Budget 2024-25: Building Nova Scotia, Faster
Thank you to Premier Tim Houston and Minister of Finance Allan MacMaster on your leadership and assurance to Nova Scotians that their government is taking action so that everyone can realize the opportunity to live in a province with a future that is better for them.
More Healthcare, Faster
Budget 2024-25 is focused on delivering healthcare solutions for Nova Scotians. This is why it is the largest area of provincial investment, as this year, a total of 7.3 billion dollars will be spent on healthcare.
In the last year alone, we have had 2,600 more surgeries, the surgical waitlist has been reduced by 27%, over 25,000 more CT scans and ultrasounds have been completed, and 60,000 more primary care appointments have been made available.
Our budget also delivers new support to diabetics with a $7.2 million investment that will help cover the cost of sensor-based glucose monitors.
This year, our investment in the battle against cancer continued with $61 million more, which will provide patients with new precision medicine and digital imaging technologies that will deliver better outcomes.
Our government is also investing in mental health through an investment of $36 million more in funding that will make progress on our commitment to offer universal mental health care to Nova Scotians.
Investing in our Kids
Our PC government is committed to supporting all Nova Scotian families and ensuring our children have access to the food they need to focus and learn in the classroom.
This is why we are investing $18.8 million this year to launch a first-ever, province-wide universal lunch program for students in the public school system.
The program will be built on the existing breakfast programs and will be phased in over four years. This program will help give our kids the strong start in life they deserve and help address childhood poverty.
Making life more affordable for Nova Scotians
Budget 2024-25 is focused on making life more affordable for Nova Scotians. Our government is putting more money in Nova Scotians’ pockets with a tax break by indexing tax brackets, providing the largest tax cut in Nova Scotia’s history.
Our team is supporting renters through an allotment of $2.4 million to create 500 new rent supplements, contributing to a total investment of $69.2 million. These supplements will benefit 8,500 Nova Scotian households.
Our budget will also deliver $300 more per month to those living with disabilities who receive support through the Employment and Income Assistance programs.
Building Up Housing
In the 2024-25 Budget, our government has introduced a 5-year housing plan with a $1 billion commitment to create the conditions for more than 40,000 new housing units.
The capital plan includes $35 million to build new public housing units and to maintain existing public housing.
25 new modular housing units will expand affordable housing options in ten communities for up to 88 new tenants and will be in place by the end of March.
The private sector can take advantage of our decision to rebate ten percent of the provincial HST paid for the new construction of purpose-built multi-unit apartments. That’s an investment that could reach $80-100 million.
Investing in Long-term Care
Our budget is committed to improving care for all Nova Scotian seniors.
Our Government is continuing to make progress on expanding transitional care options, with 5,700 new and replacement LTC spaces to be available by 2032.
Our 2024-25 Budget will allocate $10.7 million to help them move closer to the new standard of providing 4.1 hours of care to each person every day.
This includes investments in the following programs that will provide better care and allow our seniors to live with dignity:
Seniors Care Grant
Home Repair Adaptation Program
Home Care and Home Support
Heating Assistance Rebate Program
Seniors Provincial Tax Rebate
The Property Tax Rebate
Skilled Workforce
In Budget 2024-25, we are focused on increasing our skilled workforce.
This is why we made a $100 million investment in our apprenticeship system over three years. These changes aim to simplify entry into the skilled trades.
Our initiatives include more training seats, faster training processes, grants for tools, and waiving certification exam fees.
We are also investing in new incentives for employers to hire and promote apprentices.
As always, I remain deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be your MLA. If you know of anyone who would be interested in receiving future editions of my MLA Update Newsletter, please contact Jill at the Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River Constituency Office at 902-897-0884 or mlaritcey@bellaliant.com to be added to our list of subscribers.
Sincerely,
Dave Ritcey, MLA
Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River