Premier Tim Houston began a general election campaign this past Sunday, with election day set for November 26, 2024. There had been considerable speculation over many months that the Premier might call an early election, forgoing the four-year cycle.  His Progressive Conservatives were elected to government in 2021, in large measure on healthcare-related issues, and his government has made health its overarching priority during the first term. 

When the election was called, the Houston PCs had 34 seats, the Liberals, led by Zach Churchill, had 14 seats, while the NDP, led by Claudia Chender, had six.  Houston had added seats during his first term with a by-election win, and with two Liberal Party MLAs joining the PC caucus, one as recently as last week. 

In polling conducted by Narrative Research between the end of July and mid-August, the Houston PCs were favoured by 53% of Nova Scotians, compared to 24% for the Liberals, 19% for the NDP and four percent for the Green Party. 

In his first major policy announcement of the campaign, PC Leader Tim Houston pledged a one percent cut to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), along with an increase to the basic personal exemption from $8744 to $11,744. Additionally the PCs have committed to increasing the minimum wage to $16.50 in one year.

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill rolled out a plan for lowering of grocery prices. This plan includes an elimination of HST on all items on all grocery stores items, an increase in grocery store competition by removing restrictions on where grocery stores can operate, halting all payments to Sobeys and redirecting funds to strengthen local producers, support for independent grocers and local food programs. 

Churchill also made an accountability announcement, pledging the establishment of an Ethics Commissioner, increased power for the Privacy Commissioner, more resources for the Auditor General and a $250,000 fine for governing parties that break the fixed election date law. 

In a release shortly after the election call, the NDP noted, “New Democrats are focused on making life better for everyday Nova Scotians. The NSNDP will work to bring down costs for housing, power, and groceries, rather than giving away millions of dollars to personal friends and donors through backroom handshakes and secret deals. New Democrats will protect and invest in health care people can rely on.”