Over the last several years, Nova Scotians have seen how quickly global events can reach into our daily lives. From supply chain disruptions to inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s trade war, the challenges of a changing world are real. At the same time, our PC government has taken decisive action, investing heavily to make up for a decade of underspending in healthcare, housing, affordability, and aging infrastructure.
Defending Nova Scotia means empowering our people, our businesses, and our communities. It means making smart financial decisions that are thoughtful, strategic, and focused on results. And it means building a province that is resilient both at home and on the world stage.
Budget 2026–27 continues that work with strategic investments that forge a path toward long-term prosperity. This plan harnesses Nova Scotia’s natural strengths, diversifies our trading relationships, supports families and communities, transforms healthcare delivery, supports tourism opportunities, and ensures we have the infrastructure needed to grow and thrive.
Here’s how:
Growing Our Economy – Powering Our Future
The world needs what Nova Scotia has to offer: clean energy, critical minerals, high-quality food, advanced manufacturing, and innovative services.
Budget 2026–27 creates the right conditions for growth by attracting investment and supporting development across six priority sectors:
- Defence and aerospace
- Clean and conventional energy
- Forestry and mining
- Fisheries and agriculture
- Housing and construction
- AI and the digital economy
As these sectors grow, opportunity grows with them — creating good jobs, strengthening communities, and ensuring that all Nova Scotians share in the benefits of a stronger economy.
Empowering People – Building Futures and Communities
Strong communities are safe, affordable, and resilient.
Our government is enhancing community safety and reimagining how we prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies and natural disasters. We are also taking meaningful action to improve access to housing and make life more affordable for families.
Key measures include:
- Saving the average Nova Scotian family more than $1,400 per year in taxes
- Making the School Lunch Program available to all students
- Continuing to expand housing availability and affordability across the province
These are practical steps that put money back in people’s pockets and strengthen the foundations of our communities.
Rebuilding Care – For a Healthier Nova Scotia
Transforming healthcare remains a top priority.
Through the four-year Action for Health Plan (2022–2026), our government has made generational investments to strengthen and modernize the system. Budget 2026–27 builds on that momentum with significant investments to:
- Expand access to primary care
- Support inclusive mental health and recovery services
- Strengthen supports for seniors
- Ensure Nova Scotians receive the care they need, when and where they need it
Rebuilding care is about delivering results, shortening wait times, expanding access, and creating a healthcare system that works for today and tomorrow.
Building a Financially Sustainable and Resilient Province
Responsible government means planning not just for today, but for generations to come.
The Capital Plan 2026–27 invests more than $3.5 billion in infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, long-term care homes, and housing projects. These investments strengthen essential services while laying the groundwork for sustained growth.
At the same time, financial discipline remains critical. While the public service expanded to help rebuild healthcare, increase housing, and respond to urgent needs, that growth is not sustainable. Over the next four years, government will:
- Reduce public service growth responsibly
- Invest in technology and modernization
- Improve efficiency
- Focus on strategic priorities that drive long-term results
By managing finances carefully today, we protect the services Nova Scotians rely on tomorrow.
Defending Nova Scotia, Delivering Results
Defending Nova Scotia is about more than words. It is about results. It means making thoughtful financial decisions that lay a strong foundation for the future and delivering services in innovative, efficient ways while carefully managing the province’s finances.
In the face of global uncertainty, including the economic instability caused by Donald Trump’s trade war, Nova Scotians need steady leadership and a clear plan. Budget 2026–27 meets that moment. It controls spending while continuing to invest in healthcare, housing, and the growth of Nova Scotia’s economy.
Together, our PC team is building a stronger, more resilient Nova Scotia that is ready to meet today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.