Lower Taxes to Strengthen Nova Scotia's Competitive Position

FINANCE--Lower Taxes to Strengthen Nova Scotia's Competitive Position

Lower taxes will help Nova Scotia put more money into the hands of working families, and that's good for the Nova Scotia economy, Finance Minister Neil LeBlanc said today, Feb. 12, to members of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Lower taxes are part of a balanced economic plan and this government believes that when we put a few more dollars into the hands of working Nova Scotians, we are doing the best thing we can do for the future of this province," said the minister.

Mr. LeBlanc said lower taxes will help Nova Scotia remain competitive with other provinces and states. "If we want to generate the future revenues we need to pay for health care, education and roads, then we must compete for new investments today." He said that Nova Scotia risks losing new investments and jobs if its competitive position is not maintained.

"As we have in each and every year of our mandate, we will once again invest in those areas that are critical to helping Nova Scotia become more self-reliant and more prosperous -- in better health care, better education, in better roads."

The minister said the government's lower tax plan will generate a great deal of debate across the province this spring, but the government has set an economic direction for the province, and lower taxes are a key element of that plan.

Mr. LeBlanc will bring his pre-budget message to chambers of commerce around the province throughout February and March.