Budget 2016-2017: Investments in Northern Nova Scotia

The people of northern Nova Scotia will benefit from investments in education, community supports and 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 northern Nova Scotia include:

• 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
• repaving 5.3 kilometres of Route 204, 5.8 kilometres of Route 246, and 7 kilometres of Route 348 in 2016-2017
• repaving Route 337 from the intersection of Route 245 (Malignant Cove) easterly 6 kilometres
• repaving specified sections of Taylors Road from Highway 104 northerly
• funding for a new P-12 school in Tatamagouche
• funding for a new P-4 school in Bible Hill
• 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 the 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 .