Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has announced a one per cent cut to the HST next year.
The provincial part of the HST will drop to nine per cent from 10, meaning Nova Scotians will be paying a combined HST of 14 per cent.
“Lowering the HST will make things more affordable for all Nova Scotians, everybody who purchases something. So that’s why we’re taking this step,” Houston told reporters during a Wednesday news conference.
“We’re mindful of the revenue impacts and the need to provide services, but we know that the lower HST is a solution for Nova Scotians.”
The province confirmed it has given notice to the federal government about the impending change, but the move still requires legislation. Houston said the drop in HST would take effect April 1, 2025.
Under a new piece of Nova Scotia’s Elections Act, the next provincial election is slated for July 15, 2025, but the HST announcement comes at a time of growing speculation of an early election call.
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On Tuesday, Northside-Westmount MLA Fred Tilley crossed the floor from the Opposition Liberals to join the governing Progressive Conservatives.
Houston was asked whether Tilley’s switch was the prelude to an eventual snap election call sometime later this week. The premier didn’t reply directly but mused about the current political landscape.
“It is probably obvious to everyone that there is incredible turmoil in Ottawa right now and what happens in Ottawa can have a significant and immediate impact on Nova Scotia,” he said. “I’m watching … and I need to make sure that Nova Scotia is in a strong position to bargain with the federal government and be treated fairly.”
HST is second largest revenue source
HST is the second largest provincial revenue source.
According to the province’s calculations, the one percentage point reduction to the provincial value-added tax rate is expected to reduce revenues by about $260.8 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year; $265.5 million in 2026-27; and $272.4 million in 2027-28.
Three other provinces have a harmonized sales tax. Newfoundland and New Brunswick have theirs set at 15 per cent, and Ontario is at 13 per cent.
— with a file from The Canadian Press
