KENTVILLE - The MacDonald government’s balanced budget focuses on healthy families and safe, prosperous communities, Kings North MLA Mark Parent said today.

Children of low-income working families will benefit from extended prescription drug coverage. More than 33,000 children under the age of 18 will benefit from this $1 million investment.

The province will invest $250,000 on an independent study to better assess and understand the social and economic impacts of gaming in Nova Scotia.

“The devastating effect problem gambling has on individuals and families is a real concern to me,” Mr. Parent said. “I hope this investment moves us a step closer to alleviating the pain gambling can cause.”

Nova Scotia consumers will get an eight per cent rebate on a wide range of fuels used for residential heating, starting January 2007. The rebate will also be applied to residential electricity used for non-heating purposed.

This is a measure that will provide relief to about 400,00 households in Nova Scotia. It is estimated the average household will save about $200 each year.

“Rising home heating costs are a concern for all of us,” Mr. Parent explained. “This rebate program will take the bite out of winter for many Nova Scotians. I appreciate the hard work the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia did to raise this issue and me and with the government.”

The Department of Transportation and Public Works’ overall capital budget for 2006-2007 has been increased by almost $39 million to about $199.1 million. About $172.2 million of that amount is targeted to make improvements to the roads, bridges and highways.

In addition, the province will continue to channel taxes raised from motor vehicle licensing and motive fuel taxes to highway construction and maintenance.

Other highlights of budget 2006 include:

- $1.2 million investment in Nova Scotia’s student debt reduction program;
- $40 million in capital grants to district health authorities – $38 million for hospital improvements and $2 million for medical equipment; and
- the gradual lowering of personal income tax.

SPRINGHILL – More money for roads, more long-term care beds and a Household Energy Rebate are highlights of the MacDonald government’s 2006 budget, Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott said today.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works’ overall capital budget for 2006-2007 has been increased by almost $39 million to about $199.1 million. About $172.2 million of that amount is targeted to make improvements to the roads, bridges and highways.

In addition, the province will continue to channel taxes raised from motor vehicle licensing and motive fuel taxes to highway construction and maintenance.

“Better, safer roads benefit individuals and businesses in Cumberland County and all over Nova Scotia,” Mr. Scott said. “This is a meaningful investment that will strengthen our communities.”

Budget 2006 supports seniors by adding 50 restorative beds, more dialysis options closer to home and expanding home support services like personal care and housekeeping.

“Our government will continue supporting people who manage their own care in their own homes,” Mr. Scott said. “In addition, we are committed to introducing 1,300 new long-term care beds over the next 10 years.”

Nova Scotia consumers will get an eight per cent rebate on a wide range of fuels used for residential heating, starting January 2007. The rebate will also be applied to residential electricity used for non-heating purposed.

This is a measure that will provide relief to about 400,000 households in Nova Scotia. It is estimated the average household will save about $200 each year.

Other highlights of budget 2006 include:

- extended prescription drug coverage for children of low-income working families;
- $1.2 million investment in Nova Scotia’s student debt reduction program;
- $40 million in capital grants to district health authorities – $38 million for hospital improvements and $2 million for medical equipment; and
- the gradual lowering of personal income tax.

ST. PETERS – The Louisbourg Multi-use Facility will soon be able to host concerts and other events thanks to $10,000 in funding from the MacDonald government, Cape Breton West MLA Alfie MacLeod said today.

Through the Community Development Fund at the Office of Economic Development, the Louisbourg Multi-Use Facility will receive the funding to purchase furniture and a sound system from the community hall section of the facility.

“Louisbourg is already a hub of activity for many surrounding communities and the Louisbourg Multi-Use Facility is well used,” Mr. MacLeod said. “This project will increase public participation and create additional economic activity for the area. It’s a win-win situation.”

Encouraging and rewarding community initiative is a commitment explicitly made in Nova Scotia's economic growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity. In partnership with other departments and governments, with businesses, and with communities, the Office of Economic Development provides corporate leadership in helping to create the conditions for a productive and sustainable economy throughout Nova Scotia.

HALIFAX – Nova Scotians will enjoy tax relief, improved home care for seniors, university tuition reductions and a Healthy Living tax credit as a result of the passage of the MacDonald government’s budget today at Province House.

“Our budget contains initiatives for families, seniors and students,” Premier Rodney MacDonald said. “This is a common sense budget that protects and expands the programs and services that are important to Nova Scotians,”

The MacDonald government’s budget eases the tax burden for people across the province. An increase in the basic personal exemption and increases in tax credits such as the spousal, dependent, pension, disability and caregiver amounts will put an additional $32.3 million in the hands of Nova Scotians.

“I thank Stephen McNeil and his Liberal caucus for putting the good of Nova Scotians ahead of political interests to support our budget," Premier MacDonald said. "I applaud their efforts to make minority government work in our province.”

The budget supports the MacDonald government’s five immediate priorities and keeps true to the government’s aggressive debt reduction plan by applying the forecast $189 million surplus to the province’s debt.

Among the other benefits for Nova Scotia families, the budget includes the HST rebate on all home heating sources and a heating rebate for low income Nova Scotians, improved home care for seniors and a seniors’ property tax rebate.

Our bright young people will benefit from budget initiatives that will make university education easier to afford. The MacDonald government will invest one hundred and eighty million dollars to freeze tuition over the next three years and an additional $66 million will be invested in a Nova Scotia University Bursary Trust. Together, these measures will bring the cost of education for Nova Scotians to the national average by 2010.

“I am very disappointed the NDP chose not to support a budget that has such overwhelming support for Nova Scotians,” Premier MacDonald concluded. "It proves how out of touch the NDP are with the people of our province. I expect Mr. Dexter will have to explain why he is against lower personal income taxes, lower tuition, a healthy tax credit and a heating rebate for the less fortunate.”

JUDIQUE, NS – Premier Rodney MacDonald arrived in Judique on Monday night with a commitment of $250,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia for a new fire hall.

“This government’s support for volunteer fire departments is second to none,” said Fire Chief Rinus Van de Ven. “The Premier has delivered for our community and we look forward to breaking ground in the spring.”

The one-time grant from the Emergency Services Providers Fund will cover 60% of the estimated eligible cost for the project.

Premier MacDonald presented Chief Van de Ven with a letter from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Jamie Muir. Mr. Muir’s letter of intent for the funding specifies that the money will be in the mail within the next two weeks.

“There is no amount that can repay the debt of gratitude that the people of Nova Scotia owe to the many volunteers that serve in our fire departments,” said Premier MacDonald.

“We are pleased to provide this funding to build the Judique fire hall and we’re pleased to offer a tax credit this year, for the first time, to our volunteer firefighters across the province.”

Volunteer firefighters in Nova Scotia will receive a $250 refundable tax credit this year. Next year the amount will be $375 and the year after it will be $500.

The Emergency Services Providers Fund is a $5 million investment in Emergency Services infrastructure and equipment across Nova Scotia.

INVERNESS – Seniors living at Sunset Manor, in Port Hawkesbury, will soon have safer, easier access to their homes with the installation of an elevator, Premier Rodney MacDonald said today.

“This elevator will improve the quality of life for seniors who live in this building,” Premier MacDonald said. “After working their whole lives, seniors deserve to be able to get into their homes safely and with ease. I am very proud of this investment.”

The Sunset Manor elevator is one of 15 new elevators announced by the MacDonald government today.

The elevators will cost more than $2 million and are expected by be completed by next spring. With this investment, about 85 percent of available senior citizens’ housing in Nova Scotia will be fully accessible.

“I’m overwhelmed and extremely grateful for this elevator,” said Port Hawkesbury Councillor Jimmy King. “I want to thank our MLA, Rodney MacDonald, for working so hard to achieve this.”

Sunset Manor is located at 453 MacSween Street, in Port Hawkesbury.

The Department of Community Services, through seven Housing Authorities, provides homes for seniors in 7,700 housing units throughout Nova Scotia.

Premier Rodney MacDonald offered congratulations today, Aug, 29, to 28-year-old Dwight D’Eon, who ended his Canadian Idol journey last night.

Mr. D’Eon, a lobster fisherman from West Pubnico, was a top four finalist on Canadian Idol, before his elimination from the popular TV show Tuesday night.

“All Nova Scotians are proud of Dwight, his superb talent and his achievements on Canadian Idol,” said Premier MacDonald. “In our eyes, ears, minds and hearts, he is undoubtedly number one. With the fan base this opportunity has generated, there is no telling how far his career will soar.”

Mr. D’Eon, was recognized for his exceptional guitar skills during the contest, which started last spring with thousands of amateur musicians from across Canada trying to become a Canadian Idol.

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The province today (August 28th) congratulated Canadian Idol top four finalist Dwight D’Eon on behalf of all Nova Scotians.

The 28-year-old lobster fisherman from West Pubnico was eliminated from the popular television show Tuesday night.

Premier Rodney MacDonald said all Nova Scotians are proud of Dwight and that he is number one in our eyes, ears, minds and hearts.

Premier Rodney MacDonald will tour Eastern Passage tomorrow, Tuesday, August 28. Below is the approximate itinerary:

12:30 pm-1 pm Visit MacDonald Manor, 1939 Caldwell Rd., Eastern Passage

1 pm - 1:45 pm Visit Island View Manor, Cow Bay Rd., Eastern Passage

Premier Rodney MacDonald will announce the byelection date for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28 at the Fisherman’s Cove Marine Interpretive Centre, 30 Government Wharf Road, Eastern Passage.

9 am - 10 am Centre La Picasse, 3435 Highway 206, Petit-de-Grat
10 am - 10:30 am Petit-de-Grat Packers, 24 Highway 206, Petit-de-Grat
10:40 am - 11:20 am Premium Seafoods, 616 Lower Rd., Arichat
1:30 pm - 1:55 pm MacAskill House Museum, 7 MacAskill Dr., St. Peter's
2 pm - 2:25 pm MacAskill Kilt Makers, 4 MacAskill Dr., St. Peter's
2:45 pm - 3:05 pm Blair Martell's Processing Plant, Lobsters R Us Seafood,
Highway 247, Lower L'Ardoise
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm Dr. Kingston Clinic, 90 School Rd., L'Ardoise
3:40 pm - 4 pm RM Landry and Sons, 554 Highway 247, L'Ardoise Rd., St. Peter's
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm Tim Horton's, 9966 Grenville St., St. Peter's, NS

Premier Rodney MacDonald will tour the Canso area today, August 13. Below is the approximate itinerary:

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Meet with Canso Town Council, Canso Town Hall, 11 Telegraph Street

10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet with Canso Fish Plant workers, Canso Town Hall, 11 Telegraph Street

11:40 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Visit Doppleganger Call Centre, 1290 Union Street

2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visit Canso Arena, 103 Queen Street

2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Whitman House Museum and Grassy Island Interpretative Centre, 1297 Union Street

Premier Rodney MacDonald will tour Lunenburg West on Tuesday, July 17. Below is the approximate itinerary:

9:30 am Bridgewater Police Department, 45 Exhibition Drive, Bridgewater

10:30 am The Ark, 665 King St., Bridgewater

11:15 am The Daisy, 90 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater

12:00 noon Chamber of Commerce Luncheon,
Wandlyn Inn, 50 North St., Bridgewater

1:30 pm Bridgewater Tennis Club, 81 Alexandra Drive, Bridgewater

2:20 pm LaHave River Yacht Club, 23 Pernett Drive, LaHave

4:00 pm Tim Horton’s, 464 LaHave St., Bridgewater

Any media inquiries or requests for interviews can be directed to Joe Gillis at 902-497-7263.

Premier Rodney MacDonald will tour Shelburne on Monday, July 16. Below is the approximate itinerary:

1:20 pm Tour waterfront

2:00 pm Shelburne Waterfront Development Announcement
William Norman Park, 7 Dock Street, Shelburne Waterfront

3:20 pm Wood’s Harbour Fire Hall, 6881 Hwy #3, Woods Harbour

3:45 pm Mood Fisheries, 130 Falls' Point Wharf Rd., Woods Harbour

4:10 pm Emery Smith Fisheries, 5309 Hwy #3, Shag Harbour

4:30 pm R&D Fisheries, 5163 Hwy #3, Shag Harbour

5:00 pm Clark’s Harbour Town Hall for walk about tour with Mayor,
2648 Main Street, Clark's Harbour


Any media inquiries or requests for interviews can be directed to Joe Gillis at 902-497-7263.

INVERNESS – Six roads in Inverness County will soon be smoother and safer thanks to a tender called today by the Progressive Conservative government, Premier Rodney MacDonald said today.

A tender has been called for gravelling, patching, paving and repaving on the following six sections:

- 10 kilometres on Route 252, from Trunk 19 in Mabou east to about 1 kilometre east of Lake Ainslie Chapel Brooke Village Road;
- 1.9 kilometres on Shore Road, from Trunk 19 in Judique North;
- 1 kilometre on Mabou Harbour Road, from Trunk 19 to the Arena;
- Trunk 19, from the intersection of Route 252 south for 0.6 kilometres;
- Birch Street in Mabou off of Maple Street for 0.3 kilometres; and
- Maple Street in Mabou off of Mabou Harbour Road for about 0.15 kilometres.

“Our government understands that the quality of our rural roads plays a role in the overall health of our rural communities," said Premier Macdonald. "This tender takes us another step toward a stronger community and I am very pleased to see it moving forward..”

These projects are expected to be complete by the end of October.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains 4,100 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from district offices in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.

INVERNESS - Premier Rodney MacDonald’s government is helping Inverness get active and stay healthy with investments of more than $87,000 in local recreational facilities.

Through the Recreational Facility Development program at the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, St. Joseph’s Parish hall in Glencoe will receive $7,500 to help with renovations to the Glencoe Hall.

The Blue Mills and Area Volunteer Fire Department will receive $65,000, over two years, to expand the Blue Mills Community Hall and the Judique Recreation Association will receive $14,200 to construct a ball field.

“These are investments that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the health of local residents,” Premier MacDonald said. “Investing in recreational facilities is part of my government’s strategy to help Nova Scotians become more active and to reduce the demand on our health system.”

The recreation facility development grant program provides up to one-third of capital costs; communities are responsible for raising the rest. The program will help create about $14.5 million in construction through 84 organizations.

The grant program helps municipalities and community groups plan, construct, renovate, conserve or acquire facilities for public recreation. Eligible projects include community centres, pools, sport facilities, parks, playgrounds, trails and other outdoor facilities.