Chamber of Commerce CEO says Nova Scotians will benefit from HST reduction

Support for the Nova Scotia government’s move to permanently reduce the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) is growing.

On Tuesday, the motion was passed to cut the tax from 15 per cent to 14 per cent, beginning April 1, 2025.

Patrick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, says the reduction is “really important” for the province.

“It makes us the lowest HST in Atlantic Canada,” says Sullivan. “I think people will be pleased by that. They’ll be pleased with greater affordability. And I think it’s a great step in the right direction.”

Sullivan says Nova Scotians will likely notice the change on everyday items.

"One per cent over the course of a year does make a difference,” he says. “It certainly makes a difference on large purchases like automobiles, but it makes a real difference just on groceries that are taxable or purchases of clothing. I think its going to make a difference for the year."

Sullivan believes the HST reduction will be a great opportunity for businesses to better support the consumer.

“(Its) an opportunity for them to demonstrate that their products are of great value, at a lower overall cost. And I think that will make consumers happy,” he says.

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