Overview

• Nova Scotia's free hospital parking policy, implemented on May 1, 2025, costs $19 million annually and has led to significant space shortages in Halifax hospitals.
• Health Minister Michelle Thompson acknowledged 'growing pains' and called for policy 'tweaks' to balance parking needs between patients, visitors, and staff.
• The Nova Scotia Health Authority has begun issuing warnings to unauthorized vehicles and plans to add 175 staff parking spaces at Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General Hospital.
• The health authority is seeking the power to issue $500 fines to unauthorized vehicles to curb misuse of free parking spaces.
• Halifax hospitals face a severe parking shortfall, with demand exceeding available spaces by nearly 4,000 spots daily, exacerbating frustrations among staff and unions.