CBCnews
Display: Headlines Only | Summaries

Nova Scotia Votes News Headlines

Dexter to present budget in early fall Video
The day after his party's historic win, Nova Scotia NDP Leader Darrell Dexter said it will be early fall before his government will be able to present a budget in the legislature.
N.S. voter turnout 59 per cent: preliminary count
Voter turnout was 59 per cent Tuesday among Nova Scotians who were registered prior to the provincial election, an Elections Nova Scotia spokesman said Wednesday.
Michael tips hat to Dexter on NDP win in N.S.
Newfoundland and Labrador's New Democratic Party leader has sent a congratulatory message to Nova Scotia premier-designate Darrell Dexter, following Tuesday night's resounding win in that province's election.
N.S. voters elect 1st NDP government Video
Nova Scotia has its first NDP government — and a majority government at that — ending a decade of rule by the Progressive Conservatives, who have been reduced to third-party status.
MacDonald's Tories turfed by disenchanted voters
Nova Scotia voters refused to give the Progressive Conservatives a fourth straight mandate in Tuesday's provincial election.
Liberals see gains, form Nova Scotia's Official Opposition
The Nova Scotia Liberals are leading in 11 seats in the provincial election, up from nine in 2006, which was the party's worst showing.
Nova Scotia sends record 12 women to Province House in election
Nova Scotia's legislative assembly will have a record number of female members when it reconvenes after voters elected a total of 12 women candidates in Tuesday's poll.
More than half of Tory cabinet defeated
Several prominent names from the former Progressive Conservative government will not be returning to the next session of the legislature, after more than half of the cabinet went down to defeat in Tuesday's election.
NDP has iron grip on Metro Halifax
Metro Halifax is again a New Democrat stronghold as Darrell Dexter's party took the majority of districts around Nova Scotia's capital city on Tuesday night.
Voters turn south shore orange
The NDP has won all five districts in Nova Scotia's South Shore.
Cape Breton remains unchanged in N.S. election
The political landscape of Cape Breton remained unchanged in the Nova Scotia election on Tuesday night. All candidates who sought re-election in the nine electoral districts were successful in their bid to return to the provincial legislature.
Independent Ernie Fage loses re-election bid
Former Tory cabinet minister Ernie Fage has lost his bid to be re-elected to the Nova Scotia legislature. New Democratic Party candidate Brian Skabar was declared the victor for the electoral district of Cumberland North.
Northeast N.S. switches from Tory to NDP
Voters in northeastern Nova Scotia joined the rest of the province in riding the orange wave by electing eight NDP candidates to the provincial legislature.
NDP gains in Annapolis, PCs lose 2 cabinet ministers
The orange tide that swept across Nova Scotia on Tuesday night brought two more New Democratic MLAs to the Annapolis Valley region.
NDP's Frank Corbett declared first elected MLA in Cape Breton Centre
The NDP's Frank Corbett is Nova Scotia's first elected Member of the Legislative Assembly in Cape Breton Centre.
Races to watch
With 52 seats in the legislature, there are many races shaping up in districts around Nova Scotia. Here are a few to watch:
Polls close in Nova Scotia's 38th general election Video
An upbeat NDP Leader Darrell Dexter told reporters Tuesday he looked forward to a successful day, but his party is taking nothing for granted in the Nova Scotia election.
McNeil urges Nova Scotia Tories to vote Liberal
The Nova Scotia Liberal Party used the last day of the provincial election campaign to try to convince Tories to vote for them to hold back an NDP victory tide.
Election interest high in Nova Scotia as NDP apparent front-runner Video
A provincial election campaign that turned rancorous late last week after polls put the NDP in first place seems to have galvanized Nova Scotians to get out to the ballot box.
Halifax Tories, Liberals hope voters elect them to block NDP sweep Video
Liberal and Tory candidates in Halifax spent the final days of the Nova Scotia election campaign hoping to convince voters in their ridings to consider electing them as an alternative to a potential NDP sweep in the city in Tuesday's vote.
Leaders make final push in last weekend of N.S. election campaign Video
The leaders of the three major political parties in Nova Scotia were making their final push in the last weekend of campaigning before voters go to the polls on Tuesday.
Green Party candidate says some smaller ERs should be closed
A medical doctor running for the Green Party in Cape Breton has suggested that some emergency rooms in the province be closed. Dr. Chris Milburn, a Green Party candidate, said there are better ways to spend health-care dollars.
Pull 'defamatory' election ads, NDP tells radio stations
The NDP is demanding seven radio stations around Nova Scotia pull election advertisements produced for and paid by the Conservative Party of Nova Scotia.
N.S. Power will pay for upgrades, not customers: McNeil promises
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil says if he's elected premier next Tuesday, he will force Nova Scotia Power, not its customers, to pay for improving service to reduce blackouts.
MacDonald compares Dexter to car thief in televised election debate
The battle of the three main party leaders in Nova Scotia's election campaign took a nasty turn Thursday night when Conservative Leader Rodney MacDonald compared NDP Leader Darrell Dexter to a car thief.
Parties agree to release campaign donor lists
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil got a jump on his political foes Thursday in the race to release information about campaign donations before election day.
Make power utility reinvest in province: Liberal leader
The leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal party says he would consider passing a law to force Nova Scotia Power to reinvest in the province.
Chief electoral officer to review unions' donations to NDP
Elections Nova Scotia has launched a review of questionable donations the New Democratic Party received from several construction union locals in late April.
NDP returns $45,000 in union donations
The New Democratic Party is coping with a campaign setback after learning that a deal surrounding about $45,000 in donations from several construction unions violated the Nova Scotia Elections Act.
Nova Scotians set to vote NDP into power, poll suggests
Nova Scotians are ready to elect an NDP government for the first time in the province's history, a poll commissioned by CBC suggests.
N.S. Liberals seek probe of online labour campaign backing NDP
Nova Scotia's Liberals have asked the province's chief electoral officer to look into whether labour groups violated the Elections Act by launching an online campaign endorsing the New Democrats.
Tories continue attack on NDP platform
The Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative party continues to attack the New Democratic Party's platform with only nine days left in the provincial election campaign.
Union statement proves labour influence in N.S. election: Liberals
A news release posted on a national union's website is proof of an attempt by labour to exert "undue influence" over the Nova Scotia election, according to the Liberals.
No politics in setting gas prices, MacDonald insists
Progressive Conservative Leader Rodney MacDonald is brushing aside a Liberal accusation that his party is playing politics when it comes to setting gasoline prices.
Appearance alongside Tories no endorsement: NSCC president
Joan McArthur-Blair, president of Nova Scotia Community College, says her appearance at a Progressive Conservative campaign event should not be seen as an endorsement.
Hants West riding could break with tradition
Hants West riding in central Nova Scotia could determine how the Progressive Conservatives fare overall in the upcoming provincial election.
McNeil to voters: Don’t buy promises of balanced budget
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil says his political rivals should stop saying they can balance the budget.
Parties scramble to find candidates to run in election
All four parties vying to form the next government in Nova Scotia scrambled and struggled to find candidates to run in all 52 ridings leading up to Tuesday's nomination deadline.
More women on the ballot
A record number of women are running in this spring's provincial election, although at 54, they only represent one-quarter of the names on the June 9 ballot.
Tories release campaign platform
Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservatives have released 'Our Plan,' a 52-page document that outlines the promises contained in their failed budget and a handful of other commitments.
Tory leader defends decision to spend Crown share payments
The leader of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative party has come under fire for spending millions of dollars initially intended to pay down the provincial debt.
NDP pledges to keep seniors at home longer
Nova Scotia New Democrats are promising ways to help keep seniors in their homes longer.
Ignatieff gives N.S. Liberals much needed boost at rally
The Nova Scotia Liberal party received a much needed boost when federal leader Michael Ignatieff appeared at an election campaign rally in Dartmouth on Sunday.
N.S. premier pledges $250,000 to help lobstermen market their catch
A Conservative pledge to set up a $250,000 fund to help Nova Scotia's ailing lobster industry has been dismissed by the both opposition parties as too little, too late.
Parents should pay for child's property crime: N.S. Tories
Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservatives want to force parents to pay up if their children steal or vandalize property.
Green party unveils election platform
Nova Scotia's Green party unveiled a platform Friday that focuses on support for renewable energy and energy conservation.
NDP pledges rebate for university, college students
Nova Scotia New Democrats are offering post-secondary graduates a tax incentive to stay and work in the province.
Beef farmers to parties: Where's the help?
Nova Scotia's political parties aren't presenting Grade A solutions to troubles in the beef industry, according to cattle farmers.
N.S. Tories propose curfew for children 15 and under
Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservatives are threatening to fine parents up to $500 if their children are out alone after 1 a.m.
Liberals unveil $528M election plan
The Nova Scotia Liberals have unveiled a $528-million campaign platform that covers everything from cutting taxes to banning non-recyclable shopping bags.
New Halifax emergency centre to open in June
A new $20-million emergency room is set to open in Halifax next month.
Economy dominates televised leaders' debate
The economy of Nova Scotia dominated the election campaign's first face-to-face debate among the province's three party leaders.
Poll shows NDP leading in election campaign
A new poll released on Tuesday had the New Democratic Party leading in the Nova Scotia election campaign with support of 37 per cent respondents, compared to 31 per cent for the Liberal Party and 28 per cent for the PC Party.
Party leaders take to stage for 1st debate
Nova Scotians get their first chance Tuesday to see the province's main political leaders go head-to-head.
NDP promises 50% sales tax rebate on new home construction
NDP Leader Darrell Dexter continued on the campaign trail Monday promoting a key plank in his party's platform aimed at the home construction industry.
Experts blame youth and process for shrinking election turnout
Whether they're distracted, disenchanted or entirely disinterested, fewer Canadians are making the trek to their local polling station on voting days, some experts said.
Green party to release policies on environment, sustainability
The Greens plan a series of policy releases later this week that will offer ideas for building a strong, sustainable economy in Nova Scotia.
Tories step up campaign attacks on NDP election platform
Nova Scotia Conservatives stepped up their attacks on the New Democrats on Saturday as a quiet campaign for the June 9 election began to heat up in advance of a leaders' debate.
Provincial election delays contract talks with N.S. school boards
Several Nova Scotia school boards have been forced to postpone or cancel collective bargaining with their employees because their funding has not yet been determined by the provincial government.
Liberals vow to end gas-price regulation
The Nova Scotia Liberals are promising to scrap gasoline price regulation and reduce the motive fuel tax if elected on June 9.
Liberals promise February holiday
Nova Scotians will get an extra statutory holiday if they elect a Liberal government, says party leader Stephen McNeil.
Tories pledge cut to red tape
PC Leader Rodney MacDonald is promising to cut red tape for Nova Scotia businesses and residents.
$130M approved for N.S. road work, purchases during campaign
The province has approved $130 million in capital spending to allow paving and other contracts to proceed during the election campaign.
Tories question NDP's ER promises
The Nova Scotia Tories are questioning the NDP's claims it could open 17 new emergency room beds for less than $5 million.
NDP platform intentionally misleading, MacDonald says
Tory Leader Rodney MacDonald accused the New Democratic Party on Wednesday of intentionally misleading Nova Scotians about the true cost of its platform.
CBC, Chronicle Herald to host 2 leaders' debates
The CBC and the Chronicle Herald newspaper will host two leaders' debates during the 2009 Nova Scotia election campaign.
Liberals promise free tuition for med students
Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil has promised to pay tuition for up to 100 medical students if they commit to practice medicine in under-serviced areas of the province.
NDP promises more jobs, health care services in election platform
The Nova Scotia New Democratic Party on Tuesday became the first party to unveil a platform for the provincial election in June.
Tories promise boost to tax credit for volunteer firefighters
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Leader Rodney MacDonald says his party is committed to increasing the tax credit for volunteer firefighters.
Tories promise tax credit for education
Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservatives are promising new parents a tax credit if they're willing to start saving for university or college before their child's first birthday.
Michelin bill here to stay, Dexter says
Nova Scotia NDP Leader Darrell Dexter has categorically ruled out repealing the Michelin bill if his party comes to power next month.
Halifax councillor wins Tory nomination to run in N.S. election
A councillor with the Halifax Regional Municipality running in the upcoming Nova Scotia election is drawing mixed reactions. Steve Streatch, who represents the rural district of Eastern Shore–Musquodoboit Valley for HRM, won the Tory party nomination to run as a candidate in the provincial election on June 9.
Tories promise review of Halifax amalgamation if re-elected
Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald said he would ask for an independent review of amalgamation of the Halifax Regional Municipality if his Progressive Conservative party is re-elected on June 9.
Tories to blame for vanishing jobs: McNeil
The 4,100 Nova Scotians who lost their jobs last month can blame Rodney MacDonald, said Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil.
Tories vow tax cut for small business
Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative party said it will follow through on a budget measure to cut the tax rate for small business in half.
Paving projects delayed until after election
The province's decision to stop issuing tenders for road work and other projects has prompted a round of finger-pointing.
NDP health plan would keep ERs open
Nova Scotia's New Democrats say they will keep hospital emergency departments open, if elected.
N.S. Power president endorses NDP plan to scrap tax on electricity bills
The president of Nova Scotia Power jumped into the provincial election campaign Wednesday by endorsing a key plank in the New Democratic Party's platform: removal of the provincial sales tax from electricity bills.
Tories, Liberals talk business on first day of campaign
Support for small businesses in Nova Scotia was on the minds of the leaders of both the Progressive Conservative and the Liberal parties as they launched into the first full day of campaigning for the June 9 election Wednesday.
MacDonald says N.S. election a 2-way race between his Tories, NDP Video
The first full day of the Nova Scotia election campaign saw Progressive Conservative Leader Rodney MacDonald declare the contest a two-way race with the New Democrats.
Ready to vote? Nova Scotia's minority Tory government falls Video
Nova Scotia's opposition MLAs voted down a finance bill Monday, prompting the fall of the minority Progressive Conservative government and setting the stage for an election.
N.S. 'deficit' budget DOA: opposition
Nova Scotia's minority Progressive Conservative government has presented a budget both opposition parties say they won't support.
Deal keeps MacDonald government around, for now
Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald has managed to work a deal with the opposition to keep his party in power at least until Monday.
MLAs return to Province House under threat of election
Nova Scotia MLAs return to the legislature on Thursday for what could be a short sitting and the launch of an election campaign.
N.S. election call depends on opposition budget support: premier
Nova Scotia's opposition parties could get a chance to bring down the government before it tables a spring budget after the legislature resumes sitting next week.
N.S. Tories accused of tabling piecemeal budget
The opposition on Thursday accused Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald of rolling out a piecemeal provincial budget by making pricey spending announcements in the run-up to an expected election call this spring.