As Nova Scotians reel from the effects of last month’s record floods and prepare for more potential flooding this weekend, the Nova Scotia Liberal Party is once again calling on the Houston government to act on emergency housing in the province.

Whether it’s flooding in British Columbia or in our own backyard, it’s clear we are in a climate emergency where people are forced to evacuate their homes and left with nowhere to go. In the fall sitting of the legislature, Housing critic Lorelei Nicoll introduced a comprehensive housing bill, including a piece on emergency zoning – giving municipalities the necessary tools to create housing for emergency situations such as extreme weather events.

But the Houston government’s housing plan left out emergency zoning – leaving Nova Scotians to their own devices when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing, especially in times of distress.

“Nova Scotians are recovering from one of the most severe storms since 2016 and are anticipating more flooding this weekend,” says Nicoll. “Premier Houston can’t wait until it’s too late to do something about this. Municipalities need emergency zoning, and they need it yesterday.”