Latest
Free Transit for Nova Scotians • Get the detailsNS Liberals will cut the HST by 2% • Add your nameTim Houston is all promise, no progress. • Check his progressSupport the Nova Scotia Liberal Party • Chip in

Posts

Conservatives refuse to act on tenancies enforcement report

September 12, 2024

Just this week, the Minister of Service Nova Scotia denied that a report from Davis Pier recommended a residential tenancies enforcement unit in Nova Scotia. Now that the report has been made public, it’s clear the Minister wasn’t telling the truth.

On page 10 of the report, there’s a clear recommendation to implement a residential tenancies enforcement unit – something the Nova Scotia Liberals have been pushing for since 2022 that would support both tenants and landlords dealing with lengthy disputes. The report indicates that an enforcement unit could be set up quickly and affordably, would be more fair to tenants, and provide “teeth” to deal with contentious issues, repeated non-compliance, and serious events. Despite receiving wide-ranging support, the Houston Conservatives have refused to act.

“It’s extremely disappointing to see that this government continues to lie about their motives behind a residential tenancies enforcement unit,” said Liberal Leader Zach Churchill. “This report could not be any more clear: the status quo is not working and an enforcement unit is needed in Nova Scotia.”

The government repeatedly says they feel a residential tenancies enforcement unit would add more red tape, but thanks to a similar unit in British Columbia, their residential tenancies cases backlog has been cut in half.

“It’s clear this government had their mind made up on an enforcement unit before they even conducted the report,” said Housing critic Braedon Clark. “Despite repeated questions from our caucus, the Premier still can’t explain the discrepancy between the report and his Minister. It’s time this government is honest with Nova Scotians and follows the clear recommendation to stand up a residential tenancies enforcement unit in Nova Scotia.”

Back to Newsroom

Mike Hamm Nominated as NS Liberal Candidate for Kings South

September 11, 2024

Mike Hamm has been nominated as the Nova Scotia Liberal candidate for Kings South.

Born into a military family, Mike first moved to Kings South in 2008 to attend Acadia University in Wolfville. After university, Mike served as a senior advisor to multiple cabinet ministers in key portfolios, getting an in-depth understanding of government and some of the greatest challenges Nova Scotians are facing. In 2022, Mike returned to the Annapolis Valley to be closer to home and serve as Chief of Staff to the MP for Kings-Hants.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to earn the trust of constituents and become the next MLA for Kings South,” said Hamm. “Elections provide an opportunity for local candidates to show leadership and share their vision for a better future. I look forward to sharing and honing my long-term vision for the Annapolis Valley with voters.”

Mike is running to become the next MLA for Kings South to be a strong local representative fighting for a more affordable Nova Scotia, with better access to healthcare, renewed roads and infrastructure, stronger rental protections. He is committed to being a champion for the university, agricultural, winery, tourism, and business sectors of the Annapolis Valley.

“I’m so pleased to have Mike step forward as our candidate for Kings South,” said Liberal Leader Zach Churchill. “He will be a strong champion for the Annapolis Valley, leveraging his years of experience working in government to deliver results for his riding. I look forward to what we will be able to accomplish together.”

Back to Newsroom

Job Opportunity: Manager, Digital Communications

The Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus is looking for someone who is passionate about social media and politics to join our team as Manager, Digital Communications to develop and maintain a robust digital communications stance across the province.

About the opportunity

The Manager, Digital Communications will work within the communications team and report to the Director of Communications. They will be responsible for drafting copy and content, posting on digital platforms, and keeping up with evolving social media trends. They will also be responsible for the coordination, monitoring of, and content execution on all social media accounts, including supporting those efforts for our individual caucus members. This is a full-time opportunity based in our downtown Halifax office. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

What you’ll do

  • Develop and implement a results-driven digital communications strategy
  • Maintain a social media calendar
  • Write copy for all digital platforms
  • Regularly pitch creative ideas, including text, static graphic, short-form video, and long-form video to communicate important information to the public
  • Work with creative team to develop content for digital communications campaigns
  • Monitor social media for risks and opportunities
  • Regularly report on social and digital media analytics
  • Manage social media channels including posting and performance
  • Engage with online community to drive support, including responding to comments and messages

What you bring

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in professional social or digital media management
  • Technical knowledge of social media platforms and Google Analytics
  • Passion for social media and provincial politics
  • Strong writing and proofreading skills
  • Experience working with graphic designers to develop creative content
  • Experience working with paid content creators an asset
  • Graphic Design is an asset but not required
  • A proactive and positive attitude

What we offer

  • A salary of $55,000 – 65,000 per year, dependant on experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental
  • A unique workplace with new challenges every day and the ability to make a difference

The Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus Office practices employment equity and encourages applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons of a Minority Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. 

How to apply

If you would like to join our team, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 20 at 5:00 pm AT.

Back to Newsroom

NS Liberals Call for Seniors Care Grant to be Doubled

September 10, 2024

To help older Nova Scotians dealing with the affordability crisis, Liberal Leader Zach Churchill tabled a bill today to double the Seniors Care Grant to $1500.

The Seniors Care Grant, created to help seniors on fixed incomes stay in their homes longer, isnʼt sufficient with the rising cost of living. The Nova Scotia Liberals are calling for the program to be increased from $750 to $1500, and for its eligibility to be increased so more seniors are able to benefit.

“Seniors are being forced to make tough choices between heating their homes and paying their phone bills,ˮ said Liberal Leader Zach Churchill. “Our seniors have given so much to our province. Doubling the Seniors Care Grant is just one way to show them that we care by helping them stay comfortable and healthy within their own homes.

The Nova Scotia Liberals will also re-introduce bills this week to strengthen the provinceʼs social safety net and reverse Tim Houstonʼs harmful cuts to the Heating Assistance Rebate Program.

Back to Newsroom

Rob Grace Nominated as Liberal Candidate in Halifax Citadel-Sable Island

September 9, 2024

Rob Grace has been nominated as the Nova Scotia Liberal Party candidate for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.


Rob and his wife Sue are proud to raise their four children in Halifax Citadel-Sable Island. Having a young family has inspired Rob to want to make a difference in his community. Heʼs an active volunteer at LeMarchant-St. Thomas Elementary School, devoted to helping parents with the challenges of raising a family and ensuring children have a safe and supportive environment to grow and excel.


“Iʼm excited to put my name forward for my community because I want to make sure our kids can grow up with the same opportunities that I had growing up,ˮ said Grace. “Itʼs never been more expensive to live in Nova Scotia. I believe that Team Churchill is best positioned to bring forward an economic plan that will better serve everyone from young families, to students, to seniors.ˮ


Having a successful career in the medical device industry, collaborating with healthcare systems across North America, Rob is ready to put his experience to work for the residents of Halifax Citadel-Sable Island. As the MLA, Rob will be committed to advocating for families and students to address the most pressing issues in the community like affordability, housing, and safety.


“Iʼm so thrilled to have Rob join our team as the candidate for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island,ˮ said Liberal Leader Zach Churchill. “Young families are facing the brunt of the provinceʼs challenges with affordability and housing. Our team is prepared to deliver on the bold policies Nova Scotia needs to help young families today and future generations to come.ˮ

Back to Newsroom

Job protected leave becomes reality in Nova Scotia

September 5, 2024

The Nova Scotia Liberals tabled a bill in 2023 that would bring job-protected leave to our province, ensuring Nova Scotians facing serious illness such as cancer will no longer need to worry about having a job to return to after treatment.

The provincial government announced today that they would act on the Liberal bill, expanding job protection from just three days to a total of 27 weeks in Nova Scotia.

“Today is an exciting day for Nova Scotians as job-protected leave finally becomes a reality in our province,ˮ said Opposition Leader Zach Churchill. “The last thing someone going through chemotherapy should have to worry about is whether or not they will have a job to return to. This will bring peace of mind to many families across the province while they are going through some of their darkest days.ˮ

A Liberal resolution committing the government to study job protected leave passed with all-party support in November 2023.

“This is an example of what can be achieved when we in government put aside our political differences to do what is best for Nova Scotians,ˮ said Liberal Labour Critic Lorelei Nicoll. “This move will impact many lives and ensure that people dealing with serious illness have one less thing to worry about in their recovery.ˮ

Back to Newsroom

Nova Scotia Liberals enter fall legislative session focused on making life more affordable

To kick-off the fall session of the Legislature, the Nova Scotia Liberals will table a number of bills to put money back in the pockets of Nova Scotians who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

In support of the Liberalsʼ commitment, Leader Zach Churchill tabled legislation today to eliminate public transit fares for Nova Scotians. The bill will also include funding for community transportation networks in rural communities and the expansion of services for existing transit authorities.

Free Transit for Nova Scotians

A Nova Scotia Liberal government would invest to make Public Transit free.

Whether you need to get to school, work, or a medical appointment, you shouldn’t have to worry about if you can afford to make the trip. That’s why we’re committed to making public transit free, supporting community transportation, and investing in transit authorities so they can expand their systems and increase capacity.

Show your support

Name(Required)
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden

Churchill also re-introduced a bill to cut the HST from 15% to 13% – giving Nova Scotia the lowest sales tax in Atlantic Canada.

And, as kids head back to school across the province today, Fairview-Clayton Park MLA Patricia Arab tabled a bill on behalf of Derek Mombourquette, the opposition Critic for Education and Early Childhood Development, to cover the cost of school supplies, in a win for both parents and teachers.

“Iʼm proud of our caucus for putting forward bold, practical ideas that have the potential to save Nova Scotian families thousands of dollars each year,ˮ said Liberal Leader Zach Churchill. “This is just the beginning of our plan to deliver a better deal for Nova Scotians, and Iʼm excited to see what this legislative session has in store for our team.ˮ

Throughout the session, the Liberals will be focused on presenting policies that make life more affordable for Nova Scotians, while holding the Houston Conservatives accountable for their failed promises on healthcare and housing.

Back to Newsroom

NS Liberals announce their plan to deliver free transit to Nova Scotians

September 3, 2024

The next legislative session begins this week, and after spending the summer travelling across the province and speaking with folks in cities and towns big and small, we’re ready to take your concerns to the legislature and deliver real solutions for you and your family. That work started today.

This morning, Zach Churchill announced our plan to deliver free transit for Nova Scotians. From Halifax to Cape Breton, through the valley and across the province, we’re committing to make historic investments in public transit.

On top of eliminating fares, we’re also going to invest in community transportation to support more than 25 organizations in every county of this province AND we’re going to give transit authorities extra funds so they can expand transit systems and increase capacity.

We know that people are struggling with the rising cost of living, and this policy will put more money back in the pockets of commuters, seniors, and students. If you already buy a transit pass every month, this will save you over $1,000 a year. And, if you decide to make the switch from driving every day to taking transit, this could save you up to $5,000 a year in gas, maintenance, and parking fees.

Download Policy Backgrounder
Watch Livestream

Like our previous commitment to cut the HST, today’s commitment to eliminate fares across public transit, and more to come, we will keep presenting practical ideas to make life more affordable for you.

And together, let’s keep working to deliver a better deal for Nova Scotians.

Free Transit for Nova Scotians

A Nova Scotia Liberal government would invest to make Public Transit free.

Whether you need to get to school, work, or a medical appointment, you shouldn’t have to worry about if you can afford to make the trip. That’s why we’re committed to making public transit free, supporting community transportation, and investing in transit authorities so they can expand their systems and increase capacity.

Show your support

Name(Required)
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Back to Newsroom

Kris MacFarlane Nominated as the Liberal Candidate in Pictou Centre

August 22, 2024

Kris MacFarlane has been nominated as the Nova Scotia Liberal Party candidate for Pictou Centre.

A lifelong resident of Pictou County, Kris grew up in Westville and now lives in New Glasgow with his wife, Sara. They are proud parents of two grown sons, Evan and Brady. 

With a music career spanning over three decades, Kris has supported artists like Alan Doyle, Great Big Sea, and Jimmy Rankin. His passion for encouraging the next generation of musicians has recently led Kris to teach at a summer music program at Pictou Landing First Nations School.

Inspired by his late mother’s quiet and personal community service, Kris has organized winter coat drives for Viola’s Place and often helps those in tough situations with sudden home repairs and maintenance. “As I watch more people in Pictou County struggle to access healthcare and find an affordable place to call home, I know now is the time to put my name on the ballot to advocate for better in my community,” said MacFarlane.

Since 2018, Kris has been a member of the board at Local 571 of the American Federation of Musicians (NS & PEI). Now serving as the board’s Vice President, Kris has been part of an amazing team assisting members in creating a better working environment for musicians.

“I’m thrilled to have Kris on our team to represent the people of Pictou Centre in the next provincial election,” said Liberal Leader Zach Churchill. “One in four people in Pictou County are without a family doctor and far too many are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. I know that Kris will be a strong voice and work towards tangible improvements for his riding.”

Back to Newsroom