The Government of Nova Scotia has rolled back $53.6M in cuts to grants and programs—including those affecting Indigenous students—after the 2026 provincial budget resulted in public backlash. The cuts introduced in the NS 2026 Budget resulted in protests and rallies outside of the provincial legislature, as well as push back from opposition leaders. In their comments, protesters asked what cuts to groups such as the Mi’kmaw communities and to programs like the student bus pass pilot program said about the province’s priorities. “When you cut education, tourism, sports, health, Gaelic programs, African Nova Scotian initiatives, Indigenous programming, all in one budget, that’s not accidental. That’s a choice,” said Melanie Peter-Paul of the Sipekne’katik First Nation. NS Premier Tim Houston announced that some of the supports and programming for select groups, including Indigenous students, will be restored to the budget. “In trying to respond to the financial challenges, we moved too quickly in areas that affect people’s daily lives,” he said.
