February 19, 2025
The Nova Scotia Liberals are taking action to support the province’s natural resource industries by introducing two new bills that support economic opportunities in mining and forestry.
Interim Leader Derek Mombourquette will introduce the Natural Resource Opportunities Assessment Act, requiring the Department of Natural Resources to conduct an airborne geophysical survey program to identify mineral deposits across Nova Scotia. The Mining Association of Nova Scotia has called for this initiative as a necessary step to promote mining opportunities in the province.
“Our province has incredible mineral potential, but we need the data to unlock it,” said Mombourquette. “This survey will provide the critical information needed to attract investment and grow our mining sector.”
Natural Resources critic Iain Rankin will table the Wood Chip Heating Systems in Public Buildings Act, requiring the government to consider installing wood chip heating systems in all new or significantly renovated provincially owned buildings, including schools and hospitals. This builds on a 2020 initiative to transition certain public buildings from fossil fuels to wood chip heating systems, but to date, only nine buildings have participated.
“Wood chip heating is a sustainable, locally sourced energy solution that strengthens Nova Scotia’s forestry industry while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Rankin. “This legislation is about taking real steps to support rural jobs, lower emissions, and make better use of our natural resources.”