Nova Scotia’s NDP Leader Claudia Chender has raised concerns about the diminishing attractiveness of the province’s universities due to the soaring cost of living. Chender emphasized the significant role of the university sector as a key economic driver in Nova Scotia during a recent press briefing. She expressed worry that the focus on seeking new economic prospects could overshadow existing proven opportunities.
Highlighting the potential repercussions, Chender warned of the risk of losing talented young individuals who contribute to the economy through taxes, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. She referenced Statistics Canada data indicating that the expenses related to housing and transportation in Halifax were comparable to major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver in 2024.
Ethan Leckie, the president of Dalhousie Student Union, echoed Chender’s sentiments, noting that the high cost of living might dissuade prospective students from outside the province. Leckie, who hails from Toronto, mentioned that the expectation of a lower cost of living was a motivating factor for his decision to study in Nova Scotia.
The Association of Atlantic Universities disclosed a seven percent decline in full-time student enrollment across Nova Scotia universities in its preliminary 2025 statistics. However, this drop was attributed solely to a decrease in international student enrollment following a 35 percent reduction in international study permits by the federal government.
Chender proposed housing solutions aligned with her party’s longstanding advocacy, including rent control linked to inflation, stricter regulations on fixed-term leases, and the establishment of a residential tenancies enforcement unit. These measures aim to address the challenges faced by students in securing affordable housing in the province.
