Church Teaching “Therefor I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body,
what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”
– Matthew 6:25-33
Some people are born into economically stable families, receive a fine education, grow up well nourished, or naturally possess great talent. They will certainly not need a proactive state; they need only claim their freedom. Yet the same rule clearly does not apply to a disabled person, to someone born in dire poverty, to those lacking a good education and with little access to adequate health care. If a society is governed primarily by the criteria of market freedom and efficiency, there is no place for such persons, and fraternity will remain just another vague ideal. – Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti 109
The Dignity & Importance of Work
The use of one’s gifts to seek and serve God necessarily includes work, by which humans cooperate with God in God’s continuing act of creation. Work has a place of honour because it is a source of the conditions for a decent life, and is, in principle, an effective instrument against poverty. But one must not succumb to the temptation of making an idol of work, for the ultimate and definitive meaning of life is not to be found in work. Work is essential, but it is God — and not work — who is the origin of life and the final goal of man.
The underlying principle of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. The demand of justice, which stems from it, precedes concerns for profit: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it” (Pr 15:16). “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice” (Pr 16:8). Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 257.
Work is not only an essential part of life, but when we work in accordance with our inner passions – our individual vocations – it is a joy. And it is also an obligation to one’s family, neighbors, and nation. Man must work, both because the Creator has commanded it and in order to respond to the need to maintain and develop his own humanity. We are heirs of the work of generations and at the same time shapers of the future of all who will live after us. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 274
But work, and particularly dignified work, is not readily available for all who seek it. Those who are unemployed or underemployed suffer the profound negative consequences that such a situation creates in a personality and they run the risk of being marginalized within society, of becoming victims of social exclusion… Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 289
Poverty Reduction
The poor, the marginalized and in all cases those whose living conditions interfere with their proper growth should be the focus of particular concern. To this end, the preferential option for the poor should be reaffirmed in all its force… Today, this love of preference for the poor, and the decisions which it inspires in us, cannot but embrace the immense multitudes of the hungry, the needy, the homeless, those without health care and, above all, those without hope of a better future.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 182
Catholics are called to remember Jesus’ own words: What we do to the least among us, we do to Him. Matthew 25:31-46
Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work. – Pope Francis, Laudato si’ 128
An Economy to Serve All People
I encourage financial experts and political leaders to ponder the words of one of the sages of antiquity: ‘Not to share one’s wealth with the poor is to steal from them and to take away their livelihood. It is not our own goods which we hold, but theirs…’ Money must serve, not rule! –Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel 57-58
The development of economic activity and growth in production are meant to provide for the needs of human beings. Economic life is not meant solely to multiply goods produced and increase profit or power; it is ordered first of all to the service of persons, of the whole man, and of the entire human community. For many people, a living wage and dignified housing are beyond reach. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2426
The planning capacity of a society oriented towards the common good and looking to the future is measured… above all on the basis of the employment prospects that it is able to offer. Maintaining employment depends more and more on one’s professional capabilities. Instructional and educational systems must not neglect human or technological formation, which are necessary for gainfully fulfilling one’s responsibilities.
Young people should be taught to act upon their own initiative, to accept the responsibility of facing with adequate competencies the risks connected with a fluid economic context that is often unpredictable in the way it evolves. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 271-290.
Small businesses, trades, and crafts
The decentralization of production, which assigns to smaller companies several tasks previously undertaken by larger production interests, gives vitality and new energy to the area of small and medium-sized businesses. In this way, alongside traditional artisans there emerge new businesses characterized by small production interests at work in modern production sectors or in decentralized activities of larger companies.
Work in small and medium-sized businesses, the work of artisans and independent work can represent an occasion to make the actual work experience more human, both in terms of the possibility of establishing positive personal relationships in smaller-sized communities and in terms of the opportunities for greater initiative and industriousness. In these sectors, however, there are more than just a few cases of unjust treatment, of poorly paid and, above all, uncertain work. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 315.
Industries, Innovation, & Agriculture
Thanks to technological innovations, the world is being enriched with new professions while others are disappearing. In the present phase of transition there is a continuous movement of workers from the industrial sector to that of services… In particular, there is an increase in…part-time, temporary and “non-traditional” employment… Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 313.
Unions & Workers’ Rights
The demands of competition, technological innovation and the complexities of financial fluxes must be brought into harmony with the defense of workers and their rights. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 313.
Any form of materialism or economic tenet that tries to reduce the worker to a mere instrument of production, a simple labour force with an exclusively material value, would hopelessly distort the essence of work and strip it of its most noble and basic human quality. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 270-271
Among the rights of workers, the Church recognizes (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 301):
– the right to a just wage;
– the right to rest;
– the right to a working environment and to manufacturing processes which are not harmful to the workers’ physical health or to their moral integrity;
– the right that one’s personality in the workplace should be safeguarded “without suffering any affront to one’s conscience or personal dignity;
– the right to appropriate subsidies that are necessary for the subsistence of unemployed workers and their families;
– the right to a pension and to insurance for old age, sickness, and in case of work-related accidents;
– the right to social security connected with maternity;
– the right to assemble and form associations.
The Church recognizes the fundamental role played by labour unions… Such organizations, while pursuing their specific purpose with regard to the common good, are a positive influence for social order and solidarity, and are therefore an indispensable element of social life. Work, because of its subjective or personal character, is superior to every other factor connected with productivity; this principle applies, in particular, with regard to capital.
The Church’s social doctrine teaches that relations within the world of work must be marked by cooperation: hatred and attempts to eliminate the other are completely unacceptable. This is also the case because in every social system both “labour” and “capital” represent indispensable components of the process of production.
No Christian, in light of the fact that he belongs to a united and fraternal community, should feel that he has the right not to work and to live at the expense of others (cf. 2 Thes 3:6-12). Rather, all are charged… to make it a point of honour to work with their own hands, so as to be dependent on nobody (1 Thes 4:12), and to practice a solidarity which is also material by sharing the fruits of their labour with “those in need” (Eph 4:28). Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 264, 305-307.
Corporations & Competition, and Consumers
You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
– the 10th Commandment
The individual profit of an economic enterprise, although legitimate, must never become the sole objective. Social utility is an objective of even higher order. When the free market carries out the important functions mentioned above it becomes a service to the common good and to integral human development. When focused on profit alone, however, the market can degenerate into an inhuman and alienating institution, with uncontrollable repercussions.
Freedom in the economic sector… must be regulated by appropriate legal norms so that it will be placed at the service of integral human freedom… A great deal of educational and cultural work is urgently needed, including the education of consumers in the responsible use of their power of choice, the formation of a strong sense of responsibility among producers and among people in the mass media in particular, as well as necessary intervention by public authorities. In order to balance the principle of solidarity with the rights and obligations of the individual, the State’s intervention in the economic environment must be neither invasive nor absent, but commensurate with society’s real needs. “The State has a duty to sustain business activities by creating conditions which will ensure job opportunities, by stimulating those activities where they are lacking or by supporting them in moments of crisis. The State has the further right to intervene when particular monopolies create delays or obstacles to development. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 305-307, 351, 376.
There is a growing loss of the sense of history, which leads to even further breakup. A kind of “deconstructionism”, whereby human freedom claims to create everything starting from zero, is making headway in today’s culture. The one thing it leaves in its wake is the drive to limitless consumption and expressions of empty individualism. – Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti, 12
Transportation & Infrastructure
The demands of the common good… are strictly connected to respect for and the integral promotion of the person and his fundamental rights. Among other things, these demands concern commitment to the provision of essential services to all, some of which are at the same time human rights: food, housing, work, education and access to culture, transportation… Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 166
Green Party of Nova Scotia An Economy at the Service of All People
The party’s constitution lists, among the purposes and objectives of the party, fostering a sustained political institution that reflects the Six Principles of the Charter of the Global Greens, including: social justice and sustainability, and and in so doing to consider the interests of all Nova Scotians, their future generations, and the biosphere.
Housing & Poverty Reduction
That party states that it:
– recognizes that poverty is a complex systemic problem that arises from poor policy decisions which then reverberate through society leaving large segments of the population in a cycle of impoverishment.
– recognizes that impoverished communities have long been targeted for development projects that pollute the land, water, and air.
– recognizes that provincial and federal governments have often offloaded their responsibilities related to poverty alleviation to non-profit organizations without providing appropriate or consistent funding, thereby resulting in an inequitable distribution of available services across the province.
– supports legislation and funding which facilitate equitable access to poverty reducing factors such as healthy homes, free or affordable education, and jobs that pay a living wage.
– supports renegotiation of Federal equalization payments to ensure adequate funding for the prevention and elimination of poverty.
– advocates for universal needs supports, such as a Guaranteed Liveable Income, to help people not only survive, but thrive, in their vocation of choice within their home communities as much as possible while being fairly remunerated with the opportunity for a healthy work-life balance.
Housing
The party states that it:
– believes that housing is a human right, as acknowledged in the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and supports changes to provincial legislation to protect this right and prevent discrimination based on housing status.
– acknowledges the requirement for urgent measures that address poverty, financial insecurity, health and wellness, and systemic barriers.
– recognizes that 20% of Nova Scotia’s housing stock is currently owned by the corporate sector.
– acknowledges that the continued appropriation of residential housing for investment purposes can be detrimental to improving availability and access to affordable housing, especially when there is a lack of strong legislation protecting tenants’ rights.- supports access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing options that benefit everyone including people who are students, refugees, newcomers, migrants, immigrants, and temporary workers.
– supports a housing first model that provides people who are homeless or vulnerably housed with access to housing and necessary social supports.
– supports measures to increase the availability of and access to affordable, environmentally friendly and energy efficient housing, including public housing.
– supports federal, municipal, and provincial partnerships for investment in upgrading and renovating existing private, non-corporate owned, housing stock to meet 21st century energy efficiency standards.
– recognizes municipal jurisdiction over zoning and supports incentives to modernize zoning to address sustainability and equitability.
– supports strong legislation protecting tenants, including against unhealthy accommodations and unfair evictions for renovations.
– supports increased investment in construction and maintenance of new and existing public housing to meet current and future demands across the province, conveniently located near public transportation, schools, employment opportunities, etc.
Labour, Unions & Employment
The party states that it:
– recognizes that employment must provide sufficient income to survive but should also allow people to enjoy a satisfying life.
– recognizes that many workplaces limit participation through inequitable practices, such as systemic prejudices, inadequate accessibility, and unsafe conditions.
– supports legislation of minimum-wage levels above the poverty line, labour standards which enhance equitable hiring, promotion and compensation practices, safety on the job, accessibility and reasonable accommodations, union rights, whistle-blower protection, and work-life balance.
Corporations, Competition & Consumers
Transportation
The party states that it:
– supports an expansion of affordable public transit within and between communities.
– supports investment in livable neighbourhoods that promote walkability, cyclability, and other diverse forms of mobility, to facilitate safe travel and the reduced need for private vehicles for health, environmental, economic, and social benefits.
– supports reducing emissions from privately and publicly owned vehicles through measures to facilitate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, including comprehensive and equitable access to charging infrastructure.
Agriculture
The party states that it:
– recognizes that less than 10% of the food in Nova Scotia is grown on local provincial farms, farmland is under threat by developers, and some ‘conventional’ and ‘industrial’ agricultural practices deplete soil health, pollute the environment, and are cruel to animals.
– supports legislative and financial measures for:
- regenerative land management and agriculture,
- protection of farmland to secure the local food supply,
- investment and research into climate-friendly agricultural techniques, practices, and food production systems that make our food supply more resilient,
- investment to assist farmers in moving from conventional to regenerative production systems that do not require the use of artificial agents,
- enhancement of small-scale farming and community gardening initiatives that support local and sustainable food security systems in urban and rural settings and
- the development of local markets and distribution systems to support small scale, local producers.
Forestry
The party states that it:
– recognizes that the types of forestry practices used can either harm or aid our biodiverse ecosystems.
– supports stronger legislation in favor of sustainable practices to facilitate systemic change in the forestry industry and towards an ecological forestry approach noting reports on best practices such as the 2018 Lahey report.
– supports measures to ensure forest and ecosystem protection including, for example:
- the legislated elimination of clearcutting forestry practices,
- the facilitation of best practices silviculture on public and private land forestry and for old-forest restoration,
- full implementation of the Endangered Species Act on public and private land,
- legislation preventing toxic agents, such as glyphosate, from being applied to fields and forests, and
- legislation preventing the use of forest biomass for the purpose of electricity generation both domestically and abroad.
– supports measures that contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience, such as fire-risk criteria and incentives, to conserve old-growth and Acadian forests on public and private land.
Fisheries
The party states that it:
– recognizes that inappropriate fisheries’ practices can severely harm aquatic ecosystems as well as the biodiversity of our waters, and can also affect the safety of the products for consumers.
– supports legislation to facilitate sustainable fisheries, such as ensuring areas of no-take zones and continued legislation for periods of no-fishing.
– supports funding for research into fishing methods which minimize negative ecological impacts and develop uses for bycatch and waste products.
– supports close coordination with Federal counterparts and measures to ensure that fishery operations and disputes are handled equitably.
– supports the diversification of fisheries’ species in Nova Scotian waters to avoid overfishing and potential extirpation of fish populations while providing livelihoods for local fishers.
Aquaculture
The party states that it:
– recognizes that inappropriate aquaculture practices pose risks to native aquatic populations, the health of exploited species, and to consumers.
– supports ecologically safe aquaculture practices, such as land-based operations, to support the economy of Nova Scotia with minimal ecological harm.
– supports monitoring of identified commercial species for potential threats such as disease, illegal harvesting, and invasive species.
– supports research efforts in the identification of species which are good candidates for sustainable aquaculture.
Mining & Extractive Industries
The party states that it:
– recognizes that extractive industries, such as mining, while currently necessary, can interfere with the rights of Nova Scotians and the ecosystems upon which we all depend.
– supports legislation and monitoring to ensure that industries operate without their wastes interfering with ecosystems or people’s health, employment prospects, or recreational enjoyment of the natural environment.
– it further supports legislation and monitoring to ensure that industries are held responsible for all cleanup and restoration, and are subject to steep and prohibitive penalties for noncompliance or for environmental accidents that should have been prevented.
– supports measures to assist in just transitions for former employees leaving harmful extractive industries or when industries close or relocate.
Liberal Party of Nova Scotia Diverse and Sustainable Economy
The party states that:
– a healthy, productive and inclusive society promotes anti-racism and anti-discrimination, and upholds principles of equality, equity, equal access to opportunity, and dignity and safety of person.
– embracing renewable energy sources can drive economic growth, create sustainable jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen energy independence in and for Nova Scotians.
– progressive energy public policy will ensure Nova Scotia remains at the forefront of clean energy innovation, while prioritizing the well-being of our communities and environment.
– it seeks a comprehensive strategy that fosters a profitable renewable energy transition economy in Nova Scotia.
Among its four top priorities the party includes:
– making life more affordable for all Nova Scotians, through targeted actions to provide immediate relief addressing the current affordability crisis, including lowering HST and income taxes by $3,000 for the average family, lowering your power bills, and lowering grocery prices.
– making housing more affordable and accessible by building 80,000 new homes by 2032, protecting renters, and fixing the broken property tax system.
– stopping the current government’s efforts to double the population, by limiting population growth to in-demand workers and their families until the province has enough housing, healthcare, and schools to support more growth.
Cost of Living
The party:
– states that the first major step it proposes in addressing the cost of living crisis is to implement a package of tax cuts that will save the average family $3,000 each year, including a 2-point HST cut—saving individuals an average of $700 a year, and changing income taxes so that thousands more of taxpayers’ income will no longer be taxed—saving hundreds more each year at tax time.
– the party also advocates moving moving to stabilize electricity prices with legislated standards for clean energy and power rates.
In particular, the party states that:
– it advocates cutting the HST from 15% to 13%. Nova Scotians pay the highest sales tax in the country, while provincial revenues have increased significantly over the past two years. Taxpayers deserve to get some of that money back.
– Nova Scotians pay some of the highest income taxes in the country, with an extremely low personal basic exemption amount that hasn’t been indexed to inflation. It advocates a one-time increase to the personal basic exemption to $15,705 and ensuring it remains indexed to inflation; and doubling the benefit currently received by earners under $75,000. These changes would result in Nova Scotia having the lowest personal income taxes in Atlantic Canada.
– it also proposes eliminating the Carbon Tax. While it is important that the province do its part in the fight against climate change, the federal carbon tax isn’t the right fit for Nova Scotia. From 2017-2022, under the previous Liberal government, a Cap and Trade model worked to reduce emissions without punishing Nova Scotians. The party advocates working with other Atlantic Provinces to establish a Cap and Trade program that will reduce large industrial pollution.
– to reduce power rates and thereby lower electricity bills, more competition is needed for power generation. The party proposes expanding the ability of renewable energy companies to provide power directly to Nova Scotians and aggressively holding Nova Scotia Power responsible for meeting legislated performance targets.
– it advocates expanding the Heating Assistance Rebate Program to help low-income earners with their energy bills, saving them $1,000 a year.
– it further advocates investing in Energy Efficiency Programs, including heat pump and weatherization programs, to help middle class Nova Scotians save money on power and help the environment. Specifically, it advocates (i) eliminating the fee for the Home Energy Assessment for all Nova Scotians, (ii) increasing rebates for heat efficiency programs such as the heat system rebates, and (iii) ensuring that renters and small landlords can benefit from energy efficiency upgrades and savings.
– in addition, the party advocates redouble provincial efforts to get Nova Scotia off coal without simply substituting fuel oil in power plants, including (i) investing substantially in renewable generation with in-province wind, solar, and battery farms, and (ii) ensuring that the sites in Nova Scotia with the best wind power generating potential are being used.
– it advocates regulating Nova Scotia land leasing, water access, and energy generation capacity to ensure that all Nova Scotians are benefitting from provincial resources.
– to make the provincial power grid must more reliable, the party advocates working with the federal government to advance interregional electricity transmission planning and coordination to stabilize energy costs.
– although consumers currently do not pay HST on basic groceries like fruit, flour, and milk, many foods that families rely on are still subject to a 15% HST, including foods like granola bars, pre-made salads, and sandwiches at the grocery store. The party advocates removing the provincial sales tax from all food in grocery stores.
– when local grocers can compete with the big stores, prices go down, people buy more local products, and money stays in local communities. To improve competition in the grocery market, it advocates (i) banning restrictive covenants that determine where grocery stores can be built. This will increase competition and improve availability of grocery stores, especially in rural areas, and (ii) investment in independent grocery stores through grants and loans for expansion and improved service.
– in order to support Buying Local, it advocates immediately halting all payments to Sobeys for the Nova Scotia Loyal program, and instead investing that money in developing a comprehensive marketing and growth plan for local products.
– it advocates investing $10M to expand affordable food programs across the province by building new food hubs, expanding programs that buy excess food from farmers to sell directly to Nova Scotians, and investing in mobile food markets.
– it advocates making public transit free across Nova Scotia, thereby eliminating barriers to transportation and providing up to $5,000 per year in savings for those who switch from driving to commuting by public transit, investing in rural community transport, to make it the most effective in Nova Scotia’s history, ensuring that community transportation organizations can lower costs and increase services.
– to help seniors stay in their homes longer, stay healthy, and live better lives, it advocates doubling the tax-free seniors care grant to $1,500 each year, and increasing program eligibility so that households with up to $50,000 in annual income are eligible.
– the current social safety net is trapping Nova Scotians in intergenerational poverty, requires significant bureaucratic overhead, and often disincentivizes working. The party advocates transforming the various social assistance programs to ensure that people who are struggling can afford the basic necessities and not find themselves on the streets. It proposes doing that by spearheading an all-party committee to overhaul the existing provincial social assistance model and examine alternatives, including a guaranteed basic income.
– non-profit and service delivery organizations are not able to appropriately deliver for their communities or plan for the long term when they must apply for provincial funding on an annual basis. Not only do they not know what funding is coming from year to year but, once approved, the delivery of funding is often delayed by as much as 9-10 months into the fiscal year, leaving organizations in the lurch. It proposes to prioritize multi-year funding agreements for successful organizations that have a proven track record of providing core programming for their communities.
Sustainable Economy
The party states that:
– growth is critical to the province, but it must be sustainable.
– the party proposes immediately to reduce the current government’s unsustainable immigration levels until sufficient housing and services are available to support more newcomers while focusing on economic growth driven by increased productivity.
– it further advocates increasing workforce participation by making more affordable childcare spaces available, and driving innovation and job creation by cutting the small business tax for income under $700k, making Nova Scotia the best province in the country for small businesses.
– it also advocates supporting communities with a comprehensive infrastructure development strategy.
Immigration & the Economy
The party states that:
– as the provincial population is grown to support a growing economy and an aging population, the province must also plan for community infrastructure including roads, schools, doctors, and hospitals. The province needs an infrastructure plan to keep up with—and continually manage—such growth in order to ensure that sustainable levels are maintained.
– to that end it advocates ensuring that immigration targets are focused on growing the number of professionals needed in critical areas, including but not limited to: (i) physicians and healthcare professionals; (ii) teachers and early-childhood educators; (iii) construction workers and skilled tradespeople; and (iv) agriculture and aquaculture workers
– it further advocates development of a comprehensive infrastructure development strategy based on population growth and immigration patterns for education, transportation, healthcare infrastructure, and social programs.
Diversity & the Economy
The party advocates:
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to promote diversity and inclusion by: encouraging businesses, organizations, and public institutions to adopt diversity and inclusion policies, ensuring fair representation and equal opportunities for individuals from marginalized communities; implementing programs to support minority-owned businesses, providing access to resources, mentorship, and funding; and by celebrate and promoting cultural events, festivals, and initiatives that showcase the diversity of Nova Scotia’s population.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to set ambitious renewable energy targets in Nova Scotia, aiming to derive at least 80% of provincial energy from renewable sources by 2030, and by continuously reviewing and updating these targets based on technological advancements, market dynamics, and environmental considerations.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to promote investment in renewable infrastructure by implementing financial incentives, tax breaks, and grants to attract private sector investment in renewable energy projects, such as wind, solar, tidal, and biomass; and by establishing partnerships with local and international investors to leverage funding opportunities and enhance the economic viability of renewable energy initiatives.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to encourage research and development in the renewable energy space by allocating public funds toward research and development programs that focus on advancing renewable energy technologies, energy storage solutions, and grid integration systems; and by fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, to drive innovation, develop intellectual property, and attract clean-tech companies to Nova Scotia.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to support local renewable energy businesses by creating a dedicated support program to assist local businesses in adopting renewable energy technologies, encouraging them to transition away from fossil fuel-based energy sources; and by facilitating access to financing, grants, and technical expertise to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and implementing renewable energy projects.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to enhance skill development and job creation by investing in education and training programs to equip Nova Scotians with the skills required for the renewable energy sector, such as engineering, project management, and maintenance of clean energy infrastructure; collaborating with community colleges, universities, and industry leaders to develop curriculum and apprenticeships tailored to the needs of the renewable energy
industry; and by promoting job creation by partnering with renewable energy companies and ensuring that project contracts include requirements for local employment.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to enhance energy storage and grid modernization by prioritizing investments in energy storage technologies to enhance the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the power grid; by supporting research and development efforts focused on developing cost-effective and efficient energy storage solutions, such as battery technologies and pumped hydro storage; and by upgrading and modernizing the power grid infrastructure to accommodate increased renewable energy capacity, improve reliability, and enable two-way energy flows.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to prioritize environmental considerations, including by implementing strict environmental regulations and standards to ensure that renewable energy projects minimize adverse ecological impacts, such as wildlife disruption and habitat destruction; encouraging the use of environmentally friendly construction practices, materials, and technologies throughout the lifecycle of renewable energy projects; and by promoting public awareness and education campaigns to highlight the benefits of renewable energy and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
Housing & Poverty Reduction
The party states that:
– a significant number of Nova Scotians are living in a period of economic insecurity.
– an unprecedented number of Nova Scotians are experiencing inadequate housing, or are unhoused, and experiencing food insecurity.
– the current provincial government is experiencing unprecedented increases in new revenues while simultaneously cutting back core supports for marginalized Nova Scotians.
– in 2022, Nova Scotia was reported to have the fourth-highest child poverty rate in Canada, and the highest in Atlantic Canada, the rate of racialized children in poverty being nearly double that of non-racialized children, and the rate of and immigrant children was more than double that of non-immigrant children.
– the poverty rate in Nova Scotia in 2021 was 8.6%.
– in the past, provincial and municipal housing policies have acted to restrict the growth of our housing supply (and in some instances, discourage that growth).
In order to eliminate poverty in Nova Scotia and create opportunities for economic advancement, the party advocates:
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada to expand education and skills development by increasing investments in early childhood education, ensuring access to quality education for all children, regardless of socio-economic background; enhancing vocational training and apprenticeship programs to equip individuals with the skills needed for emerging industries; and by providing support for adult education and lifelong learning programs to enable individuals to develop new skills and adapt to changing job markets.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada to foster economic growth and job creation by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation by providing financial support, mentorship, and streamlined regulatory processes for small businesses and startups; by collaborating with industries to attract investment, promote economic diversification, and create new job opportunities; and by establishing partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders to align training and education programs with the needs of the job market.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada to strengthen social safety nets by reviewing and reforming social assistance programs, implementing a universal basic income to ensure an adequate safety net while also incentivizing employment and self-sufficiency; by increasing access to affordable housing initiatives, such as rent subsidies and social housing, to reduce housing insecurity and homelessness; and by enhancing access to mental health care and addiction treatment programs to address underlying factors contributing to poverty.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada to promote income equality by advocating for fair wages and support policies that ensure a living wage for all workers; by implementing progressive taxation measures to reduce income inequality and redistribute wealth; and by encouraging corporate social responsibility by promoting ethical business practices, fair labor conditions, and responsible wealth distribution.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada to strengthen community support systems by better supporting community organizations and non-profit organizations that focus on poverty reduction, providing funding, resources, and capacity-building opportunities; fostering partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society to develop comprehensive poverty reduction strategies; and by promoting initiatives that address systemic barriers, discrimination, and social exclusion faced by marginalized communities.
– introduction of legislation and regulations to end low-density zoning and regulations that exclude affordable and social housing in residential areas, and to promote and allow mixed-use development and high-density residential development.
Basic Income
The party advocates:
– working with the Government of Canada toward developing and implementing a Guaranteed Basic Annual Income (“BIG”) policy for Nova Scotia, drawing on information from BIG programs being implemented in other jurisdictions (including PEI).
– assessing BIG research for Nova Scotia as an economic stabilizer for families and local businesses, and in the context of complementing related supports by other orders of government, and to complement other programs aimed at providing adequate housing and social support needs.
Affordable Housing
The party states that:
– there is a lack of affordable housing in Nova Scotia.
– there is an extremely low vacancy rate of all housing in Nova Scotia.
– the rate of homelessness in Nova Scotia doubled between 2021 and 2022, to critical critical levels, posing a severe challenge to the well-being of its citizens and the overall stability of communities.
– a collaborative and sustainable solution to this issue is imperative, requiring the active participation and collaboration of all three levels of government and the private sector.
– the need for deeply affordable housing is paramount to ensuring vulnerable populations have access to safe and dignified living spaces.
– “deeply affordable housing units” equates to no more than 30% of an individuals’ gross income.
– the encouragement and fostering of diversity in neighborhoods is essential for creating inclusive and vibrant communities;
The party advocates:
– implementing a comprehensive plan to increase the supply of affordable housing units across Nova Scotia; collaborate with developers, non-profit organizations, and community groups to expedite the construction of affordable housing projects; and streamline the approval process, reducing bureaucracy and ensuring efficient construction timelines while using climate-friendly building code, including building 80,000 new homes by 2032 to eliminate the housing shortfall, aiming for a rate of 11,000 new homes per year.
-establishing increased minimum density standards across the province that take into account proximity to transportation and services, and ensuring appropriate zoning to encourage density near universities so students have a place to live.
– eliminating any cases of restrictive covenants or exclusionary zoning that prevent housing from being built.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to protect residential tenants by: implementing strict rent control measures to prevent excessive rent hikes and protect tenants from unaffordable increases; and by strengthening tenant rights by implementing regulations that safeguard against unfair evictions and provide legal recourse for tenants facing housing-related issues.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to incentivize affordable housing by: increasing financial incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, to encourage developers to include affordable housing units in their projects; and by fostering partnerships with private sector entities to create affordable housing opportunities through joint ventures and public-private partnerships.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to support non-profit and co-operative housing by increasing funding and resources, such as low-interest loans and grants, to non-profit organizations and housing co-operatives to develop and maintain affordable housing units and to support their initiatives.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to address homelessness by: developing a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, focusing on prevention, outreach, and support services; and by fostering collaboration with community organizations and service providers to ensure vulnerable individuals have access to safe, affordable housing options.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to adopt a “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness, and to provide supportive services, including mental health support, addiction counseling, and employment assistance, to help individuals maintain their housing stability.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to foster public-private sector collaboration to address the affordable housing crisis including by establishing an arms-length Housing entity, independent of government, consisting of an inclusive board of directors made up of key stakeholder groups, industry experts, and community organizations to focus on action and delivery.
– investing in new ways of house building, like tilt-up construction, modular housing, mass timber, and factory built housing.
– modernizing the Condo Act to streamline construction of condo developments, encourage more innovative housing solutions such as building rent communities that allow for a mix of ownership and rental units within the same developments, and establishing a fast track approval process for developments that build rental communities.
Deeply Affordable Housing
The party advocates:
– allocating a minimum of 10-15% of all future developments in Nova Scotia to constitute “deeply affordable housing units”, including residential, commercial retrofits, and mixed-use projects.
– sharing financial responsibility for ensuring the sustainability of deeply affordable housing units collaboratively among the private developer and all three levels of government and other stakeholders as appropriate (CMHC and other investors).
– designing the collaborative funding model (formula) to cover the costs of deeply affordable housing units in perpetuity, ensuring long-term affordability and stability.
– implementing a range of incentives for developers to encourage and reward their active participation in providing deeply affordable housing, including tax incentives, expedited permitting processes, and other relevant measures.
– designing and planning deeply affordable housing units within developments to prioritize integration, avoiding concentration and fostering a diverse socio-economic environment.
– ensuring that the development process involves comprehensive community engagement to address concerns and promote understanding, ensuring that the inclusion of deeply affordable housing units contributes positively to the overall community.
– promoting establishment of relationships with reputable not-for-profit organizations (United Way, Shelter NS e.g.) to oversee the “leased units from the developer”, to create a supportive housing continuum path for the chosen residents (criteria to be decided through consultation), to monitor and report back system to track the progress and impact of deeply affordable housing initiatives, ensuring accountability and transparency.
– communicating the deeply affordable housing resolution to relevant housing agencies, and developers involved in housing and real estate projects across Nova Scotia.
– as a funding partner for 110 organisations that control over 3,000 housing units, building enough units to more than double the existing stock, including 4,000 additional units by 2032, by investing in non-profit organizations and creating a trusted non-profit developer program that will fast track applications from organizations who have experience building housing.
– recognizing that housing insecurity disproportionality impacts marginalized communities, ensuring that there is specific funding for seniors housing and housing for women fleeing domestic violence, including working with African Nova Scotian groups and Mi’kmaq communities and prooviding more housing for Nova Scotians with disabilities, to ensure that all Nova Scotians have access to affordable housing.
– to help speed the process of building houses, investing $10M CAD in training for women at NSCC in trades directly related to housing, with a goal of doubling the number of women trained over five years.
Tent Crisis
The party advocates:
– addressing the immediate tent encampment issue by procuring 500 mini-home shelters, at an estimated cost of $10M by purchasing the homes through tender from Nova Scotian companies rather than from the America supplier used by the current government.
– being transparent with communities about the locations of such emergency shelters and ensuring that those housed have access to wraparound supports, transit, and community services.
Co-Op Housing
In order to further address the housing crisis, the party advocates significant investments in co-op housing, with a goal of creating 2,000 new co-op units by 2032. This includes: (i) offering grants and low-cost loans to build new co-ops and expand existing ones; (ii) opening up the Community Housing Acquisition Program to fund projects that add units to existing co-op projects or building new buildings, where currently the fund can only be used to purchase existing residential properties; and (iii) investing $20M in additional grant funding streams to build new co-ops, expand existing co-ops, and fund co-op repairs.
Labour, Unions & Employment
Labour Shortage
The party states that:
– by 2030, over a quarter of the population of Nova Scotia will be over 65 years of age, and the senior dependency ratio in Nova Scotia is projected to remain well above the national average over the long term.
– fewer workers will slow provincial economic growth, shrink its tax base, put pressure on health care, pension funds and social infrastructure.
– labour shortages cost Nova Scotian businesses $1B in missed opportunities in 2022.
The party advocates:
– promoting expansion and increased funding to programs that recruit and retain skilled workers from international markets (at a level that reflects the urgency of the crisis), including an increase in the tax rebates to workers under the age of 30 in specific trades, and that Nova Scotia negotiates for higher immigration quotas to offset the growing number of retired workers in this province.
Non-Competition Clauses in Employment Agreements
The party:
– advocates banning the use of Non-Compete Clauses to attract workers in high-growth sectors, including the technology industry, in order to encourage competitiveness and innovation by prohibiting unfair non-competes, which are used to restrict work opportunities and suppress salary increases.
– states that in 2021, Ontario became the first Canadian province to prohibit employers from entering into employment contracts or other agreements with an employee that include a non-compete agreement.
Corporations, Competition & Consumers
Small Businesses
The party advocates:
– reducing the small business tax to 1% and raising the income threshold for this preferential rate from $500k to $700k, making Nova Scotia the best province in the country for small business.
Craft Breweries
– supporting craft breweries by following recommendations from the Craft Breweries Association of Nova Scotia to improve the NSLC tiered mark-up Better Deal for Nova Scotians and removing the benefit cap, including work with craft brewers and the NSLC to ensure that local breweries receive the support they need to grow, and aren’t punished for their success. It also undertakes to ensure that the NSLC is highlighting local products and supporting local businesses.
Nova Scotia Wineries
The party:
– states that Nova Scotia produces world class wines and investments in the provincial wine industry pay dividends for the local economy.
– advocates supporting provincial wineries with a direct agriculture subsidy to ensure that they can stay competitive with their international competitors, including the sustainability of farm wineries by developing a provincial replanting and management strategy.
– in addition, it undertakes to reinstate the Wine Development Board to build and maintain a strong relationship between government and industry, and support the sector’s continued success.
Agriculture
The party:
– states that farms are essential for Nova Scotia communities.
– advocates, in order to ensure that provincial farms remain sustainable, development of a Centre for Agriculture Ventures and Enterprises that will bring together different levels of government, post-secondary institutions, and farmers to find innovative ways to support them. One of the first priorities would be to help provinical farms adapt to climate change.
– developing a mental health plan for farmers, who are known to be twice as likely to experience suicidal ideation.
Fisheries
To discourage and prevent illegal fishing, the party advocates (i) an an inquiry into illegal fishing in Nova Scotia; (ii) introduction of a no-tolerance policy for illegal fishing, including introduction of mandatory fines and revocation of licenses for repeat offenders; (iii) modernizing the provincial department of Fisheries and Aquaculture by creating an office responsible for working with the other levels of government to protect provincial fisheries, and (iv) creating a dedicated fisheries enforcement unit to ensure enforcement officers have the resources and focus necessary to protect this essential industry.
Transportation
The party states that:
– a 2017 study identified Nova Scotia as having the most dangerous driving outcomes in Canada; including 76 road fatalities occurred on Nova Scotia roads in 2021 and a further 69 fatalities occurred in 2022.
– rural and suburban areas in Nova Scotia lack accessible, reliable and affordable transportation options, isolating residents in their homes and communities.
– the province established the Joint Regional Transportation Agency (“JRTA”) to address the issue of transportation options for areas within an hour of Halifax Regional Municipality (including Bridgewater, Kentville, Musquodoboit, Truro, and others), with a mandate to review active transportation, bus, and rail options for residents in those communities.
– multiple jurisdictions in Nova Scotia have updated their road design standards to prioritize safety and transportation options, which aim for the reduction of road fatalities to zero (also known as “Vision Zero”).
The party advocates:
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to mandate the Department of Public Works to adopt province-wide road design standards and implement widespread safety improvements on provincially owned roads.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to expand the mandate of the JRTA in phases to improve transportation alternatives across all of Nova Scotia.
– urging the Government of Nova Scotia to work in collaboration with municipalities to adopt improved road design standards and safety guidelines on municipally owned roads, and hasten the process of adopting improved transportation options, offering financial and expertise support where possible.
MacKay Bridge
The party states that:
– the MacKay Bridge in Halifax is at the end of its life span. It opened in 1970 with a 50-year service life and it is experiencing increasing failures that lead to frequent closures and terrible traffic. A recent study showed that even with increased maintenance, the bridge needs to be replaced or significantly refurbished by 2040. This is a problem contributing to congestion problems today, and is rapidly becoming an issue of public safety. Work needs to begin now.
– the party advocates working with the Halifax Dartmouth Bridge Commission to build a new, six lane bridge with active transportation infrastructure and bus lanes to support rapid transit in Halifax. This will reduce congestion and protect the people and goods that travel that bridge every day.
New Democratic Party of Nova Scotia An Economy at the Service of All People.
As of November 16, 2024, the party has published no comprehensive, downloadable platform or policy documents. Instead, the party has published a constitution listing its fundamental principles and internal procedures, and a series of non-downloadable online “Commitments” viewable at their website.
The partcy’s constitution states that the social, economic and political progress of Nova Scotia can be assured only by the application of social democratic and egalitarian principles to the governance and administration of public affairs; and the Principles of Social Democracy can be briefly described as including:
(1) That the production and distribution of goods and services shall be directed to meeting the social and individual needs of people within a framework that sustains the environment while maximizing the economy now and in the future;
(2) That the dignity and freedom of the individual is a basic right that must be maintained and extended to all persons regardless of race, ethnic background, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability;
(3) That the abolition of poverty and the elimination of exploitation are achievable goals and must be the priority of any thinking and compassionate government; and
Housing & Poverty Reduction
Housing
As of November 16, the party’s online commitments include statement(s) that:
– a good home is the foundation of Nova Scotians’ lives. It’s at the centre of childrens’ futures, parents’ security, and communities’ heart and soul.
– for too many Nova Scotians, housing has become a source of anxiety and insecurity, with doubts about making next month’s rent, the future of their leases, and eviction for sake of higher rents.
– the spiraling cost of rent is hurting people across the province, from young families trying to get ahead to seniors on fixed incomes – and everyone in between.
– home ownership has become a pipedream for most first-time buyers.
– renters under the current government are vulnerable through no fault of their own.
– one-sided manipulation of the rental market and the housing crisis it’s created must end.
The party’s online commitments include:
– establishing rent control that cuts in half the currently allowable rate increase (2.5% from 5%)
– closing the fixed-term lease loophole that has allowed landlords to exploit Nova Scotia’s tight rental market and charge double-digit rent increases.
– implementing a new rent and mortgage tax rebate for low- and middle-income households, to help hundreds of thousands of renters and homeowners by providing an average annual rebate of $900 when their household incomes are under $70,000 a year. This will benefit approximately half of all Nova Scotia households.
– reversing the current government’s loosening of eviction rules, establishing eviction and renoviction protection that works for both tenants and landlords, and creating a new Residential Tenancy Enforcement Unit, as was recommended by the government’s consultant.
– creating a path to home ownership through a rent-to-own starter home program that combines more home construction with lower up-front costs for first time buyers, working with the growing factory-built home construction industry to deliver high quality, energy effiicent, affordable homes to first time buyers with incomes of less than $100,000 per year, and using public land.
– building 30,000 new affordable rental homes by leveraging federal funding; working with municipalities to identify land they can commit to needed housing construction and to speed up and standardize construction planning and approval timelines; enabling municipalities to levy a tax on vacant lots that are zoned for residential development but where developers are delaying builds; and cutting red tape and encouraging more development across all non-market housing.
Lowering Household Costs
The party’s online commitments include statement(s) that:
– for three years Nova Scotians have suffered sharp increases in interest rates and the cost of living. The current government has taken no action.
– Nova Scotia’s poverty rate skyrocket by 52% in the first year of the current government’s term in office, 13.1%, higher than any other province or territory in the country, across the board- for children, people of working age, and seniors.
– rents in Halifax have jumped by a record-setting 18% over three years, and reliance on food banks increased by 14% in just a year.
– reductions in HST offered by other parties benefit those who can afford to buy new things, and do virtually nothing for the 57% of Nova Scotia’s single parents who are classified as food-insecure and trying to simply afford fruits and vegetables for their kids.
The party’s online commitments include:
– an immediate gas tax holiday, to save drivers you 15.5 cents per litre at the pump as long as inflation remains high.
– reducing monthly costs for all Nova Scotians, particularly seniors on fixed incomes and young parents, by removing the provincial portion of HST from phone bills, internet, and groceries.
– implementing a recommendation of the Nova Scotia Energy Poverty Task Force suggesting a bill assistance discount for income-qualified households of 50% for both electricity and fuel oil, saving the average household $1000 annually.
Labour, Unions & Employment | Corporations, Competition & Consumers
As of November 16, 2024, the party’s online commitments include statements that:
– a strong economy is one where everyone is not just getting by but getting ahead, where life gets a little easier each month, not harder. Where people are rewarded for working hard, with good wages, job security and a safe place to work. That means working with local communities, labour, and First Nations as partners in economic growth and sustainability – because it’s the right thing to do, and because without partnership and reconciliation, uncertainty will continue to delay investment in rural economies and across Nova Scotia.
The party’s online commitments include working to help Nova Scotia small businesses succeed, expand, and create jobs by:
– cutting the small business tax rate to 1.5%, so that businesses can invest more in their growth and hire more workers to take advantage of opportunities.
– creating real incentives to support local businesses, through a buy local program that is inclusive and allows entrepreneurs, rather than corporations, to thrive.
– investing more in training and apprenticeships to help make sure Nova Scotia has the highly trained and well-qualified workers businesses are looking for.
Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia Economy at the Service of All People
Prior to forming the current government, the party stated that:
– the provincial economy would not truly grow unless provincial workers and the middle class grow with it.
– tired ideas of the past would not get the job done.
– it proposed a “Better Pay Cheque Guarantee,” including:
- giving businesses flexibility to grow and expand, and employees wages that keep up with the high cost of living.
- attracting businesses and workers to the province.
- allowing businesses who employ workers in Nova Scotia to pay their taxes to their employees in salary, rather than paying it to the government, specifically allowing businesses to put 50% of their taxes towards a wage subsidy for employees, or allowing them to choose to spend $100,000 on hiring new staff. Employees earning in the top 20% of a companies payroll would not be eligible for this wage subsidy. The money must be reinvested in the people, working in Nova Scotia.
- through the growing workforce, putting money back into their communities and public services like healthcare and education.
– in order to compete with Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec for industry, skilled workers, and for jobs, incentivizing hiring that is out of reach for many buainesses, and normalizing good-paying jobs.
– for employees that elect to pay taxes rather than workers, it undertook to put money into healthcare, with “no in between.”
Cost of Living
The party states that in order to help families struggling with the cost of living, it:
– is cutting the HST for the first time in Nova Scotia history.
– provided a tax break by indexing tax brackets and increasing the basis personal amount.
– created a seniors care grant.
– implemented an income tax exemption of $50,000 for high-demand trades workers under the age of 30.
– established a province-wide free school lunch program for every student.
– is implementing the highest minimum wage increase in provincial history.
– will cap power rate increases to the Canadian average increase.
Housing
The party states that during its current term in office it:
– established a down payment assistance program to help Nova Scotians buy their first home, by lending up to 5% of the purchase price of the home as a down payment.
– developed a plan to create conditions for building of 41,200 new homes.
– created conditions to support 17,250 more affordable housing units.
– built two new community college residences, with 5 more underway.
– amended the HRM Charter to shorten the approval process for residential housing developments.
– launched a secondary and backyard suite incentive program to make the addition of housing more affordable.
– purchased modular transitional housing for healthcare workers and coverted the Wheelhouse Motel in Lunenburg into new housing for healthcare workers.
– extended rent caps on residential units, to protect renters.
To continue opening new housing options and make it easier to buy a first home, the party undertakes to:
– create a first-time owners program through the Credit Union to decrease the required down.
– make vacant land parcels available to communities for $1, condition on development into affordable housing options.
Transportation for Workers
The party undertakes to:
– eliminate tolls on the Macdonald and MacKay Bridges.
– make the largest ever investment to improve HRM roads, to ease congestion.
– conduct a feasibility study for light rail, starting with Windsor to Mill Cove, Bedford, and in CBRM.
Industries and Corporations
The party states that in order to create conditions for businesses to thrive, it:
– is decreasing the small business tax rate from 2.5% to 1.5%.
– is increasing the small business taxable income threshold from $500,000 to $700,000.
– will focus on smart development of provincial energy, to provide more opportunities for families and result in fewer workers going west for work.
– will make Nova Scotia a world class energy producer in hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel.
2024-25 Budget
The party’s 2024-25 budget proposes:
– continued strategic and necessary investments to transform healthcare, build more housing, help families, and grow the economy. Nova Scotia is continuing to grow with more people living and working here, and with increasing opportunities for the province’s young people.
– to continue work accomplished so far while preparing the province to seize future opportunities, maintaining key priorities of:
- Supporting Nova Scotians and Building Communities: helping Nova Scotians to meet the costs of living, including indexation of tax brackets and the basic personal amount, a Supportive Housing Action policy, province-wide school lunch program, a Human Rights Remedy to help people with disabilities better meet their needs, and helping to build resilient communities.
- Key investments in housing and strategic infrastructure are critical to build a strong green economy of the future.
In its 2024-25 budget, the party:
states that in 2023-24, out of a budgeted total of $14,820,301,000 which it estimates will close at actual expenditures of $15,531,008,000, it spent:
– an estimated $57,520,000 for Agriculture.
– an estimated $95,597,000 for Economic Development.
– an estimated $17,046,000 for Fisheries.
– an estimated $233,488,000 for Labour, Skills, and Education.
– an estimated $712,947,000 for Municipal Affairs and Housing.
– an estimated $157,664,000 for Natural Resources and Renewables.
– an estimated $720,621,000 for Public Works.
– an estimated $57,739,000 for Pension Valuation Adjustment.
has allocated, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, of a budgeted total of $16,518,722,000 (a 6% increase):
– $46,682,000 for Agriculture (a decrease of 19%).
– $96,782,000 for Economic Development (an increase of 1%).
– $15,951,000 for Fisheries (a decrease of 6%).
– $241,644,000 for Labour, Skills, and Education (an increase of 3%).
– $680,055,000 for Municipal Affairs and Housing (a decrease of 5%).
– $141,588,000 for Natural Resources and Renewables (a decrease of 10%).
– $716,170,000 for Public Work (a decrease of 1%).
– $66,639,000 for Pension Valuation Adjustment (an increase of 15%).
Points to Ponder Points to Ponder: An Economy at the Service of All People
A conscience well formed by the social teachings of the Church will take seriously the following questions:
Poverty Reduction
1. “The poor you will always have with you,” Christ warned his disciples. Why would Christ say that? Is it possible that the poor will always be with us in order that we, who now form the living body of Christ on earth, will always have an opportunity to glorify God by examining the meaning and the causes of poverty, and working to eliminating it, without expecting that we will ever, on our own and without the assistance of God, be able to do that?
2. What is an appropriate definition of poverty, particularly in a society overflowing with consumer objects and material wealth? Should such a definition include as a condition the ability of individuals to seek personal fulfillment in pursuit of truth? The ability to enjoy and make use of leisure?
3. How can Nova Scotia and Canada best strike a balance between the principles of solidarity – ‘we’re all in this together’ – and subsidiarity – ‘everyone should do what he or she can to support themselves, before burdening others?’
4. What, if anything, should be done to ensure that a dignified living wage, capable of providing a dignified home and opportunity to support a family, is available to workers and those willing to work?
6. Should a basic income policy be considered? If so, what form should it take?
7. What can or should be done by the provinces, and what should be left to the federal government, or to private or community organizations?
8. It has been observed that debt levels among the elderly are increasing, especially as the costs of long-term, dignified care increase. What can or should be done to alleviate poverty and debt among the elderly?
GDP & Well-Being
For decades, governments have focused exclusively on gross domestic product – a measure of an economy’s sheer productivity – as the best measure of national social health. More recently, some voices have begun to advocate for a broader index of national well-being, to include factors such as the physical and emotional health of the people, the health of the environment, equity in housing, income, and opportunity, and food security, in addition to raw production.
1. Which of these measures of national well-being is better?
2. What else can or should be done to ensure that Nova Scotia’s economy serves everyone–rather than the other way around?
3. Is it reasonable to demand continuous economic growth, or might it be preferable to seek sustainable contentment?
Businesses and Corporations
For decades, corporate lobby groups and business schools have taught that the only legitimate object of a business corporation is to make money for its shareholders. More recently, some business voices have begun to call for a broader role for corporations, one that includes service of its employees, its customers, and the community, and protection of the environment.
1. Which approach is more consistent with Catholic social teaching?
2. Should anything be done to encourage development of a corporate and business culture that aims to serve people, communities, and future generations, in addition to fair profits? If so, what?