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N.S. Election: Houston promises free parking at healthcare sites

Bridgewater, NS, Canada / CKBW
Evan Taylor
Nov 7, 2024 | 2:52 PM
N.S. Election: Houston promises free parking at healthcare sites

Photo L to R: Liberal Leader Zach Churchill, Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston, NDP Leader Claudia Chender



The election campaign continues to heat up in Nova Scotia, with each of the three major parties making significant announcements today.
The Progressive Conservatives (PCs) promised to eliminate parking fees at healthcare sites, the Liberals pushed for a sustainable immigration strategy, and the NDP outlined measures to reduce everyday living costs. The day also saw some back-and-forth over campaign stops in Cape Breton.

Progressive Conservative

Premier Tim Houston made a high-profile promise today, vowing that a re-elected PC government would eliminate parking fees at all Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK facilities.

The initiative is aimed at reducing costs for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors, with an estimated cost of $8 million, which the provincial government would cover.

Houston’s campaign also took aim at both the Liberal and NDP leaders for not visiting Cape Breton. “Cape Breton just doesn’t matter to Zach Churchill’s Liberals,” said Brian MacArthur, PC candidate for Sydney-Membertou. “Claudia Chender owes it to Cape Bretoners to explain why her NDP is home to candidates who are classroom cutters or defund police activists.” The PC campaign noted that Houston was the only leader to have spent time campaigning in Cape Breton in the early days of the election.

Liberal

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill criticized Premier Houston’s immigration targets, calling them unsustainable and warning that the influx of new residents is putting undue pressure on the province’s infrastructure.

Churchill proposed reducing immigration levels until housing, schools, and healthcare services are better equipped to handle the growth. He emphasized that immigration should focus on bringing in skilled workers in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and trades.

Churchill’s campaign also responded to the PC’s criticisms about the absence of Liberal leaders in Cape Breton, noting he will be visiting the island over the weekend.

NDP

NDP Leader Claudia Chender unveiled a plan to reduce the cost of living for Nova Scotians, promising savings of up to $1,300 per year.

The NDP intends to remove the HST from everyday essentials like groceries, internet bills, and heat pumps. Chender framed the proposal as a necessary step to provide financial relief to families struggling with rising costs.

NDP campaign staff also responded to the concerns about a lack of campaigning in Cape Breton, noting that Chender was campaigning on the island for the first time on Thursday.