Government Makes Tough Decisions While Fulfilling Commitments to Nova Scotians

Two years into its mandate, government continues to fulfill its commitments to Nova Scotians to provide better care sooner, create good jobs, make life more affordable for today's families and ensure the province lives within its means.

"Two years ago today, Nova Scotians placed their trust in us to change our province for the better," said acting premier Frank Corbett. "We take that very seriously. We work hard every day to make life better for Nova Scotia families, and we are succeeding.

"We are keeping emergency rooms open and reducing wait times. We are creating the good jobs that Nova Scotia's economy so desperately needs. We are helping students succeed and taking real steps to alleviate poverty."

As promised, government balanced the budget in its first full fiscal year, and reduced Nova Scotia's net debt.

"We are keeping our promise to take provincial HST off home energy, saving Nova Scotians millions of dollars on their electricity bills," Mr. Corbett said. "We also took the HST off essentials like children's shoes and clothing and diapers.

"Seniors benefitted from the elimination of security deposits in long-term care facilities, increased support for care at home and no income tax for seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement."

The province is rolling out Better Care Sooner, a strategic plan to keep emergency rooms open and reduce wait times. As a result, hundreds of patients are already getting rapid assessment and care sooner.

Under the plan, Parrsboro will be the site of the province's, and the country's, first Collaborative Emergency Centre. The province plans to open at least three more such centres this year.

As promised, Nova Scotia is now leading the way in renewable energy thanks to the Renewable Electricity Plan's aggressive targets, as well as the historic deal signed with Newfoundland and Labrador to produce hydroelectricity on Lower Churchill.

An example of the promised energy conservation is recent legislation making it mandatory for all Nova Scotia roads and highways to install energy-saving LED lights.

The province is keeping tuition below the national average by providing a tuition reduction of $1,283 for Nova Scotia students studying in the province. Government has also put in place the province's first debt cap, reducing debt by up to $16,320 per student.

To take charge of Nova Scotia's economy and change it for the better, the province launched jobsHere, a targeted plan for job creation and economic growth. Focusing on learning, innovation and competitiveness, jobsHere is helping Nova Scotia build on its economic strengths and overcome its challenges.

The province has invested $200 million in the plan, supporting important initiatives in all regions of the province, like the Sydney Harbour dredging project and the partnership with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering to open the company's North American base for producing parts for wind turbines.

Government introduced a new Autism Spectrum Disorder Action Plan that invests $4 million over two years into the Early Intensive Behaviourial Intervention program. This investment ensures people living with autism and their families have access to the programs and services they need.

"Tough decisions are required to ensure Nova Scotia lives within its means, and I appreciate the effort made by so many people to reach that goal," Mr. Corbett said. "Failure to address these financial challenges makes the problem worse by threatening the public services Nova Scotians depend on and limiting the province's potential for economic growth."

Earlier this year, government made one of the largest investments in Nova Scotia families and children in the province's history. This investment will fund important initiatives, including increases to the Nova Scotia Child Benefit and the Income Assistance personal allowance, that help low-income families regain their independence and pay for family priorities.

"These are just some of the steps we have taken to make life better in all regions of the province," said Mr. Corbett. "I am proud of the work we've done so far and we will continue to keep our platform commitments to Nova Scotians and their families."