HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill says immigration levels need to be reduced until the province can provide enough housing and other services.

Speaking on the 12th day of the Nova Scotia election campaign, Churchill said the current Progressive Conservative party’s plan to double the province’s population by 2060 to two million was unrealistic and not viable.

The Liberal leader says Tim Houston’s Conservatives, who are seeking a second term, exceeded the goals of the provincial labor ministry, which Churchill said was a bad idea.

Churchill says the province should work to attract more professionals and skilled workers, such as those working in health care, education and the trades.

Meanwhile, Houston announced today that a Progressive Conservative government would make parking free at all Nova Scotia hospitals and health centers.

Houston says the no-payment policy would apply to all properties operated by the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Center in Halifax.

Figures released Wednesday show the Conservatives, New Democrats and Liberals officially field a full slate of 55 candidates, while the Green Party fields 23 candidates after nominations officially close that day.

Elections Nova Scotia says three independent candidates have also been officially nominated, bringing the total number of candidates in the 55 electoral districts to 191.

At the time of the dissolution, the Progressive Conservatives held 34 seats in the Legislative Assembly, the Liberals 14 seats, the NDP six and one independent.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 7, 2024.

Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press