Premier Tim Houston Photo: NS Government.
As 2025 comes to a close, Premier Tim Houston says Nova Scotia is entering a pivotal period—one defined by energy ambitions, health care improvements, and adapting to new challenges.
In a year-end interview, Houston shared his outlook on the province’s progress and priorities for 2026.
Building an Energy Hub
Houston believes Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned to help Canada become an energy superpower. Offshore wind is at the center of that vision, with the potential to supply up to 27 percent of Canada’s energy needs.
“Canada has zero offshore wind farms right now,” Houston said. “We could have the first—and the technology is ready.”
The Premier also sees opportunities in oil and gas, geothermal, and solar. He’s been meeting with companies to revive interest in Nova Scotia’s offshore resources, which have been dormant for years. Houston says these projects could take five to ten years and require billions in investment, but they would create jobs across the province and generate revenue to fund services like health care.
Balancing development with environmental responsibility is key, he added: “I care deeply about this province—the water, the air, the land. We can do this safely and sustainably.”
Houston recently announced he will reoffer in the next election, citing the need for stability as investors commit to multi-year projects.
Health Care Progress
Health care was a cornerstone of Houston’s 2021 campaign, and he says 2025 brought tangible results. The need-a-family-practice list dropped from 110,000 to 70,000—by far the lowest in Canada if the trend continues.
“We were on a bad path,” Houston said. “Now we’re getting people attached to care.”
New facilities opened across the province, and wait lists began to shrink. Recruitment remains a challenge, but Houston points to innovations like the Cape Breton medical school and the PACE clinic, which helps foreign-trained doctors get licensed in as little as 12 weeks.
“These seeds we planted are sprouting,” he said. “People working in health care are feeling optimistic—and that’s the best gauge.”
Water and Climate Challenges
Nova Scotia faced severe drought this year, leaving many wells dry and heightening wildfire risks. Houston says the province stepped in with emergency water supplies but is working on long-term solutions with municipalities.
“We haven’t seen the last drought,” he said. “We need to be prepared.”
Wildfire response also evolved, with new techniques like preventive sprinkler systems and the growing Nova Scotia Guard, which mobilizes volunteers during emergencies.
Nova Scotia Power and Energy Diversification
Nova Scotia Power faced a difficult year after a cyber breach and billing concerns. Houston launched an investigation and says the utility has “a lot of questions to answer.”
Longer term, he wants to give ratepayers alternatives: “We don’t want Nova Scotia Power to be the only game in town. Developing gas safely could lower rates and provide options.”
U.S.-Canada Relations and Trade
Political tensions south of the border have affected exporters, but tourism remained strong. Houston says Nova Scotia is finding new markets and pushing for smoother domestic trade, having lifted all provincial barriers.
Despite challenges, cultural ties endure. Houston highlighted traditions like the Boston Christmas tree and Dory races: “These remind people we’re friends and neighbors. We’ll get through this period.”
