September 2, 2025
Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette is calling on the Houston government to reverse its decision to eliminate the long-standing 80/20 rule for highway contracts – a policy that ensured the majority of work went to local trucking companies.
In a letter sent earlier this month to the Trucking Association of Nova Scotia, Public Works Minister Fred Tilley confirmed the province will scrap the 80/20 rule starting in 2026. For decades, the rule guaranteed that at least 80 per cent of trucking services for provincial highway projects were awarded to Nova Scotia companies.
“This change slipped out quietly this summer, with no consultation and no explanation for the small businesses it directly impacts,” said Mombourquette. “These trucking companies are the backbone of our communities. They’ve helped build our roads, our hospitals, and our schools. They deserve to understand why the government is making this decision.”
The 80/20 rule has helped keep jobs and investment in Nova Scotia communities for decades. Removing it means large corporations will have an easier time underbidding small businesses – putting local operators and workers at risk.
“This is when we should be doing everything we can to support local businesses – not turning our backs on them,” Mombourquette said. “Nova Scotians deserve a clear explanation from the government on why this decision was made and what impact it will have.”