Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston continued his province wide tour with a visit to the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce.
The tour got off to a contentious start after protestors smashed the windshield of Houston’s car outside Acadia University on July 15.
The premier’s next stop was in Yarmouth on July 16, and he addressed members of the community at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth Hotel.
“Nova Scotians gave us a clear job to do… nobody said we’re looking for you to go around and give speeches, what Nova Scotians said is we’re looking for results,” said Houston. “They want healthcare fixed, they want government to get things done, and that’s exactly what we have been doing and what we’re working towards.”
Houston went on to say he knows the job isn’t finished, but that he feels the government’s plan for the province is working.
He highlighted healthcare and economic growth as two of the most important focuses of the provincial government.
“The simple reality is you can’t maintain world-class services with a weak economy,” said Houston. “The math just doesn’t work.”
Later, the Premier attended a beam-signing ceremony at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital to mark a major milestone in the hospital’s expansion project.
The project will double the size of the emergency department and also upgrade the hospital’s emergency power supply and generator systems.
In May, the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation received an anonymous $7.75 million donation to help support the project.
“Our entire team at Yarmouth Regional Hospital is pleased to see progress on the redevelopment of the emergency department,” said Dr. Cheryl Pugh, the Medical Executive Director for the Western Zone of Nova Scotia Health. “This expanded emergency department isn’t just about space – it’s about improved patient flow, advanced technology; greater privacy and a better experience for both patients and healthcare providers.”
The expansion began in 2025, and is valued at $77.8 million. It is expected to be completed in 2027.
