N.S. NDP sets out opposition agenda ahead of first legislative session

The N.S. NDP leader says the looming economic threat from the US means the government should not try to rush through the sitting of the provincial legislature.

Nova Scotia’s NDP is now the official opposition and shared its plan and priorities ahead of the first legislative session of the re-elected Tim Houston Progressive Conservative government.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender said her party is focused on creating good local jobs, homes people can afford and improving the health-care system.

Chender also criticized the PC’s heavy-handed approach to governing and says all parties need to work together to address issues like U.S. tariffs and economic concerns.

“I know how to collaborate with other parties to get things done,” said Chender. “But it requires good will, and it requires the desire to have a functional legislature, but we haven’t seen that. What we have seen from this government is a desire to steamroll their own agenda through this house as quickly as possible and get us out the other side.”

Chender argues that approach is a disservice to Nova Scotians and weakens the kind of legislation and policies developed in the Province House.

“With increased unbudgeted spending, decreased accountability, and serious economic threats on the horizon, the choices we make now will shape the future of Nova Scotia,” said Chender. “We need a government that is proactive, not reactive. Let’s focus on bolstering our local economies, protecting workers and diversifying the industries that sustain our communities.”

Houston and his PC party secured a super-majority in the Nova Scotia election, winning 43 of 55 seats, more than any previous government has picked up in recent history.

In a memo to his caucus, Houston outlined his government’s focus this term on pursuing greater development and extraction of critical minerals like lithium, which he believes will help set the course for greater economic growth and job creation in the natural resource sector.

Chender says the NDP supports strengthening traditional industries, like agriculture, fishing, forestry and mining.

However, she warns that moves to explore offshore drilling, fracking, and the lifting of the uranium ban are issues that will meet widespread questioning and disapproval.

“They (these issues) need deep scientific research and community consensus and consultation to even discuss,” said Chender. “So, we will be bringing those concerns into the legislature and this government is going to have to have conversations that are hard and not just steamroll through opposition.”

The legislature will sit on Friday when the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia Mike Savage will read the speech from the throne.

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