A $1.19 billion deficit in Nova Scotia.
The budget for upcoming fiscal year has been released, and it includes job losses.
There’s a four-year plan to contain expense growth, including five percent annual cuts to civil service jobs.
Finance minister John Lohr says they had to make some tough decisions.
“We value our hard-working public servants, but government needs to become more focused and efficient. We will protect core front-line services that Nova Scotians rely on and work to right-size government through attrition wherever possible,” said Lohr.
Grants have been reduced by $130 million.
Budget expenses come in at $18.9 billion, revenues are $17.3 billion.
But after consolidation and adjustments before contingency, the province says the deficit is $1.19 billion.
Lohr says they’ve invested heavily to make up for a decade of underspending in housing, healthcare and affordability.
“This year’s budget is about continuing to invest in the strategic priorities that will drive the province forward and build our economy. At the same time, we are planning for the long-term to reduce expenses and keep our province on strong fiscal footing,”
Lohr says they’re also investing in offshore wind development for ‘Wind West,’ natural gas, and diversifying trade markets.
Budget Highlights:
– $1.2 billion for the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project and Cape Breton Regional Municipality Health Care redevelopment project
– $873.8 million toward the plan to build 5,700 new and replacement long-term care spaces by 2032, with seven new facilities opening this year
– $681.2 million for tax saving measures to save the average family more than $1,400 this year.
– $476.1 million for highways and structures
– $233.5 million to continue rolling out One Patient One Record across the province
– $144.5 million for construction and renewal of other hospitals and medical facilities in Amherst, Yarmouth, Bridgewater and the IWK
– $100.4 million for breakfast and lunch programs in Nova Scotia schools, offering all students nutritious and affordable meals
NDP reacts:
Meanwhile, the NDP say they’re concerned how the province will navigate the next few years.
Leader Claudia Chender says the job cuts run wide and deep, and affect tourism, arts grants, libraries, municipalities, natural resources and more.
She says Premier Tim Houston is not defending everyday Nova Scotians with this budget.
Chender adds the PC’s inherited a balanced budget and had unprecedented revenue over the last five years, and we’re seeing more money being squandered.
