Budget Bulletin: What It Means for Rural Nova Scotia

The 2000-01 budget includes a number of measures to build upon the strengths of rural Nova Scotia, including increased support for rural businesses.

• Government will provide bursaries to cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of tuition for medical students who agree to set up their practice in currently under-serviced areas.

• Rural Nova Scotia's transportation infrastructure will be strengthened through a $9-million commitment to improving secondary roads.

• The Community Economic Development Investment Fund portion of the Equity Tax Credit has been extended until December 2003 to assist with community economic development initiatives.

• The Film Industry Tax Credit will be increased to 35 per cent for films produced in rural Nova Scotia, an increase of 2.5 per cent over last year.

• Provincial funding for agriculture safety net programs has been increased to $4.8 million. Safety nets are programs cost-shared with the federal government that help farmers when income levels drop below average due to unforeseen conditions such as drought and market downturns. Such programs help provide much needed stability to farm families. Under a new three-year agreement with the federal government, which started April 1, 2000, total program funding for Nova Scotia farmers has almost doubled, from $6.2 million to $11.9 million.

• Funding for the provincial 4-H program has been maintained at $707,000. The provincewide 4-H program has a proven track record in developing rural Nova Scotia youth and instilling the importance of lifelong learning, entrepreneurial spirit, and community contribution.

• Agriculture and Marketing is establishing the New Entrants Program to assist new and young farmers with interest relief. This $600,000 program will encourage and support a healthy, progressive, and stable agricultural industry for the future.

NOTE: For other 2000-01 budget information, visit the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .