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N.S. premier invites the public to build and submit their own provincial budgets
Residents can adjust most departmental budgets by 5%, and an independent committee will review the submissions before the next fiscal plan.
On Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston launched a budget consultation process in Halifax, inviting the public to build and submit their own provincial financial plans.
Houston told reporters the previous budget was "too clinical" with spreadsheets and lacked focus on Nova Scotians' needs, prompting this shift toward more human-centered consultation.
A new website allows participants to adjust department budgets by five per cent and modify individual program funding, though users cannot raise taxes, increase the deficit, or cut Health and Wellness Department funding.
An independent committee will review submissions and report to the finance minister, while provincial officials schedule online and in-person public meetings across the province over the coming weeks.
Public Service Commission Minister Twila Grosse joined Houston in announcing the initiative, signaling collaborative government effort to gather public input for the next fiscal plan.