Nova ScotiaThe new interim leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party is calling on the provincial government to ramp up its focus on the economy through more collaboration and consultation and the creation of a comprehensive economic strategy.Provincial deficit currently forecast at $1.2 billionMichael Gorman · CBC News · Posted: Dec 08, 2025 1:26 PM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 4 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin says the Nova Scotia government needs to create a comprehensive economic strategy for the province. (Paul Poirier/CBC)The new interim leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party is calling on the provincial government to ramp up its focus on the economy through more collaboration and consultation and the creation of a comprehensive economic strategy.Timberlea-Prospect MLA Iain Rankin assumed the job this week from his colleague, Derek Mombourquette, as the party reaches the halfway point of the process to select a new leader following a crushing election result about a year ago that left the caucus with just two members.In an interview Monday, Rankin said there needs to be “a new set of goals for a modern economy” as the province contends with challenges such as tariffs from the United States and slowing population growth, which reduces revenues. The provincial deficit is currently forecast at more than $1 billion, with an update expected next week.“After four years of this government, we just have a mishmash of big, shiny proposals that won’t see shovels in the ground for a number of years,” said Rankin.“And meanwhile, we’re last in the country for economic growth.”’A bit of a cop-out’Since being re-elected a year ago, Premier Tim Houston has placed a heavy emphasis on natural resource development as a way to generate economic development. That includes the potential of onshore and offshore petroleum and wind projects and the development of critical minerals.Rankin said that’s fine but the government has shown a lack of attention to other sectors that can generate growth sooner, including the province’s tourism and ocean sectors.“I think it’s a bit of a cop-out to say the focus is on economic development when they haven’t mentioned economic development until very recently, reacting to what’s happening south of the border,” he said.“Economic growth needs to be more about the comprehensive view of things.”He’d like to see a more collaborative approach from the Progressive Conservatives, one that includes the other political parties and community consultation similar to the One Nova Scotia Coalition, which produced the Ivany Report, a document that provided a 10-year economic plan for the province.It should also include goals that can be tracked and monitored by the public, said Rankin.In a statement, Houston said he hopes the Liberals collaborate with his government to “strengthen Nova Scotia’s economy and defend our province.””Nova Scotians know that our best prospects for prosperity have always been our natural resources. They give us advantages that we haven’t always utilized but now realize that we must maximize.”The premier went on to say that his government is working with business owners to “build up our economy so we are in a better position to defend our province’s interests nationally and internationally.”Time to examine spendingMeanwhile, Rankin said the government also needs to do a better job adhering to its own budget.The PCs have overspent their budgets by about $1 billion a year since coming to power, thanks in part to a population boom that’s provided massive financial windfalls. With that growth all but stalled, Rankin said all government departments and program spending should be examined to ensure it is effective.New N.S. government hiring directive says only 1 of every 2 vacancies can be filledHouston said earlier this fall that the deficit would not change the government’s spending plans, although more recently Finance Minister John Lohr called on all deputy ministers to examine the potential impact of a 10 per cent reduction in discretionary spending and program grants.With Rankin now in the role of interim leader, Mombourquette would be free to pursue the party leadership. To date there are no declared candidates for a race that will conclude next November.In a statement, Mombourquette said his focus is on supporting the caucus and its work, not whether he’ll pursue the party’s top job.“If and when the time comes, it’s a decision I’ll discuss with my family before making any commitments.”Rankin has previously said he is not interested in the permanent job. He served as party leader and premier in 2021 before the Liberals were defeated in the provincial election. MORE TOP STORIESABOUT THE AUTHORMichael Gorman covers the Nova Scotia legislature for CBC, with additional focuses on health care and rural communities. Contact him with story ideas at michael.gorman@cbc.ca
Liberals call on government to create comprehensive economic strategy for N.S.
