News release

FINANCE/TREASURY BOARD--Budget 2016-2017: Investments in the Annapolis Valley

Finance and Treasury Board

The people of the Annapolis Valley will benefit from investments to grow Nova Scotia’s wine sector, support new immigrants and improve infrastructure in Budget 2016-2017.

"Our work and the sacrifices made by all Nova Scotians make the investments in today's budget possible," said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Randy Delorey. "This budget demonstrates what is possible when we stick to a plan and work together to build a stronger Nova Scotia."

Measures in Budget 2016-2017 for the Annapolis Valley include:

  • growing vineyards and wineries through research, market development, support for expansion and development of grape growing, and quality certification
  • support funding for groups welcoming refugees
  • English as a second language training to newcomers through the Teaching Immigrants English program
  • funding for community facility projects
  • funding for major sport and cultural events
  • continued funding for sustainable transportation
  • funding for a new P-12 school in Bridgetown
  • construction of Granite Drive Interchange and Connector on Highway 101, a multi-year project beginning in 2016-2017
  • access to the New Building Canada Fund
  • bringing high-speed Internet to more rural homes and businesses
  • multi-year development of the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, enhancing care for all Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians.

Budget 2016-2017 projects a $127.4 million surplus. The surplus includes a one-time revenue increase of $110.3 million in 2016-2017 because of federal and municipal contributions for the new convention centre in Halifax.

The $110.3 million will go towards the debt to provide the fiscal capacity to launch a multi-year development of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. The budget's net position is a $17.1 million surplus.

Revenue for 2016-2017 is an estimated $10.3 billion, a 3.5 per cent increase from 2015-2016. Expenses are an estimated $10.1 billion, an increase of 1.2 per cent from 2015-2016.

Government will invest $480.8 million in roads, schools, health care and public infrastructure in 2016-2017.

For more information about the 2016-2017 provincial budget, visit www.novascotia.ca/budget.