FACT CHECK: Are Nova Scotians better off after three years of Tim Houston?

HALIFAX –Saturday marks three years since the 2021 election, in which the Progressive Conservatives, led by Tim Houston, formed government.

Since then, many Nova Scotians say they are worse off. Despite Tim Houston campaigning on a promise to fix health care in 2021, Nova Scotians are struggling to get their health care needs met.

“It’s getting worse, definitely,” said Carol, a Halifax resident who responded to a recent NSNDP survey on Tim Houston’s time in office. “Wait times are worse than ever, be it for tests, or ER wait times. I have seen people collapse in the waiting rooms waiting to be seen because they’re waiting so long.”

Many survey respondents highlighted a lack of attachment to a primary care provider as a major issue.

When the Houston government was elected in August 2021, there were 71,666 Nova Scotians on the Need a Family Practice Registry. As of June 2024, the most recent numbers available there were 160,234 – more than double what they were three years ago.

Affordability is also a huge concern among Nova Scotians. The province has some of the highest poverty and food insecurity rates in the country, and many are finding it difficult to find or keep an affordable home.

“I can't afford anywhere to live, with bills, car payments, etc., I'm not left with enough to cover rent,” said Caleb, a resident of Fox Harbour.

“My son said that he feels guilty buying groceries because it costs a lot of money – as if food is a luxury,” said Dartmouth resident Carolyn.

In August 2021, there were around 300 unhoused people living in Halifax. Now, there are more than 1,200 – meaning homelessness has quadrupled under the Houston government.

“The government is acting too slowly to create affordable housing,” said Alex of Dartmouth. “Favouring his developer friends is not helping the homeless and insecure.”

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