The House of Assembly has approved investments in economic growth, education, opportunities for youth and other priorities outlined in Budget 2016-2017.

The Appropriations Act (2016) authorizes spending found in the budget and passed in the House of Assembly today, May 6.

“Budget 2016-2017 is making Nova Scotia stronger by investing in our economy, our young people and our citizens who need it the most,” said Randy Delorey, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “These investments are the result of sticking to a solid fiscal plan and working together with Nova Scotians.”

Budget 2016-2017 focuses on:
— growth, including investments in winemaking and other export sectors, high-speed Internet, and immigration
— opportunities for youth, education and jobs training, including $21 million as part of the four-year, $65 million investment in public school education. The investment will reduce class sizes and create summer jobs, co-op placements and internships
— supporting Nova Scotians who need it most, by providing the province’s highest single-year income assistance increase, investing more in children and family supports, new subsidies for child care, and investing in a sexual violence strategy
— creating a healthy society and economy, including investing in a multi-year redesign of QEII Health Sciences Centre to help all Nova Scotians, more funding to meet orthopedic wait times, and increases in home care.

Budget 2016-2017 projects a $127.4 million surplus and, after putting one-time revenue from the Halifax Convention Centre toward the debt, a net position of $17.1 million.

For Budget 2016-2017 information, see www.novascotia.ca/budget .

Source: Release