As the election campaign continues in Nova Scotia, parties have outlined their strategies to enhance healthcare and affordability for residents. This includes proposals such as tax cuts and rent caps.
The Progressive Conservatives in the province are seeking a second term in office after taking over from the Liberals in 2021. Tim Houston, who has led the party since 2018, is aiming for re-election as premier.
Houston’s party platform is centered around reducing the HST, lowering income taxes, and introducing a first-time homebuyers program to assist young residents in purchasing their first homes.
If re-elected, the PCs plan to raise the basic personal exemption for income taxes from $8,744 to $11,744, meaning no taxes would be levied on the first $11,744 of earnings. Additionally, they aim to increase the provincial minimum wage to $16.50.
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The PCs are also aiming to assist homebuyers in the province struggling with down payments. Houston has proposed a first-time homebuyers program that would reduce the down payment for homes up to $500,000 to 2 percent from the current 5 percent.
NS Liberal Party Platform
The Liberal Party of Nova Scotia, previously in power from 2013 to 2021, is now led by Zach Churchill, who assumed leadership in 2022.
The Liberals have unveiled a comprehensive platform that includes reductions in the HST and income tax, as well as a commitment to constructing health-care clinics throughout the province.
Churchill has also pledged to remove the HST from all food items at grocery stores, costing an estimated $11 million. Additionally, he aims to increase the personal basic income tax exemption to $15,705.
The Liberals have set a target of building 80,000 homes by 2032 or 11,000 new homes annually. They also plan to address the encampment issue by installing 500 mini-home shelters at a cost of $10 million. Furthermore, they commit to implementing rent control based on inflation, market conditions, and vacancy rate until vacancy reaches 3 percent.
On the healthcare front, Churchill has stated that his party will construct and expand 40 health-care clinics across the province. The Liberals also intend to attract more doctors by doubling the yearly incentive to $10,000 for physicians expanding their patient rosters. Health professionals committing to five years at a health clinic would receive bonuses and incentives worth up to $15,000. These healthcare initiatives are projected to cost $15.1 million annually.
A Liberal government would also eliminate the carbon tax and revert to a cap and trade system, as outlined in the party’s platform.
NS NDP Promises
The Nova Scotia NDP, under the leadership of Claudia Chender, has pledged to eliminate the HST on essential expenses and construct more health-care centers.
The Nova Scotia election is scheduled for November 26.
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