Lower Taxes Next Step in Growth Strategy

Lower taxes will give Nova Scotians the chance to keep the province's economy growing, Premier John Hamm said today, March 14.

In a speech to the Greater Halifax Partnership, the premier said lower taxes will help Nova Scotia retain more of their best and brightest.

"The most important investment we can make in our people is to let them keep more of their money," said the premier. "There are some who say we can't afford to lower taxes. They would rather keep taxes high and let our young people choose to pay less taxes in Ontario, Alberta or the United States. They would rather put our growth at risk by keeping taxes high."

Last week, the director of economic forecasting of the Conference Board of Canada said the government's plan for lower taxes will help fuel consumer spending in the second half of this year and keep economic growth strong.

"That's how important lower taxes are for Nova Scotia," added the premier. "To move our economy forward. To build on our progress."

The premier said lower taxes are the next important step in Nova Scotia's growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity.
Released in the fall of 2000, the strategy has helped build a climate for jobs and growth in the province, including: -- 18,000 new jobs, mostly full-time; -- Nova Scotia reaching historic job numbers four times in the
last 12 months; -- the first provincial trade surplus in a generation; -- doubling offshore oil and gas commitments to $1.5 billion; -- the fourth-strongest film industry in Canada; -- leading Canada in department store sales; and -- increased investment and construction, among the country's
leaders.

"Nova Scotia is stronger, prouder and better than it was four years ago," said the premier. "Our success to date is proof we're on the right path. But it's no excuse for taking a break. Or worse, going back to where we were. We must continue to move forward."

The premier noted other parts of the growth strategy to be implemented include:

• a new Brand Nova Scotia program to more aggressively promote
  the province internationally;
• continuing the Learning for Life plan to improve classroom
  education, with more focus on improving student skills in
  reading, writing and math and putting more books and computers
  in the province's schools; and
• dedicating more resources towards our universities and
  community colleges.

"To create more growth, we're going to continue to invest in our people," concluded the premier. "Because our people will help bring more investment and more opportunities to Nova Scotia."