July 17, 2024
In the 2021 campaign, the Houston government touted the Nova Scotia Loyal program as a key economic plank of their platform, but nearly three years later, the program has amounted to nothing more than an overpriced advertising campaign.
A freedom of information request obtained by the Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus revealed the Houston government has spent $543,000 in advertising on the Nova Scotia Loyal program since 2021.
“The Houston government sold this as a program that would benefit Nova Scotians, but so far it has only cost them money,” said Opposition Leader Zach Churchill. “In today’s affordability crisis, Nova Scotians need more than an advertising campaign, they need real action. Half a million dollars could be better spent helping our local producers or Nova Scotians struggling to make ends meet.”
The Nourishing Communities Food Coupon program is an existing initiative that helps low- income Nova Scotians access locally grown food. Increasing funding for this program would allow more Nova Scotians to access fresh, local food at a time when food insecurity continues to climb.
“Nova Scotia Loyal has become nothing more than an expensive advertising campaign for the PC government,” said Economic Development critic Fred Tilley. “Food insecurity is one of our province’s most pressing challenges. We don’t need to re-invent the wheel to address it. Instead of funneling more taxpayer dollars into advertising, the government should bolster existing programs designed to help Nova Scotians put food on the table.”