Government Introduces Amendments to the Public Utilities Act

Small business operators will get better support to succeed and grow with changes to the Public Utilities Act introduced today, Nov. 1.

"Representation by an advocate at Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board hearings is one way government can support small businesses operators in our province," said Finance Minister Graham Steele. "Unfortunately, the definition of small businesses in the Public Utilities Act prevented the advocate from functioning effectively."

The Public Utilities Act permits the Governor in Council or Utility and Review Board to appoint a small business advocate at hearings.

The new definition introduced today better represents the face of small business in the province because it directly reflects the input of industry groups.

Amendments to the act will allow a small business to be a corporation, partnership or single proprietorship; require the definition of a small business to be established by regulation based on annual consumption of utility services; and require that the small business advocate not be the same person as the Consumer Advocate at power rate hearings.

"We're extremely pleased that government not only listened to small businesses, but took the time, effort and care needed to get the legislation right," said Leanne Hachey, atlantic vice-president with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business . "Today's amendments are significant because they ensure that the small business advocate is now able to function in an effective manner."

The changes will enable the small business advocate to better serve small business in Nova Scotia.