Liberals Unveil Comprehensive Plan to Ease Nova Scotia Traffic Congestion
The Nova Scotia Liberals led the campaign trail with a detailed transportation plan focused on reducing congestion, improving commute times, and expanding transit options. Meanwhile, the NDP emphasized protections for renters and landlords, and the PCs proposed a health initiative for seniors.
On Wednesday ballots will also be finalized as it’s the final day new candidates can register.
Liberals
Liberal Leader Zach Churchill announced a transportation strategy aimed at easing congestion across the province, saying, “Traffic congestion is a major concern for many Nova Scotians, particularly in the HRM. To truly address this issue, we need proactive solutions that truly benefit Nova Scotians—not just short-sighted measures that make the situation worse.”
Key elements of the plan include replacing the aging MacKay Bridge with a six-lane bridge featuring dedicated bus rapid transit and active transportation lanes.
The Liberals also pledged to make public transit free province-wide and to support Halifax’s proposed bus rapid transit system. Churchill’s team says these efforts will reduce commute times and provide cost savings.
Former Green Party leader and new Liberal candidate Thomas Trappenberg joined Churchill, endorsing the plan and adding, “For years, I’ve studied transit because I know it can make a real difference—not only for our environment but for people’s everyday lives. I’m thrilled to stand alongside Zach Churchill to make a real impact for Nova Scotians.”
New Democratic Party (NDP)
NDP Leader Claudia Chender focused on housing security, promising to create a compliance and enforcement unit for tenant-landlord disputes. She highlighted the province’s low vacancy rate and the difficulties renters face when dealing with landlords. Chender described the unit as a necessary measure to ensure fair treatment for both tenants and small landlords, addressing what she views as a lack of provincial leadership in this area.
Progressive Conservatives (PC)
PC Leader Tim Houston proposed making the shingles vaccine free for all Nova Scotians aged 65 and older.
Houston framed the initiative as part of his broader efforts to improve healthcare services for seniors. The program, expected to cost $27 million in its first year, aligns with other healthcare commitments, such as increasing nursing seats in universities and establishing an International Medical Graduate Assessment Clinic.
