Chender calls for urgent government action to meet affordability challenges

HALIFAX – On Monday morning, Claudia Chender, leader of the Official Opposition, called on the Houston government to help Nova Scotians with soaring costs. Chender was joined by Shyla Hacala, a mom of two with a good-paying federal government job, who spoke about how the rising price of power bills, groceries and gas are putting strain on her family’s budget and forcing her to consider relocating.

“We hear from people like Shyla every day,” said Chender. “The cost of housing, power bills, groceries and gas are all piling up while families try to stretch their dollars further. Instead of sitting in the Legislature and putting solutions in place for people today, the Houston government is gaslighting the public and focusing on long-term hypothetical energy projects that will take decades. People need help right now and this government isn’t getting it.”

This morning at Province House, Shyla expressed her frustration and shared that her power bill has risen to $600 a month and she frequently has to make partial payments to keep up.

“The Premier made himself the energy minister – again – but he’s not showing up to work, and he’s not helping people address soaring power bills,” said Chender. “Instead, he’s been kicking people off the Heating Assistance Rebate Program and ignoring a report on affordable energy with real solutions. It’s taken him five years to finally start talking about performance-based regulation.

“We have an expert report telling us how to make our energy system more affordable today that has been sitting on his desk for two years. What is he waiting for? Nova Scotians need help now to stay ahead of their costs. If this government doesn’t start listening and taking action, more people like Shyla will be priced out of the province and start building their lives elsewhere.”

The NSNDP is urging the Houston government to help families with the cost of power bills and groceries. Chender is pushing for on-bill discounts, arrears management for people who fall into debt with Nova Scotia Power, a crisis intervention fund, and efficiency supports so people like Shyla can save more of their hard-earned money when heating their homes. Chender’s New Democrats have also proposed removing tax on groceries and banning restrictive grocery covenants.

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