HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston apologized Tuesday as he reversed a portion of $130-million in cuts to government grants amid a public outcry over his latest budget.

The premier announced Tuesday that he would reinstate $53.6 million in cuts to grants and programs for people with disabilities and seniors, as well as African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students.

“On some of the (budget) decisions, I got it wrong, and I’m sorry,” Houston told a news conference.

After Houston’s Progressive Conservative government tabled its cost-cutting budget last month, the provincial legislature has been the scene for a series of boisterous protests. Houston and his ministers have also been booed and heckled at other public events.


“Nova Scotians have spoken,” he said in a statement. “These are grants that help people meet their basic daily needs. We wish we could do more. We will continue to look for opportunities to support all Nova Scotians as our fiscal picture improves.”

The premier has said the cuts were needed to deal with the budget’s projected $1.2-billion deficit.

On Tuesday, the government confirmed it would reinstate $21.4 million in grants to support seniors and people with disabilities, and to help African Nova Scotians and Indigenous people access educational opportunities. And another $10 million will go back to organizations that support those groups.

As well, the government is also re-establishing $22.2 million in funding for community programs that support seniors, disability groups and the African Nova Scotian and Indigenous communities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2026.

The Canadian Press