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.

March 3, 2026

Today, the Nova Scotia Liberals will table three important bills aimed at protecting victims of gender-based violence and ensuring greater accountability in workplaces and institutions.

House Leader Derek Mombourquette will table the Misuse of Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs) Act, informed by the work of the Nova Scotia Women’s Liberal Commission and advocates who will be present at the legislature for the bill’s tabling. The legislation, following recommendations from the Canadian Bar Association, recognizes that Nova Scotians – mostly women – have suffered from violence, harassment, discrimination, coercion, or coercive control in the workforce. 

“Women in our province have too often been silenced by the misuse of NDAs and other mechanisms of control,” said Mombourquette. “I’m proud to table this bill on behalf of the Women’s Liberal Commission in hopes that it prevents NDAs from being used to hide abuse, harassment, or coercion, and that victims have the ability to speak out safely.”

In addition, Interim Leader Iain Rankin will table two bills to strengthen supports for survivors. An amendment to the Labour Code would act on recommendations from advocates to implement a gender-based violence leave. This builds on the Code’s current provisions for domestic violence leave and acknowledges the broad range of violence that is often experienced by women. The other bill would initiate a long overdue review of victim services, giving victims and survivors a meaningful role in evaluating the supports available to them.

“We are seeing cuts in this budget to some of our most vulnerable groups at the very time supports are needed most,” said Rankin. “Gender-based violence is a crisis affecting people across Nova Scotia. It is an epidemic, and it must be treated as such. These bills are a step toward ensuring Nova Scotians have the protections and services they deserve.”

February 27, 2026

Nova Scotia Liberal MLAs are tabling the Women’s Health Strategy Act – legislation that would require the province to develop and implement a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to improve health outcomes for women. 

Women’s health in Nova Scotia continues to face serious gaps. The province has some of the highest rates of breast and cervical cancer in the country, placing many women at increased risk. At the same time, essential supports for new parents have been reduced, including the closure last fall of Halifax’s publicly funded Infant Feeding Support Drop-In Clinic, leaving families without critical guidance and care. These challenges have real consequences: a recent survey by IWK Health found that three in four women avoid seeking medical care out of fear they will be dismissed or neglected.

“Women’s health cannot be an afterthought,” said Interim Leader Iain Rankin. “This bill creates a clear, accountable plan to improve care, strengthen research, and ensure women are heard and taken seriously in our health system.”

Informed by the IWK’s WHEN (Women’s Health Equity Now) initiative, the legislation would establish measurable targets, annual public reporting, a Women’s Health Advisory Council, and a Provincial Women’s Health Lead to coordinate action across government.

“When women are telling us they don’t feel safe seeking care, we have a responsibility to act,” said Health Critic Derek Mombourquette. “Instead of cutting research, we should be investing in it. This Act ensures women’s health is backed by data, accountability, and real progress.”

February 26, 2026

Nova Scotia Liberals are introducing a series of bills today aimed at reining in Nova Scotia Power and putting ratepayers first. After months of hearing from Nova Scotians frustrated by rising bills, unreliable service, and a lack of accountability, Liberal MLAs are putting forward practical measures the government can pass immediately.

“Nova Scotians want a utility that works for them, not the other way around,” said Interim Leader Iain Rankin. “When the Premier made himself Energy minister, he gave himself the responsibility to act. Today, we’re providing him with practical steps he can take right now to lower costs, increase accountability, and restore trust. His own government has already supported some of these ideas in submissions to the regulator. It’s time to follow through.”

Rankin will introduce legislation to cap Nova Scotia Power’s return on equity at 7.6 per cent – the same limit the government called for in their submission to the Nova Scotia Energy Board. Further amendments tabled by the Liberals would require the Energy Board to order an independent review of Nova Scotia Power. The Liberals were the first to call for this review in October, citing serious concerns about the utility’s finances, reliability challenges, and the fallout from its cybersecurity attack.

House Leader Derek Mombourquette will table legislation requiring Nova Scotia Power to present a multi-year rate plan to provide predictability and stability for families and businesses. Liberals called for this framework to give ratepayers clearer expectations and avoid frequent, unpredictable rate increases. Mombourquette will also table the Electric Utility Estimated Billing Interest Act, requiring Nova Scotia Power to pay interest when customers are overcharged due to estimated billing errors.

“Families are doing everything they can to manage rising costs,” said Mombourquette. “If Nova Scotia Power makes a mistake and overcharges someone, they shouldn’t just quietly correct it – they should pay that money back with interest. Accountability has to go both ways.”