Nova Scotia Tories Secure Second Majority as NDP Becomes Official Opposition, Ousting Liberals

 HALIFAX – Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston sought a strong, renewed mandate to bolster negotiations with the federal government on key issues like carbon pricing.

On Tuesday, voters delivered, granting the Progressive Conservative leader a decisive victory.

With most polls reporting, the PCs were elected or leading in 42 of the province’s 55 ridings. The NDP secured nine seats, the Liberals claimed three, and one seat went to an Independent candidate.

The race in Liberal Leader Zach Churchill’s riding was a nail-biter, with the lead repeatedly shifting between him and Tory candidate Nick Hilton.

The Liberals faced a significant setback, losing their status as the official Opposition to the New Democrats.

Speaking to supporters in Halifax, NDP Leader Claudia Chender highlighted how her party’s focus on housing and affordability struck a chord with voters.

Premier Tim Houston, meanwhile, said his renewed mandate strengthens his ability to advocate for Nova Scotia in negotiations with the federal government, particularly on carbon pricing.

Houston also emphasized the need to push back against Ottawa’s refusal to fully fund critical infrastructure to protect the Chignecto Isthmus, the vulnerable land link between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, from severe flooding risks.