June 4, 2025

Nova Scotia Liberal MLAs will press Nova Scotia Power executives for answers today at an emergency Public Accounts Committee meeting called in response to the province’s largest-ever data breach.

Last week, Interim Leader Derek Mombourquette requested the committee convene urgently to address growing concerns from Nova Scotians following revelations that the personal information of more than 280,000 customers was compromised in a cyberattack. The request was granted, and today’s meeting will give Nova Scotians a chance to get the answers they deserve – and to demand accountability.

“We pushed for this meeting because Nova Scotians are concerned, and they have every reason to be. We now know that Social Insurance Numbers for 140,000 Nova Scotians have been posted online. The CEO of Nova Scotia Power himself has admitted he doesn’t know why these were even collected or kept on file,” said Mombourquette. “That’s unacceptable. Nova Scotians want to know how this happened and whether their most sensitive personal information was ever truly protected.”

The breach has left many Nova Scotians struggling to access information, sign up for credit monitoring, and understand what personal data may have been exposed. Meanwhile, the company has also suspended automatic billing, leaving thousands unsure of what to expect financially in the weeks ahead.

“Customers are worried they’ll be hit with a large lump-sum bill when Nova Scotia Power turns payment processing back on,” said Liberal House Leader Iain Rankin. “We need a clear plan to protect people from being financially blindsided and a commitment that the cost of this breach won’t be passed on to ratepayers.”

June 2, 2025

Nova Scotia Liberal MLA Iain Rankin is calling on the Houston government to immediately expand public funding for RSV immunization to include pregnant people and all infants – following Ontario’s lead.

Ontario covers the maternal RSV vaccine and infant immunization for all babies under 12 months. In Nova Scotia, access remains limited to high-risk infants and older adults in long-term care. Publicly funding the vaccine would also support the province’s commitment to reduce interprovincial barriers and align healthcare access across Canada.

“Nova Scotia families shouldn’t be left behind when it comes to protecting newborns and expectant parents,” said Rankin. “Ontario is already doing this – and we should too, especially before RSV season ramps up in the fall.”

Rankin says expanding access would not only protect families but also help relieve pressure on the healthcare system. In recent years, the IWK has been overwhelmed with RSV cases, many involving otherwise healthy infants.

“Most of these hospitalizations are preventable,” said Rankin. “By taking action now, we can ease the burden on our hospitals, support parents, and deliver the kind of proactive care Nova Scotians deserve.”

The Nova Scotia Liberal Party is pleased to announce the official rules and timeline for the 2026 leadership race – the next major step in the party’s exciting renewal.

On November 28, 2026, Nova Scotia Liberals will choose a new leader to champion Liberal values, rebuild the party from the grassroots up, and bring renewed strength and energy to the fight for a better future.

To lead this important process, the party board has appointed two experienced and respected former MLAs as co-chairs of the 2026 Leadership race: Hon. Patricia Arab, former Cabinet Minister and MLA for Fairview-Clayton Park, and Dave Wilton, former MLA for Cape Breton Centre.

“There is a real sense of momentum and renewal within the Liberal Party right now,” said Patricia Arab, Leadership Co-Chair. “I’m honoured to help guide a leadership race that reflects the excitement and optimism we’re feeling across the province. This is an opportunity for bold ideas and strong leadership to emerge – and I know Nova Scotia Liberals are ready.”

The Party is hopeful to see strong, passionate Liberals from all corners of the province engage in the upcoming race.

“Our party is rebuilding from the grassroots, and this leadership race is a critical step forward,” said Dave Wilton, Leadership Committee Co-Chair. “We’re focused on ensuring a fair, transparent, and engaging process that gives all Liberals a voice in choosing our next leader.”

The rules and full leadership details are now available at liberal.ns.ca/leadership.

Quick Facts:

• The next leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party will be chosen on November 28, 2026, at a leadership convention.
• Voting will take place electronically between November 21 and 28, 2026, using a preferential ballot system.
• Candidates must be at least 18 years old, a member of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, and submit a Leadership Candidate Nomination Package by July 28, 2026.
• Candidates must pay a non-refundable nomination fee of $25,000, submitted in three installments, and a $5,000 non-refundable compliance deposit.

May 28, 2025

Since its launch in 2018, the SolarHomes program has helped thousands of Nova Scotians lower their power bills and invest in clean energy. But this year, the program stopped accepting applications after funds ran out, leaving hundreds of families who qualified for rebates without the support they expected.

“If the government truly cares about solar energy, it must make sure families aren’t left behind,” said Energy critic Iain Rankin. “The least the minister can do is provide additional funding to Efficiency Nova Scotia so homeowners who have qualified can receive the rebates they were promised.”

This funding gap comes at a critical time. A new national report, the Canadian Energy Efficiency Scorecard, shows that Nova Scotia’s leadership position in energy efficiency is slipping. The province has dropped from second place in 2022 to fifth last year, with neighbours Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick moving ahead.

“It’s no surprise Nova Scotia has been declining in these rankings when key programs like SolarHomes are running out of funding,” said Rankin. “If we want to regain our standing and help families reduce their energy costs, the government needs to restore funding – not quietly pull back.”

May 21, 2025

The Nova Scotia Liberal caucus is on the South Shore this week to meet with local businesses, industry stakeholders, and community members to listen and learn about the issues that matter most in the region.

As part of their summer outreach, the Liberals are travelling across the province to connect directly with Nova Scotians. On the South Shore, discussions are focused on rural economic development and the infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth in the region.

“Nova Scotians know what’s best for their communities,” said Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette. “Whether it’s supporting our core industries or investing in better roads and cell coverage, we’re here to listen and bring those voices back to the Legislature.”

Throughout the summer, the Liberal caucus will continue engaging with residents in every corner of the province, ensuring the priorities of Nova Scotians are reflected in the work ahead.

May 13, 2025

MLA Iain Rankin will table a motion at today’s Health Committee calling for the creation of a provincial roundtable to address the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence in Nova Scotia. 

The motion follows conversations with advocates, survivors, and support organizations across the province, many of whom will appear before the committee today. If adopted, the motion would see the Health Committee write to the Premier’s Office to request the formation of a provincial roundtable that brings together a wide range of perspectives, including survivors, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, key government departments, and elected officials.

“We’re hearing directly from those on the front lines who have said that more coordination and leadership is needed,” said Rankin. “This motion is about honouring those voices and responding to the crisis with compassion and action.”

Since October 2024, there have been eight femicides in Nova Scotia, alongside countless acts of violence against women. The motion recognizes that gender-based violence has been formally recognized as an epidemic and highlights Recommendation 14 of the Mass Casualty Commission, which calls for a society-wide mobilization to confront the issue.

“Every life lost is a call to do better. This roundtable would give us the structure to listen, to learn, and to act in a meaningful way,” said Rankin. “I hope all parties will support this step toward a more coordinated and compassionate response to gender-based violence in our province.”

May 9, 2025

The Nova Scotia Liberals are voicing strong concern after community organizations across the province were informed this week that the Houston government will be cutting the Work Activity Program at the end of the year.

For more than 20 years, the program has helped Nova Scotians on income assistance develop the skills they need to return to school or join the workforce.

“Cutting this program will hurt people who are trying to get back on their feet,” said Interim Leader Derek Mombourquette. “We’re talking about real people, many of whom are ready and eager to work but need a helping hand to get there. Instead, this government is pulling the rug out from under them.”

The Horizon Achievement Centre in Sydney is one of several organizations that will be impacted. These organizations may be forced to lay off staff and scale back services that many vulnerable Nova Scotians rely on.

“At a time when we’re facing serious labour shortages, cutting a program that prepares people for work is short-sighted and unfair,” said Mombourquette. “For years, this program has helped people build confidence, find direction, and get back into the workforce. Cutting it quietly without consultation is deeply disappointing.”

The Liberal Caucus is calling on the Houston government to reverse this decision and work with service providers to find a better path forward.

May 1, 2025

Liberal Justice Critic Iain Rankin is calling on the provincial government to provide an update on the province-wide policing review recommended by the Mass Casualty Commission, which was expected to be completed by April 2025. 

During the spring legislative session, Rankin asked the government for an update but received no commitment or clear timeline. The Mass Casualty Commission’s final report stressed the importance of a coordinated and accountable public safety framework, beginning with a full review of policing services. This work is essential to help prevent future tragedies and ensure policing meets the needs of Nova Scotians.

“We owe it to the families who lost loved ones, and to all Nova Scotians, to make sure the lessons of that tragedy are not forgotten,” said Rankin. “The Commission was clear – we need systemic change in how policing is structured, governed, and delivered in this province. Delays only weaken public confidence and stall progress.”

Findings from HRM’s 2023 policing review highlight the urgency of this work. The report found the current dual model between HRP and the RCMP is not integrated, lacks coordination, and falls short of public expectations. It called for major changes to ensure consistent, responsive service. These issues are not unique to HRM – they point to broader structural problems that need to be addressed province-wide.

“Nova Scotians deserve a modern, integrated policing model that delivers consistent and coordinated service no matter where they live,” said Rankin. “Releasing the provincial review is a critical step to move this work forward and begin delivering the change people expect.”