Nova Scotia’s government spent a record $1.9 billion outside of the budget process

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-09-24 17:50:09.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Finance, Economy, Emergency]

The Government of Nova Scotia announced that it spent a record $1.9 billion outside of the regular budget process through additional appropriations during the 2025-26 fiscal year. Finance Minister John Lohr stated that this off-budget spending contributed to a record-high provincial deficit of $1.4 billion, driven by total spending of $19.4 billion against revenues of just under $18 billion. Specific unbudgeted expenditures cited include $40.4 million for public works projects and $13.8 million for emergency management related to the 2025 wildfire season.