Chender criticizes Houston government as Halifax cost of living rises
Posted Jul 8, 2025 06:37:13 AM.
Last Updated Jul 8, 2025 06:37:45 AM.
The province’s official opposition leader says inaction from the Houston government is resulting in higher costs for Nova Scotians.
This comes after new data shows the cost of living in Halifax is similar to Toronto.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender made those comments after new statistics showed roughly half of Halifax households spend 31 percent of their before-tax income on housing and transportation.
“Ten years ago, no one would have believed Halifax could be as unaffordable as Toronto. But today, many Nova Scotians can’t afford rent, groceries, or gas even while working full-time,” said Chender. “This is the best province with the best people. We need a government that will act to keep it that way.”
According to the numbers, over 18 percent of Haligonians’ income is spent on housing and over 12 percent is spent on transportation.
That means Halifax’s 31 percent is edging out Toronto, which sits at 30 percent.
Chender says many Nova Scotians can’t afford rent, groceries, or gas even while working full-time.
She went on to accuse the Houston government of being focused on consolidating power, rather than protecting renters and building affordable homes and better transportation.
