Premier Says Fall Session Historic, Positive, Productive

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Premier Says Fall Session Historic, Positive, Productive

Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm described the latest session of the legislature as historic, positive and productive.

"After $3 billion, 30 years and many failed attempts to sell Sysco, the government is finally out of the steel-making business," the premier said.

The fall session also saw the government pass other significant legislation that demonstrates that it is serious about keeping its commitments to the people of Nova Scotia.

"Progressive legislation that modernizes Nova Scotia's welfare system will not only help families achieve greater independence, it will also contribute to the long-term economic well-being of the province," he said.

The fall session also saw the passage of legislation creating an arms-length, privately driven agency to make the day-to-day investment decisions on behalf of government.

"Legislation creating Nova Scotia Business Incorporated is a vital step forward in our efforts to grow our economy," he said. Essentially this new agency takes politics out of the equation. Business decisions will now be made by those who know, understand and live in the real business world.

Seventeen government bills were passed during the fall session, including legislation that:

• extends parental leave benefits for birth and adoptive parents;
• strengthens consumer protection;
• ensures greater public accountability on the part of senior public officials and professional health associations;
• enhances workplace safety;
• protects valuable agricultural marshland;
• modernizes numerous outdated laws.

"This session further demonstrated my government's commitment to identify lasting and long-term solutions to our problems. We continue to lay the foundation for a modern, progressive economy that is supported by independent, self-sufficient families and a government that knows its place and responds to Nova Scotians' priorities," the premier said.