal government’s planned GST holiday, which will temporarily reduce taxes on certain products. However, he remained non-committal on seeking compensation for the provincial share of the lost tax revenue.

One significant topic of discussion was tax fairness for wildfire victims. Premier Houston reiterated his commitment to preventing major property tax increases for individuals rebuilding homes lost during the wildfires of 2023. He acknowledged the need to address this issue promptly and assured affected residents that his government would take necessary steps to uphold fairness and support their recovery efforts.

On the subject of MLA remuneration, Premier Houston acknowledged the freeze on pay, living expenses, and office budgets that has been in place since 2015. He indicated openness to revisiting this issue, particularly in light of a recommendation to convene an independent committee to review MLA compensation. The premier recognized the importance of ensuring fair and reasonable remuneration for elected representatives and expressed willingness to engage in a process to determine appropriate adjustments.

The meeting with the press gallery provided valuable insights into Premier Houston’s priorities and commitments as he leads Nova Scotia forward. The discussions touched on key policy areas and underscored the premier’s determination to address pressing issues facing the province. As he navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead, Premier Houston’s engagement with the media and commitment to transparency will be crucial in building trust and collaboration within the community.