Iain Rankin

{{For|people named Ian Rankin|Ian Rankin (disambiguation){{!}}Ian Rankin}}

{{Multiple issues|

}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix = Honourable

| name = Iain Rankin

| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|MLA|size=100%}}

| image = Iain Rankin leadership.jpg

| caption = Rankin in 2021

| office1 = Leader of the Opposition

| term_start1 = August 31, 2021

| term_end1 = July 9, 2022

| predecessor1 = Tim Houston

| successor1 = Zach Churchill

| office = 29th Premier of Nova Scotia

| term_start = February 23, 2021

| term_end = August 31, 2021

| monarch = Elizabeth II

| lieutenant_governor1 = Arthur J. LeBlanc

| deputy = Kelly Regan

| predecessor = Stephen McNeil

| successor = Tim Houston

| office2 = Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party

| term_start2 = February 6, 2021

| term_end2 = July 9, 2022

| predecessor2 = Stephen McNeil

| successor2 = Zach Churchill

| office3 = Minister of Lands and Forestry

| termstart3 = July 5, 2018

| termend3 = October 5, 2020

| premier3 = Stephen McNeil

| predecessor3 = Margaret Miller

| successor3 = Derek Mombourquette

| office4 = Minister of Environment

| termstart4 = June 15, 2017

| termend4 = July 5, 2018

| premier4 = Stephen McNeil

| predecessor4 = Margaret Miller

| successor4 = Margaret Miller

| assembly5 = Nova Scotia House of

| constituency_AM5 = Timberlea-Prospect

| term_start5 = October 8, 2013

| term_end5 =

| predecessor5 = Bill Estabrooks

| successor5 =

| birth_name = Iain Thomas Rankin

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|04|09}}[https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/pdfs/people/mlabios.pdf Biographical Directory of MLAs from 1984 to the Present] Nova Scotia Legislature

| birth_place = Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada{{cite web|url=https://www.capebretonpost.com/news/local/liberal-leadership-candidates-to-square-off-in-cape-breton-523443/|title=Liberal leadership candidates to square off in Cape Breton|work=Cape Breton Post|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=2021-07-13}}

| website = [http://iainrankin.ca Official website]

| party = Liberal

| profession =

| spouse = Mary Chisholm

| children = Freya Rose Rankin

| residence = Halifax, Nova Scotia

| alma_mater = Holland College
Mount Saint Vincent University

}}

Iain Thomas Rankin {{post-nominals|country=CAN|MLA}} (born April 9, 1983) is a Canadian politician who served as the 29th premier of Nova Scotia from February 23, 2021, to August 31, 2021. He serves in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, representing the electoral district of Timberlea-Prospect .{{cite web|url=http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/818290/nova-scotia-votes-riding-by-riding-results-for-halifax-region/|title=Nova Scotia votes: Riding-by-riding results for Halifax region|work=Metro|date=October 8, 2013|access-date=2016-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228045416/http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/818290/nova-scotia-votes-riding-by-riding-results-for-halifax-region/|archive-date=February 28, 2014|url-status=dead}} Rankin was first elected in the 2013 Nova Scotia general election and was re-elected in the 2017, the 2021 and the 2024 general elections. On February 6, 2021, Rankin was announced the Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party after a competitive leadership race.

On February 23, 2021, Rankin became the 29th premier of Nova Scotia. Rankin called an election for August 17, 2021, which his Liberal Party lost to the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia led by Tim Houston. Rankin left office as Premier on August 31, 2021.

Rankin thereafter served as Leader of the Opposition in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. On January 5, 2022, Rankin announced that he will resign as leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party once a new leader is chosen.{{Cite news|last=Gorman|first=Michael|date=January 5, 2022 |title=Iain Rankin to step down as N.S. Liberal Party leader|work=CBC News Nova Scotia|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/liberal-party-leader-iain-rankin-to-step-down-1.6304558}} He was succeeded as leader by Zach Churchill in the 2022 leadership election. He currently serves as the House Leader for the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.

He, MLAs John Lohr and current premier Tim Houston are the longest serving current members of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, all three having first been elected at the 2013 provincial election.

Early life and education

Iain Thomas Rankin[https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.1346749 District 47: Timberlea-Prospect] cbc.ca was born in Inverness, Nova Scotia, and grew up in Timberlea. He is the son of long-term Halifax city councillor Reg Rankin. Rankin graduated from Sir John A. Macdonald High School in 2001.

He received a diploma in Professional Golf Management from Holland College, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2006{{Cite web|title=MSVU alum named Premier-designateOf Nova Scotia|url=https://www.msvu.ca/msvu-alum-named-premier-designate-of-nova-scotia/}} and a Masters of Arts in International Politics at CERIS-ULB Diplomatic School of Brussels.{{Cite web|title=Meet Iain - Iain Rankin MLA - Timberlea - Prospect|url=https://www.iainrankin.ca/about-iain|access-date=2021-09-11|archive-date=2018-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904033320/https://iainrankin.ca/about-iain|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=The Diplomatic Potential of Canada: Soft Power in Decline?|url=https://www.ceris.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CERIS-Thesis-Rankin.pdf}}

Before entering politics, Rankin was employed as an operations manager and as a project manager. He was the Director of Operations for Dymon Storage Corporation, in Ottawa, Ontario.{{Cite web|title=Hon. Iain Rankin|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/hon-iain-rankin-925a7210/}} After returning to Nova Scotia in 2011, Rankin managed the launch of Premiere Self Storage in Dartmouth as an operating partner.{{Cite web|title=Self-Storage Companies Expand in Nova Scotia, Canada|date=28 November 2017 |url=https://www.insideselfstorage.com/canada/self-storage-companies-expand-nova-scotia-canada}}{{Cite web|title=Demand for storage units on rise in N.S.|url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/53042-demand-storage-units-rise-ns}}{{Cite web|title=Meet Iain Rankin|url=https://liberal.ns.ca/iain-rankin/}} He went on to work as a project manager in the commercial division of Armco Capital.{{cite web |date=17 July 2021 |title=Quick facts about the three Nova Scotia party leaders ahead of Aug. 17 election |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8036318/quick-facts-about-the-three-nova-scotia-party-leaders-ahead-of-aug-17-election/ |website=globalnews.ca |publisher=The Canadian Press |access-date=2025-03-19}}

Advocacy

Rankin, a rescue dog owner, supported the Nova Scotia government's plan to outlaw tying pets up for longer than 12 hours.{{cite web|url=http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video/hundreds-gather-in-n-s-to-celebrate-provinces-intention-to-ban-dog-tethering-1.1666613|title=Hundreds gather in N.S. to celebrate provinces intention to ban dog-tethering|publisher=CTV News|date=February 1, 2014|access-date=2016-03-21}} In 2014 with the support of local residents, Rankin participated in a campaign with lawn signs targeting speeders with a message to slow down.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/halifax-lawn-signs-target-speeders-with-message-to-slow-down-1.2816389|title=Halifax lawn signs target speeders with message to slow down|publisher=CBC News|date=October 28, 2014|access-date=2016-03-21}} Through a private member's bill and was passed by the legislature, Rankin submitted Bill 176 which will restrict Otter Lake Waste Facility to its current height and size.{{cite web|url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1366314-otter-lake-landfill-bill-causes-commotion|title=Otter Lake landfill bill causes commotion|work=The Chronicle Herald|date=May 20, 2016|access-date=2016-05-23}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metronews.ca/news/halifax/2016/05/18/halifax-city-council-concerned-about-otter-lake-landfill.html|title=Dirty debate: Halifax city council concerned about Otter Lake landfill|work=Metro|location=Halifax|date=May 18, 2016|access-date=2016-05-23|archive-date=2016-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617083423/http://www.metronews.ca/news/halifax/2016/05/18/halifax-city-council-concerned-about-otter-lake-landfill.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thecoast.ca/RealityBites/archives/2016/05/18/city-council-flips-its-municipal-lid-over-new-otter-lake-legislation|title=City council flips its municipal lid over new Otter Lake legislation|work=The Coast|date=May 18, 2016|access-date=2016-05-23}}

In 2015, Rankin chaired an all-Party working group established by the Committee on Assembly Matters. He introduced a motion to approve the Nova Scotia House of Assembly policy on prevention and resolution of harassment in the workplace, drafted by the all-Party working group established by this committee on September 28, 2015.{{Cite web |last=Hansard |date=2016-12-16 |title=Assembly Matters, Wednesday, May 18, 2016 |url=https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/committees/standing/assembly-matters/archive/assembly-matters/am2016may18 |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Nova Scotia Legislature |language=en}}

In April 2016, Rankin participated at the Community Services Standing Committee and introduced a motion asking that full funding for the Nova Scotia Association for Community Living (NSACL) be reinstated.{{Cite web |last=Devet |first=Robert |date=2016-04-08 |title=Community Services Standing Committee to Department: "Reinstate funding to Community Living group" |url=https://nsadvocate.org/2016/04/08/community-services-standing-committee-to-department-reinstate-funding-to-community-living-group/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Nova Scotia Advocate |language=en-CA}}

In November 2016, after the submissions were heard at Law Amendments Committee, Rankin proposed a motion to stand The Accessibility Act for further consultation, quoted as saying "We have a moral obligation to get this bill right."{{Cite web |last=Laroche |first=Jean |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Disabled Nova Scotians roundly criticize Accessibility Act |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/accessibility-bill-59-disability-disabled-law-disabled-1.3840031 |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=CBC News}}

During Rankin's time at Law Amendments Committee, Bill 59 (the Accessibility Act) was amended after witnesses appeared and staff consulted with representatives of persons with disabilities. It was moved to the Department of Justice and passed, in April 2017, with the intent of making the province accessible by 2030.{{Cite web |last=Communications Nova Scotia |date=2018-05-11 |title=Accessibility Act to Make Province More Accessible |url=https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20170427007 |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Government of Nova Scotia |language=en}}

Rankin participated in a virtual event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children in June 2021, speaking alongside MLA Tony Ince, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, Judge Corrine Sparks and Rev. Rhonda Britton.{{cite news |last1=Spurr |first1=Bill |date=June 6, 2021 |title=Nova Scotia Home for Coloured children commemorates 100 years with virtual event |url=https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/nova-scotia-home-for-coloured-children-commemorates-100-years-with-virtual-event-100596795/ |agency=SaltWire Network}}

Political career

Rankin first ran for public office in the 2013 Nova Scotia general election and was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. During his first term, he served as the Liberal caucus chair.{{cite web|url=http://www.thevanguard.ca/News/Local/2015-07-24/article-4225307/McNeil-announces-summer-shuffle-for-Nova-Scotia-cabinet/1|title=McNeil announces summer shuffle for Nova Scotia cabinet|work=The Vanguard|date=July 24, 2015|access-date=2016-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718030814/http://www.thevanguard.ca/News/Local/2015-07-24/article-4225307/McNeil-announces-summer-shuffle-for-Nova-Scotia-cabinet/1|archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=dead}} He was vice-chair of the public accounts committee, and a member of the assembly matters and the private and local bills committees. He was also a member of the House of Assembly Management Commission.

On June 15, 2017, Rankin was appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia as Minister of Environment.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cabinet-politics-liberal-government-stephen-mcneil-1.4161624|title=Stephen McNeil shuffles cabinet, but vows not to change course|publisher=CBC News|date=June 15, 2017|access-date=2017-06-15}} Rankin hired the first dedicated crown prosecutor to handle cases related to the Environment Act, food safety, public health, meat inspection, fisheries and aquaculture, animal welfare, natural resources and the fur industry.{{Cite web|title=N.S. to hire environment prosecutor to 'hold people and companies accountable' - Halifax {{!}} Globalnews.ca|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4024917/n-s-to-hire-environment-prosecutor-to-hold-people-and-companies-accountable/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Global News|language=en-US}} Rankin passed legislation to introduce a cap and trade system in Nova Scotia.{{Cite web|last=Laroche|first=Jean|date=February 16, 2018|title=Nova Scotia's cap-and-trade system inching forward|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cap-and-trade-emissions-pollution-environment-rankin-1.4538651|access-date=2021-11-01|website=CBC News}} As Minister of Environment, Rankin joined other leaders across the continent agreeing to regional cooperation on carbon pricing in the Americas.{{Cite web|title=Leaders Commit to Regional Cooperation on Carbon Pricing in the Americas|url=https://www.edf.org/media/leaders-commit-regional-cooperation-carbon-pricing-americas|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Environmental Defense Fund|date=12 December 2017 |language=en}}

On July 5, 2018, Rankin was moved to Minister of Lands and Forestry in a cabinet shuffle.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/premier-stephen-mcneil-shuffles-cabinet-creates-new-department-1.4734637|title=Premier shuffles cabinet, puts emphasis on mining sector|publisher=CBC News|date=July 5, 2018|access-date=2018-07-05}} While Minister of Lands and Forestry, Rankin secured $47.9 million to clean up two former gold mines in what was the beginning of a project to evaluate and clean up all of the abandoned mine sites in Nova Scotia.{{Cite web|last=Gorman|first=Michael|date=July 25, 2019|title=Nova Scotia to spend $48M cleaning up 2 former gold mines|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/gold-mining-remediation-environment-government-funding-1.5224766|access-date=2021-11-01|website=CBC News}} Rankin signed the first ever Mi'kmaq Forest Initiative giving the Mi’kmaq forest planning and management responsibility on two blocks of Crown land, totalling about twenty-thousand hectares.{{Cite web|last=Communications Nova Scotia|date=March 15, 2019|title=Launch of Mi'kmaw Forestry Initiative|url=https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20190315004|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Government of Nova Scotia|language=en}}

Rankin resigned from cabinet in October 2020 and announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/iain-rankin-environment-nova-scotia-liberal-party-leadership-1.5750938|title=2nd Liberal to enter N.S. leadership race wants more action on climate change|publisher=CBC News|date=October 5, 2020|access-date=2021-02-04}}

= 2021 Liberal leadership contest =

On October 5, 2020, Rankin launched his campaign for leadership of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, following Premier Stephen McNeil's announcement that he would be stepping down from his office.{{cite news |last=Laroche |first=Jean |date=October 5, 2020 |title=2nd Liberal to enter N.S. leadership race wants more action on climate change |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/iain-rankin-environment-nova-scotia-liberal-party-leadership-1.5750938 |work= |location=Nova Scotia |publisher=CBC News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929133046/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/iain-rankin-environment-nova-scotia-liberal-party-leadership-1.5750938 |archive-date=2023-09-29 |access-date=2025-03-19}}

On February 6, 2021, Rankin was announced the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, and premier-designate of Nova Scotia.{{Cite news|title=Iain Rankin will be next premier of Nova Scotia |language=en-US|date=February 6, 2021 |work=CBC |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-liberal-leader-premier-1.5904333 |access-date=2021-02-17}}

= Premier of Nova Scotia =

On February 23, 2021, Iain Rankin became the 29th Premier of Nova Scotia, succeeding Stephen McNeil following a competitive leadership election.{{Cite web|title=Iain Rankin will be next premier of Nova Scotia|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-liberal-leader-premier-1.5904333}} Following his election, he called a legislative session to pursue his legislative agenda, including an increase of $100 a month for all adults on income assistance, the largest single increase in the program's history,{{Cite web|last=Gorman|first=Michael|date=April 16, 2021|title=Progressive Conservative bill would require reduction targets for child poverty|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/child-poverty-mla-brian-comer-legislation-gary-burrill-1.5990213|access-date=2021-11-01|website=CBC News}} and efforts to address systemic racism and advance equality issues. These included passage of the Emancipation Day Act, which formally recognizes the day the British Parliament abolished slavery,{{cite news |title=Nova Scotia to begin marking Emancipation Day on Aug. 1 |first=Michael |last=Gorman |newspaper=CBC News |date=April 13, 2021 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/slavery-anti-black-racism-emancipation-day-1.5985463 |access-date=September 12, 2021}} and the Land Titles Initiative Acceleration Act, a bill that will help speed up the process of settling land titles for people living in historically Black communities.{{cite news |title=Proposed N.S. law aims to make it easier for Black families to get land titles |first=Jean |last=Laroche |newspaper=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/land-titles-black-communities-bill-ns-legislature-1.5960589 |access-date=September 12, 2021}} Rankin also appointed Andrea Anderson as the province's public service commissioner, the first person of colour to head the commission.{{Cite web|title=Liberals pass inaugural budget with Iain Rankin as premier|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/province-house-iain-rankin-tim-houston-gary-burrill-budget-1.5993371}} Rankin created new Offices for Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives, as well as Mental Health and Addictions.{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Michael |date=Feb 22, 2021 |title=Rankin's cabinet to step up focus on housing, climate change |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/premier-iain-rankin-cabinet-politics-1.5923145 |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=CBC News}} Rankin signed a $605 million agreement with the federal government to establish $10 per day childcare in Nova Scotia, by 2026.{{Cite web|title=Federal-Provincial Agreement Will Transform Child Care, Reduce Costs for Families| date=13 July 2021 |url=https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210713001}}

Through the new Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives, Rankin announced the creation of a working group that would help with race-based data collection. The data would be used to help improve equity, inclusion and diversity in health care and address racism.{{Cite news |last=Edwards |first=Danielle |date=2022-03-04 |title=N.S. Black community, officials say more race-based data needed on COVID-19 pandemic |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ns-black-community-officials-say-more-race-based-data-needed-on-covid/ |access-date=2022-03-14}} To help address systemic racism in the justice system Rankin announced $4.8 million to establish the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute.{{Cite web|title=African Nova Scotian Justice Institute Launched| date=12 July 2021 |url=https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210712002}}

On his first day in office, Rankin announced incentives for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles as well as energy efficiency support for low-income Nova Scotians.{{Cite web|title=Nova Scotia to offer rebates for electric vehicles, home energy upgrades|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-to-offer-rebates-for-electric-vehicles-home-energy-upgrades-1.5925966}} In his throne speech, Rankin announced a commitment to get Nova Scotia off coal by 2030, ten years earlier than previously planned.{{Cite web|title=Rankin government pledges focus on environment, equality, economic recovery in throne speech|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/throne-speech-nova-scotia-politics-1.5942447}} The Environment Department was renamed Environment and Climate Change to highlight Rankin's commitment to the issue, and all mandate letters to ministers noted the need to consider climate change and for it to factor into their respective policy and program decisions.{{Cite web|last=Gorman|first=Michael|date=February 22, 2021|title=Rankin's cabinet to step up focus on housing, climate change|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/premier-iain-rankin-cabinet-politics-1.5923145|access-date=2021-11-01|website=CBC News}} The Rankin government announced 61 more wilderness areas, nature reserves and provincial parks.{{Cite web |title=Liberal Government Dedicates More Parks and Wilderness Areas As Protected |url=https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/liberal-government-dedicates-more-parks-and-wilderness-areas-as-protected-100579808/ |website=saltwire.com |date=2021-04-26 |access-date=2023-09-28}}

In recognition of Mi’kmaq people, language, and the significant geographical location, Rankin unveiled a new sign in Mi’kmaq, labelled "Pjila’si Unama’kik", at the causeway in Cape Breton, along with Mi’kmaq elders and chiefs.{{Cite web|last=MacDonald|first=Rankin|date=July 14, 2021|title=Mi'kmaq sign welcomes motorists to Cape Breton|url=https://www.invernessoran.ca/top-story/1865-mi-kmaq-sign-welcomes|access-date=2021-11-01|website=The Inverness Oran|language=en}}

The Rankin government invested $5 million to help make the sports more inclusive and accessible. The biggest investment in community and amateur sport in recent history.{{Cite web |last=Communications Nova Scotia |date=2018-05-11 |title=Funding to Remove Barriers to Sport, Recreation, Coaching |url=https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210320003 |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Government of Nova Scotia |language=en}}

File:Iain Rankin bus for 2021 Nova Scotia general election.jpg's campaign office at Armdale Professional Building (2625 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax) on July 18, 2021.]]

Former premier Rodney MacDonald joined Rankin, in Mabou, to announce the creation of a satellite campus in Mabou for the Gaelic College, called Beinn Mhabu. The province invested 1.92 million to renovate St Joseph’s convent. It opened in September, of 2023.{{Cite web |last=Communications Nova Scotia |date=2018-05-11 |title=Investment to Create Gaelic College Satellite Campus in Mabou |url=https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210313003 |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Government of Nova Scotia |language=en}} Rankin was also responsible for launching a new Forest innovation Centre at the Nova Scotia Community College. The first forestry training facility in the province.{{Cite web |title=Forest innovation centre will aim to train workers for industry's future |url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nscc-lahey-report-forestry-education-training-government-announcement-1.6083040 |language=en}}

In April 2021, following a spike in COVID-19 cases, Rankin enacted lockdown measures which brought case numbers down, and case numbers remained low for the remainder of his tenure.{{Cite web|title=All N.S. schools, non-essential stores to close for 2 weeks as entire province locks down|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/covid-19-update-nova-scotia-april-27-1.6003300}} Nova Scotia maintained the highest vaccination rates in Canada.{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 vaccination in Canada|date=15 January 2021 |url=https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/vaccination-coverage/}}{{better source needed|date=September 2021}} Rankin launched a plan to add 264 new long-term care beds and replace 1,298 beds at 14 nursing homes and three residential care facilities across the province.{{Cite web|title=Government Adding More Than 260 New Long-Term Care Beds, Replacing Hundreds More| date=9 July 2021 |url=https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210709001}}

In June 2021, with the Liberal government enjoying a 75% approval rating, Rankin called for an election.{{cite news |last1=Tarrant |first1=David |title=Lessons from Nova Scotia's historic election |url=https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/tarrant-lessons-from-nova-scotias-historic-election |access-date=November 22, 2021 |publisher=Toronto Sun |date=August 20, 2021}} While the Liberals focused on their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Progressive Conservatives ran a campaign that was largely focused on the ongoing Healthcare crisis in Nova Scotia.{{cite news |last1=Gorman |first1=Michael |title=Tories release full election platform, with big spending on health care |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/progressive-conservatives-tim-houston-election-platform-1.6113053 |access-date=November 22, 2021 |publisher=CBC News |date=July 22, 2021}} Despite starting the campaign with a lead of 8 points in the polls,{{cite web|url=https://angusreid.org/premier-approval-june2021/ |title=Premiers' Performance: Ford and Kenney's popularity & political fortunes bear brunt of pandemic management |date=9 June 2021 }} the Progressive Conservatives, led by Tim Houston, won a majority government. This marked the first time since 2006 that the Progressive Conservatives had won an election in Nova Scotia. Rankin claimed full responsibility for the loss.{{cite web |title=MacPolitics: Iain Rankin Opens Up On Election Loss - 'I take Full Responsibility For Loss' & Discusses Future |url=https://www.themacdonaldnotebook.ca/2021/09/04/macpolitics-iain-rankin-opens-up-on-election-loss-i-take-full-responsibility-for-shocking-loss-discusses-future/ |website=The Macdonald Notebook |access-date=10 November 2021 |date=4 September 2021}} Rankin left office as Premier on August 31, 2021.

= Post-premiership =

Rankin thereafter served as Leader of the Opposition. On January 5, 2022, Rankin announced that he will resign as leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party once a new leader is chosen. {{Cite news|last=Gorman|first=Michael|date=January 5, 2022 |title=Iain Rankin to step down as N.S. Liberal Party leader|work=CBC News Nova Scotia|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/liberal-party-leader-iain-rankin-to-step-down-1.6304558}} He was succeeded as Liberal leader and Leader of the Opposition by Zach Churchill after the 2022 leadership election.

As of September 22, 2024, Rankin serves as the Official Opposition critic for Environment and Climate Change, Justice, and Gaelic Affairs.

In the 2024 general election, the Liberals lost twelve seats including that of party leader Churchill, as Rankin and Derek Mombourquette were the only Liberal candidates elected.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=N.S. Liberals lose official opposition status amid several electoral defeats |url=https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/more/n-s-liberals-lose-official-opposition-status-amid-several-electoral-defeats-1.7124831 |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=CTVNews |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Osmond |first=Andrew |date=2024-11-26 |title=Nova Scotia Votes {{!}} 2024 election results |url=https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/11/26/live-provincial-election-results-nova-scotia-2024/ |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=CityNews Halifax |language=en}}

Bills introduced

Assembly	Act Title	Date
class="wikitable"
Assembly 64, Session 1	Carbon Rebate Act	November 4, 2021
Assembly 64, Session 1	Clean Electricity and Technology Tax Credit Act	April 3, 2023
Assembly 64, Session 1	Clean Hydrogen Tax Credit Act	April 12, 2022
Assembly 64, Session 1	Energy Efficiency Leader Act	April 3, 2023
Assembly 64, Session 1	Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (amended)	April 6, 2022
Assembly 64, Session 1	Green Fund Protection Act	November 1, 2022
Assembly 64, Session 1	Health Protection Act (amended)	April 19, 2022
Assembly 64, Session 1	Judicial Appointments Act	April 12, 2022
Assembly 64, Session 1	Public Utilities Act (amended)	November 4, 2021
Assembly 64, Session 1	Ratepayers Protection Act	March 31, 2022
Assembly 64, Session 1	Redressing Harm and Environmental Racism Act	October 18, 2021
Assembly 64, Session 1	Sales Tax Act (amended)	October 27, 2022
Assembly 64, Session 1	Time Definition Act(amended)	November 3, 2021
Assembly 64, Session 1	Workers' Compensation Act (amended)	October 14, 2021
Assembly 64, Session 1	Youth Food Security Act	March 23, 2022
Assembly 63, Session 2	Biodiversity Act	March 25, 2019
Assembly 63, Session 1	Environment Act (amended)	September 29, 2017
Assembly 62, Session 3	Halifax Rifles Armoury Association (repealed)	November 10, 2016
Assembly 62, Session 2 176	Otter Lake Landfill Act *	May 20, 2016

Electoral record

class="wikitable" \|+2021 Nova Scotia Liberal Party Leadership Election !Candidate ! colspan="2" \|Ballot 1 ! colspan="2" \|Ballot 2
style="width:150px;" \|Name ! style="width:50px;" \|Votes ! style="width:50px;" \|Points ! style="width:50px;" \|Votes ! style="width:50px;" \|Points
style="text-align:right;background:lightgreen;" \|Iain Rankin \|3,075 39.02% \|2,206.00 40.11% \|3,988 52.31% \|2,882.31 52.41%
style="text-align:right;" \|Labi Kousoulis \|2,904 35.71% \|2,023.69 36.79% \|3,636 47.69% \|2,617.69 47.59%
style="text-align:right;" \|Randy Delorey \|1,895 24.05% \|1,270.31 23.10% \| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; background:pink" \|Eliminated
style="text-align:right;" \|TOTAL \|7,881 \|5,500 \|7,624 \|5,500

class="wikitable"

|+2021 Nova Scotia Liberal Party Leadership Election

!Candidate

! colspan="2" |Ballot 1

! colspan="2" |Ballot 2

style="width:150px;" |Name

! style="width:50px;" |Votes

! style="width:50px;" |Points

! style="width:50px;" |Votes

! style="width:50px;" |Points

style="text-align:right;background:lightgreen;"

|Iain Rankin