The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Houston government to further cut the sales tax, end wasteful spending and balance the budget. These recommendations are the cornerstones of the CTF’s pre-budget report for Nova Scotia.

“Nova Scotians are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet and that’s why Premier Tim Houston must go one step further in delivering meaningful tax relief,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “Houston should double the planned HST cut so that the average family could save over $700 this year.”

Nova Scotia has already announced its intention to cut HST by one percentage point on April 1, 2025. However, to further help families cover higher bills following years of inflation, the CTF’s proposal calls on the Houston government to cut HST by an additional percentage point, lowering the total tax to 13 per cent.

The CTF’s proposal also calls on the Houston government to replace corporate welfare with business tax relief, and return all non-health care spending to 2022 levels. This would return Nova Scotia’s budget to balance.

“Government spending in the province is at record-levels,” Drover said. “Unless a different path is charted, taxpayers will be paying $515 million every year just to pay interest charges on the provincial debt.

“Houston must use this opportunity to balance the budget and focus on getting big government debt under control.”

The CTF’s full pre-budget proposal can be viewed HERE. 

The Nova Scotia budget is set to be delivered on February 18, 2025.