Cape Bretoners struggling under the weight of increased costs

Sydney– In the last two years, the cost of living has skyrocketed making it harder for Cape Breton families to make ends meet.

In the last two years, life has become more unaffordable.

• According to the most recent poverty report card - Cape Breton's child poverty rate is 27.6 percent, well above the provincial average of 20.5 percent.
• The cost of groceries increased over 6 percent last year, and 13 percent the year before.
• Nine of the top 10 communities with high rates of energy poverty are in Cape Breton - with 43 percent of all households province-wide struggling to afford their power bills.
• Power rates have increased 14 percent in two years, and families are struggling to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, the Houston government’s revenue has increased. According to the December budget update:

• the Houston government collected over $160 million more in HST than in all of Fiscal 2022-2023.
• Revenue from all sources was nearly $500 million more than projected in the budget.
• The province collected $229 million more in income tax revenue and almost $64 million more in HST revenue than expected.

The NSNDP is committed to helping Nova Scotians by:

• Reining in Nova Scotia Power and helping you heat your home,
• Getting rid of unnecessary vehicle inspections and license fees, and
• Providing free meals to kids at school.

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