NORTH SYDNEY – Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke today congratulated members of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service for adopting the On Patrol program.

On Patrol allows police to access the National Crime Databank from any location without their queries being picked up by electronic devices like scanners. The Cape Breton Regional Police Service is the first police force in Canada to adopt this important technology.

“I commend Chief Edgar MacLeod and all members of the force for their leadership in bringing On Patrol to Cape Breton,” Mr. Clarke said. “Today’s launch is yet another example of Cape Breton setting the standard for innovation. I know the work of the Police Service will be enhanced through the Anti-Crime Agenda of Premier Rodney MacDonald.”

Mr. Clarke also acknowledged the police force’s partners in On Patrol, including XWAVE, Aliant and Research in Motion.

ANTIGONISH – Students returning to school will receive some tax relief with an eight per cent point-of-sale rebate on eligible books with CD-ROMS introduced recently by the MacDonald government, Antigonish MLA Angus MacIsaac said today.

“This tax change will mean savings for students buying text books with CD-ROMs included and for other Nova Scotians,” Mr. MacIsaac said. “Since print books are already eligible for the point-of-sale rebate, this change just makes sense.”

The rebate will apply to:
- a printed book packaged with a CD-ROM, if the material on the CD-ROM supplements and is integrated with the book, and
- products specially designed for students enrolled in a qualifying course consisting of a printed book packaged with a CD-ROM, and/or access to a website, containing related materials.

The point-of-sale rebate on books with CD-ROMS is effective September 1.

“The cost of text books can be a financial burden post secondary students,” the Progressive Conservative MLA said. “I hope this change will provide some relief.”

This is a co-ordinated HST change in the harmonized provinces -- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador -- and will be effective in all three provinces on the same day.

More information regarding this tax change is available on the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .

YARMOUTH – Improved access for tourism is the expected result of the sale of the land around the Cape Forchu Lighthouse to the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, Yarmouth MLA Richard Hurlburt said today.

The deal that will see the municipality purchase the 4.3 hectares of land from the Province for the assessed value of $63,000 received approval from Cabinet this week.

“This is a fair deal that will allow the municipality to proceed with plans to further develop the parking area, undertake storm protection for the area and make necessary changes to the site in the interest of safety,” Mr. Hurlburt said. “ I am very pleased that the agreement is complete.”

In 1972, the Province acquired the property from the federal government. Since 1973, the land has been leased, first to the Yarmouth County Tourist Association and then to the Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society.

The 4.3 hectare parcel of land includes the lower parking area and the point beyond the lighthouse.

The Progressive Conservative MLA noted this acquisition will improve tourism by making the site more accessible and safe for visitors, while improving the economic opportunities there.

NEW GLASGOW – The MacDonald government today made a $ 9.7 million investment aimed at helping the agricultural industry become more competitive and sustainable, Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott said today.

There are three elements to the investment: the Strategic Infrastructure Investment Fund, debt relief and direct income support. The goal will be to transition the industry to a model of prosperity and self sufficiency based on sound business planning and debt reduction.

“I am very pleased our government is moving to strengthen the agricultural industry with this significant investment," Mr. Scott said. “I am confident that it will help farmers get and stay competitive in a changing market.”

Beginning April 1, 2007, the investment fund will offer $1.5 million, over four years, to projects with a strong business case that inspire growth and aim toward transition.

Also beginning in April, $6.2 million will be available to retire producer debt under the ruminant loan support program and the Pork Nova Scotia program. To be eligible, applicants must complete either a business plan that points to profitability; move to a new business model or product; have a succession plan; or an exit plan.

The third element of the investment is up to $2 million for direct income support for non-supply managed producers.

Since 2003, Progressive Conservative governments have provided programming of more than $70 million. In fact, Nova Scotia has done more per capita for farmers than any other province east of Alberta.

SHEET HARBOUR – The facility announced today by the MacDonald government will replace the Duncan MacMillan Home will give residents a new, safe home where they can enjoy a high quality of life, Guysborough-Sheet Harbour MLA Ron Chisholm said.

“The new facility will be a great asset to the community that will meet the needs of residents and be a place they can call home now and long into the future,” Mr. Chisholm said.

The new facility that will have 25 beds will be completed no later than 2010. Residents currently living at Duncan MacMillan will remain in that facility until construction is complete.

“We are looking with excitement toward the future with today’s announcement,” the Progressive Conservative MLA said. “However, many people have called Duncan MacMillan home over the years and that is largely due to the high level of care delivered by the facilities very able staff. I want to thank them for all they have done for the Sheet Harbour community.”

The new facility will have improved spaces for residents, better recreation and social spaces, more individual space and private rooms and a more home-like environment.

“I am very pleased the new facility will provide different levels of care that will allow residents to remain in the same facility as their health need change,” Mr. Chisholm added.

Government used an evidence-based approach to assess all nursing homes in the province and decide which ones are in the greatest need for replacement. The process looked at the age of the buildings, the kind of repairs required and whether or not the facility meets current requirements for design and function.

NEW GLASGOW – Investments made by the MacDonald government in today’s balanced budget will ensure the province enjoys a prosperous future, Pictou Centre MLA Pat Dunn said.

The sixth consecutive Progressive Conservative balanced budget focuses on debt management and tax relief as well as targeted investments in communities, cancer care, recreational infrastructure, information technology, education and health.

“Today’s budget makes debt management a key priority and makes key investments now to ensure Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians prosper in the future,” Mr. Dunn said. “For the first time, Nova Scotia has budgeted for debt reduction. That means we’re spending less on interest payments and more on things that are important to Nova Scotians.”

The MacDonald government is creating winning opportunities now and in the future through an investment of $10 million to begin bringing broadband access to every area of the province by the end of 2009.

“Tax measures contained in the budget will put more money in the hands of everyday Nova Scotians,” the Progressive Conservative MLA said. “The basic personal amount exempted from personal income taxes will be $7,481 this year, up $250 from last year. There will also be a 3.46 per cent increase in other non-refundable tax credits including the spousal amount, dependent amount, pension amount, disability amount and caregiver amount.”

A refundable tax credit for volunteer firefighters was also introduced in Budget 2007. The credit will be $250 in 2007 and will increase to $375 in 2008 and $500 in 2009. Volunteer firefighters across the province will collectively receive an estimated $2.3 million benefit in their 2007 taxes.

Other highlights of the budget include a $50 million program to build, replace and upgrade recreational facilities, more long term care beds for seniors, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, energy conservation, protection of the environment and the advancement of cultural diversity.

KENTVILLE – A unanimously approved budget and substantial environmental legislation were highlights of the spring session of the Nova Scotia legislature, Kings North MLA Mark Parent said today.

The sixth consecutive balanced Progressive Conservative budget contained targeted investments in communities, cancer care, recreational infrastructure, information technology, education and health. Other highlights of the budget include a $50 million program to build, replace and upgrade recreational facilities, more long term care beds for seniors, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, energy conservation, protection of the environment and the advancement of cultural diversity.

“We were able to make this investments in Nova Scotia communities while balancing the budget and keeping our commitment to paying down the debt,” Mr. Parent said. “It is a budget that sets our province on the road to lasting prosperity.

Mr. Parent was very pleased to introduce the MacDonald government’s new Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. Through the legislation that was among 19 bills passed this spring, the MacDonald government aims to be internationally recognized for having one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020.

“I was very proud to introduce this act,” the Progressive Conservative MLA said. “It correctly recognizes that our environmental assets form the foundation of prosperity for Nova Scotia.”

Other highlights of the session include:

- a tax break for Volunteer Firefighters
- regulations to strengthen employers' responsibility to protect workers from physical violence and threats of physical violence on the job
- a motion to push for the federal government to honour the Atlantic Accord
- legislation to establish a Nova Scotia medal of bravery

BRIDGEWATER – Two significant investments in Lunenburg West by the MacDonald government will give local residents more opportunity to get active and stay healthy, Lunenburg West MLA Carolyn Bolivar-Getson said today.

Through the Recreational Facility Development program at the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, the Bridgewater Tennis Club will receive $14,630 for lights and other tennis court improvements.

The LaHave River Yacht Club will receive $22,795 to build a learn to sail wharf.

“By improving recreational facilities like these, our government is encouraging Nova Scotians to become more physically active,” Mrs. Bolivar-Getson said. “These are meaningful investments that will have long-lasting positive impacts on our communities.”

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.

Last week, the MacDonald government announced a $830,000 investment in a $2.5=million multi-sport fieldhouse and outdoor track that will be constructed in Bridgewater. The investment was the first in a series of announcements planned across the province as part of a $50-million, 10-year infrastructure investment plan.

SPRINGHILL – Post-secondary students in Cumberland south with gain useful work experience through a summer employment program funded by the MacDonald government, Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott said today.

Several local organizations will receive funds to hire post-secondary students through the Student Career Skills Development Program at the Department of Economic Development. These positions are only open to students who were enrolled full time for the 2006-07 school year and who will be attending a post secondary institution for full time study this fall.

“The meaningful work experience young people can gain through the Student Career Skills Development Program is a building block for a successful future,” Mr. Scott said. “I encourage all eligible students to investigate these employment opportunities.”

In Cumberland South, the Student Career Skills Development Program will fund positions at the Anne Murray Centre , Cape Chignecto Central Park, the Christian ChildCare International, the
Fundy Geological Museum, the G.O.V.R.V. Work Shop, the Springhill Miner's Museum, the
Greville Bay Ship Building Museum, the Heritage Models Association, the Joggin's Fossil Cliffs World Heritage Centre, the Joggin's Improvement Committee, the Minudie Tourist Association, the Parrsboro Shore Historical Society, the River Hebert Village Commission, the Ship's Company Theatre, the Spencer's Island Community Association, the Springhill Centennial Golf Club and the Springhill United Baptist Church.

Students should apply directly to the employer.

For more information about the Student Career Skills Development Program and the local employment opportunities, visit http://gov.ns.ca/econ/sep/scsdp/jobsindex.asp .

SPRINGHILL – Young drivers will be better prepared for the road because of changes to the Motor Vehicle Act introduced by the MacDonald government, Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott said today.

The proposed changes to the Graduated Drivers Licensing Program are the result of recommendations by Nova Scotia’s road safety advisory committee and reports on the best practices in Canada.

“As a former police officer, I have seen the tragic results that sometimes occur when drivers are inexperienced,” Mr. Scott said. “I am pleased with these changes and know they will prevent accidents.”

The proposed changes will:

- extend the learners’ stage from six months to 12 months;
- require zero blood alcohol content level for all drivers with less than five years driving experience;
- require learners and newly licensed drivers to pass a competency evaluation before advancing to the next step;
- increase passenger restrictions
- strengthen supervising driver requirements; and
- introduce special identification signs for learner and novice drivers.