The budget is not taking us to a good place
The February 23rd budget was introduced with a barrage of explanatory material. Governments provide a complex range of services, most of which require a lot of infrastructure: schools, hospitals and seniors housing, for example. Read More »
Posted March 6, 2026
Houston owns the electricity rate problem
“Today, we learned that the independent Nova Scotia Energy Board – effectively the judge and jury on power rates – agreed with Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) and approved what they asked for… I strongly disagree with this decision. It is out of touch in every way.”
Posted March 27, 2026
Beware of Governments Announcing Bold Expensive Projects
Have you had a good look at your electricity bill lately? Some of the power you are paying, for now, will not be received for 35 years.
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Posted August 28, 2020
The Yarmouth ferry is not sustainable
A recent trip on the ferry from Saint John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia prompted a thought. The ferry was well appointed and completed its journey in 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Posted April 17, 2026
The Conservatives need a wider tent
Prospects for the next election are viewed very differently by the various players. Read More »
Posted November 21, 2025
Nova Scotia has enough places to buy alcohol
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada has been on a campaign to have more provinces allow convenience stores to sell alcoholic beverages. They had success a year ago in Ontario. The Houston government is not rushing to make a decision.
Posted October 17, 2025
Rapid growth has been good for Nova Scotia
After three years of fiscal surpluses Nova Scotia is projecting a $1.29 billion deficit for the year ending March 31, 2026, more than double the combined surpluses in the previous three fiscal years. Resuming strong population growth must be part of the solution.
Posted January 9, 2026
The province is facing tough choices for universities
Nova Scotia’s universities and community colleges are wonderful assets. They provide diverse learning opportunities to Nova Scotian students and many students from other provinces and countries. We import far more students than we export.
Posted April 11, 2025
The Teachers’ Plan Deficit Needs to be Addressed
The government and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union are doing a disservice to taxpayers and today’s teachers, who are paying for the inadequacy of past contributions by and for the teachers that retired long ago.
In contrast, the public-sector pension plans for civil service and health care workers are well-funded and can be expected to keep their promises to pensioners over the long term.
Posted May 18, 2018
Housing affordability and traffic congestion dominate Halifax’s election
Haligonians will vote for their municipal representatives on October 19, with early voting opportunities available beginning on October 8th.
Posted October 4, 2024