September 2, 2026
As the fall session of the legislature begins on September 8, the Nova Scotia Liberal caucus will make affordability a central focus of the sitting, bringing forward legislation aimed at helping Nova Scotians manage rising costs while holding the Houston government accountable for its budget cuts.
Nova Scotians are facing mounting costs for housing, rent, groceries and utilities, while the ongoing tariff war with the United States threatens to put additional pressure on consumers, workers, and businesses.
“Everywhere we go, Nova Scotians are telling us the same thing: life is getting more expensive, and they need the government to do more,” said Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin. “Families are paying more for their homes, their groceries and utility bills, and they are facing even more uncertainty because of the tariff war. The Houston government needs to be focused on what it can do here in Nova Scotia to make life more affordable.”
In the first week of the legislature, the Liberals will table a suite of bills aimed at strengthening competition in the grocery sector, protecting consumers from predatory pricing practices, and supporting the expansion of independent grocery stores, particularly in communities where consumers have limited choices. Rankin will also propose that the government remove the provincial portion of the HST on all food items at the grocery store, including staples like prepared meals, granola bars, and fruit juice. Liberal MLAs will also continue to raise concerns about cuts in the Houston government’s budget and their impact on Nova Scotians and the organizations and services they rely on.
“The tariff war is not something we can control from Halifax, but we can control how we respond to it,” said Rankin. “At a time when families are already being squeezed from every direction, we should be using every tool available to put downward pressure on costs, increase competition, and give people more choices. These are practical, low-cost measures that can make a real difference, and we hope the Houston government will work with us to get them done.”