Government Introduces Fourth Consecutive Balanced Budget

Finance Minister Peter Christie tabled Nova Scotia's fourth consecutive balanced budget at Province House today, April 26.

In 2005-06, the province will invest more money in education, health care, roads and programs to strengthen the Nova Scotia economy.

"This budget remains true to our government's commitment to live within our means, while doing everything within our means to build a brighter future, for our children, our families, our economy," said Mr. Christie.

"There are more opportunities for our children. They will be more active, healthier and have more options in the classroom than ever before," added Mr. Christie.

The budget builds on the successes of Learning for Life with a new series of investments and programs. An additional $21.4 million will lead to higher standards for learning and teaching, help students to stay in school, expand the smaller class size initiative and pilot a new, pre-primary program in up to 20 locations around the province.

Learning for Life: Brighter Futures Together will also expand student literacy and math assessments, and strengthen partnerships with parents, school boards, school advisory councils and community organizations.

An additional $5-million investment will mean more resource teachers, speech language pathologists, school psychologists and other professionals to increase support for students with special needs.

Government's commitment to healthy children will see $3.5 million invested in physical education programming and resources and in helping schools to develop healthy eating plans, a breakfast program for elementary students, and public health nutritionists in each district health authority to support schools.

"Our schools have a big influence on healthy attitudes, and a big role to play in shaping decisions," said Mr. Christie.

Nova Scotia's health budget will increase by $218 million, to $2.5 billion, to improve access to care and further shorten wait times. Government will invest $4 million in autism programs and $2.5 million to help low-income families cover diabetes-related costs; $500,000 for stroke care and an additional $2 million, this year and next, for mental health.

"This budget continues to address our social challenges, and to help struggling families better cope with the demands and costs of raising a family," said Mr. Christie.

In 2005-06, new funding will support programs and services for struggling families, seniors and people with disabilities across the province.

Initiatives include a significant boost to child-care spending following a commitment in the 2005-06 federal budget to increase funding in this area. The In Home Support Program will help adults with disabilities remain at home with their families and complements the Children's In Home Support Program by enabling support to continue after an individual turns 19 years old.

"Improving transportation infrastructure is also a key priority for ensuring Nova Scotia's economic and social well-being," said Mr. Christie. "With good roads, products can quickly get to market, children will arrive safely at school, and tourists will return."

The province will spend an additional $44 million this year to improve Nova Scotia's highways, roads and bridges for the benefit of all motorists.

"Improving the conditions to support economic growth in Nova Scotia continues to be a top priority," said Mr. Christie. "The 2005-06 budget contains no new taxes and will end the year with a $63.3-million surplus."

The province will introduce legislation in 2005 on behalf of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities to eliminate the business occupancy assessment tax; the small business tax threshold increases to $350,000 from $300,000 effective April 1, 2005 and to $400,000 on April 1, 2006; the large corporation tax will decrease from 0.3 per cent to 0.2 per cent over a four-year period starting July 1, 2005.

Government will put the $830 million it expects to receive in offshore funds from the federal government towards debt reduction.

For further 2005-06 budget information, see the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance