N.S. news: Province announces rate indexing to keep up with inflation [Video]

HALIFAX –

Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government made an unexpected announcement Wednesday that it will index income assistance payments to keep up with inflation.

Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire spoke to a change he had pushed for while a member of the Opposition Liberals. Maguire crossed the floor to join the government benches late last month.

“It’s an emotional day for me, and I think it’s a great day for people on income assistance,” Maguire told reporters.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The minister said the rate change — the first in three years — will be tied to the consumer price index and will rise by 2.5 per cent in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The change is to be implemented on July 1 with payments retroactive to April 1.

Maguire said it will mean an increase of about $35 a month …