Elections Nova Scotia 2025-2026 Budget Estimate
ENS’s 2025-2026 budget submission includes an additional $2.8M, which is required to continue to fulfill our mandate. This amount includes:
1. $1.5M to purchase new IT equipment in preparation for the next election. Approximately 1100 pieces of IT equipment used in the last three general elections have reached the end of their life cycle and must be replaced to ensure security and connectivity.
2. $839K to wrap up the 42nd Provincial General Election. Major activities planned for the upcoming fiscal year include compliance review of candidate financial reports, post event debrief, as well as decommission of tech equipment.
3. $260K for one potential by-election. This is based on historical occurrence and costs.
4. $100K for the outreach strategy to support our inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility programing.
5. $54K for external legal counsel.
The budget estimate as submitted to the Special Committee and the speaking notes for the Chief Financial Officer are available here for your convenience.