Nova Scotia Loyal, a buy local support program, launches

The Nova Scotia Loyal program launched in Truro, N.S., Tuesday.

The program gives Nova Scotians more points on their existing loyalty rewards programs for buying local goods.

Sobeys and its Scene+ program along with the NSLC and its Air Miles rewards program are the first retailers on board with Nova Scotia Loyal and will offer bonus points for the purchase of made-in-Nova Scotia products.

“I’m incredibly proud to launch Nova Scotia Loyal. This isn’t your typical buy local program – it’s about having a variety of ways to help Nova Scotians buy and support local, while also ensuring we as a government do our part to spend more here at home,” said Economic Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek in a news release.

“When you see the Nova Scotia Loyal brand, you can be confident that you are contributing directly to a Nova Scotian business and ultimately, helping our local producers grow and succeed.”

Local growers, harvesters, crafters, manufacturers and businesses stand to benefit from the program who include branding with the Nova Scotia Loyal badge and display supports in participating retail shops.

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The province is also offering local business an advantage on bidding for government contracts.

The new procurement policy would give preferential treatment to a local bidder over a company outside of Nova Scotia, if the local bidder and business is within 10 per cent of the leading bid for a contract.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of this province. They are a vital part of communities, and Nova Scotians want us to support them in return,” said Service Nova Scotia Minister Colton LeBlanc in the release.

“We already do a great deal of spending with local businesses, but our new procurement policy will help us do more as part of our larger commitment under Nova Scotia Loyal.”

The idea for the customer loyalty program was first introduced by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston as campaign promise made during the 2021 summer election campaign.

The Nova Scotia Loyal program will cost taxpayers close $6 million to get off the ground.

According to the costs, $1.6 million will go towards Sobeys and Scene+ points and the NSLC Air Miles rewards to support the program.

Another $2.15 million will be spent on a school voucher program and the offering of other vouchers and coupons for Buy Nova Scotia products.

The province says $975,000 will go towards branding and marketing, which includes a merchandising team. with another $975,000 going towards promotions and events.

People will soon begin to see Nova Scotia Loyal branding and promotions in participating stores.

Customers can get bonus points on their Scene+ loyalty card starting on Thursday when the first week-long promotion begins. The province and Sobeys will offer bonus Nova Scotia Loyal points on local purchases one week of each month.

For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.