HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservatives say if they are re-elected on Nov. 26, they will introduce a universal shingles vaccination program for people 65 and older.

Party leader Tim Houston said the program would cost $27 million in the first year before dropping below $3 million a year in the third year, with the focus now shifting to those reaching the age 65 years old.

Houston says it makes sense to make the shingles vaccine free because statistics show one in three people will develop a painful rash and the risk increases with age.

Today, for the NDP, housing remains the priority, with Leader Claudia Chender promising to create a compliance and enforcement unit to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords.

Chender says unity is needed because the province doesn’t have the resources to manage disputes.

After releasing a $300,000 report in September, the Progressive Conservative government came out against creating an enforcement unit, saying it would lead to more red tape and longer resolution times for owners and tenants.

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill, meanwhile, has promised to build a new six-lane bridge across Halifax Harbor to help ease traffic congestion in Atlantic Canada’s largest city.

Churchill said his plan would replace the MacKay Bridge with a larger span with dedicated bike and bus lanes.

He also criticized the Conservatives’ promise to scrap tolls on the two port bridges, saying the move would only encourage more people to drive and further congest the roads.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 5, 2024.

The Canadian Press