News Release Archive
PREMIER--LEGISLATIVE SITTING WRAPS UP
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Premier John Savage says the legislative sitting that
wrapped up today was an important milestone for the
provincial government. "The legislative agenda just
completed represents the fulfilment of virtually all the key
policy objectives which this government had laid out," said
the premier. "We can now focus all our efforts on
consolidating and fine tuning the reforms we have begun."
The legislative session, begun in the spring, was one of the
longest in Nova Scotia history. Members sat for a total of
82 days, including the period between Christmas and New
Year's.
The premier said that while change is never easy, he
believes that Nova Scotians are beginning to understand the
necessity for wide ranging reforms that enable us "to do
things better and still live within our means". He said that
the key objectives underlying the government's reforms have
been to bring the province into alignment with the
challenges of the 21st century, "so that we can build a
thriving and competitive economy and create a more
prosperous future for ourselves and our children", to get
the government's fiscal house in order and regain control of
spending "in order to protect the programs and services that
all of us value", and to "come to terms with the financial
bottom line while at the same time remaining compassionate
and socially responsible."
"Anyone looking at our legislative agenda will see that
these are the themes that have predominated overall in the
actions we have taken," said the premier. He pointed out
some of the highlights of the legislation, which include:
- The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Act, which
enables the government to consolidate services by bringing
four metro hospitals under the umbrella of a single
administration, a move which opens the door for greater
efficiencies and cost savings.
The government combined this legislation with a $24 million
dollar initiative designed to assist hospital workers who
may be displaced by changes in service delivery.
- A new Education Act which streamlines the administration
of school boards by reducing the number of boards, with the
object of focusing more dollars on students and on the
classroom. The act also gives communities and parents a
larger role in decision making by allowing a bigger share of
the decisions to be made at a local level. The act also
- for the first time in Nova Scotia - establishes an Acadian
School Board.
- An Act Respecting College de l'Acadie and the Nova Scotia
Community College, which makes it possible for both colleges
to become more competitive by cutting through red tape and
bringing training more directly into line with the job
market.
- Consolidation of the government's Maintenance Enforcement
Act, which protects families and children by making it more
difficult for parents to avoid making support payments.
- An Internal Trade Agreement Implementation Act which gives
Nova Scotian businesses and workers barrier free access to
markets and job opportunities in all areas of the country.
Premier Savage said that in addition to the legislative
accomplishments of the past year, the government is very
proud of the fiscal milestone it is about to accomplish, by
eliminating the deficit in this budget year, one full year
ahead of schedule.
"Getting spending under control enables us to spend less of
our money on interest on our debt, and more money on the
programs and services that we are determined to protect,"
said the premier. "I don't think there is any question that
Nova Scotia is in a more secure position today than it was a
couple of years ago. Not only are we in a better position to
absorb the cuts in federal spending which are headed our
way, we have succeeded in creating a better climate for
business investment in this province - and that's already
lead to a growth in more than 30 thousand new jobs since
this government took office."
"With the main legislative agenda now complete, I intend to
spend the year ahead concentrating on doing everything
possible to boost economic growth and build jobs, so that
more Nova Scotians can share in the opportunities that have
begun to open up in this province," said Premier Savage. "On
behalf of my colleagues in this government, I can say most
definitely that jobs and the economy are our primary
objective, and recent events such as the unfortunate layoffs
at Devco merely increase our determination. We have had
setbacks before - such as the downturn in the fishery - and
we have survived them by becoming more productive and more
self reliant. Cape Bretoners are resourceful people, and
this government will support their efforts to overcome this
crisis."
Premier Savage said that there are a number of bright lights
on the horizon in the year ahead. "With initiatives like the
expansion at Stora Forest Industries and the construction of
Highway 104 in the months ahead, I think we can look forward
to another year of increased opportunities for employment."
The premier made his remarks while on a trade mission in
India with Prime Minister Jean Chretien, one of a number of
trade missions the premier is undertaking this year in order
to develop new markets and new opportunities for Nova Scotia
businesses and boost foreign trade and investment. Premier
Savage is expected to return on Jan. 21.
-30-
EDITORS NOTE: There is an accent aigu on the first E in
Chretien.
Contact: Ann Graham Walker 902-424-2590
Cellular: 902-497-0305
trp Jan. 11, 1996
