Busy Session Demonstrates Government on Course

Legislation to strengthen government’s ability to plan, monitor and better control spending and to further strengthen and support Nova Scotia’s health care professionals highlighted a busy legislative session that saw 19 government bills passed into law.

The Spring 2001 Session adjourned today.

Premier John Hamm said the session, which included his government’s second throne speech and second full budget, demonstrates the government is on course to ensure essential services are affordable and sustainable over the long-term.

“Our throne speech, which outlined numerous initiatives that respond to the concerns and priorities of Nova Scotians, was quickly followed by a budget that put government’s words into action and its vision into effect,” said the premier.

The Government Restructuring Act responded to the recommendations of the Task Force on Fiscal Management by formally merging departments of like function, reducing by three the total number of government departments. The number of agencies boards, and commissions was also reduced through other legislative changes introduced during the spring session.

“Whenever possible and wherever practical, we will continue to reduce the size and scope of government in order to achieve greater value for every tax dollar spent,” added the premier.

Among the other bills passed during the Spring session:
legislation to more clearly define and strengthen the role of nursing professionals and social workers; to provide for an electronic land registration system; and to eliminate two-tiered bargaining under the Teachers Collective Bargaining Act.

Premier Hamm said the spring session also saw government act on its commitment to: improve health care; invest in education; strengthen the economies of rural Nova Scotia; and reduce government red tape.

He said the 2001-02 budget saw government invest in many of Nova Scotia’s long-neglected needs, including:

• a $5 million commitment to launch Nova Scotia’s first Nursing Strategy;

• an additional $30 million invested in long-term care and home care;

• $500,000 to improve mental health services;

• over $9 million to expand early intervention and child care;

• a $13 million increase in funding to school boards;

• new literacy supports for adults and students throughout the elementary grade levels;

• expanded access to Nova Scotia Community College;

• expanded access to more on-line government services;

• an $11 million increase for road and bridge repair;

• $850,000 to improve the quality of Nova Scotia’s drinking water;

• $500,000 to expand community-based transportation;

• more money to sustain Nova Scotia’s forests and farms.

Premier Hamm said the spring session also demonstrated the government is on track when it comes to bringing spending under control.

“We are now forecasting the province will end fiscal 2000-01 $69 million below estimate. By this time next year, we will have reduced the deficit to approximately $91 million. It will be the last year Nova Scotia posts a deficit under this government, and hopefully under any future government,” said the premier.

“Less than two years ago, the people of Nova Scotia gave us a mandate to make government more efficient, more accountable and more responsive to their needs. The legislative session that just concluded clearly shows that we are on course.”