Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender expressed concerns that the province’s universities are losing their attractiveness due to the high cost of living, potentially impacting the economies surrounding these institutions. She emphasized the significant economic role of the university sector in the province and warned against overlooking existing economic opportunities.
Chender highlighted the risk of deterring talented young individuals who can contribute to the economy through taxes, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Referencing Statistics Canada data, she noted that the cost of housing and transportation in Halifax was comparable to major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver in 2024.
Ethan Leckie, the Dalhousie Student Union president, echoed Chender’s sentiments, stating that the high cost of living could discourage prospective students from outside Nova Scotia. He shared his own experience of choosing Nova Scotia for its perceived affordability compared to larger cities like Toronto.
Preliminary enrolment statistics for 2025 from the Association of Atlantic Universities revealed a seven percent decline in full-time student enrolment across Nova Scotia universities, attributed entirely to a decrease in international student enrolment following a 35 percent reduction in international study permits by the federal government.
Chender proposed solutions aligned with her party’s housing policies, including rent control linked to inflation, stricter regulations on fixed-term leases, and the establishment of a residential tenancies enforcement unit to address housing challenges for students.
Overall, the concerns raised by Chender and Leckie underscore the need to address the high cost of living in Nova Scotia to maintain the appeal of its universities and attract a diverse student population.
