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Nova Scotia’s 2026 Budget Focuses on Growth, Affordability, and Long-Term Resilience
As global uncertainty continues to shape local realities, the Nova Scotia PC government says Budget 2026–27 is designed to defend and strengthen the province for the years ahead.
Over the past several years, Nova Scotians have experienced firsthand how quickly international events, from supply chain disruptions to inflation, can affect daily life at home. In response, government leaders point to significant investments aimed at addressing what they describe as a decade of underspending in healthcare, housing, affordability measures, and aging infrastructure.
Budget 2026–27 builds on that approach, with a focus on economic growth, community resilience, healthcare transformation, and long-term financial sustainability.
Today we tabled our 2026-27 budget, “Defending Nova Scotia: A Plan for the Long Term”. In the face of global uncertainty due to Donald Trump’s trade war, this is a plan that controls spending while continuing to invest in healthcare, housing, and growing Nova Scotia’s economy.… pic.twitter.com/eQ15d8UfQw
— Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) February 23, 2026
Growing the Economy in Key Sectors
Nova Scotia is well positioned to meet growing global demand in several strategic industries. The budget outlines targeted investments to create conditions that attract private capital and stimulate job creation.
Six priority sectors are identified as central to long-term economic growth:
- Defence and aerospace
- Clean and conventional energy
- Forestry and mining
- Fisheries and agri-food
- Housing and construction
- Artificial intelligence and the digital economy
Expanding these industries will not only diversify trading partnerships but also strengthen Nova Scotia’s role in global supply chains.
Affordability and Community Safety
Budget 2026–27 also introduces measures aimed at improving affordability and strengthening communities.
Among the headline commitments is tax relief expected to save the average Nova Scotian family more than $1,400 annually. The government has also committed to making the School Lunch Program universally available to students across the province.
Housing access remains a key focus, with continued investments to increase supply and address demand pressures.
In addition, the province is enhancing coordination around community safety and emergency management, with updated approaches to disaster preparedness and response.
Continuing the Healthcare Transformation
Healthcare remains one of the largest areas of investment.
Through its four-year Action for Health plan, 2022 to 2026, the government has made what it describes as generational investments in system reform. Budget 2026–27 continues that work with funding to:
- Expand access to primary care
- Strengthen inclusive mental health and addiction recovery services
- Improve supports and infrastructure for seniors.
$3.5 Billion Capital Plan and Fiscal Discipline
The province’s Capital Plan for 2026–27 includes more than $3.5 billion in infrastructure investments. Funding will support healthcare facilities, long-term care homes, housing developments, and other critical projects across Nova Scotia.
At the same time, the government has signaled an emphasis on fiscal discipline.
While growth in the public service was necessary to support healthcare reform and housing expansion, that pace of expansion is not sustainable long term. Over the next four years, the province plans to moderate public service growth, invest in technology to improve efficiency, and concentrate resources on strategic priorities.
The stated goal is to protect essential services while maintaining the flexibility to respond to future economic shocks.
A Strategy Focused on Stability and Results
Budget 2026–27 is a plan grounded in action, responsibility, and long-term thinking. By combining targeted economic development, affordability measures, healthcare reform, infrastructure investment, and fiscal restraint, the province aims to position Nova Scotia for sustained growth and resilience.
As global conditions remain uncertain, the government’s message is clear. Strengthening Nova Scotia at home is the best way to meet the challenges that face the province abroad.
