Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-NS

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The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is an independent, non-partisan research institute

10/29/2026

Yesterday, CCPA-NS emailed our budget submission to the government for Nova Scotia’s 2027–26 budget. We emphasize a budget that benefits the many and not just the few.

Today, we will be hosting a town hall with Impact Organization of Nova Scotia (IONS) to talk about Nova Scotia’s budget. Join us at 12 pm today to talk about the budget, our alternatives, and to share your thoughts!

We encourage you to share your thoughts with government by emailing them to [email protected].

See the full submission: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/ccpa-ns-submission-to-nova-scotia-budget-2027-28/

When: October 29, 12-1:30pm (AT)
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/o85xg9JFQFOP6pqLaucWeg
Note: This event is free to attend and open to all, and co-hosted by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Nova Scotia and the Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia.

Descriptive text:

Slide 1: Text reads, “A Budget for the Many: CCPA-NS Submission to Nova Scotia Budget 2027—28. October 2026. Every budget reflects values and priorities. The budget consultations emphasized a narrow extractive austerity approach. The Nova Scotia Alternative Budget (NSAB) 2026 offers a more balanced and sustainable path” Arrow pointing right.

Slide 2: Text reads, “The Nova Scotia Alternative Budget: Improves tax fairness; Invests in the caring economy; Strengthens local economic development; Expands public services, Reduces poverty, and; Supports stable long-term green growth.”

Slide 3: Text reads, “The government’s budget consultation ignores how we can generate revenue. We know that there are ways to generate revenue. Nova Scotia needs a fair, progressive tax system to support the many, not just the few: Additional four per cent on the top tax bracket; Increase the capital gains inclusion rate from 50 per cent to 100 per cent (with exemptions); Shift all federal tax deductions to provincial tax credits; Reinvest the Children’s Sports and Arts refundable tax credit into recreation, arts and cultural programs for all children; Reinvest the Your Energy Rebate into energy affordability and efficiency programs. Total Revenue: $724 million.”

Slide 4: Text reads, “The province has not run out of fiscal room. The problem is how the government chooses to spend and tax. Debt-servicing costs are at historic lows, and the province has a debt-to-GDP ratio that signals its ability to continue investing in critical infrastructure and public programs.” Graph showing debt-to-GDP ratio in Nova Scotia from 1994-2025, with a high of 47.4% in 2001, and a low of 31.6% in 2022. Ratio of 35% in 2025. Text reads, “Source: Nova Scotia Public Accounts and Statistics Canada Table 36-0222-01.”

Slide 5: Text reads, “See what CCPA-NS has to say about: Public sector cuts; Resource extraction & data centres; Cuts to community; Nova Scotia’s fiscal health; Recommendations on making Nova Scotia a more equitable, sustainable, and just province. Read the full submission at www.policyalternatives.ca/regions/nova-scotia/.”

Slide 6: Text reads: “CCPA-NS and IONS present: Building a just, inclusive, green care economy: The role of the N.S. budget town hall.” Thursday, October 29. 12 – 1:30 pm via Zoom.” Hand holding megaphone with red outline. Group of people with arms around each other, from behind, with red outline. IONS and CCPA-NS logos in bottom right corner.

10/23/2026

ICYMI: CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier was quoted by the Halifax Examiner regarding workers’ right to strike in response to federal Bill C-39, which would give the federal Minister of Labour the power to end a strike.

Support local media by subscribing to the Halifax Examiner and reading the full article: https://linktr.ee/ccpanovascotia

Descriptive text:
Text reads, “October 5th, 2026. By Madiha Mughees. Halifax Examiner. ICYMI: Unions protest a new bill that undermines workers’ right to strike. Read the full piece in the Halifax Examiner. ‘Rights are not inefficient. Democracy is not inefficient; this to me is fundamental to unions’ power and unions’ ability to exercise their right in the workplace.’ – CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier.”

10/20/2026

In addition to our keynote speaker, Megan Leslie, we are excited to be joined by Hammer & Sichel at our 18th Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner! Joanne Hussey and Ben Sichel are a local folk duo who play familiar songs with a pro-worker twist. You won’t want to miss their performance!

Get your tickets here: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/ccpans-gala-2026/

When: Thursday, November 5th, doors open at 6 pm
Where: Mount Saint Vincent University, Multipurpose Room, Rosaria Student Centre, 131 Lumpkin Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Details: This is a hybrid event. Virtual tickets are available on the ticket sale website.

Descriptive text:
Text reads: “Join the CCPA Nova Scotia office for our 18th Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner with live music by Hammer & Sichel. Thursday, November 5th. Doors open at 6 pm. Mount Saint Vincent University. Tickets on sale now!” A woman with bob-length dark hair, wearing black overalls with her hands in her pockets. To her right, a tall man with a beard wearing a baseball cap and a blue hoodie. Both are leaning against a wall with a mural of buildings in the background.

10/17/2026

Today is the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The 2026 focus is Safe Homes for All. CCPA-NS affirms that poverty and housing insecurity are political choices.

Read about CCPA-NS’ position on housing as a human right: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/the-nova-scotia-government-must-commit-to-housing-as-a-human-right/

Also find our 2026 alternative budget, which gives policy solutions for the ongoing housing crisis in Nova Scotia: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/nova-scotia-alternative-budget-2026-for-the-many/

Descriptive text:
Slide 1: Text reads: “Today, October 17, is the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year, the UN focuses on Safe Homes for All. Poverty and housing insecurity are political choices.” Row of houses.

Slide 2: Text reads: “Poverty in Nova Scotia. 18.6% of households in Nova Scotia lived in poverty in 2023 – that’s 188,800 households. 22.7% of children (0–17) live in poverty. 18.8% of adults (18-64) live in poverty. 14.9% of seniors (65+) live in poverty. Footnote: Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0018-01 After-tax low income status of tax filers and dependants based on Census Family Low Income Measure (CFLIM-AT), by family type and family type composition. 2023 data.”

Slide 3: Text reads: “Access to adequate, safe and affordable housing is essential, but it is not something all Nova Scotians have. Halifax’s 2025 Point-in-Time count identified 1,150 people experiencing homelessness. In 2021, 20.7% of renters were in core housing need. The cost of rent in Nova Scotia has increased by 8% compared to last year! Footnote: AHANS and Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. ‘Everyone counts in HRM: 2025 Point-in-Time Count Report.’ CMHC. Characteristics of Households in Core Housing Need by Tenure, 2021. Statistics Canada. Table 18-10-0004-01. Consumer Price Index, monthly, not seasonally adjusted. August ‘25 – August ‘26.”

Slide 4: Text reads: “The CCPA-NS’ 2026 Alternative Budget provides solutions for Nova Scotia’s housing crisis: Build 3,778 non-market units (each year for the next 10 years); Expand rent supplements to 20,000; Enforce and strengthen tenant protections; Create a rental housing registry and licensing program; End the fixed-term lease loophole; Implement vacancy control.” Small houses in a row.

Slide 5: Text reads: “See more of CCPA-NS’ work on poverty and housing at www.policyalternatives.ca/regions/nova-scotia/”

10/16/2026

Have you been engaging or trying to engage with the Nova Scotia budget consultations? Has your organization been affected by provincial budget cuts in the last year? Are you generally concerned and looking to advocate for a provincial budget that reflects your organization’s interests for building stronger and healthier communities?

You’re invited to a Town hall session co-hosted by Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Nova Scotia (CCPA-NS) and the Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia(IONS).

‼️Reminder‼️
The Nova Scotia Government’s “Build your own budget” tool closes for submissions today, October 16th, but you can still make your voice heard by emailing the Department of Finance directly: [email protected]

When: October 29, 12-1:30pm (AT)
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/o85xg9JFQFOP6pqLaucWeg
Note: This event is free to attend and open to all, and co-hosted by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Nova Scotia and the Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia.

Descriptive text:
Slide 1: Text reads: “CCPA-NS and IONS present: Building a just, inclusive, green care economy: The role of the N.S. budget town hall.” Friday, October 29. 12 – 1:30 pm via Zoom.” Hand holding megaphone with red outline. Group of people with arms around each other, from behind, with red outline. IONS and CCPA-NS logos in bottom right corner.

Slide 2: Text reads: “What are your priorities for the N.S. budget? Do you want to better understand the budget alternatives that are actually possible? Are you generally concerned and looking to advocate for a provincial budget that reflects your organization’s interests for building stronger and healthier communities? Join CCPA-NS and IONS for our virtual town hall! Friday, October 29. 12 – 1:30 pm via Zoom.” Hand holding megaphone with red outline. IONS and CCPA-NS logos in bottom right corner.

10/06/2026

Join the authors of our newest report, entitled “One of the hardest places to organize in the country”: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia, as they share the key findings and recommendations from the report. There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion.

When: Friday, October 16, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm (AT)
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9gfV_T1lQl6kBqefgwTUcg

Descriptive text:
Text reads: “CCPA-NS webinar: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia. Event details: Friday, October 16th, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm (AT), Virtual via Zoom. Registration is required. Join the authors of our newest report as they share the key findings and recommendations from the report. There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion.” Report cover, with title of report clear, “‘One of the hardest places to organize in the country’: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.

10/01/2026

Today, the minimum wages in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island went up for the second time this year, but how have minimum wages in Atlantic Canada kept up with the cost of living this year?

Atlantic Canada has some of the highest rates of inflations in the country, and for most provinces in the region, the minimum wage increases this year have not kept up with current inflation.

Descriptive text
Slide 1: Text reads: “Some minimum wage workers in Atlantic Canada got an increase today, but how does that compare to the rising cost of living?” Graph depicting minimum wage changes in 2026: Province, Minimum wage at start of 2026, Minimum wage on April 1st, Minimum wage on October 1st. Nova Scotia, $16.50, $17.75, $17.00; New Brunswick, $15.65, $15.90, No increase; Prince Edward Island, $16.50, $17.00, $17.30; Newfoundland and Labrador, $16.00, $16.35, No increase. Arrow pointing right. CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.

Slide 2: Text reads: “It is scary that Nova Scotia’s minimum wage isn’t even keeping up with current inflation in the province. On October 1st, Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased by 25 cents for the second time this year, bringing minimum wage to $17/hour, but the 3 per cent increase is no match for the high cost of living in the province.” Bar graph comparing percentage increase of minimum wage increase in 2026 with current NS inflation for all-items, food, gasoline, energy, and rent. Minimum wage increase: 3.0%; All-item inflation: 5.1%; Food inflation: 2.4%; Gasoline inflation: 24.6%; Energy inflation: 22.1%; Rent inflation: 8.0%. Text reads: “Note: Provincial inflation calculated using Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from August 2025 with CPI data from August 2026.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.

Slide 3: Text reads: “The minimum wage increase in New Brunswick is alarmingly low, especially when compared to high inflation. On April 1st, New Brunswick’s minimum wage increased by 25 cents, bringing minimum wage to $15.65/hour, but the 1.6 per cent increase is far below inflation in the province.” Bar graph comparing percentage increase of minimum wage increase in 2026 with current NB inflation for all-items, food, gasoline, energy, and rent. Minimum wage increase: 1.6%; All-item inflation: 4.6%; Food inflation: 2.2%; Gasoline inflation: 26.4%; Energy inflation: 21.3%; Rent inflation: 8.2%. Text reads: “Note: Provincial inflation calculated using Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from August 2025 with CPI data from August 2026.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.

Slide 4: Text reads: “Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage is rising, but the cost of energy and rent continue to creep up. On October 1st, Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage increased by 30 cents, after it was already increased by 50 cents in April, bringing minimum wage to $17.30/hour. but the 4.9 per cent increase still can’t match the rising cost of rent, gasoline, and energy.” Bar graph comparing percentage increase of minimum wage increase in 2026 with current PEI inflation for all-items, food, gasoline, energy, and rent. Minimum wage increase: 4.9%; All-item inflation: 4.4%; Food inflation: 1.2%; Gasoline inflation: 25.4%; Energy inflation: 25.8%; Rent inflation: 6.5%. Text reads: “Note: Provincial inflation calculated using Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from August 2025 with CPI data from August 2026.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.

Slide 5: Text reads: “Minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador is eerily low when compared to rising inflation. On April 1st, Newfoundland and Labrador’s minimum wage increased by 35 cents, bringing minimum wage to $16.35/hour, but the 2.2 per cent increase doesn’t touch inflation in the province.” Bar graph comparing percentage increase of minimum wage increase in 2026 with current NL inflation for all-items, food, gasoline, energy, and rent. Minimum wage increase: 2.2%; All-item inflation: 4.3%; Food inflation: 2.2%; Gasoline inflation: 28.0%; Energy inflation: 19.2%; Rent inflation: 7.0%. Text reads: “Note: Provincial inflation calculated using Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from August 2025 with CPI data from August 2026.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.

Slide 6: Text reads: “Atlantic Canada has some of the highest inflation in the country, but minimum wages aren’t keeping up. (1) Nova Scotia has the highest inflation rate for all-items in the country. (2) New Brunswick has the highest inflation rate of rents in the country. (3) Prince Edward Island has the highest energy inflation rate in the country. (4) Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest gasoline inflation rate in the country.” Next to (2), a paper cutout of a home on top of a stack of change. Next to (3), a lightbulb. Next to (4), a gas pump. Text reads: “Note: Provincial inflation calculated using Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from August 2025 with CPI data from August 2026.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.

09/28/2026

SEIU Local 2 organizer Tina Oh last week at CCPA-NS’ joint conference with the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.

Read our full report on barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/adw-understanding-and-overcoming-barriers-to-unionization-in-ns/

09/25/2026

CCPA-NS Research Associate Dr. Rachel Brickner speaking on the benefits of unionization at this week’s press conference with the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour for CCPA-NS' new release.

See the full report on barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/adw-understanding-and-overcoming-barriers-to-unionization-in-ns/

09/24/2026

The Nova Scotia government says that they want to hear from you about your budget priorities, but what do they really mean by that?

Today, CCPA-NS released a new article, entitled Building our budget together? The limits of Nova Scotia’s “consultation”, by CCPA-NS Research Associate Nicholas Lawson, which looks at the province’s “Build your own budget” tool.

Read the article here: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/building-our-budget-together-the-limits-of-nova-scotias-consultation/

Also see the 2026 Nova Scotia Alternative Budget for ideas on how Nova Scotia’s budget can work for the people: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/nova-scotia-alternative-budget-2026-for-the-many/

Descriptive text:
Slide 1: Nova Scotia legislature. Text reads: “New CCPA-NS article: Building our budget together? The limits of Nova Scotia’s ‘consultation.’ by Nicholas Lawson, September 24th, 2026. Surely listening to the public in advance of the budget would be a good idea?”

Slide 2: Text reads: “The Nova Scotia government says that they want to hear from you about your budget priorities. But what do they really mean by that?” Arrow pointing right.

Slide 3: Text reads: “A budget has two parts: revenues and expenditures (What we make and what we spend). But the province’s ‘Build your own budget’ tool says that policy change to increase revenues in the short-term simply ‘isn't on the table.’ In other words, half of the entire budgeting process is exempt from the ‘public consultation process.’”

Slide 4: Text reads: “That means, if you think that Nova Scotia should reform its tax system by: Increasing the top marginal tax rate; Increasing the capital gains inclusion rate; Making more tax credits refundable, or; Any number of other reasonable reforms then the government doesn't want to hear from you. But you can still make your voice heard.” Arrow pointing right.

Slide 5: Text reads: “CCPA-NS encourages Nova Scotians to make their views heard by submitting their ideas directly to the Department of Finance ([email protected]) and by sending a copy to us at [email protected]. We suggest skipping the government’s budget tool and instead attending a consultation session, prepared to put forward your own priorities and ideas—including those outlined in the CCPA-NS Alternative Budget. See policyalternatives.ca/NSAB2026” Cover of Nova Scotia Alternative Budget 2026 with a cursor over top.

Address

Halifax, NS

Telephone

+19022400926

Website

http://www.policyalternatives.ca/offices/nova-scotia

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