Nova Scotia's premier says the province has the infrastructure and people needed to meet the expected demands of hosting a new submarine fleet, but critics say more should be done to address clogged roads and hospitals and increased housing prices.

Tim Houston says officials have been investing in housing, health care and skilled trades in anticipation of increased pressures on Halifax, home to the country's largest naval base.

"We've had these plans, we've been executing on these plans, and now …