Houston government inaction leading to soaring costs for Nova Scotians

HALIFAX – Today, Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender is calling for the Houston government to take action on rising costs as Nova Scotians are being squeezed harder than ever.

Recent Statistics Canada data shows the cost of living in Halifax is now on par with Toronto. Roughly half of Halifax households spend about 31 per cent or more of their before-tax income on housing and transportation, compared to 30 per cent in Toronto.

“Ten years ago, no one would have believed Halifax could be as unaffordable as Toronto. But today, many Nova Scotians can’t afford rent, groceries, or gas even while working full-time,” said NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender. “This is the best province with the best people – we need a government that will act to keep it that way.”

Instead of protecting renters, building homes that people can afford, and investing in reliable transportation, the Houston government is focused on consolidating power and pushing changes no one asked for – including no longer having a minister dedicated solely to housing.

“Fixing the housing crisis isn’t a side project or part-time job. Whether you rent or pay a mortgage, housing is the biggest expense people face every month – yet the Houston government fails to treat this issue with the urgency it deserves,” said Chender. “We got to this point because governments ignored the warning signs. It doesn’t have to be this way. By making different choices, we can keep Halifax a city where everyone can thrive. Nova Scotians need action, not excuses.”

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