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Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is preparing to travel the province this summer to meet with business crowds from Yarmouth to Cape Breton.
Houston said Thursday the timing is right to talk about “challenges, for sure, but massive opportunities.”
The big challenge, he said, is the budget deficit. As for opportunities, he listed energy, natural resources and defence.
Houston is set to speak at seven chambers of commerce starting next week and ending mid-August. He said more dates could be added.
- Wednesday, July 15: Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce.
- Thursday, July 16: Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Tuesday, July 28: Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Wednesday, July 29: Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.
- Tuesday, Aug. 4: Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12: Strait Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Thursday, Aug. 13: Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The summer tour will also include meetings with business owners, Houston’s office said.
“People are interested in what’s possible for this province and the opportunities that are before us, and they’re realistic about the challenges. So those discussions are what kind of keeps me going, gives me energy and drive,” Houston told reporters following a cabinet meeting.
Budget tour coming this fall
Come fall, the Progressive Conservative government is planning to launch another public engagement tour — this one focused on the next budget.
Houston first floated the idea of a budget tour at the end of the spring sitting of the legislature, following waves of protests outside Province House and MLA offices in response to the 2026-27 budget.
The $1.2-billion deficit budget included more than $300 million in cuts to programs and jobs. In the face of blowback, the government later restored about $54 million of those cuts.
At the time, Houston said the budget process had become too “clinical” and he vowed to do better.
Houston said health care and housing will remain spending priorities, and he is not interested in raising taxes, but his government will listen to the public’s priorities, too.
“There’s some non-negotiables, but there’s some things that we can be more flexible on.”
Houston said the format of the budget tour is not yet clear, but he expects it will include some town halls and an online component.
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