Nova Scotians Urged to Build on Prosperity and Optimism
In his seventh and final annual state of the province address, Premier John Hamm is praising Nova Scotians for creating a more prosperous, optimistic, self-reliant province -- and urged them to keep building on that progress.
"We've come a long way in Nova Scotia over the past several years and it's very important to me, and to you, that we continue to build on the strong base we've established," the premier said in a speech to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce today, Nov. 30.
Premier Hamm said the province's fiscal house is in order and the economy is strong, with record-low unemployment figures and growing confidence. The premier said the Nova Scotia success story of an innovative, educated workforce is beginning to be heard across the province and the country. The most recent example was the Nov. 25 announcement that Research In Motion (RIM) is setting up a major operations centre in Halifax, creating 1,200 high-tech jobs.
"RIM's decision to expand here is great news," the premier said. "Halifax already has impressive global activities underway with highly-skilled IT workers and companies. And this expansion goes a long way to strengthen that position."
The premier said Nova Scotians are now in a much stronger place than they were in 1999 when he gave his first state of the province speech. He said deficits have been eliminated, schools and students are getting back to basics, and Nova Scotians are getting the benefits of their offshore resources.
More doctors and nurses are at the bedside, hospitals have better equipment, and there are better programs for diabetics, people with mental health issues and autism.
In spite of that progress, the premier said health care challenges remain. Taking better care of ourselves is one of the keys to a healthier future and Nova Scotia Health Promotion is leading that charge with its programs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and reduce smoking.
Premier Hamm said the optimism of today is a vindication of the difficult decisions made in the earlier years of his government, decisions that were necessary, yet weren't always popular.
"As premier, I am proud of our record. I am proud of my cabinet and caucus colleagues. I am proud of all of the people within the public service who got behind our vision and put our plans for a stronger, more self-reliant province into effect.
"Because there is no better place in the world for our children and grandchildren to make their dreams come true, than right here in Nova Scotia."
A copy of the premier's speech is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/prem .