Party Platform Analysis - 2021 Nova Scotia Provincial Election Updated: Thursday, August 5, 2021
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Party Platform
Analysis
2021 Nova Scotia Provincial Election
Updated: Thursday, August 5, 2021
PREPARED BY
THE ECOLOGY ACTION CENTREParty Platform Analysis – 2021 Nova Scotia Provincial Election
As we face down the intersecting crises of climate change, rising inequity and biodiversity loss, we don’t have time for leaders who are stuck in
outdated ways of thinking about our environment and our economy. We need true leadership and political will to protect the communities and
ecosystems we all love and rely on and ensure a future where everyone living in Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia can thrive.
This is why the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) has created this document. We've reviewed available environmental party platforms to provide a picture of
where each party stands on a variety of critical environmental, biodiversity and climate issues. This analysis is not an endorsement of any of Nova
Scotia’s political parties or their candidates and is not a reflection of their previous work on the environment.
The targets and promises of each of the parties are taken from their platforms and/or websites, except where otherwise indicated. The EAC obtained a
full-length version of the PC platform by contacting their office. Party platforms are in order of when they were released.
NDP platform PC platform Green platform Liberal Platform EAC’s Analysis
Bold Climate What we’re calling for: Nova Scotia has a legislated target to reduce GHG emissions by 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. In order to get there, we need 90 per cent of our
Plan electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030, targets and incentives for electric vehicles and a zero-emission vehicle mandate, and investments in energy efficiency and building
retrofits. We also need to stop spending money on outdated industries that threaten our climate and the long-term stability of our economy like offshore oil and gas, large scale
biomass, and natural gas.
Targets Doing Nova Scotia’s part to Introduce Enviro-goals and Immediately declare a climate Guided by the Sustainable General:
prevent catastrophic climate Climate Change Reduction emergency focusing all Development Goals Act (SDGA) Current SDGA target passed by legislature:
change by setting a new target to Act, a new, ambitious bill that government departments on consultations currently GHGs to 53% below 2005 levels by 2030 and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions will identify and showcase climate change as a priority. underway and building on the reach net zero GHG by 2050 (or a reduction in
to 50 percent below 1990 levels Nova Scotia as a world leader This will include educating the Environmental Goals and GHG output to 10.9 million tonnes of GHG
by 2030 in adopting green energy public and our children about Sustainable Prosperity Act emissions).
measures and following climate change, its impacts, (EGSPA), we will create a
Phasing out coal by 2030. and strategies to address NDP:
1climate-friendly sustainable Climate Change Plan for Clean These are strong targets. 50% below 1990 by
development. Reduce our GHG emissions by Growth by the end of the year 2030 equates to the same value as 58% below
70% below 2005 levels by 2005 levels by 2030 or a reduction in GHG
2030 and achieve a net-zero We have committed to output to 9.8 million tonnes of GHG emissions
carbon economy by 2045 affordably phasing out coal by by 2030. See details in renewables section
2030. below.
Require that all of Nova
Scotia’s electricity would
come from carbon-neutral PC:
sources by 2030 Without detail or targets this can’t be assessed.
Green:
These are very strong targets. See details in
renewables section below.
Liberal:
Commitment to get NS off coal by 2030 is
positive. See details in renewables and
efficiency sections below.
Renewables Committing to 90 per cent 80% of electricity must be End exploration, drilling, and Our government has an General:EAC in its electricity report envisions
& Electricity renewable energy by 2030 supplied by renewable energy extraction of fossil fuels ambitious plan to accelerate the target of 90% renewables/clean sources
by 2030. (including exploratory renewable energy growth so and a pathway to phase out coal by 2030.
Making provincial investments in fracking) in Nova Scotia that 80% of Nova Scotia’s
research and development for PC’s envisioned energy mix: energy comes from renewable NDP:
battery storage and renewable Coal = 0% End all provincial subsidies to sources by 2030. We will invest 90% target aligns with what is achievable and
technology. Natural Gas = 10% fossil fuel sectors in a diverse mix of renewable needs to be done.
Domestic Hydro = 11% sources, leveraging evolving Energy storage is key in this decade. NDP has
Reigning in Nova Scotia Power by Biomass = 4% Provide funding for the technology to reduce plans for battery technology, which is definitely
writing ‘climate change’ into Wind = 40% SolarHomes program to allow emissions and keep energy required. The idea of adding “climate change”
Nova Scotia Power and Efficiency Maritime Link = 9% it to increase the rebate to $1 rates stable. to NSPI and ENS’s mandates is a good step,
Nova Scotia’s mandates, studying Maritime Non Firm Market watt and to continue after however, legislative change would be more
the possibility of returning some =16% 2022 Constructing renewable energy powerful with regulator mandates. Agree with
or part of Nova Scotia Power to Hydro Import = 10% projects will create thousands stricter oversight. Community focused
2public ownership, and of jobs and contribute renewable energy is good and aligned with
establishing stricter oversight— hundreds of millions to Nova EAC’s vision.
including higher penalties for Scotia’s GDP, growing
performance failures, and base- prosperity for all. Our PC:
rate refunds for outages. Government’s recent Target is 80%. We think this should be more
investment into the ambitious. In the PC’s envisioned energy mix
Getting Nova Scotia on the path development of 350 natural gas and biomass still feature at 10% and
to 90% renewables by moving megawatts of renewable 4%. EAC would like to see both natural gas and
quickly to create regulations to energy projects such as wind biomass phased out. No mention of solar
allow for community-owned and solar, will stimulate over energy. No mention of battery/storage
renewables and virtual net $550 million in construction technologies. This is similar to NSP’s base
metering and working with activity while creating over scenario projection. Also, it will be worthwhile
communities to install their own 4000 new jobs. The Rankin to know this breakdown in capacity terms as
renewable energy systems. government is committed to opposed to energy terms.
using innovative financing to
Studying the possibility of benefit ratepayers. We signed Green:
returning Nova Scotia Power and a memorandum of Strong focus on phasing out of fossil fuels. Little
the power grid to public understanding (MOU) with the detail on how to support renewables.
ownership. Canada Infrastructure Bank
(CIB) to explore how the CIB Liberal:
can invest in our renewable The Liberals have already announced target of
energy projects to reduce costs 80% renewables. We think this should be more
for ratepayers. ambitious. They have included a promise
related to the Atlantic Loop, which is good to
Nova Scotia is currently co- see, but instead of the project being under
chairing, with the federal discussions, a commitment to creating
government the work on the pathways would be better.
Atlantic Loop. Stakeholders
engaged in the discussions All:
include the federal PC, NDP and Greens don’t mention the Atlantic
government, the five eastern Loop. None mention removing biomass from
provinces as well as the power the definition of renewables. Only Greens
utilities. A re-elected Rankin mention phasing out offshore oil and gas or
government will continue to be natural gas.
3a strong advocate for this
project and work to secure
federal financial support.
A re-elected Liberal
government will create a
strategy for offshore wind
development that will include
mapping offshore wind
resources, creating regulatory
frameworks and undertaking
research to understand
possible environmental
impacts.
Community Solar program to
give communities more control
over their renewable energy
future and to allow people
unable to install solar panels
on their homes the ability to
participate in solar energy
projects. We are committing
an additional $8 million over 4
years to deliver targeted
projects for communities that
need it most. Our plan will also
solidify funding allocated to
the Home Solar Program by
investing $3 million annually. A
Liberal government will
commit an additional $1.5
million to create a Not-for
4Profit Solar Stream to provide
electricity for not-for-profits.
100% renewable energy for
provincial buildings by 2025.
Our government will commit
$2 million to establish a Clean
Energy Growth Hub that will
support leading-edge research
and development of the next
generation of green
technologies. T
Efficiency Tripling Nova Scotia’s energy All new provincial buildings Provide funding for Mi’kmaq A re-elected Rankin NDP:
efficiency targets. must be net-zero. communities to bring all of government will invest $20 This is an ambitious target.
their existing housing to net million per year from the
Introducing a step code designed The province will ensure that zero energy ready (NZER) Green Fund to help low- PC:
to bring new buildings to net-zero new provincial buildings are standards within five years income Nova Scotians The province does need to take the lead in
energy by 2032 and mandatory net-zero and that all major complete these home energy making its buildings align with the Climate
building and home energy provincial building retrofits Provide $50 million per year in retrofits. target but there still needs be a wider strategy
efficiency disclosure. will be low-carbon, reducing funding to Housing Nova for other buildings that provide affordable
embodied carbon and Scotia, to enable energy A re-elected Rankin housing. In the Green Jobs report, EAC has
Creating and funding test sites for ensuring efficiency retrofits to all social government will invest $3 recommended that all social housing be
a deep retrofit strategy that 75% of domestic office floor housing units (using local million annually through upgraded to Net Zero or Net Zero energy ready.
would dramatically lower heating space (new leases and lease contractors) to bring them to Efficiency Nova Scotia to This housing stock is managed by Housing Nova
costs and GHG emissions with renewals) will be in net-zero NZER standards complete an additional 220 Scotia. If the Progressive Conservative platform
materials manufactured locally. carbon climate resilient units through the Multi-unit included a goal of providing all the funding
buildings starting in 2030. Make 100% of social housing Rental Property Upgrade necessary for Housing Nova Scotia to retrofit all
Expanding municipalities’ abilities Net Zero Energy Ready (NZER) Program. This program offers of its existing housing stock to be Net Zero
to support retrofits and As an incentive to encourage by 2030 rebates of up to 80% on energy Energy Ready as well as all other government
renewables in homes through a more environmentally-friendly efficient upgrades in qualifying buildings that would a good target.
province-wide Property Assessed developments, we will work multi-unit residential
Clean Energy (PACE) programs. dwellings. Landlords will have Green:
the opportunity to make
5with property developers to investments in their properties This is the most clear and ambitious target of all
establish grants to reduce the that helps both landlords and platforms.
increased cost that may be renters by creating more
associated with building net- energy efficient buildings and Liberal:
zero buildings. lowers energy costs. This is ambitious and has specific goals and
targets to increase energy efficiency across
A re-elected Rankin multiple sectors. However, $2 million per year
government will invest $2 to increase energy efficiency in Housing Nova
million per year from the Scotia properties is a small portion of
Green Fund into Affordable investment in Social Housing compared to the
Housing Retrofits. These $47 million per year required to make all social
retrofits will improve energy housing Net Zero Energy ready by 2030 as
efficiency in these Housing identified in the EAC Green Jobs Report.
Nova Scotia homes with
measures that include
insulation, efficient lighting, air
sealing and heating and
cooling system upgrades.
The Sustainable Communities
Challenge Fund (SCCF) will
incentivize municipalities to
develop and pursue local
climate change mitigation and
adaptation efforts. It will
reward community
collaboration and innovation
by committing $12 million over
3 years in support of projects
that upgrade energy efficiency
in community buildings and
increase the use of low carbon
energy.
6The Liberal Government will
invest $20 million over the
next two years to provide
rebates to eligible businesses
for energy efficiency upgrades.
This will reduce our emissions
and increase business
competitiveness by lowering
energy bills and encouraging
innovation.
We will encourage
construction using sustainable,
low embedded emissions
materials
Sustainable Creating strategies for the At least 30% of vehicles sold We will explore opportunities General:
transportatio electrification of transportation by 2030 to be zero-emission. to use the building codes to A strategy for electrification of the
n, EVs and and the elimination of energy encourage all new commercial transportation sector is desperately needed.
electrification poverty. Fund up to 50% of the cost of developments to incorporate
of transit installation for Electric Vehicle EV chargers or make them fast NDP:
Developing an electrification Chargers charger ready. NDP is committing to a strategy decarbonizing
strategy which would include the heavy duty vehicles including public
electrification of public and We will continue to bring transportation, which is very positive.
private transportation as well as green transformation to our
freight. public transportation system PC:
with electrified buses, ferries, The target is good. We would like to see a
and emission reducing strategy for how to reach it. The funding for EV
technologies. And, of course, chargers is inadequate. (See cost analysis
we will recognize the below.)
importance of moving away
from gas-powered vehicles, Green:
incentivizing Nova Scotians to Electrification of transportation is not
steadily increase adoption of addressed.
7electric vehicles and plug-in Liberal:
hybrids. It is positive to see proper investment in both
the heavy duty and light duty vehicle
Our government leveraged a electrification through programs, partnerships
$37 million provincial and infrastructure. However, a mandatory
investment to advance a $112 supply-side policy such as a ZEV mandate will
million bus electrification be needed to ensure that Nova Scotia meets
partnership with federal and the federal EV sales target. This will not be
municipal governments. achievable through incentives alone. A new,
provincial sales target should also be
We’re investing $300,000 to established.
explore bringing electric bus
transport to the Cape Breton
Regional Municipality (CBRM).
This project also leverages
funding from other levels of
government, bringing the total
project cost to $900,000 and
making it possible to do a
comprehensive bus plan,
concept design, and route
study.
Our government committed
$9.5 million over three years to
a new electric vehicle rebate
program for e-bikes, new and
used electric vehicles and plug-
in hybrids.
A re-elected Liberal
government will invest $10
million over 4 years to make
electric charging stations more
8readily available for our
growing population of EV
drivers.
A re-elected Liberal
government will develop a
fleet electrification strategy
that consolidates provincial
fleet management, moves us
towards electrification, and
replaces existing vehicles with
electric vehicles.
Just Initiating a just, community-led Introduce a Just Transition Act A just transition for workers NDP:
transition transition for carbon-intensive that will provide opportunities and communities will be a top Positive, but does not highlight how to
workforces—including free NSCC for workers in fossil fuel priority for a re-elected Liberal transition existing workforces that rely on work
tuition and dedicated training industries to have access to government. Together with from unsustainable industries like the
streams for energy efficiency and retraining and financial our partners, and our historic operation of fossil fuel based electricity
renewable workforces. support to transition into the investments in NSCC, we will generation facilities. The plan also needs to
green energy sector support transitioning workers include a focus on underrepresented
through training opportunities community members in the just transition.
and grow jobs within our
communities. A Liberal PC: Do not address
government will focus on
equity by ensuring populations Green:
that have traditionally been Introducing a Just Transition Act is a positive
left out of the energy step but there is need to include details on
transition have an opportunity what will be in this act and how the act will be
for skills training and new developed. Collaborating with affected
careers. communities should be central in developing
the act.
Liberal:
The focus on communities and not just workers
who will be impacted by transition is positive
9and important, however, the platform does not
provide a lot of information on how exactly this
will be done.
Resilient What we’re calling for: In an increasingly unstable climate, our communities need to be adaptive and resilient. This means investing in vibrant and accessible local food systems and
Communities active transportation, and integrating climate adaptation concerns in all decision-making across all government departments. It means that our coastal communities are protected from
sea level rise and that all municipalities are provided with adequate funding to implement their Municipal Climate Action Plans.
Agriculture, Establishing a food secretariat Local food consumption will Provide funding and training Our investment in the General:
Seafood, and and a new universal school food be supported and encouraged, programs for small-scale and Agriculture Clean Technology Support for climate-change adaptation is
Local Food program. with the goal of 20% of the urban farming Program will support farmers needed for agricultural and seafood sectors.
Systems money spent on food by Nova and food processors in
Creating a school food program Scotians being spent on locally Eliminate subsidies to large improving their operations. Seafood harvest and growing are key rural
that would provide at least one produced food by 2030. scale livestock and This includes adopting clean economic drivers and should be explicitly
meal during the school day with monoculture farming technologies that help reduce incorporated into local food positions.
an emphasis on foods that are In determining how to reach greenhouse gas emissions,
locally, ecologically, and ethically our new Create a land trust program to improving energy efficiency, Much of our agriculture and seafood processing
produced, nutritious, and target, we need to look at make land affordable and promoting sustainable and industries are staffed now by Temporary
culturally appropriate. policies and infrastructure accessible for new farmers, clean growth, increasing value- Foreign Workers. We want to see path to
that support getting more while preserving agricultural added agricultural production, residency.
Supporting procurement of local local, land extending growing seasons and
food in public facilities such as healthy food into our public improving costs of production. We want to see an increase in support for local
schools, hospitals, colleges and institutions. Those institutions Ban the use of glyphosate in (pre-election commitment) agriculture and seafood supply chains.
universities, and long-term care can then be real models and agriculture and forestry
facilities. advocates for how we can We’re incorporating more local NDP:
start to drive change. Our Provide funding for small scale food into our public facilities. Reference to creating a target, but no target is
Launching an updated campaign health and education sectors and urban farming initiatives We’re also fostering the buy given in their platform.
to encourage people to buy local can to increase access to high local movement across the Universal school food program, procurement of
food. Lead. quality, healthy, and fresh province. local in public institutions, climate related
food across the province supports for farmers, improving Temporary
Supporting Indigenous-led food One role for government is to A Liberal Government will Foreign Worker protections and benefits, and
solutions and partnerships. facilitate the relationship allocate $3 million a year to agricultural land protection are all positive.
between agriculture and these pilot a P-6 school lunch
program. The Healthy Lunches PC:
10Creating a provincial food types of large institutions. for Healthy Kids program will Target aligns with what EAC has been asking
security secretariat in Another is to set policies that provide healthy, locally for. Local food procurement in public
government that would work encourage local consumption sourced, low-cost lunches, institutions is positive. We would like to see
strategically across government by ensuring children in more information connecting local food to
departments and with the public. Our Nova Scotia elementary schools are well climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as
communities, non-profits, and Loyal plan for the economy nourished and prepared to protection for agricultural lands.
local farmers towards meeting establishes a plan that would succeed in the classroom. The
strong food security and local see a dramatic increase in the average cost per lunch will be Green:
food goals like protecting consumption of local foods as $5 a day The commitments to a land trust and supports
agricultural land. a result of participation in a to small and urban farmers are positive. There
loyalty rewards program. A buy local component will is a lack of attention to medium scale farming,
Supporting farmers navigating promote and emphasize locally supply chains, procurement, and seafood.
the effects of climate change and sourced foods and vendors,
working towards climate change highlight healthy local food Liberal:
mitigation. options, as well as provide The commitments to local food procurement in
additional markets for farmers institutions, particularly schools, and the buy
Putting local food procurement and producers. local program are positive. We would like to
and local farm growth goals back see targets to support local food. The
in Nova Scotia’s environmental Agriculture Clean Technology Program could
legislation. have potential to support GHG emission
reductions for the agricultural sector, however,
Providing direct support for food there are no details. We would like to see
processing, storage and commitments to protection for agricultural
distribution— this could mean lands.
community food hubs for
distribution, storage and
processing, and/or a mobile
abattoir.
Supporting farming cooperatives,
agricultural land trusts and
incubator/ educational farms.
11Proactively working on labour
issues impacting the sector
through partnerships with
universities, NSCC, and other
appropriate groups to improve
the Temporary Foreign Worker
and Seasonal Agricultural Worker
Programs—for example, by
granting access to MSI—and
grow the domestic workforce.
Active Moving to a well-connected Develop a provincial active Provide funding to municipal We will promote and invest in NDP:
transportatio public transit network across the transportation strategy and transport services to provide active transit to improve the The commitments are in line with EAC asks
n and transit province that is affordable or explore options to help deliver free public transit and develop quality of life for citizens across however, we would like to see this costed.
free. more active transportation free public transit across the the province.
options, such as walking trails, province PC:
Providing sustainable funding to cycling paths and other forms We will also commit to active The commitment to a provincial active
make community transit of active mobility, which are a Rebuild the provincial rail transportation, making it more transportation strategy is good. However, the
affordable and connected. complementary tool that can service to provide rapid, accessible and realistic to funding commitment is inadequate.
reduce reliance on cars and efficient, and affordable include biking, running, $100,000 would build approximately
Considering options for provide healthy transportation across the walking, and/or hiking into 6km of painted bike lanes; or
commuter rail. transportation alternatives. province and ensure that it is daily commuting and 0.7km of protected bike lane; or
connected to the rest of recreational trip planning. 0.5km of paved multi-use trail; or
Prioritizing public and community We will invest $100,000 into Canadaprograms and programs that connecting it to neighbouring 1,000 people as a minimum level of service is a
connect low-income people with communities and regional good start, however frequencies that low have
bicycles, bicycle and road safety centres little tolerance for error, preventing transit
support, and other active from being a viable option for many.
transportation equipment. Work with municipalities, The cost of rebuilding provincial rail is too high
towns, and counties to focus relative to potential ridership. Passenger
on developing complete service could be returned to surviving tracks
communities including between Wolfville, Halifax, Truro, New
improving active Glasgow, Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury, and
transportation infrastructure, Sydney, but inter-community electric bus
revitalizing downtowns and service on 100-series highways may be faster
commercial areas, and and more cost effective.
improving public/community
transit in rural, urban, and Liberal:
suburban areas The scale of funding committed to the Blue
Route is a realistic and meaningful increase.
Increase access to carbon $20 million on its own is enough to deliver at
neutral forms of minimum, 100km of new paved trails, the most
transportation (public transit, expensive facility type in the network.
cycling, walking) and
encourage their use through A $20 million funding commitment from the
education programs province would be extended by federal
matching funds, building even more.
While it is a significant commitment to funding
inter-community active transportation, more
funding is needed for local active
transportation networks that connect to, and
increase the utility of the Blue Route.
Climate Establishing a fund for climate The province will build climate Direct resources in all Our government will continue General:
Adaptation adaptation projects that would change adaptive capacity and provincial government to lead by example at the NS needs to take climate adaptation seriously.
create local jobs and protect resilience by prioritizing departments towards provincial level, directing We need coordination on adaptation issues.
municipal infrastructure. climate adaptation across adapting to climate change government departments to Many municipalities are struggling with similar
every government and provide adequate develop climate change issues and should be working together and
13department and ensuring that financial and resource support preparedness and adaptation given support for coordination in order to
all Nova to municipalities for plans that enhance provincial respond to federal funding calls for adaptation
Scotia municipalities have mitigation and adaptation to planning and complement local action. We also need to ensure the Coastal
sufficient resources to take climate change efforts. We will also leverage Protection Act regulations are strong and put
immediate and long-term industry expertise to develop into force as soon as possible.
action on their adaptation integrated climate emergency
priorities. preparedness and response We want to see discussions around nature
This will largely be plans that protect Nova based climate solutions, and committing to the
administrative in nature and Scotians and support better protection of wetlands as a means of
adapting the mindset of every sustainability in critical sectors. both climate adaptation and mitigation
government department.
Our Liberal government has NDP and PC:
invested $25 million over 10 Not much information about how they plan on
years to upgrade 60km of engaging in climate adaptation.
dykes and aboiteaux to protect
communities from the impacts Green:
of coastal flooding. The resource and financial allocation to
communities is positive, as is consideration for
We are also currently both mitigation and adaptation. We would like
consulting on the Coastal to know more details about the resource
Protection Act regulations. support and to see inclusion of nature based
Coastal protection, rising sea- climate solutions.
level and erosion are already
causing issues in our coastal Liberal:
communities and are expected While the mention of the Coastal Protection
to worsen as we see increased Act is positive, we would like to see a firm
impacts from climate change. commitment to a date by which regulations will
We want to ensure that future be in force. Regarding climate adaptation plans,
construction is done in a safe what is required is funding to support climate
and sustainable way to protect adaptation action for communities, as well as
our sensitive coastal coordination mechanisms provincially that
ecosystems. Consultations are allow municipalities to work on climate issues
ongoing and are expected to together instead of in isolation and supports to
14be completed late summer access federal and foundation funds here for
2021. adaptation action.
Affordable 1000 new units in 4 years Conduct an inventory of Nova Immediately implement rent 3 year affordable housing NDP:
Housing1 Supporting a permanent Housing Scotia Crown land and tender control and consider rent investment plan through the Good, ambitious targets
Trust (municipal, provincial and eligible properties for the control long term National Housing Strategy: $70
private resources pooled to development of affordable Make 100% of social housing million over three years PC:
support NP/co-op housing housing units. Net Zero Energy Ready (NZER) towards existing/ low-income Conservative position is interesting but we are
providers) Implement a 5% deed transfer by 2030 housing; $12 million for people unsure how many “eligible properties” the NS
Enabling municipalities to require tax and property levy of Increase supply and mix of government owns right now for affordable
experiencing/at risk of
affordable housing through $2/$100 of assessed property affordable housing housing. In general we do not support
homelessness; $6.4 million for
inclusionary zoning. value for property buyers who Create a long-term affordable government selling public lands to developers.
Strengthening the regulation of do not pay Nova Scotia housing strategy with climate social housing.
short-term rentals income tax. and equity lens Delivering a $25 million ‘quick Green:
start’ investment in housing The commitment to rent control is positive, but
through the Affordable they ideally would be committing long-term.
Housing Commission: $20 Increased supply is also positive, but they are
million New Affordable not specifying numbers.
Housing Supply Fund; $2.5
million Community Housing Liberal:
Growth Fund; $2 million for There is no commitment to continued rent
the renewal and repair of control although some assistance is being
offered through the renoviction-
existing public housing;
compensations.
$500,000 to assist
municipalities with housing
needs assessments
Developing a 10 year housing
strategy
Provide a rebate on HST for
new affordable housing units
and permit municipalities to
1Note: The full range of affordable housing commitments are not analyzed, as many are outside of our areas of expertise. We have focused on the commitments that most intersect with the environment and
development.
15offer tax incentives for
affordable house
developments
Require compensation for
tenants facing renoviction: one
month’s rent for each year
lived there, up to six years
Healthy What we’re calling for: To ensure a liveable and sustainable future for Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia, we need to do more to protect the ecosystems we all rely on. This means increasing
Ecosystems protected areas, reforming our forestry practices, and banning harmful industries that threaten our province’s biodiversity like giant open-pit gold mines, open net pen aquaculture and
large-scale biomass burning.
Protected Protecting Nova Scotia’s natural 20% of total land and water Prioritize protecting natural Nova Scotia is beautiful. We NDP:
Areas places, which attract visitors from mass will be protected for areas in Nova Scotia through want to protect our province Promise to protect remaining sites in the Parks
all over the world to our rural conservation by 2030, legally protecting at least 17% by preserving our environment & Protected Areas Plan, including Owls Head
communities. The NDP would including Indigenous of the total landmass of Nova and promoting sustainability... Provincial Park, is positive. Commitment to
protect the remaining areas of protected and conserved Scotia for nature conservation And we’re protecting our mirror the federal protection target of 30% by
the Parks and Protected Areas areas. by 2025, and at least 20% by ecosystems, too – approaching 2030 which is very good
Plan, including Owls Head, and 2030. This Protected Areas our goal of designating 14 Does not specifically address water or
consult with the public and Embed this commitment in network will now include percent of our province as wetlands.
Mi’kmaw communities about new environmental goals Indigenous Protected and protected areas.
new areas. legislation. Conserved Areas PC:
A re-elected Liberal Commitment to finish protecting sites from
During the CBC Leaders Election Swiftly designate all remaining Immediately cancel the sale of government will increase its Parks and Protected Areas plan (14%) and
Debate on July 28th, NDP leader sites in the 2013 Parks and Owl’s Head Provincial Park land protection target to 17%. commitment to protect 20% land and water by
Gary Burrill committed to 30% Protected Areas Plan 2030. These are very good, ambitious targets,
land protection by 2030. Enact legislation to strengthen A re-elected Liberal aligned with what EAC is asking for. There is no
the protection of our land, air Government will make our mention of Owls Heads Provincial Park.
and water provincial park system a Inclusion of water mass is positive. No
priority, investing $15 million indication if wetlands are included in this
Enact legislation to strengthen over four years for major specific commitment or if they are just referring
the protection of other upgrades. to lakes, rivers, streams, etc. Overall, PC is the
species that share the only party to address freshwater protection.
environment with us
16Green:
Establish strong links across There is a strong recognition that biodiversity
provincial government needs to be protected, including through
departments to ensure that protected areas, and that this must be work
the policy framework and the that spans government departments. Their
regulations relevant to natural protected areas target is in line with what EAC
resource utilization and is asking for. Also positive is the recognition
management plans for that the unequal sharing of economic benefits
protected areas address should no longer pressure rural communities to
biodiversity, water, soils and accept destructive, industrial-scale projects, the
other natural resources in a strong support for Two-Eye Seeing in natural
holistic manner as well as the resource management and Land Back
resource specific movement (management of Crown land by the
considerations Mi'kmaw), and recognition of IPCAs. They
would also cancel the sale of Owls Head. Very
Ensure the social and positive to see a commitment to strengthen
economic needs of rural freshwater protection, ideally this will include
communities are fairly wetland protection but it is not specified.
addressed by equitable
sharing of resources, and no Liberal:
area is open to the pressures There is a commitment to reach 14% land
of accepting an unwanted protection this year by protecting all the
development because of remaining sites outlined in the 2013 Parks &
economic desperation Protected Areas plan and have further
committed to increase the provincial Protected
Work cooperatively with Land Areas target to 17% protection by 2030. This is
Trusts, Indigenous good and in line with EAC’s election asks. They
communities, African Nova have also pledged to increase funding for much
Scotian communities, Acadian needed Provincial Parks services and
communities, Youth, and infrastructure which is much needed. Does not
other groups to secure Nova specifically address water and wetland
Scotia’s natural spaces and protection or Owl’s Head provincial park
public access to shorelines for delisting.
17present and future All:
generations None of the provincial parties mention working
with the federal government to achieve marine
Protect sensitive coastal protection targets in Nova Scotian waters and
ecosystems, and enhance the to ensure there is no oil and gas exploration
buffering capacity of our allowed in these areas.
coasts
Forestry Fully implementing the Lahey Fully implement the Lahey Immediately implement the Fully implement the Lahey All:
Report without delay. Report on Forestry Practices. Lahey Report and work with Report on Forestry Practices All parties have committed to fully implement
researchers, forestry leaders, with new forestry guides for the Lahey Report on Forest Practices. This is
Implementing a moratorium on community organizers, and the Ecological Matrix and High very positive. Reforming forestry practices and
clearcutting on Crown lands until residents to build even more Production Forestry legs of the reducing clearcutting is long overdue.
the Forest Management Guides sustainable forestry practices Triad system in full operation None of them mentions removing biomass
are complete and Crown lands by the fall of this year. from the Renewable Electricity Standards.
are divided in the triad model as Dramatically reduce
outlined in the Lahey Report. clearcutting of forests in Nova Financial support to train Green:
Scotia and work towards workers to transition to The additional commitments to require Crown
eliminating clearcutting as a Ecological Forestry practices. land to be FSC certified, ban glyphosate in
Supporting forestry research and forestry practice forestry, and ban biomass for export and for
development that will improve electricity generation are all positive.
Nova Scotia’s ability to use local Require all Crown land in the
wood products for retrofitting for province allocated for harvest
energy efficiency, building to be Forest Stewardship
affordable and net-zero homes, Council certified
and sequestering carbon.
Ban the use of glyphosate in
Ensuring that any plans for agriculture and forestry
retrofitting buildings and
updating building codes would Ban the use of forest biomass
create opportunities for for the purpose of electricity
manufacturing more local generation both domestically
products from our forestry and abroad (i.e. exporting)
industry, while meeting our
18targets for climate change and
sustainable forestry practices.
Supporting private woodlot
owners to explore carbon-
capture credits.
Increasing funding for silviculture
work with an emphasis on
restoring biodiversity.
Aquaculture Fully implementing the Doelle- Support for low-impact, Consult coastal communities Platform does not address NDP:
Lahey report and supporting sustainable aquaculture. on the overhaul of the aquaculture. The support for regenerative aquaculture, such
sustainable aquaculture projects regulation of aquaculture in as shellfish, and support for finfish farms on
such as land-based and shellfish. Suggests implementing the Nova Scotia Liberal candidate for Chester- land is positive and in line with EAC’s position,
“Red, Yellow, Green” Doelle- St. Margaret’s acknowledges as is advocating for similar standards for both
Advocating for a federal the platform doesn’t address
Lahey system to establish new Address legitimate concerns, coasts. NDP recognizes the importance of
aquaculture act that does not aquaculture; says, “My own
fish farm sites and “take guided by the ideal of community led development and social license.
create two sets of rules for our personal position on this
decisions out of the Minister’s aquaculture that is low impact
coasts. particular issue is every effort
hands”. and high value, integrating should be made to try to find The party platform document does not
Ensuring that communities have economic prosperity, social ways to make the inshore explicitly commit to transitioning away from
the ability to say no to open-net Recognizes the federal well-being and environmental fishery work. And that means open net-pens, and the Doelle-Lahey report
pen fish farms. decision to move fish out of sustainability bringing the fish farming does not advocate moving all salmon farms out
the water in B.C., says such a ashore. We know that bringing of the water. However, a 2020 NSNDP
move may be “inevitable” for Ensure that aquaculture fish farming ashore provides resolution did commit to such a transition by
NS. practices guard the health of food security. It also provides 2025, while also resolving to reject new open
wild salmon, i.e., prevent infrastructure and it provides a net-pen salmon farming licenses.
Intends to open up discussion escapes safe means to interact with the
with NS stakeholders to environment.”2
decide between (1) a Implement an immediate PC:
moratorium on new open net- moratorium on the expansion The support for low-impact, sustainable
2 https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/province-house/liberal-candidate-jacob-killawee-tried-to-sell-himself-as-a-critic-of-the-aquaculture-industry-but-potential-voters-werent-buying/
19pen aquaculture licenses with of open-pen finfish aquaculture is positive. It is unclear what
support for land-based finfish aquaculture in Nova Scotia impact a reduction in Ministerial power might
or (2) “revamping” the current waters and immediately phase have. The party implies interest in adopting
licensing system to better out open-pen finfish farming some Doelle-Lahey measures to improve
reflect environmental with the aim of completely environmental controls on fish farms through
concerns. phasing it out by 2025 licensing. They suggest that further stakeholder
consultation could lead to (1) a revamping of
Develop further self-contained the current licensing process, or (2) a
alternatives to the current moratorium on new net-pen licenses. Neither
practices, including improved option commits to transition existing net-pens
feed production and related out of the water, although the latter could limit
industries further expansion.
Expand more sustainable Green:
aquaculture industries, like Clear commitment to phase out open net pen
shellfish farm production finfish farming, as well as reduction of other
impacts of current system that other parties did
not mention. Additionally, they commit to
support for regenerative aquaculture and note
the importance of wild salmon.
Liberal:
Platform does not address aquaculture. The
party has not made any commitments to
prevent the further expansion of open net-
pens, nor to transition open net-pen operations
out of the water.
During the Liberal leadership race in February
of 2021, Iain Rankin said the following when
asked by EAC if his government would commit
20to transitioning open net-pens out of the
water:
"Any resource developments in communities
will require consultation and approval based on
science from the department of the
environment and other regulatory
departments.”
Fisheries Protecting the fisheries by NDP:
continuing to support the owner- Owner-operator model, small-scale fisheries,
operator model in the inshore and value adding/market diversification are
fishery. good targets to have.
Additionally, small-scale guidelines are very
Working with the fisheries sector important and long overdue
to identify provincial goals and The focus on value add options through
create a plan to implement the product diversification and options for
“Voluntary Guidelines for recreational fishing is positive
Securing Sustainable Small-Scale
Fisheries in the Context of Food PC: Do not address
Security and Poverty
Eradication.” Green: Do not address
Including Nova Scotia fisheries
products as part of school food Liberal: Do not address
menus.
Continuing to diversify Nova
Scotia’s markets for fish.
Consulting with fishing and
angling groups to explore
opportunities for expanding
recreational fishing in the
province.
21Environment Overhauling the environmental The province will update its Update the environmental NDP, PC, Green:
al assessments system. environmental impact impact assessment process to Commitment to updating/overhauling the
Assessment assessment process to consider the cumulative environmental assessment process is positive;
consider the impacts of any development however, we would like more details in order
cumulative impacts of any that would potentially affect to see what that entails for each party.
development that would wetlands, rivers, lakes, or
potentially affect wetlands, other aquatic environments PC and Green:
rivers, Specific mention of wetlands and freshwater is
lakes or other aquatic positive.
environments. Specific mention of cumulative impacts being
This initiative can be considered is positive
undertaken by an amendment
to the Environmental Liberal:
Assessment Do not address
Regulations.
No one left What we’re calling for: We must ensure that all our communities are given the support they need to thrive, and that we all benefit from the transition to a green economy. This means
behind creating thousands of good, green jobs and a just transition for workers, updating environmental decision-making processes to include a race-equity lens and ensuring all provincial
laws are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Green Jobs Immediately establishing a Green The province will actively Create at least 15,000 new Our government will add an NDP & PC:
Jobs Task Force to guide the encourage green businesses Green Jobs annually every additional $1 million over four Both have interesting ideas, but hard to assess
transformation of Nova Scotia’s to relocate to the province year between now and 2030 years in Clean Foundation without more details.
economy into a sustainable one and Nova Scotia’s Clean Energy
while creating thousands of will provide funding credits for Training Program for students Green:
green jobs. This task force will green businesses start ups. who identify as African Nova This is an ambitious target that can be achieved
include representatives from (see Scotian, Black, Indigenous, through the other targets noted in other
website for lengthy list) Work with small businesses and/or Mi’kmaq to enter the sections of the Green Party Platform.
across the province and in all green economy as energy
sectors to get their feedback advisors and clean energy Liberal:
on all potential ways to trade workers. The emphasis on bringing youth into the green
further support them in taking economy is positive however the plan does not
actions to reduce emissions, In addition, a re-elected Liberal include details on green jobs for existing
government will commit an workers. They do focus on bringing in many
22including through rebates, additional $2 million over 4 changes to the NSCC to make training for green
targeted investments and years to the Clean Leadership jobs more accessible. Additionally there is a
other supports. Summer Internship Program, Life-Long Learning plan which would encourage
to meet the growing demand Nova Scotians to take short courses to up their
for youth learning and training skills each year as the economy transitions.
for the green economy.
Building back in the post-
pandemic economy provides
the unique opportunity to
simultaneously address the
climate crisis. NSCC can
support industry partners with
analysis tools and advice on
process optimization, overall
consumption analysis, energy
cost minimization, and green
supply chain management.
A Liberal Government will
leverage this opportunity by
providing $100,000 annually
for three years to help NSCC
provide business with key
training in green technology
and digital solutions, while
providing employees with
pathways to enrollment in
professional studies.
Environment Systematically addressing Update existing Work with the other parties to We introduced the ground NDP, PC: Positive, though vague
al Racism instances of environmental environmental decision- pass the Environmental breaking Community Solar
racism across the province. making process to include Racism bill and work with program to give communities
diversity, inclusion and equity. municipalities and African more control over their
23Nova Scotian & Mi’kmaq renewable energy future and Green:
communities to eliminate to allow people unable to The most thorough and specific platform
environmental racism across install solar panels on their commitments to end environmental racism.
the province homes the ability to participate
in solar energy projects. An Liberal: Community Solar program investment
Immediately establish an investment of $8 million over is positive. We would like to see a more
Environmental Equity working four years will allow us to systemic approach. For example, will the newly
group to address inequities in deliver targeted solar formed Office of Equity and Anti-Racism be
environmental stewardship community benefiting projects looking issues of environmental racism?
and climate mitigation and to areas that have experienced
adaptation environmental racism, have
high rates of energy poverty,
Work with Mi’kmaq leaders to or that have been historically
create a Land Back program marginalised.
that will return the
management and stewardship
of all crown lands to Mi’kmaq
communities and create a
process for residents of the
province to return the
stewardship of their land back
to Mi’kmaq communities
Integrate a Climate Justice
lens for all government policy
and departments
Create a Climate Justice
working group that brings an
anti-racist and anti-oppressive
lens to all policies and
programs
24Work with the federal
government to fully
implement the
recommendations of the
Truth and Reconciliation
Commission, the Missing and
Murdered Women, Girls, and
Two-Spirit Peoples report, and
the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples
Immediately acknowledge the
right of Mi’kmaq people to
have decision-making
authority over the use of land
and resources covered by the
Peace & Friendship treaties,
including Nova Scotia, thereby
setting up a system of co-
management of all Crown and
other public lands where no
decision on the use or
disposition of public land is
made without the prior
informed consent of Mi’kmaq
people
By 2023, ensure that the laws
of Nova Scotia are consistent
with the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples and
implemented accordingly
25Support government data
aggregation and initiatives like
the ENRICH Project which
assess equity disparities for
Nova Scotians (ex.
environmental racism
statistics)
Other Introducing an Environmental Bill Toughest penalties in Canada Enact an environmental bill of A re-elected Liberal NDP:
of Rights which would give for individual and corporate rights enshrining the principle government will make life Environmental Bill of Rights is very positive.
communities more control over littering of a basic human right to a more affordable for Nova EAC has been a member of the coalition calling
projects that are proposed in healthy environment Scotians and fight climate for this in the past and would welcome this bill.
their communities. Nova Scotia has one of the change by expanding common-
strongest recycling programs Support the creation of sense, low-burden Extended
in North America. With the financially accessible and Producer Responsibility (EPR) PC:
heavy focus on the culturally appropriate mental programs. Large companies While littering is a problem, more important is
importance of our health resources and services will be the main focus of the reducing waste at the source and extended
environment, there is an for young Nova Scotians program, with exemptions in producer responsibility, neither of which are
opportunity to leverage experiencing the mental ill- place for small businesses that mentioned.
that mindset to attract effects of the climate and generate less than $2 million
visitors, migrants and ecological emergency of revenue, have a single The Funding Navigator service, as described, is
companies to Nova Scotia, to storefront, or generate less covered by federal staff and risks redundancy.
say they live Enact legislation to protect than 1 tonne of packaging. The However, there is a role for additional supports
in or operate business in the our oceans, lakes, rivers and expanded program will build around funding coordination for, for example,
most recycle-friendly streams from pollution, on Nova Scotia’s existing EPRs smaller municipalities assessing federal
jurisdiction in North America. inappropriate development for electronics, used oil, filters, programs for climate adaptation and building
and climate change hazards glycol, containers and paint retrofits.
The province will actively and bring us into alignment
pursue federal funding Exclude water from all trade with the majority of Canadian Green:
programs that enhance agreements provinces. Environmental Bill of Rights is very positive.
environmental EAC has been a member of the coalition calling
and economic sustainability Ban bulk water export from for this in the past and would welcome this bill.
and commit to working in Nova Scotia Green party is only party with comprehensive
26partnership with Promote water conservation platform addressing clean water and air, and
municipalities, and water-efficient extended producer responsibility.
First Nations, businesses, technologies
community groups and non Liberal:
profit organizations to Expand the availability of The commitment to EPR is positive, though
continue to public water fountains to details are needed.
position Nova Scotia as a discourage the need and use
world leader in sustainable of bottled water All Parties:
development. No one has mentioned environmental and
Your PC government will Ensure that shoreline climate accountability mechanisms or green
employ a funding navigator communities and industries strings for industry seeking funding. These are
within the Department of stop dumping untreated significant omissions.
Environment to help support waste or insufficiently treated
businesses and individuals waste into rivers, lakes, and
seeking to apply for federal the ocean
funding programs. (then goes
on to give examples of Habitat Ensure that all people living in
Stewardship Program, Atlantic Nova Scotia have access to
Ecosystems Initiatives, and safe and clean drinking water
Environmental Damages Fund)
Create and implement a
strategy for clean air that
incorporates
intergovernmental
cooperation to meet the goals
for air quality set out in the
Environmental Goals and
Sustainable Prosperity Act
Respect the role of
vegetation, landforms, and
aquatic systems in our air
quality and reflect their value
within cost-benefit
27assessments and relevant
legislation and regulation
Build on the leading role of
the waste reduction and
management system and seek
to reduce the need for new
landfills
Reduce solid waste disposal
rate by 50% below 2020 levels
by 2030 and achieve zero
plastic waste by 2030
Work with the Divert Nova
Scotia and federal and
municipal governments to
enhance manufacturers’
responsibility for the lifetime
stewardship of their product
Ban all single-use plastics in
Nova Scotia businesses and
institutions
Projected Not yet costed. 7.4 million Conduct a thorough review of The newly-costed Liberal NDP: Not yet officially costed. We would like to
Cost the government budget, and platform details $173 million see more details.
Information from EAC Breakdown of costs look for inefficiencies with a worth of environment
Environmental Debate (CBC - $5 million grant to target goal of finding 5% of spending over four years, but it PC:
article for reference) encourage the the total budget that can be also estimates $200 million in Inadequate. $7.4 million represents 1.3% of the
The New Democrats have not development of eco-friendly moved to Green initiatives revenue from cap-and-trade $553 million in PC platform commitments.
fully costed their platform, but buildings. In order to qualify auctions, negating the costs. 4 Details follow
Colbourne said at least $100
4 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/environment-issues-take-the-spotlight-in-n-s-election-debate-1.6130134
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