The government continued to fulfil its commitments to Nova Scotians during the spring sitting of the legislature, which wrapped up today, May 1.

Government made good on its promises to:
— remove the efficiency tax from power bills
— eliminate the interest on Nova Scotia Student Loans
— modernize the apprenticeship system
— reinvest in the school system
— reinstate ferry service between Yarmouth and the northeastern United States

Legislation was enacted to guarantee essential care for Nova Scotians during a strike or lockout affecting health care, seniors’ homes, youth or people with special needs.

Government also tabled a budget that encourages private-sector economic growth fuelled by a healthy and well-educated workforce, while recognizing the economic and fiscal challenges the province is facing.

“While this sitting was challenging at times, I believe we accomplished a great deal and the changes we were able to implement will have a long-term, positive impact on the people of Nova Scotia,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “I now look forward to continuing the work of government outside the House of Assembly and I hope to meet many Nova Scotians across our great province during the summer months.”

Other highlights from the session included:
— giving small businesses better access to loans through improvements to the Credit Union Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
— investing in children and families through funding for family resource centres and changes to the Nova Scotia Child Benefit
— creating a new direction for economic development that will allow the private sector to drive the economy
— beginning the process of reorganizing the province’s health authorities
— putting funding into reducing wait times for orthopaedic surgery

For a complete list of the 27 bills passed this session, visit:
http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/status-of-bills/ .

Source: Release