Provincial release:
NOTE: The dates of the virtual and community sessions follow this release.
Nova Scotians are invited to build their own provincial budget and share how they would build the next budget.
People can create and submit the 2027-28 budget they want to see at https://yourbudget.novascotia.ca. To help the budget building, Nova Scotians will have the option to attend an in-person or virtual facilitated session this fall where they can learn about the budgeting process and the Province’s financial position.
“Nova Scotia is at a pivotal moment. Demand for healthcare continues to grow. Infrastructure is aging. The cost of delivering services the public relies on like housing, education and seniors’ care keeps on rising, and with affordability already stretched, raising taxes is not an option we’re exploring,” said Premier Tim Houston.
“As Bluenosers, we need to talk about the challenges we’re facing, along with the opportunities ahead. This won’t be a typical, town-hall style consultation. We’ll give Nova Scotians the information they need to help build their own budget, one that reflects their priorities and shows us the trade-offs they’re willing to make to support them.”
Nova Scotians can sign up for an information session at https://yourbudget.novascotia.ca. An independent advisory committee has been appointed to attend the sessions and publicly report on what they hear from Nova Scotians. The committee members are:
– Dave Culligan, founder, threesixfive video and film production agency
– Coun. Jocelyn Dorrington, Town of New Glasgow
– Janet Hazelton, President, Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
– Jeff Hennessy, President, Acadia University
– Kristan Hines, Managing Director, Atlantic, National Public Relations
– Sean Kirby, Executive Director, Mining Association of Nova Scotia
– Shannon Lynch Colbourne, President and CEO, Cape Breton Beverages, Trans-Atlantic Preforms, Nova Scotia Spirit Co. and Annapolis Cider Company
– Laura Mackenzie, CEO, Screen Nova Scotia
– Max Medyk, founder, ImmigrateAI Global.
The committee will be headed by Public Service Commission Minister Twila Grosse, who is also the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, and supported by Executive Deputy Minister Kelliann Dean, Finance and Treasury Board.
In-person sessions will strive to accommodate as many people as venues allow. Nova Scotians who want to attend are encouraged to register online for sessions in their area to secure a spot.
People who do not take part in a facilitated session can still share their budget ideas by submitting their own budget online, by emailing budget@novascotia.ca or by mail: Department of Finance and Treasury Board, Attention: Budget Engagement, P.O. Box 187, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2N3.
Quick Facts:
– in addition to the public consultations, stakeholder feedback will be captured
– the advisory committee will publish a report on what it heard at https://yourbudget.novascotia.ca before the 2027-28 budget is released
In-person sessions:
– Monday, September 21, 6:30 p.m. – Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre, Springhill
– Thursday, September 24, 6:30 p.m. – Louis Millett Community Complex, New Minas
– Monday September 28, 6:30 p.m. – Rodd Grand Hotel, Yarmouth
– Thursday, October 1, 6:30 p.m. – Centre 200, Sydney
– Monday, October 5, 7 p.m. – Halifax Forum, Halifax
– Thursday, October 8 , 7 p.m. – Eastern Shore Community Centre, Musquodoboit Harbour
Virtual sessions:
– Wednesday, September 23 (session facilitated in French), 6:30 p.m.
– Friday, October 2, 2 p.m.
– Tuesday, October 6, 6:30 p.m.
