Budget 2016-2017: Investments in Southwestern Nova Scotia

The people of southwestern Nova Scotia will benefit from investments to grow the aquaculture sector, funding for the ferry service to Portland, and investments in broadband service among other highlights 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 southwestern Nova Scotia include:

• funding for the Nova Scotia to Portland ferry
• continued funding for an Aquaculture Growth Strategy
• bringing high-speed Internet to more rural homes and businesses
• a new SchoolsPlus site to bring a range of services together for children and youth including mental health and other health programs, homework support, social work and justice services
• support funding for groups welcoming refugees
• funding for community facility projects
• English as a second language training to newcomers through the Teaching Immigrants English program
• funding for sport and cultural events
• continued funding for sustainable transportation
• funding for a new elementary school in Yarmouth
• completion and paving of Highway 103 from Port Mouton to Broad River in 2016-2017
• repaving 5.6 km of Pine Grove Road from Trunk 10 to Northfield Road in 2016-2017
• access to the New Building Canada Fund
• 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.

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 http://www.novascotia.ca/budget .