MacKay Bridge. (CREDIT: Skye Bryden-Blom)
Nova Scotia Election Campaign Highlights
As the provincial election campaign continued, the Progressive Conservatives, Liberals, and NDP announced more plans to improve Nova Scotia, including cutting bridge tolls, grocery prices, and housing.
Progressive Conservatives
The PCs announced plans to eliminate tolls on the MacKay and Macdonald bridges, labeling them a “tax on getting to work or home to family.” PC Leader Tim Houston argued that removing these tolls would save residents time and money, presenting it as a step to improve everyday life and ease the commute for thousands in the Halifax region.
Houston framed the elimination of the tolls as a $40 million tax cut for commuters and a $40 million investment in reducing traffic.
He also clarified that while the tolls would be removed, the Bridge Commission would remain as a Crown Corporation, ensuring that bridge maintenance and services would continue as usual.
Liberal Leader Zach Churchill revealed a plan aimed at reducing grocery costs. This includes removing the HST on prepared grocery items, opening opportunities for more grocery stores to increase competition, and redirecting funds to support local producers rather than large corporations. Churchill framed the plan as essential for providing relief to families across Nova Scotia struggling with high food costs.
NDP
The NDP focused on housing affordability, accusing Houston’s government of failing to address the province’s housing crisis.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender highlighted the challenges faced by residents of Ocean Breeze Village in Dartmouth, a community now facing demolition and potential displacement. Chender emphasized that affordable housing should be prioritized, pointing to the need for policies that prevent dramatic rent increases and safeguard long-term affordable housing options.
