Tim Houston

Just a reminder for Nova Scotia seniors: applications for the Property Tax Rebate for Seniors are open. If you qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), you could receive a rebate covering 50% of last year’s municipal property taxes, up to $800. Our government is focused on making life more affordable for Nova Scotians, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to apply before the December 31 deadline. Learn more and apply here: beta.novascotia.ca/apply-property…

This week we celebrated a major milestone in the expansion of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital Emergency Department. This project will double the size of the emergency department, resulting in better care for patients and a better work environment for staff. It was great to be there with MLAs Nick Hilton, Ryan Robicheau, and Hon. Colton Leblanc, for this occasion. Looking forward to being back and having this expansion fully operational!

Today, I learned that the Honourable Rollie Thornhill has passed away. Rollie served our province as Minister of Development, Chair of the Treasury Board, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Community Services and Deputy Premier. He was the MLA for Dartmouth South from 1974 until 1993. Before his time in the Nova Scotia Legislature, Mr. Thornhill was the Mayor of Dartmouth. Rollie Thornhill was a gifted debater, with a quick wit and booming voice. I know many Nova Scotians are mourning his loss today. I send my sincere condolences to his wife Bonnie and sons Jeff and Chris and to all those whose lives he touched in his decades long service to Nova Scotia.

For 100 years, The Royal Canadian Legion has stood proudly with Canada’s Veterans and their families. Legion branches help us remember the service and sacrifice of those who defended our country. They also support Veterans, bring neighbours together, and strengthen communities across Nova Scotia and Canada. I ask all Nova Scotians to take a moment and join me in congratulating every Legion member and volunteer on this incredible milestone. Thank you for a century of service and for all you continue to do.

Yesterday was a busy day, but I was able to stop by Tim Horton's in Digby to support Camp Day. Camp Day has its roots in Atlantic Canada, starting back in 1987, raising millions for a great cause. I'm not as fast working the drive thru as I was back in high school, but I think I was a bit better than last year.

Onwards we go. Looking forward to continuing on the road across Nova Scotia this summer.

Investing in rural Nova Scotia means stronger communities for all. For more than 130 years, the Pictou–North Colchester Exhibition has brought families, farmers and neighbours together while celebrating our rich agricultural heritage. Our government’s $200,000 investment will help revitalize these historic grounds, improve accessibility, and create more opportunities for agricultural events, community gatherings and local programming year-round. By preserving important community spaces like this, we’re supporting rural economic growth, strengthening local traditions, and ensuring this historic gathering place continues serving Pictou County for generations to come.  Learn more: news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/07/10/…

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Premier John Hamm. Dr. Hamm, as he was known for decades, made an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of Nova Scotians. First as a compassionate family physician in Pictou County and later as the premier who made big changes to set our province on a better path. Premier Hamm first entered public life as the MLA for Pictou Centre in 1993. In 1995, he was elected as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia, and in 1999, he led the party from third place to a majority government. He was elected premier again in 2003 and retired from politics in 2006. During his time as premier, he made a landmark investment in Nova Scotia Community College, calling it an investment in the province’s future. Among his most significant achievements was his successful negotiation of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord. He was a tireless champion for the province, and his successful Campaign for Fairness ensured Nova Scotians would be the primary beneficiaries of the province’s resources. What he said in 2001 is still relevant today: “I want Canadians to know that Nova Scotia wants to earn economic independence by our own means and once again be social and economic equals within this great country. We are asking only for what Nova Scotians were promised – as the revenues from our offshore oil and gas grow, the additional financial benefits should flow to Nova Scotians.”  I will remember Premier Hamm for his strength, his quiet dignity and for his determination to improve the lives of the people he served. At this difficult time, I send my most sincere condolences to his wife Genesta and their children John, Jeffrey and Jennifer, their families and to all who loved Premier John Hamm. In recognition of Premier Hamm’s many contributions to Nova Scotia, the flags on Province House and all provincial buildings will be half-masted.

Canada's next generation of submarines represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Nova Scotia. From the Royal Canadian Navy to the skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and defence innovation, Nova Scotians will play a central role in supporting Canada's future while building stronger communities here at home. Our government will always embrace the challenges of growth because it means more good-paying jobs, billions of dollars in investment, and a stronger economy for all Nova Scotians. We are Canada's Capital of Defence.

Our government is continuing to make the largest investment in new public housing in more than two decades. As part of that historic investment, design work is now underway for up to 16 new public housing units in Tusket, helping more Nova Scotians live close to their families, their jobs, and the communities they love. These new homes will offer rent-geared-to-income housing, meaning eligible tenants pay no more than 30% of their household income on rent. They are part of our five-year housing plan and our commitment to build 515 new public housing units across the province. There is more work to do, but we are taking action to increase housing supply and ensure more Nova Scotians have access to a safe, affordable place to call home.

Canada’s next generation of submarines will help build Nova Scotia’s future. This project means thousands of good-paying jobs, billions of dollars in investment, and decades of economic growth for our province. From the Royal Canadian Navy to the skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and defence innovation, Nova Scotians will help support Canada’s future while creating new opportunities here at home. With six submarines to be maintained and serviced in Halifax, this is exactly why Nova Scotia is Canada’s Capital of Defence. When Canada calls, Nova Scotia delivers.

A strong economy means more opportunity for every Nova Scotian. When our economy grows, it means more good-paying jobs, stronger communities, and more money to invest in the things that matter most, like healthcare, education, roads, and public services. That’s why we’re helping our traditional industries grow while creating the conditions for new industries to succeed. We’re supporting agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, manufacturing, defence, and tourism, while fostering growth in sectors like clean energy, technology, and our emerging space industry. Economic growth isn’t just about numbers on a chart. It’s about creating good-paying jobs, helping young people build their future here at home, supporting local businesses, and ensuring communities across Nova Scotia continue to thrive. When our economy grows, Nova Scotians grow with it. That’s what we’re working toward every day.

Congratulations to Maritime Launch Services and Isar Aerospace on this exciting partnership. This is another major step forward for Nova Scotia’s growing aerospace and defence sector. It brings new investment, creates good-paying jobs, and strengthens our economy while putting Nova Scotia at the forefront of Canada’s emerging space industry. When global companies choose to partner with Nova Scotia, it’s a sign that we are winning on the world stage. Let's keep going!

Happy International Paramedics Day to the incredible paramedics across Nova Scotia. Every day, you answer the call with skill, compassion and courage. Whether it’s in our cities, small towns or rural communities, you are there when Nova Scotians need you most. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the lives you save, and the care you provide. On behalf of all Nova Scotians, thank you for everything you do. 🚑

Today is a devastating day for the 95.7 NewsRadio family and for Nova Scotians. Rick Howe, Sheldon MacLeod, Todd Veinotte, Dan Ahlstrand and the entire 95.7 News Radio team provided news, entertainment, and important opportunities for Nova Scotians to share their opinions. They did so with balance, integrity and well loved personalities. I always appreciated the opportunity to call in to talk with Nova Scotians from the time I was first elected as an MLA, through my time as Premier.  While I wish I could have one more opportunity to take calls on an open hour, I want to thank the entire team for their dedication and professionalism.  We will find other ways to continue to connect, but the loss of 95.7 NewsRadio will leave a void in important, civil, political discussions.

🇨🇦 Canada’s new submarine fleet is an extraordinary investment in Nova Scotia’s future. The federal government has announced the winning bid for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, an investment that will shape our country’s defence capabilities for decades. This is about more than submarines — it’s an economic game-changer. And Nova Scotia is ready. We’re talking about thousands of good jobs in the skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and digital and defence innovation. This is the kind of work people can build a future on, right here at home. Projects like this reinforce Nova Scotia’s position as a centre of excellence in naval shipbuilding and sustainment, ocean technology, and defence innovation. This announcement will drive business across our province and beyond, forging new partnerships and creating economic benefits for years to come. When Canada calls, Nova Scotia delivers. 🇨🇦

Good news! The province is now better equipped to respond to wildfires with four new next fixed-wing water bombers and a co-ordination plane. This will ensure teams have the best resources available to them to protect Nova Scotians.

Today is a big day for Nova Scotia. Canada’s new submarine fleet will mean billions of dollars in investment, thousands of good-paying jobs, and more opportunities for Nova Scotians to build their future right here at home. 🇨🇦

BREAKING: I’m here with Prime Minister Mark Carney to announce 6 new submarines to be maintained and serviced in Nova Scotia. This is an economic game-changer for our province. It will drive billions of dollars of investment into our region, create new career paths for Nova Scotians looking for steady work, and drive strong demand for domestic supply chains. It means thousands of good jobs in the skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and digital and defence innovation. This is the kind of work people can build a future on, right here in Canada’s Capital of Defence. 🇨🇦

This approval is another step toward building a stronger Nova Scotia economy. The Ocean Lake Wind Project will create hundreds of good-paying construction jobs, support long-term employment, and generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of about 404,000 homes. It will also bring about $11 million in annual municipal tax revenue to Guysborough County. Private investment is helping build the energy projects Nova Scotia needs while creating jobs, growing our economy, and strengthening our energy future. That’s good news for communities across our province.