30 Mar Budget 2019-20 Invests in Southern Nova Scotia

Posted at 12:40h in Updates by

 

Nova Scotia’s 2019-20 budget was released on March 26th, and includes investments in health care, education, the economy and communities which will allow communities in Southern Nova Scotia to prosper.

This is the Nova Scotian government’s fourth consecutive balanced budget, and this years surplus is estimated to be $33.6 million. This is based on a total revenue of $11.01 billion and expenses of $10.98 billion, after consolidation adjustments.

“This budget builds on our strong fiscal foundation,” said Karen Casey, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “Managing our finances well and balancing budgets has given us the ability to invest in new and existing programs and services for Nova Scotians, in areas most important to them.”

Southern Nova Scotians can be excited about the following Budget 2019-20 highlights, which include:

  • Road improvements to Highway 101 from Digby to Marshalltown.
  • Completing work and opening Yarmouth Elementary School.
  • Continued work on new schools Clare Regional Elementary School and École Wedgeport.
  • Funding to support Nova Scotia’s Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund to build on the province’s export success.
  • $13.8 million for operating grant for the Nova Scotia to Maine ferry.
  • Work on dialysis units at Digby General Hospital.
  • Expansion of the emergency department and intensive care unit at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, a multi-year project.
  • Investment in the province’s tourism icons, including the Lunenburg Waterfront.
  • Restoration of the Perkins House Museum.

There are also province-wide investments which Southern Nova Scotians will benefit from, including:

  • $10 million increase to further develop collaborative care teams to make it easier for Nova Scotians to see a doctor or other primary care clinicians
  • $2.9 million increase to open 15 residency spaces for specialty medical positions at Dalhousie University Medical School for a total of 65 seats
  • $1.1 million continued funding to open 10 family practice residency seats at Dalhousie University Medical School this year for a total of 46 seats
  • $10.2 million increase to expand pre-primary classes. By September 2020 every four-year old in Nova Scotia will have access to a free early learning opportunity
  • $15 million increase, for a two-year total of $30 million, to continue implementing recommendations from the Commission on Inclusive Education  
  • $500,000 increase for incubators and accelerators that support startup companies, for a total of $1.5 million
  • $620,000 increase to support growing immigration

For more information about the 2019-20 provincial budget, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/budget

Print page