As the fall sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature wrapped up, one theme stood out loud and clear in Premier Tim Houston’s legislative agenda: a laser focus on building up the province. Whether it was introducing unpaid leave for chronic illness, or modernizing the business landscape, the Houston government made it clear they are laser focused on creating and protecting jobs for Nova Scotians.

While the legislative focus was on building up the province’s economy, much of the attention in the House—and beyond—was pulled toward the mounting tensions between the province and the federal government. While these issues may not have made their way onto the official order paper, they dominated media scrums, heated debates, and headlines throughout the sitting.

Clashes with Ottawa: Fisheries, Chignecto Isthmus, and Asylum Seekers

Premier Houston found himself repeatedly standing up to what his government sees as the Trudeau Liberal Government’s growing overreach and failure to meet its obligations to the people of Nova Scotia. Fisheries, a key industry for the province, was front and center. The Premier made it clear that the lack of federal enforcement continues to wreak havoc on coastal communities and introduce uncertainty and threatens the sustainability of the industry overall.

Equally pressing was the debate over the Chignecto Isthmus. The vital trade and transportation corridor between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick has long needed federal investment to protect it from climate threats. Despite the urgency, the Trudeau Liberals have been slow to commit the necessary funds to fortify the isthmus against rising sea levels and erosion. 

And then there were the challenges surrounding asylum seekers, with the Trudeau government’s proposal to allocate nearly 6,000 asylum seekers to Nova Scotia. Houston argued that while Nova Scotia welcomes newcomers, the province does not have the resources available to support more asylum seekers. 

A Government Focused on Building and Protecting Nova Scotia

Amid the backdrop of these high-profile disputes, the fall legislative session still marked significant progress for the Houston government. Legislation to provide unpaid leave for workers dealing with chronic illness was a clear signal that the government is committed to supporting vulnerable workers. At the same time, efforts to build new industries for the province and create new job opportunities for Nova Scotians.

The core of Premier Houston’s legislative agenda remained true to his commitment to “Building Up Nova Scotia.” As the session concluded, Nova Scotians can expect more of the same in the months ahead—a government focused on building a stronger Nova Scotia, and a Premier ready to stand up for the province to the federal Liberals.