Spotlight: Now we know that you are very busy with running the province especially during the current pandemic however, it can’t all be work and no play? What do you and your wife, Carol, like to do in your down time? Premier Houston: Spending time with family is my number one. Carol has become an incredible gardener and I treasure time around the yard and am pretty handy with a shovel but not much else. We are both getting incredible enjoyment from watching our children grow. Spotlight: You have two children, Paget and Zachary. They have been by your side at many political events, as you have been for them either in the stands or on the bus for many equestrian and hockey events over the years. Is this a show of support as you have done for them over the years or has there been some interest by them in learning more and possibly entering politics in the future as you have done? Premier Houston: We are supportive of each other. We’re close through highs and lows. I’m fortunate that both kids actually seem to enjoy coming to some political events. Paget is more of a political watcher - she follows quite closely even if she hesitates to always admit it. Spotlight: What is the biggest lesson you have learned along the way in your professional and political journey? Premier Houston: Be thoughtful. Don’t rush to judgment where you can avoid it. Get the facts and consider the impact of your decisions and actions. I don’t consider myself as someone that needs a ton of information to make a decision, but I’m learning to try to slow things down a little more. It’s a work in progress. Spotlight: What has been your biggest surprise either professionally or politically? Premier Houston: I think my biggest surprise was how fast people will set their own life and agenda aside to step up for their community. It’s the Bluenoser way, so it shouldn’t surprise me, but seeing the number of people who will
get in the system, you receive world-class care from our physi- cians and healthcare professionals. But just a few months in, I know there are still people struggling. I want them to know that my goal remains - and it is the mandate of my government - to get them the access they need. Spotlight: What is something that we would be surprised to know about you? Premier Houston: Our family is heavily interested in rescue dogs. We currently have two border collies we adopted. My wife is very passionate about helping dogs, so we have had blind and deaf dogs in the past that she has nurtured and trained. I absolutely love them and the positivity they bring to our lives. Spotlight: Being from Halifax, we are curious about your take on the famous Pictou County style pizza? Are you a fan of the somewhat thicker, chewier dough and a spicy brown sauce? When was the last time you grabbed a combo slice? Premier Houston: I’m a huge fan of pizza in general. It would be a rare week that I don’t have pizza. Carol makes a great pizza and when I’m in Halifax you might spot me around Pizza Corner (just a lot earlier in the evening than in the 90’s). In Pictou County, George at Sam’s Trenton or Rhonda at Acropole Westville are my go-tos. Spotlight: I couldn’t end our conversation without asking if there are any aspirations of a possible run at Canada’s top political post of Prime Minister sometime in the future? Premier Houston: While it is an honour to be in that conversa- tion, I think we have plenty on our plate here in Nova Scotia. I am totally and completely focused on our province. Houston’s love of this province and its people along with the many conversations and discussions with people all around Nova Scotia regarding making the province a better place to live, work and do business is what sparked his interest in politics and his passion to make a difference for the people that live and work here. I believe in full disclosure, and I will let you know that Premier Houston and I have been friends for over a decade, I am not a political person and anyone that knows me can confirm that, but one thing that I do know about Tim, is that he is genuine, honest and always has time to listen, whether at the rink, grabbing a bite to eat or attending an event. He is not going to sugar coat his answer or just tell you what you want to hear just to make you go away. That is what is called integrity and I think that is what is needed more of these days in our daily lives.
“ I think my biggest surprise was how fast people will set their own life and agenda aside to step up for their community. It’s the Bluenoser way, so it shouldn’t surprise me, but seeing the number of people who will drop everything to help out is really refreshing.”
Photos courtesy of Premier’s Office
drop everything to help out is really refreshing. We see it when they step up for a political party, a leader or to help the province. I have been sur- rounded by so many supportive people who step up without question and pitch in. Spotlight: What has been your biggest disap- pointment either professionally or politically? Premier Houston: I’m a person that likes to acknowledge issues. I’m not a fan of looking the other way and pretending there is no problem. An early business mentor of mine had an expres- sion: problem stretchers out, problem solvers in. I don’t have time for people that “stretch” or ignore problems. Seeing firsthand the state of healthcare is my biggest disappointment and that’s why it’s my biggest motivator. For too long, the government stuck to a series of talking points designed to give the impression that there was no problem. That’s disappointing. We are working all day, every day to try to improve access to care. There is no question, when you
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
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