Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Responds to Throne Speech

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) is responding to the government’s throne speech. NSFL President Danny Cavanagh said that while we appreciate the government’s recognition of certain key areas, we believe critical gaps must be addressed to ensure the well-being of all Nova Scotians.

“We agree that we need to gain value from our land, but not at the expense of people’s land, homes, water, or the environment. We cannot sacrifice our natural resources to corporate elites and put profits before people; raw resources must be refined into finished products, building more good-paying jobs here at home and we must invest in Nova Scotia and keep our resources working for Nova Scotians.

“Good jobs mean union jobs. This is the reality, and we must recognize the value of unionized workplaces in creating stable, well-paying employment that will drive a better economy,” says Cavanagh.

While the NSFL acknowledges the speech’s positive aspects, particularly regarding healthcare improvements, Cavanagh stressed that improvements must remain in public hands, not private. We are concerned about the apparent trend toward privatization in Healthcare, which often results in funds flowing out of the province. We are worried that this government, with its majority, will move to more privatization rather than invest in our people and workers in Nova Scotia. 

“On poverty reduction, we wholeheartedly agree that poverty is poison, as Mr. Savage said in the speech. However, we continue to call on the government to implement a comprehensive poverty elimination plan, not just a reduction. We strongly advocate for public child care and early learning programs. An average of $10 a day is not enough, so we need a firm commitment to affordable $10-dollar-a-day childcare for all families,” says Cavanagh.

The Federation takes issue with the labelling of certain groups as special interests. It’s insulting to dismiss segments of our society in this way. The government is supposed to govern all people, and trying to plant a seed that citizens who stand up and speak out about issues on something they value is unfair. This narrative signals that if a citizen holds a position that disagrees with something, they get labelled as having special interests by a government that is supposed to represent their interest. Isn’t it by listening that we build better? It seems the stance by the government is poised to become a don’t argue or disagree because we know what’s best, attitude, and that’s shameful. 

The Federation also noted the lack of substantial discussion on affordable housing, an issue of critical importance to many Nova Scotians. We are always committed to working with our elected leaders to find solutions to move our province forward. Cavanagh concludes that we aim to create a Nova Scotia where all residents can thrive and take pride in their province.