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Nova Scotia general election

The Nova Scotia general election is the periodic provincial election used to choose members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Nova Scotia general election is the periodic provincial election used to choose members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Under current practice, elections use first-past-the-post voting and must be held at least every five years. The most recent election was held on November 26, 2024.

Electoral system

Nova Scotia provincial elections use first-past-the-post voting. Voters elect members from local electoral districts to the House of Assembly.

2024 election

The 2024 Nova Scotia general election was held on November 26, 2024, and returned a majority government for the Progressive Conservatives under Tim Houston. It followed a snap election call.

Legislative consequences

The winning party forms government and the largest opposition party becomes the Official Opposition. In 2024, the Progressive Conservatives won enough seats to control more than two-thirds of the legislature.

Election timing

Nova Scotia elections are subject to a five-year maximum interval under constitutional requirements. Based on the 2024 election date, the next election must be held by December 7, 2029.

Key facts

  • Nova Scotia general elections determine the composition of the provincial legislature, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.
  • The 2024 election was held on November 26, 2024, after a snap call by Premier Tim Houston.
  • The Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia won a second consecutive majority government in 2024.
  • The 2024 result gave the PCs a supermajority of seats in the House of Assembly.
  • The next election must be held within five years of the previous one, meaning no later than December 7, 2029.
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Canadian context

Nova Scotia elections are relevant to Canadian readers as a provincial democratic process within Canada’s federal system, affecting provincial law, health care, education, and other areas under provincial jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nova Scotia general election?
It is the provincial election that chooses members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, which forms the legislature of Nova Scotia.
When was the most recent Nova Scotia election?
The most recent Nova Scotia general election was held on November 26, 2024.
Who won the 2024 Nova Scotia election?
The Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia won a second consecutive majority government under Premier Tim Houston.
What voting system does Nova Scotia use?
Nova Scotia uses first-past-the-post voting for its provincial elections.
When is the next Nova Scotia election due?
It must be held on or before December 7, 2029.

References

  1. Elections Nova Scotia — https://www.electionsnovascotia.ca/
    Supports: Official election information and 2024 election date.
  2. Elections Nova Scotia — https://www.electionsnovascotia.ca/ProvincialGeneralElection2024
    Supports: Official 2024 results, turnout, and seat totals.
  3. Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor — https://lt.gov.ns.ca/news-events/2024-11-29/65th-general-election-nova-scotia
    Supports: Post-election confirmation of Premier Tim Houston continuing in office after the 2024 election.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Nova_Scotia_general_election
    Supports: Election date, majority result, and first-past-the-post voting.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/66th_Nova_Scotia_general_election
    Supports: Next election due no later than December 7, 2029.