March 26, 2026

In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the Nova Scotia Liberals will table a bill to lower the routine age for colon cancer screening from 50 to 45. The change reflects growing evidence that more Canadians under 50 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and that earlier detection saves lives.

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. In Nova Scotia alone, nearly 900 people are diagnosed each year, and more than 300 lost their lives to the disease. Countries like the United States and Australia have already lowered the recommended screening age to 45.

“Early detection can truly make the difference between life and death,” said Interim Leader Iain Rankin. “We’re seeing more and more people under 50 facing colorectal cancer, and this bill is a practical, evidence-based step to make screening more accessible. By catching cancer earlier, we can save lives and give people a better chance to be here for the moments that really matter.”

Kyra Hansen, a Nova Scotian who was diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer at the age of 45, knows firsthand the importance of early detection. A mother to a 16-year-old daughter, Kyra has been in treatment for a year, receiving chemotherapy and targeted therapy every two weeks. Despite the challenges, she has stayed active and working part-time, and has become a passionate advocate for earlier screening.

“Being diagnosed at 45 completely changed my life,” said Hansen. “If screening had been available at an earlier age for people like me, it’s possible my cancer could have been caught sooner when it was more treatable. I hope that by telling my story, we can encourage action that helps more people get screened earlier, and ultimately, save lives.”

March 25, 2026

This afternoon, Liberals forced a recorded vote on Opposition Bill 211, legislation aimed at limiting Nova Scotia Power’s return on equity to curb the utility’s profits and make electricity rates more affordable for families. The Houston government used its supermajority to vote the bill down – on the very same day the Energy Board approved another rate hike for Nova Scotians.

In its own submission to the Energy Board, the government argued that the utility’s return on equity should be capped at 7.6 per cent. Yet when given the opportunity to enshrine that limit in law and deliver real relief, government MLAs voted against it.

“Nova Scotians are being asked to pay more, while the government refuses to act on the very solution it says it supports,” said Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin. “If the government truly believes Nova Scotia Power needs to be reined in, today was their chance to prove it.”

Earlier today, the Premier issued a statement expressing disappointment with the Energy Board’s decision. However, instead of being in the Legislature to vote on measures that could help lower costs, he is in Texas attending a conference.

“It’s not enough to send out a statement after the fact,” said House Leader Derek Mombourquette. “If the Premier is disappointed, he should be here taking responsibility and supporting solutions – not missing the vote when Nova Scotians needed leadership.”

March 11, 2026

Today in the legislature, the Houston government voted down a motion today from Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin that would have restarted debate on departmental spending after the government announced it will reverse some of its budget cuts.

Since the budget was tabled, Nova Scotians have spoken out against cuts to disability supports, arts and culture funding, and other programs people rely on. The Premier has since indicated the government will amend parts of the budget. Rankin’s motion would have ensured that if spending resolutions are changed, the Committee of the Whole House on Supply would resume consideration of those departments for four hours, allowing MLAs to examine the new numbers.

“If departments are changing their budgets, the Legislature should be able to review those changes,” said Rankin. “This budget process has already been chaotic. The least the government can do is give the public the opportunity to hear about the new decisions they’re making.”

The Nova Scotia Liberals have also called on the government to table a new budget altogether, but the Conservatives have so far refused.

“Nova Scotians spoke up and forced this government to reconsider some of its cuts,” said Rankin. “If the government is now changing its budget, they should be willing to stand in the legislature and explain those changes. Transparency and accountability shouldn’t be too much to ask.”

Small businesses are the heart of communities across Nova Scotia, but many are feeling the strain of rising costs and a challenging economic climate. Today, MLA Iain Rankin tabled two bills aimed at giving small business owners the support and fairness they need to succeed.

The first bill would establish a Construction Mitigation Fund to help businesses that lose revenue due to nearby construction projects. Long roadwork or infrastructure projects can significantly impact foot traffic and sales, and organizations like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business have called for a fund to help offset those losses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our province, but too often they’re left to shoulder the burden when construction or red tape affects their bottom line,” said Rankin. “These bills are about recognizing the role small businesses play in our communities and making sure they have the support and fairness they deserve.”

Rankin also introduced the Small Business Commissioner Act, which would create an independent Small Business Commissioner to help resolve disputes between small businesses and landlords, corporations, or public bodies. The legislation would also promote fairness and efficiency in commercial relationships and ensure government policies do not create unnecessary burdens for small businesses. It would provide accessible, low-cost dispute resolution options so small business owners have somewhere to turn when challenges arrive.

“Running a small business is already hard enough without unnecessary barriers or costly disputes,” said Rankin. “By creating a Small Business Commissioner and establishing practical supports like a construction mitigation fund, we can make sure small local businesses have someone in their corner and the tools they need to keep our local economies strong.”

March 10, 2026

Liberal House Leader Derek Mombourquette will introduce legislation that would establish a comprehensive, data-driven study of grocery pricing and food affordability in Nova Scotia, as the province consistently ranks among the most food-insecure in the country.

The bill would require the government to examine the factors driving grocery prices, including market concentration in the grocery sector and supply chain pressures, while identifying ways the government can strengthen competition and improve food security. The study would also help inform policies aimed at reducing grocery costs and improving access to healthy, affordable food for Nova Scotians.

“At a time when the government’s budget is making wallets even tighter for many Nova Scotians, we should be doing everything possible to understand what’s driving grocery prices and how we can bring costs down,” said Mombourquette. “We need a clear, data-driven understanding of why prices are rising and what the province can do to make food more affordable. This bill is about finding practical solutions so people can put healthy food on the table without stretching their budgets to the breaking point.”

Other provinces have taken similar steps to better understand and address food affordability. Manitoba, for example, has launched initiatives aimed at studying grocery pricing and improving access to affordable food. The Liberals say Nova Scotia should take the same proactive approach.

“Nova Scotians are doing everything they can to keep up with the rising cost of living, and groceries are one of the biggest pressures families are facing right now,” said Interim Leader Iain Rankin. “This legislation would give us the information we need to take meaningful action and strengthen food security across the province.”

March 6, 2026

Sydney-Membertou MLA Derek Mombourquette will reintroduce legislation today to create a provincial strategy to restore the rail connection between Point Tupper and Sydney and position Cape Breton for future economic growth.

The federal government’s decision to name Sydney as the preferred maintenance port for Canada’s new polar icebreakers has highlighted the region’s strategic importance and the need for infrastructure that can support expanded trade and industry.

“Cape Breton has the potential to be a major export hub, but we need the infrastructure to match that opportunity,” said Mombourquette. “Restoring the rail line would strengthen our ports, lower transportation costs for businesses, and help ensure our region is ready to take advantage of major opportunities like the polar icebreaker maintenance project.”

The Cape Breton rail corridor has been dormant for years, but its importance has not disappeared. Rail remains one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move goods. Restoring the connection would lower transportation costs for businesses, create good paying jobs during construction and long after, and help make Cape Breton more competitive in global markets.

March 5, 2026

Recognizing that infrastructure is the foundation of a strong economy, House Leader Derek Mombourquette will introduce the Nova Scotia Trade Infrastructure Act to ensure our province has the tools it needs to compete and grow.

The proposed legislation would require the government to undertake a comprehensive study of provincial infrastructure that supports imports and exports, identify the constraints, risks, and opportunities affecting the efficient movement of goods, and establish a clear framework to plan, prioritize, and improve Nova Scotia’s trade infrastructure.

“We hear the government talking a lot about growing our economy and attracting investment. But the truth is, none of those projects are possible without the basic infrastructure to move goods efficiently and reliably,” said Mombourquette. “Nova Scotia can be Canada’s export hub, but we need a clear, coordinated plan to do so. This bill sets the table to leverage federal funding, partner with industry, and make smart, strategic investments that strengthen our supply chains and create jobs here at home.”

With federal partners showing renewed willingness to invest in trade-enabling infrastructure, the timing is right for Nova Scotia to position itself as a gateway to global markets. From ports to rail to highways, modern and efficient infrastructure is key to attracting new industries and helping local businesses expand.

March 4, 2026

Today, Interim Leader Iain Rankin will table a bill in the Nova Scotia Legislature to establish a Rapid Transit Infrastructure Fund. The legislation would require the province to work hand-in-hand with municipalities to plan, develop, and implement rapid transit systems, offering a long-term solution to the growing traffic challenges in Halifax and across the province. 

Commuters in the Halifax Regional Municipality have faced longer travel times, crowded streets, and rising transportation costs over the past number of years. The proposed fund aims to address these issues by investing in rapid transit that moves people efficiently while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and easing the burden on our roads. Beyond simply improving traffic flow, rapid transit connects residents to jobs, schools, and services, boosts economic productivity, and encourages smarter land-use planning in municipalities.

“Nova Scotians deserve a transportation system that actually works for them,” said Rankin. “Instead of making cuts that make traffic worse, like eliminating student bus passes, the province should be investing in transit that gives people real options to get around. A rapid transit network is an investment in our economy, our communities, and our environment.”

Rankin’s bill reflects a vision for a modern, sustainable transportation network that meets the needs of today while preparing for the growth of tomorrow. By providing municipalities with dedicated support for rapid transit, the province can help reduce congestion, lower transportation costs, and improve quality of life for residents across Nova Scotia.