Press Release
Chamber looks for smart spending in the upcoming Provincial budget
April 29, 2009 – Halifax, NS - The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is looking for the Province to lead Nova Scotia into the future with a smart, growth orientated budget. The Province is expected to release a budget within weeks. “Given the uncertain economic climate,” says Chamber President Valerie Payn, “we believe this budget will be one of the most important in recent history.”
“We will be looking for spending in this budget that increases the competitiveness and productivity of Nova Scotia,” states Payn. “This means investing in sustainable infrastructure, affordable education and putting plans in place to control the ever increasing levels of provincial spending.”
In the Chamber’s pre-budget submission to the Province earlier this year, it was highlighted that recent economic events have been unprecedented in speed and scope, and that the Province must prepare to respond.
The Chamber is particularly concerned about health care spending and the province’s public sector pension liability. “At over 38% of total spending in 2008-2009, we are the second highest health spenders as a portion of GDP when compared to other provinces,” says Payn. “It is paramount that the Province update tax payers on the status of the 103 suggested health care reforms that were proposed in the Corpus Sanchez report.” We must accelerate the importance of health care reform as this situation will become only more critical as our population ages.”
The Chamber is also looking to the Province to pick up the pace on the tax review that began in the spring of 2008. “We need to reduce taxes in this province now that hinder innovation and growth. This is especially important given that our neighbours in New Brunswick have just made major reforms,” says Payn. “We cannot risk being left behind if we do not make the necessary changes to our tax structure.”
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For more information contact:
Janet Creamer
Communications Manager
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
902-481-1240
Cell: 902-499-6494


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