Public consultation only matters if government is prepared to listen

News of the pre-budget public consultations announced by the government today should be met with healthy skepticism, not applause.

When government revenues were strong, the Premier did not ask Nova Scotians to help decide how billions of public dollars should be spent. His government made those decisions. Those choices have created a massive deficit. Nova Scotians are paying the price through cuts to services and supports, and now the Premier is asking Nova Scotians for advice on how to fix the problem he created.

But he is not showing up to hear from Nova Scotians himself. Rather, a committee of volunteers will lead the consultation.

Notably absent from the committee are some of the very groups that have been calling for government to listen, including much of the non-profit sector.

A pattern, not a one-off

The 2026 budget wasn't a one-time failure to listen. It is part of a broader pattern of disregard for the people of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotians have every right to question whether this consultation is genuine. A few weeks of pre-budget meetings cannot erase the government's record of shutting people out, leaving concerns unanswered, and making major decisions without meaningful public input.

Accountability can start now

If the government is serious about accountability, it should start by taking responsibility for its own decisions. It does not need another round of consultation to do that. There are concrete actions it can take now:

• Follow proper procurement policies and stop awarding major contracts without fair competition.
• Ensure government appointments and contracts are based on merit, qualifications, and value for Nova Scotians.
• Answer Nova Scotians who contact the Premier's Office instead of leaving their concerns unanswered.
• Allow informed Nova Scotians the opportunity to speak at legislative committees instead of shutting or rushing them out.

We deserve a government that treats every Nova Scotian fairly. One that follows its own rules, answers to the public between elections and between budgets, and seeks public input when choices are being made, not only when it needs Nova Scotians to deal with the consequences. Nova Scotians deserve better.