QP: How can this government justify cuts to Autism Nova Scotia
CLAUDIA CHENDER : Speaker, more Nova Scotians are waking up to news of how this government's cruel cuts will impact them and their families. Autism Nova Scotia will have to lay off staff and eliminate programs across the province. These cuts will hurt, especially in rural communities where jobs and programs are needed the most. These jobs were filled by Nova Scotians supporting autistic people to live full, productive lives; to gain employment; and to experience joy and community. Some of those laid off are also autistic.
What possible explanation does the Premier have for cutting this funding?
HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) : Obviously, Autism Nova Scotia does incredible work, as do a number of service providers across the province. We're lucky to have them. We're grateful for the work they do. They care about Nova Scotians. We also care about Nova Scotians.
This is a difficult time. There's no question about that - a $1.2-billion deficit last year, a $1.2-billion deficit this year. We have to make some decisions to see how we can continue to support people but make sure that we're on a more sustainable path.
It's a difficult time. We'll work with Autism Nova Scotia. We'll work with other service providers. We'll work with Nova Scotians to see the best possible way forward, but there's no question that these are difficult times.
CLAUDIA CHENDER : The Premier says this budget is about defending Nova Scotians, but who is he defending with these cuts? Two years ago, this government finally promised a provincial autism action plan and improved services for autistic Nova Scotians and their families. Instead, people are now worried about how these cuts will mean reduced programs and services for the autistic community.
Will the Premier now commit to continuing the provincial autism action plan? Or is that on the chopping block too?
THE PREMIER : What's happening in Nova Scotia is happening across the country - we see provincial budgets, deficits; the federal government, a deficit. It's not a sustainable path. We need to make sure that we make decisions to try to get things in a more sustainable place.
We're continuing to invest in health care. We're continuing to invest in Nova Scotians. We want to keep taxes low because we know that Nova Scotians are struggling in their own households as well. We're trying to do a lot of things at the same time, but through it all, we will continue to work with Nova Scotians on the best possible way forward in the face of a changing environment.
THE SPEAKER : Before I recognize anyone else, I ask - during Question Period, you're not allowed on your phone. Please do not use your phone. It's not that I saw someone doing it. It's actually that somebody messaged me. So don't use your phone. Just saying. I know exactly who you are. (Laughter)
My apologies for this, but it's that easy on this one.
The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
CLAUDIA CHENDER : Is the Premier really trying to argue that autistic Nova Scotians should bear the brunt of his financial mismanagement?
Most Nova Scotians have heard the phrase "We Shall Never Rebuild Halifax Unless Everybody Works." This was coined after the Halifax Explosion.
We are once again facing challenging times, and for autistic Nova Scotians losing access to transition supports for post-secondary employment programming, the cruel cuts in this budget mean that they will not only be excluded from work but from playing a meaningful role in their communities.
Will the Premier commit to continuing the autism action plan and tell us how he can possibly call this budget a defence of Nova Scotians?
THE PREMIER : The reality is, if we don't get our finances under control, the future looks worse. That's what we're defending against. We're working towards a stronger future. It is prosperity that funds programs. It is prosperity that funds support for Nova Scotians. That's why we are working to grow the economy, push forward on the projects in front of us that are available to us. When we are successful on that there will be more.
Our government has shown that when we have more, we do more. We have made significant investments in a number of areas, but investments in people. When we can do more, we will do more. This is a different time right now, Speaker.