NDP would end the HST on essential items in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia NDP leader Claudia Chender said on Thursday that if elected, her party would suspend the HST on groceries, cellphone and internet bills and on the purchase and installation of heat pumps.

“When people are struggling with high costs, governments should do their part to make people’s lives easier and more affordable,” said Chender.

A small crowd of about 40 gathered in Alteregos Café & Catering in Halifax’s North End as Chender made the announcement.

“New Democrats are the only ones with a credible plan to give everyday Nova Scotians a break and make life more affordable,” said Chender.

According to Statistics Canada, food prices have risen 23 per cent nationally and 27 per cent in Nova Scotia since 2021.

Canada’s Consumer Price Index says the cost in Nova Scotia of several basic food items, including grain, condiments and fruit juices, are higher than the national average.

In 2022, Finnish telecom research company Rewheel reported that Canada is one of the most expensive countries for mobile phone plans.

Chender said both groceries and mobile phones are essential to everyday life.

“These are not wants. These are needs, and people cannot go without these needs. Both Liberal and Conservative governments have stood by while it’s gotten more expensive and difficult to cover expenses,” she said.

Chender said the NDP’s plan to cut HST will save the average Nova Scotian household up to $1,300 annually.

The HST, or harmonized sales tax, adds 15 per cent to the cost of most consumer goods.