Province Approves Additional Appropriations for 2006-2007

The province approved $120.2 million in additional program and capital expenses for the fiscal year ended March 31, Finance Minister Michael Baker announced today, April 11.

"We were able to cover a number of ongoing priorities in the 2006-07 budget," Mr. Baker said. "These expenses represent long-term investments that will benefit Nova Scotians for many years to come."

In 2006-07, the province authorized additional appropriations of $48.7 million for program expenses -- universities, economic development, health promotion and tourism -- and $71.5 million in capital expenses for roads, school construction, and land purchases. The appropriations were:

• $32.6 million in assistance to universities includes payments of $22.3 million for tuition-cost containment and $10.3 million for student bursaries

• $2.7 million for Health Promotion and Protection provided $3 million for Nova Scotia to begin preparations to host Canada Games 2011. This is offset by operational savings within the department.

• Economic Development received an additional $9.3 million to fulfil commitments to the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust Fund; expenses in the Industrial Expansion Fund; and various approved regional projects.

• Tourism, Culture and Heritage received an additional $4 million for tourism and cultural investments, including $2 million to develop the Joggins fossil cliffs and $1.4 million related to the transfer of ownership of Upper Clements Park.

• $71.5 million was added to the capital spending budget for roads and highways, school construction and land purchases. Tangible capital assets authorized for 2006-2007 now total $406.5 million, compared with the original budget of $335 million.

All expenses were approved by the Executive Council, and are factored into the financial results for 2006-07. The province is forecasting a surplus of $98.5 million for that year.

Nova Scotia's legislature annually authorizes spending budgets -- or appropriations -- for individual departments, groups of departments or other categories. Where final net expenses in each area exceed the amount authorized, an additional appropriation is required.

This is the first time that government has formally approved additional appropriations before the end of the fiscal year. They are normally processed in the fall. Other changes in appropriations may be required once department budgets are finalized for Public Accounts, the province's annual financial statements.