Premier Stresses Challenges, Opportunities in State of the Province Address

NOTE: A social media version of this release, with downloadable, high-res photos, video and audio clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2009-12-09-state-province.asp .

Nova Scotia is poised to lead the way to economic recovery. The right choices and strong leadership will make that happen, Premier Darrell Dexter said today, Dec. 9, in his State of the Province address.

Speaking to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the premier outlined the challenges ahead to tackle climate change, spur the economy and balance the books at the earliest, reasonable opportunity. He also talked about the progress that has been made and the opportunities that lie ahead.

"Government will bring forward modern, smart initiatives that will help make Nova Scotia a leader again," Premier Dexter said.

The premier also highlighted progress made to make things better for Nova Scotia families by improving health care and making life more affordable.

An emergency room advisor has been hired and a three-year plan created to ensure emergency rooms stay open across the province.

The HST was taken off basic home electricity, saving families millions in home energy costs, and increased funding for transition houses was fast-tracked.

"This spring, for the first time in more than a decade, transition houses will see an increase in funding," the premier said. "We are making life better for Nova Scotia families."

Other initiatives include:

• doubling provincial immigration targets and initiating an immigrant job strategy
• providing 1,300 home insulation grants for qualified home owners
• creating 250 new community college seats targeting high-demand trades and professions
• setting up pre-hab teams to reduce wait times for surgery
• creating a Prior Learning Assessment Pilot Program

Premier Dexter said government will maintain jobs and put the province on a sustainable path. The key to doing that, he said, is living within our means.

The Economic Advisory Panel suggested raising taxes, cutting spending and spurring economic growth. To help find the right balance, the finance minister will hold public consultations before the spring budget to ask Nova Scotians for ideas and input.

Despite the challenges, there are plenty of opportunities for Nova Scotia, particularly through training and education.

Premier Dexter said a recent trade mission to Vietnam strengthened opportunities for the province and the Port of Halifax, and highlighted opportunities for Nova Scotia to market its considerable learning expertise.

The premier will continue to promote Nova Scotia to the world, leaving tonight for the global environment conference in Copenhagen.

Premier Dexter said when regulatory changes are made in the spring, Nova Scotia will have the most aggressive renewable energy standard of any government in North America. It is the only jurisdiction in Canada with hard caps on greenhouse-gas emissions in the electricity sector.

Nova Scotia is also showing the strongest signs of recovery anywhere in the country. According to CIBC's world market report, Halifax has the strongest momentum coming out of the recession in Canada and leads 21 other major Canadian Cities in nine different measures of economic activity.

"Even in the face of these steep challenges, I know the choices we make today will lead us to a brighter tomorrow and the best of times for Nova Scotia," Premier Dexter said. "We will restore the sound financial foundation needed to once again make this province a leader in Canada, and the world."