News release

Spring Sitting Ends with Passage of Sixth Consecutive Balanced Budget

Premier's Office

With unanimous consent, the government passed it sixth consecutive balanced budget for Nova Scotians.

The end of the spring sitting today, April 13, means the 2007-08 budget, along with 17 government bills and two opposition bills, have become law.

Central to the government's legislative agenda is the new Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, which builds on some of the best work government and the private sector have done on the environment and the economy in the past few years. It recognizes that the province's environmental assets are the foundation for long-term prosperity.

"This legislation sets the stage for moving toward our government's goal of achieving one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020," Premier Rodney MacDonald said.

Legislation also includes a bill to establish a Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery, stricter rules for new drivers, legislation giving Nova Scotia workers the option to retire or continue to work when they reach the age of 65, and key changes to the Education Act to give communities a clear, predictable process so all voices and considerations are heard before a decision about a school's future is made.

"Even in the face of a looming challenge presented by the federal government after reversing its decision on the Atlantic Accord, this government has honoured its commitment to balanced budgets and debt reduction," Premier MacDonald said. "My mandate for the province was also based on a promise to our future generations to clean up our environment. Our government has stayed true to these vital, fundamental commitments to Nova Scotians."

This year's Financial Measures Act moves forward with a number of tax initiatives to make Nova Scotia more competitive and to encourage business investment. Changes include a tax break for volunteer firefighters, post-secondary graduates and digital media productions.

Another bill establishes the legal framework for the opening of the Donkin mine and provides project developers with predictability from regulators.

Also announced during the session were regulations to strengthen employers' responsibility to protect workers from physical violence and threats of physical violence on the job. They outline the to address the risk of workplace violence in sectors where the problem is most acute.

"While minority government presents its own challenges," the premier said, "it also presents positive opportunities."

The minority government unanimously supported a motion to push for the federal government to honour the Atlantic Accord. The members also honoured the fallen on the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy as well as Canadian soldiers killed on Easter Sunday, including Dartmouthian Master Cpl. Christopher P. Stannix.

The House also paid tribute to the continued faithful work of the government House leader, Finance Minister Michael Baker, who guided the government through another minority sitting while continuing with his cancer treatment.

Note: The following is a complete list of government legislation passed in the House of Assembly this spring:

  • Bill No. 136, Justice Administration Amendment (2007) Act
  • Bill No. 137, Livestock Health Services Act
  • Bill No. 138, Medal of Bravery Act
  • Bill No. 141, Respiratory Therapists Act
  • Bill No. 144, Municipal Grants Act
  • Bill No. 145, Education Act
  • Bill No. 146, Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act
  • Bill No. 158, Financial Measures (2007) Act
  • Bill No. 163, Human Rights Act
  • Bill No. 166, Undersea Coal Mines Regulation Act
  • Bill No. 168, Motor Vehicle Act
  • Bill No. 189, Utility and Review Board Act (amended)
  • Bill No. 195, Incompetent Persons Act
  • Bill No. 197, Justices of the Peace Act
  • Bill No. 198, Executive Council Act
  • Bill No. 199, Democracy 250 Act
  • Bill No. 201, Appropriations Act (2007)

The following opposition private members' public bills were passed in the House of Assembly this spring:

  • Bill No. 106, Fees Act
  • Bill No. 170, Provincial Parks Act

The following private and local bills were passed in the House of Assembly this spring:

  • Bill No. 102, Pugwash Village Grants Act
  • Bill No. 105, Pugwash Village Capital Grant Act

Follow Us