OTTAWA – Progressive Conservative finance critic Allan MacMaster is calling a meeting this morning with Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty “a valuable opportunity and much needed connection.”

Today, MacMaster and acting Tory leader Cecil Clarke met with Minister Flaherty in Ottawa to discuss relevant Nova Scotia issues in advance of the Speech from the Throne.

“To meet with the Canadian Finance Minister during one of his busiest days is something I truly appreciate,” said MacMaster. “We had a great discussion, and I look forward to coming back to Ottawa in the near future to meet with the minister again.”

MacMaster voiced his concerns over the possibility of the provincial NDP government raising the HST this spring.

“When the House of Assembly opens later this month, I will be carrying a message on behalf of our caucus that we are opposed to any increases in the HST,” added MacMaster. “This policy will only hurt Nova Scotia families which the NDP, under this premier, promised to protect.”

Clarke is calling the meeting, and other meetings lined up with federal representatives, a step in the right direction and evidence that the PC Caucus is relevant and engaged with everyday issues facing Nova Scotians.

“Our purpose for coming here is to network and make the necessary connections which the NDP government is obviously not making,” said Clarke. “Our meetings are geared towards raising the serious issues on behalf of all Nova Scotians.”

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Michael Kydd
Public Relations Advisor
Office of the Leader – PC Caucus
902.237.1965
kyddma@gov.ns.ca