Nova Scotia shifts stance on data centres amid record $1.4B deficit

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has softened his stance on the development of data centres in the province, stating that such projects could help drive demand for energy infrastructure. This shift follows previous comments suggesting it was premature to discuss data centres before major energy projects were completed. EverWind Fuels is currently exploring the possibility of developing a data centre at its industrial site in Point Tupper to complement its existing clean energy and green hydrogen projects.

However, the province faces significant fiscal challenges. Finance Minister John Lohr reported a record $1.4 billion deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with spending reaching $19.4 billion against $18 billion in revenue. The government utilized $1.9 billion in additional appropriations outside the standard budget process to cover costs such as public works and wildfire emergency management.

Opposition critics, including the Nova Scotia NDP, have criticized the government's spending, citing record debt and rising costs for essentials like housing and groceries. Meanwhile, the government has launched a public consultation process for the 2027-28 budget, though some groups have questioned the scope and effectiveness of this engagement.