Politics
Zach Churchill’s Free Bus Pass Proposal: A Last-Ditch Effort to Secure Halifax Votes Ahead of Next Election
In a bid to regain political traction, Liberal Leader Zach Churchill unveiled a new campaign promise this week: offering free bus passes to all Nova Scotians. The announcement, made in front of a Dartmouth bus stop, came with a hefty price tag of $65.6 million, to be shouldered by taxpayers. This addition to the Liberal platform arrives as the party prepares for what could be a make-or-break election in July 2025.
The proposal to make public transit free is one of several high-profile commitments rolled out by the Liberals in recent months. However, this specific pledge has raised eyebrows, with political analysts questioning its feasibility and whether it will resonate with voters. The lukewarm public reaction hints that it might be more of a symbolic move than a game-changer.
A Desperate Push
For many, this latest announcement looks like a last-ditch effort to safeguard critical seats in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) ahead of the provincial election. The Liberals have been grappling with a series of setbacks. Two by-election defeats—one in the traditional Liberal stronghold of Preston—dealt a significant blow. The situation worsened last spring when long-time Liberal MLA Brendan Maguire crossed the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives (PCs).
The cracks in the party’s foundation have only widened, with recent polling from Narrative Research painting a grim picture. The numbers suggest that Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservatives are widening their lead, enjoying strong support across Nova Scotia, including in urban Liberal-held areas. Satisfaction with the Houston government continues to grow, even in the HRM, an area where the Liberals have historically relied on a solid voter base.
Facing Headwinds
With the Liberals struggling to maintain a foothold, particularly in key constituencies in HRM, Churchill’s strategy appears increasingly defensive. The free bus pass proposal is being viewed as a direct appeal to urban voters, many of whom depend on public transit for daily commutes. But will it be enough to sway an electorate that seems increasingly content with Houston’s leadership?
As the July 2025 election looms, the pressure mounts on Churchill and his team to carve out a distinctive narrative that can challenge the PCs’ dominance. For now, the free bus pass announcement feels less like a bold vision for the province’s future and more like an attempt to stanch the political bleeding.
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.
The Nova Scotia government has announced its largest-ever capital plan, committing $2.35 billion to major infrastructure projects across the province. The 2025-26 Capital Plan includes historic investments in healthcare, housing, education, and transportation, aiming to boost economic growth, create jobs, and modernize essential services.
Finance and Treasury Board Minister John Lohr says this investment will help position Nova Scotia for long-term success.
“Moving our province forward requires a new mindset,” said Lohr. “This capital plan is the largest in our history and positions us for future growth. These investments will support Nova Scotians and unlock opportunities to grow the economy.”
Historic Healthcare Investments in Nova Scotia
A significant portion of the Nova Scotia capital plan focuses on healthcare infrastructure, with more than $750 million allocated for major hospital projects. This includes the Halifax Infirmary expansion and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality healthcare redevelopment.
Additional healthcare funding in Nova Scotia includes:
• $131.9 million for hospital upgrades in Amherst, Yarmouth, the South Shore, and IWK Health Centre.
• $90.9 million for the One Person One Record digital health system, aimed at modernizing patient care.
• $32 million to purchase new medical equipment, ensuring access to the latest healthcare technology.
• $19.2 million to expand dialysis treatment with modular units.
With these investments, the government aims to reduce wait times, improve patient care, and modernize hospitals across Nova Scotia.
First Major Public Housing Investment in 20 Years
For the first time in over two decades, the province is making a significant investment in public housing. The plan allocates $47.4 million for new public housing units, plus $31.6 million to modernize and repair existing units.
Officials say this funding will help address housing shortages in Nova Scotia and improve living conditions for families in need.
Major Road and School Upgrades in Nova Scotia
The 2025-26 Capital Plan includes $210 million for school construction and renovations, ensuring students across Nova Scotia have access to modern, safe learning environments. Three new schools are expected to open in 2025-26, with additional projects planned for Bedford and Dartmouth.
Infrastructure remains a top priority, with more than $500 million dedicated to roadwork, bridge repairs, and storm damage restoration:
• $55 million for rural gravel road improvements.
• $60 million for bridge repairs and replacements.
• $22.5 million for storm damage repairs, ensuring communities recover from severe weather events.
Investing in Nova Scotia’s Future
Government officials emphasize that the record-breaking capital plan is about more than infrastructure—it’s about building a stronger economy. These investments will support job creation, improve public services, and attract new business opportunities across the province.
“Nova Scotians expect action, and this plan delivers,” Lohr said. “We’re making the right investments today to build a stronger, more prosperous province for the future.”
The Nova Scotia capital plan for 2025-26 is part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure, improve healthcare, and position the province for long-term economic success.
