Politics
NS Families to Benefit from New School Lunch Program
Families across Nova Scotia will soon benefit from a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making school lunches both affordable and nutritious. The Nova Scotia School Lunch Program is set to launch in October 2024, marking a significant milestone in Tim Houston’s PC Government’s plan to build up Nova Scotia.
Launching October 2024: Nova Scotia’s School Lunch Program
Starting this October, the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program will be available in all elementary schools across the province. This ambitious initiative is expected to serve over 13 million meals to more than 75,000 students during the 2024-25 school year. The program, which follows a pay-what-you-can model, ensures that every child has access to a healthy meal, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Healthy, Delicious, and Culturally Diverse Menu
The program’s menu is designed to be both nutritious and diverse, offering options that reflect the cultural richness of Nova Scotia. Meals such as Acadian chicken fricot, murgh makhani (butter chicken), and traditional Mi’kmaw dishes like corn chowder with l’uskinikn are just a few of the 40 rotating menu items. Each meal meets the standards outlined in Canada’s Food Guide and the Nova Scotia School Food and Nutrition Policy.
A Government Initiative for Better Learning Outcomes
Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, highlighted the importance of the program: “We know children learn better when they are well-fed, and that’s why we are committed to supporting Nova Scotia’s families with a lunch program that is easy, accessible, and affordable.”
NDP and Liberals Opposed the Program
Despite the broad support from families and educators, it’s important to note that both the NDP and Liberal Party voted against this vital program. Their opposition raises questions about their commitment to addressing the basic needs of Nova Scotia’s children. The program, however, was successfully passed with strong support from the current government, reflecting a clear priority on student health and well-being.
How to Get Involved
Families looking for more information on the new school lunch program can visit the official website at NSLunch.ca. The site provides details on start dates, menu options, and the online ordering system, which will be updated regularly throughout September 2024.
With an $18.8 million investment for the 2024-25 school year, the Nova Scotia government is taking a significant step forward in ensuring that no child goes hungry during the school day. This initiative not only supports student health but also contributes to better learning outcomes, making it a win-win for families across the province.
For those searching for affordable and nutritious school lunch options in Nova Scotia, the School Lunch Program is a game-changer that will make a lasting impact on students and their families.
As Premier Tim Houston and his Progressive Conservative government prepare to table the 2026 to 2027 budget, the latest Abacus Data survey confirms that the government remains firmly in the lead of Nova Scotia’s political landscape. The numbers show a party with continued deep province-wide support, a broad coalition across demographics, and a substantial lead over a fragmented opposition.
A Commanding Lead
If a provincial election were held today, the Progressive Conservatives would receive 48 percent of the vote among decided voters. While that represents a modest dip since September, the more important figure is the margin. The PCs lead their closest challenger by 23 points.
The New Democrats sit at 25 percent and the Liberals trail at 18 percent. The Greens register only 2 percent, with other parties combining for 7 percent.
No opposition party is within striking distance. The vote is split between multiple smaller parties, preventing any unified alternative from emerging. Even taken together, the opposition remains fractured and unable to consolidate support in a way that threatens the government’s dominant position.
Leading in Every Region
The strength of the Houston government is not confined to one part of the province. The PCs lead in every region, often by overwhelming margins.
In Cape Breton, the PCs stand at 62 percent support. The Liberals trail at 27 percent and the NDP sits far behind at 8 percent, giving the government a 35-point advantage.
In Mainland Nova Scotia, the PCs are at 50 percent. The NDP holds 20 percent and the Liberals 17 percent, producing a 30-point lead for the governing party.
In Halifax Regional Municipality, traditionally the most competitive region, the PCs still lead at 43 percent. The NDP sits at 33 percent and the Liberals at 16 percent, leaving the government ahead by 10 points.
Winning every region at the outset of a legislative session underscores the breadth and resilience of the PC coalition.
Strong Support Across Demographics
The Progressive Conservatives also dominate across age groups and gender.
Among Nova Scotians aged 45 and older, 54 percent would vote PC. Even among those under 45, 40 percent support the governing party. That represents a wide generational reach.
Support among men stands at 50 percent. Among women, 46 percent say they would vote PC. The government’s coalition spans genders and age groups in a way no opposition party can match.
This breadth is critical heading into a budget season that is expected to focus on spending restraint. The government’s base remains solid and geographically and demographically diverse.
More Believe the Province Is on the Right Track
A key indicator of political durability is whether voters believe their province is heading in the right direction. In this survey, more Nova Scotians say the province is on the right track than headed in the wrong direction.
Among current PC supporters, optimism is overwhelming. Eighty-three percent believe the province is moving in the right direction. Half of Baby Boomers share that view.
Strong Approval Numbers
Overall approval of the Houston government remains very positive.
Forty-four percent approve of the government’s performance compared with 29 percent who disapprove. That produces a strong positive balance for a government well into its second mandate.
Even with some month to month variation, approval remains comfortably above disapproval. Few governments approaching a significant budget moment can claim such a cushion.
A Divided and Weak Opposition
The contrast with the opposition is stark. The NDP and Liberals are locked into second and third place, well behind the governing Tories and separated from each other by only single digits. Neither has emerged as a credible alternative government.
The Greens remain marginal at 2 percent. The combined opposition vote is splintered across multiple parties, making it structurally difficult to challenge a government that sits near 50 percent support on its own.
Approval of the NDP as Official Opposition stands at just 31 percent. That figure reflects limited impact and limited traction throughout the province.
In short, while the PCs approach the next legislative session with a dominant position, the opposition remains divided, distant, and unable to consolidate support.
The Bottom Line
As the Houston government prepares to introduce its 2026 to 2027 budget, it does so from a position of unmistakable strength.
The Progressive Conservatives hold a 23-point province-wide lead. They lead in every region. They dominate across age and gender groups. More Nova Scotians believe the province is on the right track than the wrong track. Government approval remains solidly positive.
At the same time, the opposition remains fragmented and far behind, with no party close to forming a competitive alternative.
The political landscape in Nova Scotia is not simply favouring Premier Tim Houston and his Progressive Conservative government, it is reinforcing their strong mandate to govern. The numbers show a government with broad public backing, a decisive lead over its competitors, and a level of support that signals continued confidence from voters across the province.
The Houston government is following through on many of its key campaign promises with Budget 2025, aimed at making life more affordable for Nova Scotians while strengthening the economy. From tax cuts to free hospital parking, the budget delivers significant savings and improvements for residents across the province.
Lower Taxes, More Savings
Budget 2025 includes more than $500 million in tax-saving measures, including a 1% reduction in the HST starting April 1, 2025. This move puts money back into the pockets of Nova Scotians while helping businesses grow. Additionally, the basic personal amount will increase from $8,744 to $11,744, and tax brackets will be indexed starting January 1, 2025. These changes are expected to save an average family over $1,000 per year.
Free Hospital Parking & Healthcare Investments
The government is making good on their promise to make healthcare more accessible by eliminating hospital parking fees for employees, patients, and visitors at Nova Scotia Health hospitals and the IWK. Additionally, the budget commits $26.9 million to deliver free shingles vaccines to seniors aged 65 and older, fulfilling another key campaign promise. Investments in major healthcare projects, including the Halifax Infirmary Expansion and Cape Breton health redevelopment, continue to be a top priority with $750.9 million allocated.
Cutting Costs and Raising Wages for Everyday Nova Scotians
Budget 2025 removes tolls from the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge and the A. Murray MacKay Bridge in Halifax, easing the financial burden on thousands of commuters. The minimum wage will also rise to $16.50 on October 1, 2025, following an initial increase to $15.70 in April.
Boosting Jobs & the Economy
The Houston government is delivering on its commitment to create good-paying jobs, investing $49.5 million into a $100 million plan to expand the skilled trades workforce. Additionally the PCs are investing $39 million to continue supporting the Nova Scotia film industry, met with open arms by members of the industry.
Investing in Housing
The Houston government continues, the budget dedicates $88 million toward building, renovating, and maintaining public housing—the first significant new public housing investment in over 20 years. A rebate on the provincial HST for new rental housing will also help spur construction.
A Government That Delivers
Premier Tim Houston campaigned on affordability, job creation, and healthcare improvements, and Budget 2025 demonstrates his government’s commitment to those priorities. With meaningful tax cuts, lower costs for families, and investments in healthcare and infrastructure, the budget sets a strong foundation for a more prosperous Nova Scotia.
The Houston government used the Speech from the Throne to set its sights firmly on the future, outlining a vision for economic growth, a stronger healthcare system, and a government that puts everyday Nova Scotians first.
Delivered in the Tory dominated legislature with caucus spanning both sides, the speech emphasized that division and special interests cannot stand in the way of progress. Instead, the government is focused on removing barriers to opportunity and ensuring Nova Scotia is a place where families, businesses, and communities can thrive.
A key theme of the throne speech was economic growth. The government pledged to continue cutting red tape, making it easier to do business, and unlocking the province’s full potential. Housing, infrastructure, and workforce development were highlighted as priorities to support this vision.
Healthcare also took centre stage, with the government reaffirming its commitment to improving access to care, recruiting more healthcare workers, and modernizing the system to meet the needs of Nova Scotians.
The message in the throne speech was clear: Nova Scotia must move forward with confidence and ambition. By embracing a growth-oriented mindset, the Houston government is charting a path toward a more prosperous future for all Nova Scotians.
