Global economic uncertainty has dominated the news lately. The unforeseen swings in stock markets around the world are a concern for all Nova Scotians, but with low unemployment numbers, steady job creation and a plan for balanced budgets, we are well positioned to weather the present global uncertainty.

The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) Financial Outlook for 2009 forecasts that with my government's strong economic track record, the province's future looks promising.

APEC pointed to our balanced budget and diversified revenue sources through investments in important projects such as Deep Panuke. It also highlighted Nova Scotia's thriving defence, security and aerospace and life sciences sectors, as well as the economy's increased demand for labour and our low inflation rate.

It's a fact that a job makes individual Nova Scotians feel more secure about their own futures and I'm proud to know that Nova Scotia's unemployment rate remains the lowest in Atlantic Canada.

Since last September, 10,500 more people are working in the province. Moreover, our July numbers show 469,900 people working in Nova Scotia - the highest number of jobs we've ever had.

Two weeks ago, a Canadian leader in independent software testing Professional Quality Assurance Ltd., (PQA) announced it was expanding in Nova Scotia. The New Brunswick-based company plans to create up to 200 full-time, good paying jobs in Dartmouth. Professional Quality Assurance is a welcomed addition to our province's vibrant IT community and is a business that values our highly skilled workforce.

PQA will hire new graduates from community college and university IT programs, as well as experienced professionals in the field of software testing and quality assurance.

Just last week, Nova Scotia's IT sector grew again with the announcement that Lixar IT Inc., intends to create up to 50 full-time jobs in Halifax. This web technology service company is an established businesses with over 100 clients in North America.

I think all Nova Scotians should be encouraged that businesses like Professional Quality Assurance Ltd., and Lixar are planning their futures in Nova Scotia, even in these uncertain economic times.

Even with this good news, the coming months will call for fiscal prudence. We are on track for balancing the province's books and right now, we are gathering all available information so that later this month we can give Nova Scotians the most accurate picture possible in a fiscal update.

We intend to lay the foundations for economic growth by investing in better roads and infrastructure and continuing to create, preserve and attract jobs.

Last week, we saw an example of this with government's $10 million investment in a new, multi-use regional civic centre for the residents of Colchester County and the Town of Truro. The project demonstrates my government's commitment to building infrastructure across the province and making our communities healthier and safer.

The global economic uncertainty is a concern for all of us. But my government has a plan to move forward and a track record of success. We will build on the prudent, strong fiscal management that guided this government to balanced budgets and record employment numbers.