QP $1.2 Billion Dollar Deficit
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, this government is projecting a record $1.2-billion deficit. Meanwhile, families are spending $400 more a year on power bills. It's now more expensive to live and commute in Nova Scotia than it is in Toronto. The average Nova Scotian's rent has gone up by nearly $4,400 per year. Half of Nova Scotian workers are being paid less than a living wage, and most of these workers are women.
My question is: What do Nova Scotians have to show for this historic deficit?
THE PREMIER « » : Of course, every single dollar of that deficit is invested in Nova Scotians and supporting Nova Scotians. We're trying to fix the messes we inherited in health care and housing. We will continue to invest in Nova Scotians, and we won't be shy about it.
I would just remind the member that those investments went to health care. Those investments went to rental subsidies. Those investments went into affordable housing. Those investments went into cutting taxes.
Every time we tried to make one of those steps to support Nova Scotians, the NDP stood up and voted against it. We will not give up on Nova Scotians. We will continue to support them despite the objections of the NDP.
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : They also seem to have gone to a number of untendered contracts and handshakes in the Premier's Office.
According to an RBC poll, Nova Scotians believe that the cost of living is the most important issue. Among Atlantic Canadians, almost 75 percent feel financially paralyzed and are struggling to manage daily costs; 64 percent say that they are spending all of their income on bills and essentials; and over 60 percent say they worry that they will never get ahead financially.
This government can congratulate themselves all they want, but under their watch, Nova Scotians are falling behind. What does the Premier have to say to the hundreds of thousands of Nova Scotians who worry that they will never get ahead?
THE SPEAKER « » : We're two questions in and it's already coming close to that line. I would prefer that it not.
The honourable Premier.
THE PREMIER « » : I think the NDP know what they talk about with handshake deals. Nova Scotians will remember what happened in this province when the NDP was in government. In case they forget, I'll just say: "Now boarding."
For a party that has so much baggage, they were elected on a promise - the NDP that one time - of no new taxes. What's the first thing they did, Speaker? They increased taxes. Then they got cozy with Nova Scotia Power - travelled around on private jets with Nova Scotia Power.
We will stand up for Nova Scotians, and Nova Scotians know that.
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Sounds like the Premier's getting close, too.
Listen, if we want to talk about campaign promises, let's talk about order-making powers for the Information and Privacy Commissioner and protecting Nova Scotians. Let's talk about reinstating school boards.
Nova Scotia has the highest poverty rate in the country. There hasn't been a poverty reduction strategy since 2009. The number of Nova Scotians living in poverty has increased by 59 percent since this government was elected. With spending at record levels, people are falling further behind.
My question to the Premier is: What is the plan to help the increasing number of Nova Scotians living in and falling into poverty?
THE PREMIER « » : We know Nova Scotians are struggling. That's why we're doing all we can to support them. That's how we have a deficit. We'll continue to support Nova Scotians. It's also why we instituted a school lunch program. That lunch program has delivered over 4 million lunches at this stage, I think. Guess who voted against it? The NDP.
If we want to talk about election promises, I'll remind the member that we were the only party that talked about raising the minimum wage during an election campaign. The only party that stands up for Nova Scotians - that's the PC Party. They can try to claim that mantle, but actions matter, and I'm proud of our actions.