New Year's Message from Premier Darrell Dexter

Happy New Year. It is my hope that you had a joyous holiday season with your family and friends. It is hard to believe that it is January already. It is the time of year for all of us to reflect on the past 12 months and make resolutions about what we can do better in 2010.

Aside from my personal resolutions, two of the most important resolutions I will be working toward this year is living within our means and spurring economic growth and development across the province.

It is no secret that Nova Scotia faces some tough financial challenges. The province's deficit stands at $525 million. If things don't change, by 2012, Nova Scotia's deficit will grow to $1.3 billion.

It is my job to get the province's books back in the black, while keeping the commitments made to Nova Scotians. I am proud of the commitments government has been able kept to date, including taking the HST off basic home electricity, hiring an advisor to lead emergency care improvement, creating secure jobs through the New Home Construction Rebate, and boosting the equity tax credit to promote investment in communities.

Government will continue to move forward, keeping the commitments made to Nova Scotians, including doubling provincial immigration targets and initiating an immigrant job strategy, providing 1,000 home-insulation grants for qualified homeowners, creating 250 new community college seats targetting high-demand trades and professions, and creating a Prior Learning Assessment Pilot Program, just to name a few.

In November, a panel of economic advisors suggested that balancing the budget in 2010 would destabilize public services and harm the economy. It is simply not in the best interests of the economy and the public. However, balancing the budget as soon as it is reasonable remains a priority for government.

During these challenging financial times, government needs to do all it can to create a stronger economy in the province.

As your premier, you have my word that I will do everything I can to make sure Nova Scotians have secure jobs, that companies and investors worldwide know about this province and our assets, and that government spends your dollars wisely and efficiently.

We need a strong economy in Nova Scotia to provide health, education and other services that people need and deserve. A stronger economy will result in better public services, better jobs for Nova Scotians and, ultimately, a better future for this province and its people.

Government will have some very tough choices to make over the next three years, however I remain optimistic and excited about the possibilities that the future holds for Nova Scotia. With good leadership, sensible decision-making and a reasonable, balanced approach, Nova Scotia can be a province that is the envy of all and a place we are all proud to call home.

All the best for a healthy, happy, and successful 2010.