Budget 2012 Continues Fiscal Discipline

Finance Minister Graham Steele tabled the 2012-13 provincial budget April 3, a budget illustrating that the government's fiscal plan is working.

"This budget reflects strong discipline and follows through on the government's commitment to make life better for families in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Steele. "Through good management, we have restored sense to the province's finances. Getting back to balance has not been easy, but now a balanced budget is just one year away."

"We have many reasons to be optimistic about our province's economic future and Budget 2012 supports the game-changing opportunities that lie ahead."

Key initiatives included in this year's budget:

• investing in the jobsHere plan to help businesses be more productive, innovative and competitive
• reducing the small business tax rate for the third year in a row
• providing modest income tax reductions for tens of thousands of Nova Scotians
• supporting low-income Nova Scotians by increasing the Income Assistance Personal Allowance, the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, the Affordable Living Tax Credit, and the Poverty Reduction Credit
• providing Better Care Sooner through investments in Collaborative Emergency Centres, hospitals and treatment options, and mental health and addictions
• helping seniors stay in their homes longer, and
• investing in the new Kids and Learning First plan and increasing the per-student funding to its highest level ever.

Read more at novascotia.ca.

Read Minister Steele's Budget Address.

Watch Nova Scotia 2012 Budget Overview (VIDEO).

Province Links Shipbuilding to the Classroom

The future starts now for students preparing for good jobs as part of the Irving shipbuilding project.

The province will make a $10 million investment in a state-of-the-art Skilled Trades Centre, and other upgrades, for Cole Harbour District High School.

Premier Darrell Dexter announced April 2, that the centre will offer the new Manufacturing Trades course that is linked to shipbuilding. The new centre will help meet the needs of the hundreds of students across Halifax Regional Municipality eager to take part in the skilled trades courses.

"The $25 billion shipbuilding contract is an economic game changer and we are making strategic investments today to ensure Nova Scotians are ready to take advantage of tomorrow's opportunities," said Premier Dexter.

Read more at novascotia.ca.

Investing in Jobs, Infrastructure and Training Through Shipbuilding Contracts

Nova Scotia committed up to $304 million in loans as part of Irving Shipbuilding's successful bid for the $25 billion federal combat vessel shipbuilding program, Premier Darrell Dexter revealed March 30.

It is the single largest investment in jobs and growing the economy in Nova Scotia's history - to strengthen the competitiveness of Irving Shipbuilding's bid to build Canada's next fleet of combat ships. It represents six per cent of the tax revenue the province expects to receive in return.

"I, the entire province, and indeed people from across Canada, have stood behind Irving's bid from day one, knowing that the best ships in the world start right here," said Premier Dexter. "This is the single most important opportunity Nova Scotia has ever seen to create jobs and propel our economy into the future. This is a vital project for Nova Scotia and for Canada."

To strengthen Irving's bid, the province committed to a financial assistance package that includes a forgiveable capital loan worth up to $260 million, and a repayable marine industry loan worth $44 million for human resource development, technology and industrial development. The province also committed to loan guarantees, if needed, as the contracts are finalized.

Read more at novascotia.ca.

Throne Speech Focuses on Future, Advancing Province’s Priorities

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis opened the Fourth Session of the 61st General Assembly of Nova Scotia on March 29 with the Speech from the Throne. In it, Premier Darrell Dexter outlined how government will advance its plan to continue to do things differently and keep Nova Scotia focused on a better future.

"Nova Scotia is changing in a positive and significant way, and government is focused on continuing that trend in the future," said Premier Dexter. "Our progress is clear -- the plan is on track, it is working, and this government will continue to move that plan forward to secure a better life for Nova Scotia families."

The province's priorities are:

• creating good jobs and growing the economy
• better health care for you and your family
• making life more affordable for families
• ensuring government lives within its means

Read more at novascotia.ca.

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