Houston government eliminates Communications Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is eliminating its non-partisan communications agency, Communications Nova Scotia (CNS), and restructuring the government department.

A spokesperson for Premier Tim Houston says the change will integrate communications staff into their respective departments, aiming to reduce duplication and streamline operations.

Minister of Communications Nova Scotia, Leah Martin, said, “The world is changing in terms of technology and citizen-expectations. This move provides an opportunity to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and ensure Nova Scotians receive the best possible services.”

The province says the restructuring is also intended to ensure more efficient delivery of services to Nova Scotians.

The 2024-25 Business Plan for Communications Nova Scotia reports CNS had an almost $7 million annual budget and employed nearly 90 people. There has been no indication if anyone will lose their job as a result of the restructuring.

NDP leader Claudia Chender expressed concerns, stating the removal of a non-partisan communications branch could impact the impartiality of government messaging.

“Tim Houston has a bad track record of doing things behind closed doors and out of sight of the public,” said Chender “The communications branch of the civil service was there to provide timely, accurate, and non-partisan information to the people of Nova Scotia. This change means the guard rails are gone with it comes to Nova Scotians getting information about what government is doing and how they are spending public funds.”

The Houston government said the new model is said to align with practices in other jurisdictions and will focus on improving integration between policy, planning, operations, and communications.

With files from The Canadian Press.