Legislature Rises After Spring Session

Government continued with its commitment to growing the economy, improving the education system and providing opportunities for youth during the spring sitting of the 62nd general assembly, which wrapped-up today, May 20.

"This session focused on investing in opportunities for economic growth, improving the quality of public education, and starting the QEII redevelopment," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "Budget 2016-2017 is a step in the right direction for a stronger Nova Scotia, and we will continue working together with Nova Scotians to stay on track."

This session was highlighted by the introduction of a balanced budget which included investments to grow the wine industry and other export sectors, high-speed Internet and immigration. Government increased funding for home support and nursing and other programs to keep seniors active and healthy. Government continued investing in education by reducing class sizes in grades 5-6, implementing the Education Action Plan and adding three new SchoolsPlus sites and an expansion of a fourth.

Government also invested in a multi-year redesign of the QEII Health Sciences Centre and increased funding to reduce orthopedic wait times to help all Nova Scotians.

During this session government also:

• introduced the Service Dog Act, clarifying owners' rights and responsibilities
• introduced a new Mineral Resources Act to encourage mineral exploration and development
• clarified government records management to make operations more efficient
• introduced a tax credit for donations to food banks by local farmers
• aligned business record-keeping requirements with other Maritime provinces to make it easier for businesses who operate in more than one province

For a complete list of bills passed this session, visit nslegislature.ca .