Back to Balance Discussion Continues On-line

Finance Minister Graham Steele is inviting Nova Scotians to help get the province back to balance and ensure government lives within its means.

An on-line bulletin board will provide information on themes that were raised during the Back to Balance consultations from January to March. Participants can register and provide comments on topics, which will change every few weeks. The two topics currently available are establishing Nova Scotia Savings Bonds and creating a junk food tax.

"I am happy today to introduce an exciting new online tool that will help us to stay connected with Nova Scotians as we address our financial challenges," said Mr. Steele. "I promised participants during our Back to Balance consultations that we would continue to talk with them on our path back to balance."

The bulletin board will allow discussions on topics raised consistently during public consultations on priorities to increase revenues and reduce spending.

The online service is the first of its kind for the provincial government. It was launched Oct. 6 to about 1,000 individuals, most of whom participated in the Back to Balance consultations.

"The better discussions we have, the better decisions we will make, and the sooner we will see tangible results, that's why I encourage everyone to continue to participate through this forum," said Mr. Steele. "I have said, the work to get back to balance is an ongoing process."

Almost 1,500 Nova Scotians took part in the Back to Balance consultations in 22 different communities. Input was used to help develop the 2010-11 budget. A summary report of the consultations is available at www.gov.ns.ca/finance.

Nova Scotians can read and post to the new Back to Balance Forum at www.backtobalance.ca .