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Election day arrives in Nova Scotia
Today marks a significant moment for Nova Scotia as voters head to the polls to decide the future of their province. The Progressive Conservative Party, led by Tim Houston, is seeking a second mandate after calling a snap election on October 27, defying the established election law that set a fixed date for July 15, 2025.
This controversial decision has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, including Liberal Leader Zach Churchill and NDP Leader Claudia Chender, who argue that it undermines democratic processes.
Key issues on the campaign trail
In the lead-up to the election, the campaign has been dominated by pressing issues such as housing, affordability, and healthcare.
In 2021, Houston’s campaign focused heavily on the healthcare crisis, promising to revitalize a system that has faced significant challenges. However, during this election cycle, both Churchill and Chender have called out Houston for the slow pace of improvements, questioning his commitment to fixing the healthcare system.
During a recent televised debate, Houston defended his record, attributing the current state of healthcare to the previous 12 years of governance by the NDP and Liberals. He stated, “We were taking over from parties that were inactive in health care,” emphasizing the need for a fresh approach.
This rhetoric has resonated with some voters, but the opposition remains skeptical.
Housing crisis and affordability measures
Housing has emerged as another critical topic in this election. Houston’s government has pledged to support the creation of 41,200 new housing units by 2028, claiming that they are already more than halfway to achieving this goal.
In contrast, the Liberals have set an ambitious target of building 80,000 new homes by 2032, although their plan lacks provisions for public housing.
Churchill has argued for a collaborative approach, stating, “We have to empower the private sector to develop market housing and lean on successful models in our province, including not-for-profit and co-op options.” Meanwhile, the NDP has proposed capping rent increases at 2.5% and providing rebates to low-income households, emphasizing their commitment to addressing affordability concerns.
Chender remarked, “We hear everywhere we go that people cannot afford to live, and that is absolutely our focus.” This focus on housing affordability is crucial for many voters, particularly younger generations facing rising living costs.
Current political landscape
As the election unfolds, the political landscape in Nova Scotia remains dynamic. At the dissolution of the legislature, the Progressive Conservatives held 34 seats, the Liberals had 14, the NDP held six, and there was one independent member. The outcome of this election could reshape the province’s governance and influence policies on key issues that resonate with the electorate.
For those interested in following the election results, Global News will provide live updates and analysis starting at 8 p.m. AT when polls close. Voters are encouraged to stay informed about the parties’ platforms and the promises made by their leaders as they make their decisions today.
