The Nova Scotia Liberal Party is asking people in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to share their thoughts on the new provincial budget at an upcoming public meeting. The provincial government released its 2026-27 spending plan on February 23, 2026, which includes significant cuts and a predicted deficit of $1.19 billion.
The Government of Nova Scotia named its plan Defending Nova Scotia, projecting a total of $18.9 billion in spending. Finance Minister John Lohr explained that the plan focuses on reducing the number of public service workers through attrition, which means not hiring new people when current employees leave or retire.
While the budget includes cuts to save money, it also lists specific projects for the local area. For Antigonish, the province has promised funding to help turn the Trunk 4 corridor into a space for walking and biking to improve local travel options.
Opposition members have criticized the plan, calling it a period of reduced spending that could impact government services. Residents who want to explain how these changes might affect their families or their work can sign up to speak before the Public Bills Committee.
To get a spot to speak, residents need to call the legislature office at 902-424-8941 to register. This is a formal way for community members to provide feedback before the government moves forward with its final financial decisions for the year.
