News release

Getting Nova Scotia Back To Balance

Finance (to Oct. 2013)

Finance Minister Graham Steele will hold public meetings in 16 communities across Nova Scotia to discuss how to get the province's finances back to balance.

The announcement was made today, Jan. 14.

"These meetings will engage Nova Scotians in a dialogue about the financial challenges the province will face over the next number of years," said Mr. Steele. "Together we can develop a long-term, multi-year plan to address our fiscal reality and ensure we live within our means."

Because growth in spending is outpacing growth in revenue, Nova Scotia is in a significant deficit. In November, a panel of economic experts laid out three methods to address the situation: increase revenue, decrease spending and grow the economy.

Nova Scotians will be asked how to best use these tools to improve the province's financial situation.

An information guide has also been created to help Nova Scotians understand the province's fiscal challenges, and the complex choices faced by government in the coming years.

The dates and locations for the first week of meetings are:

  • Friday, Jan. 22, Sydney: Royal Canadian Legion, 10 Wesley St., 6-8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 23, Port Hawkesbury: Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St., 2-4 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 25, Bridgewater: Days Inn, 50 North St., 6-8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 28, Stellarton: Museum of Industry, 147 North Foord St., 7-9 p.m.

Meetings will also be held in:

  • Amherst
  • Dartmouth
  • Digby
  • Eastern Passage
  • Kentville
  • Liverpool
  • Lower Sackville
  • Tantallon
  • Truro
  • Wolfville
  • Yarmouth

As Minister responsible for Acadian Affairs, Mr. Steele will also speak with the province's francophone and Acadian communities.

"This will be one of the largest financial consultation processes ever done in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Steele.

When finalized, the dates and times of all meetings will be posted on the finance website and advertised in local media each Thursday in January and February the two weeks before the event.

To obtain a copy of the discussion guide or to sign up for a meeting in your community, visit www.gov.ns.ca/finance .

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