Nova Scotia election: Liberals say province’s immigration levels are too high

Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill has called for a reduction in immigration levels in the province until adequate housing and services can be provided. On the 12th day of the Nova Scotia election campaign, Churchill criticized the Progressive Conservative government's plan to double the population to two million by 2060, calling it "unrealistic and unsustainable." He argued that the current government, led by Premier Tim Houston, has gone beyond targets set by the provincial Labour Department, which he believes was a mistake.

Churchill emphasized the need for targeted immigration focused on professionals and skilled workers, specifically in fields such as healthcare, education, and trades.

In a separate announcement, Premier Houston said that a re-elected Progressive Conservative government would introduce free parking at all hospitals and healthcare facilities across Nova Scotia. This policy would cover properties under the Nova Scotia Health Authority and Halifax’s IWK Health Centre.

According to recent figures, the Progressive Conservatives, Liberals, and New Democrats have each nominated a full slate of 55 candidates for the election, while the Green Party has 23 candidates, and three Independents are also running. The total number of candidates across the province’s 55 electoral districts now stands at 191. Before the election was called, the legislature comprised 34 Progressive Conservatives, 14 Liberals, six New Democrats, and one Independent.