Tax Review, Budget Consultations Begin

Nova Scotians can give their thoughts and comments about taxes, the tax system and the upcoming provincial budget, in a number of ways over the next nine weeks.

Finance and Treasury Board Minister Diana Whalen announced today, Jan. 15, the launch of public consultations to talk about the recent tax and regulatory review and the upcoming budget.

"We want to hear what Nova Scotians have to say about the recommendations to reform taxes and also how we can get to a balanced budget," said Ms. Whalen. "We can see our financial challenges growing, and we have to make tough choices now. By participating in this process, Nova Scotians are helping guide our understanding of their values and the choices they are willing to make."

The public meetings will be held:

• Halifax, Jan. 20, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy., Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room (R302)
• Stellarton, Jan. 22, Holiday Inn Express, 86 Lawrence Blvd.
• Wolfville, Jan. 26, Acadia University, Fountain Commons, 26 Crowell Dr.
• Yarmouth, Feb. 2, Rodd Grand Hotel, 417 Main St.
• Bridgewater, Feb. 5, Days Inn, 50 North St.
• Dartmouth, Feb. 10, NSCC Waterfront Campus, 80 Mawiomi Pl., Cafeteria
• Amherst, Feb. 19, Amherst Regional High School, 190 Willow St., Cafeteria
• Sydney, Feb. 23, Kavanagh Room, Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, 60 Esplanade

Meetings begin with an information session at 6 p.m., followed by a discussion from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nova Scotians can also submit their comments:

• e-mail to taxreview@novascotia.ca
• mail to Tax Review, Department of Finance and Treasury Board, Box 187, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2N3
• on Twitter, using the hashtag #nsbudget

The deadline to provide comments is Feb. 28.

For the discussion guide, up-to-date details about the public meetings and more information, go to www.novascotia.ca/budget .