Open-Letter | Urgent Appeal to Address Poverty and Inequality in Nova Scotia's Legislative Agenda

February 14th , 2025 

The Honourable Tim Houston – Premier
Office of the Premier
7th Floor, One Government Place
1700 Granville Street 
Halifax, NS B3J 1X5

Sent Via Email: premier@novascotia.ca

RE: Open- Letter Urgent Appeal to Address Poverty and Inequality in Nova Scotia's Legislative Agenda

Dear Premier Houston,

On behalf of the Nova Scotia Action Coalition for Community Well-Being (NSACCW), I write to you with an urgent appeal as the Legislature begins its new session. Our coalition is unwavering in its mission to build a Nova Scotia where no one lives in poverty. Yet, the stark realities of today demand urgent and transformational action to address the deepening inequalities across our communities.

The recent report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), revealing a 16% increase in child and family poverty, stands as a devastating testament to the failure of economic systems to serve our most vulnerable. While your government heralds economic growth and rising incomes in public updates, these figures do not reflect the burdens carried by thousands of Nova Scotians. The benefits of progress are bypassing far too many, leaving families struggling to keep up.

Additionally, the looming threat of U.S. tariffs on key exports further exposes Nova Scotia’s economic vulnerabilities. Coastal and rural communities, already grappling with declining exports, systemic inequality, and climate-related disruptions, are especially at risk. A you know well, for these communities, trade disputes are not mere economic issues—they are existential crises that threaten livelihoods and push families deeper into poverty.

Meanwhile, the housing crisis continues to exacerbate these challenges. Nearly 50% of workers in Nova Scotia earn below the living wage of $26.30 per hour, forcing families into impossible choices between paying rent and buying necessities. Over 65% of Nova Scotians reported housing-related struggles in the past year, a stark reminder that skyrocketing rents and housing investments primarily benefit developers and landlords while leaving low- and middle-income families teetering on the edge.

Premier Houston, this legislative session offers a critical opportunity to reverse these trends, address systemic inequalities, and prioritize the prosperity of all Nova Scotians—not just a privileged few. The NSACCW urges your government to take bold steps in the following areas to create a resilient, inclusive province.

Raise Wages and Strengthen Worker Protections
A healthy and sustainable economy depends on workers who are fairly compensated. Implement policies to raise wages to a living standard, providing Nova Scotians with financial security and the ability to cover their basic needs. Strengthening labour protections and enabling unions to advocate for fair pay and conditions will fortify economic stability for working families.

Enact Real Solutions for the Housing Crisis
Secure, affordable housing is a basic human right. Establish real rent control policies to curb exploitative increases and heavily invest in public housing projects that focus on energy efficiency and affordability. Housing should serve the people, not be a tool for speculative profit at the expense of working families.

Stabilize Costs of Essential Goods
Food, energy, and transportation are vital to daily life and must be priced accordingly. Introduce measures to stabilize these costs through regulation, shielding Nova Scotians—especially those in poverty—from market volatility. These interventions would provide critical stability where it is needed most.

Diversify the Economy to Ensure Resilience
Nova Scotia’s dependence on resource extraction and U.S. trade exposes the province to significant external risks. Accelerate diversification by investing in sustainable industries such as renewable energy, agritech, ocean innovation, and eco-tourism. 

Strengthen the Province’s Social Safety Net
Building a robust economy requires reinforcing the social safety net. Expand universal programs like childcare, pharmacare, and eldercare while addressing income assistance to lift people above the poverty line. Such measures, paired with investments in education and training, will support a stronger, more equitable workforce.

Ensure Equitable Resource Allocation
Nova Scotia must adopt progressive tax policies, ensuring that high-income earners and corporations contribute their fair share. These revenues should be reinvested into community development, infrastructure upgrades, and small business support to help struggling communities thrive. Revenue-sharing agreements with Indigenous communities will also further reconciliation and shared prosperity.

Commit to Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure
The threat posed by climate disasters demands proactive measures. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, coastal protections, and sustainable farming practices will not only safeguard the environment but also create economic opportunities. These investments are essential for building a province that’s safe and secure for future generations.

Focus Economic Policy on People
The focus of Nova Scotia’s economic policy must shift toward the needs of its people. Public ownership in utilities and the expansion of community-led initiatives can ensure the most essential services remain equitable, affordable, and accessible. This reorientation toward inclusivity will foster community well-being across the province.

Premier Houston, poverty and economic inequality are not just abstract policy challenges—they are lived experiences that impact thousands of families across our province every day. If Nova Scotia is to thrive, these injustices can no longer be ignored. This legislative session is your government’s chance to champion bold initiatives that will lay the foundation for lasting prosperity and equity for all.

The NSACCW is committed to working alongside your government to make this vision a reality. We urge you to prioritize fair wages, housing affordability, sustainable industries, and strengthened public supports. Together, we can create a Nova Scotia where no one lives in poverty, and where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

Sincerely,

Alec Stratford Chair of NSACCW 
Nova Scotia Action Coalition for Community Well-Being (NSACCW)