Legislative Session and Budget 2026-27

As we continue through the spring sitting of the Legislature, I wanted to take a moment to share an update on where things stand, what we have been focused on in the House, and some of the key highlights from the 2026-27 provincial budget.

This session has been a busy and, at times, difficult one. There has been strong debate on a number of issues, which is an important part of the process. People have every right to voice their opinions and advocate for the issues they care about. That said, recent events at Province House have also reminded us that there is a clear line between peaceful protest and behaviour that compromises safety and respect in the workplace.

As many of you know, there has been some confusion about the Speaker’s decision to close the Legislature and Province House. It is important to be clear that this was not simply about singing in the gallery. While the initial disruption in the Legislative Gallery was peaceful, the situation escalated when a small group became disrespectful, shouted insults at MLAs, and conduct outside the House raised further safety concerns. Every member of the Legislature deserves to feel safe in their workplace, regardless of political stripe, and that standard must be upheld at all times.

Despite the disruption, the work of government continues, and one of the most significant pieces of business this session has been the tabling of Nova Scotia’s 2026-27 budget.

Budget Snapshot

Projected Revenue

$17.3 billion

Projected Expenses

$18.9 billion

Capital Plan

More than $3.5 billion in infrastructure spending

Affordability

The budget keeps recent tax relief measures in place,  approximately $681.2 million and will save the average family more than $1,400 this year.

• Includes indexed tax brackets

• Keeping the HST at 14%

• $32.5 million for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program

• $12 million for the seniors' property tax rebate.

  
  

Healthcare

Healthcare remains one of the province's biggest priorities, with funding for more paramedics and emergency responders, higher pay for family doctors, stronger primary care recruitment, cancer care, and additional mental health and addictions services.

• Major capital commitments include $873.8 million for long-term care expansion,

•  $233.5 million for One Patient One Record

• $1.2 billion toward the Halifax Infirmary expansion and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality healthcare redevelopment.

  
  

Housing and Homelessness

 There are multiple initatives happening and this budget includes:

• $46.4 million for new and existing public housing

• $25.2 million for 378 new supportive housing units

• 9.6 million for 75 more emergency shelter beds

• $77 million in rent supplements

• $18.5 million for community-owned affordable housing projects and continues the First-Time Homebuyers Pilot Program through provincial credit unions.

  
  

Education, Families, and Community Supports

• This budget provides $100.4 million for school food programs

• $56.5 million in student assistance for more than 40,000 post-secondary students

• $40 million for child-care transformation

• $110.3 million for school construction and renovation.

• $59.1 million in new funding for disability support transformation

  
  

Economy and Business

The government is also leaning into energy, natural resources, trade diversification, and strategic sectors. Measures include

• $25 million for onshore natural gas research with Dalhousie, additional funding for green hydrogen and offshore wind work, support for the Innovation Rebate Program,

• $39 million for the film industry

• $46.3 million to keep the small business tax rate at 1.5% while raising the threshold to $700,000.

  
  

Government Operations

The budget includes investments in modernization and security, including

• $41.9 million for SAP modernization

• $33.8 million for cybersecurity enhancements, and

• $4.4 million to establish AI capabilities in government.

  
  

As always, the work we do in the Legislature affects real people, families, workers, seniors, students, and communities across our province. I remain focused on making sure the voices of my constituents are heard and that decisions made in Halifax reflect the realities people are facing at home.

Thank you to everyone who continues to reach out, share concerns, and stay engaged. Your feedback matters, and I will continue working hard on your behalf.