Nova Scotia Finance Minister Looking Forward to Federal Budget

FINANCE--Nova Scotia Finance Minister Looking Forward to Federal Budget

Nova Scotia Finance Minister Neil LeBlanc will be looking for more details about health and highways in today's federal budget. Mr. LeBlanc told the Truro Chamber of Commerce today, Feb. 18, that he expects John Manley to provide clarity around health funding, and he hopes more money will be found for Nova Scotia highways.

"Jean Chretien already told the provinces there would be $12 billion for health care over the next three years, but he also said to wait for the federal budget to hear when and where that money will be spent," said Mr. LeBlanc.

He said while the funding offered by Ottawa for health falls short of what Canadians need, today's federal budget will help the provincial Health Department complete its program planning for Nova Scotia's spring budget.

Nova Scotia's finance minister is also looking for infrastructure funding -- specifically for highways.

"Nova Scotia put forward a strong case for a new highway agreement with the federal government and I'm hopeful we'll hear about funds for 100-series highways later today," said Mr. LeBlanc. He added that Nova Scotia is spending about $85 million on road and highway improvements this year but is looking for the federal government to partner with the province on more projects.

The minister is optimistic Ottawa will reduce airport security fees, which would help Atlantic Canada's smaller airports and lighten the tax load for travellers, and said he expects the federal budget to contain details about the proposed Kyoto Accord.

"John Manley has a comfortable surplus this year and I expect some of the federal spending in this budget should help the Nova Scotia economy," said Mr. LeBlanc.