Premier Highlights New Directions in State of Province Address

In his State of the Province address today, Nov. 24, Premier Darrell Dexter outlined new directions taken by the province in energy, job creation and managing the deficit as examples of the changes needed to ensure the province lives within its means and grows the economy.

Speaking to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Premier Dexter made it clear that Nova Scotia must continue to change in order to address the serious challenges confronting the province and continue to protect important public services.

"A turning point calls for a decision. To go on as we are or to change direction for the better," said Premier Dexter.

The premier highlighted last week's Lower Churchill River agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador as an example of a fundamental new direction for a province once 90 per cent reliant on fossil fuel and its price instability.

"This truly is Atlantic Canada's CPR. It will change the economic landscape by letting Atlantic Canadians tap deeply into the power and potential of this region," said Premier Dexter.

"Thousands of new jobs will be created. Nova Scotia gains a steady supply of clean, green hydro-electricity at a stable price. It will make life more affordable for Nova Scotia families and Nova Scotia businesses."

By 2020, at least 40 per cent of the province's power will be from renewable sources.

Premier Dexter said public sector wage restraint, halting March madness spending sprees as well as asking government departments to reduce spending is setting the province back on course to live within its means.

"Fundamental change in how the province spends your money, today, tomorrow and in the future -- that is the new road we are on," said Premier Dexter.

The premier also spoke about the new direction the province's jobsHere plan sets for growing the economy.

"Instead of trying to be and do all things, this government has set three key priorities -- Learning, Innovation and Competitiveness.

"In the past, governments have reacted to events," said Premier Dexter. "Nova Scotia now has a blueprint that allows us to seize control of our economic future. jobsHere positions Nova Scotia to compete and succeed in the global marketplace. It will help companies be more innovative. It will prepare workers of today and tomorrow to land high-paying jobs, in leading-edge companies so they can stay here and build a life."

Citing the province's proposed convention centre as a perfect example of what is needed to move forward, Premier Dexter said that it symbolizes a positive turning point in our growth and ambition.

Premier Dexter also spoke about some of Nova Scotia's other significant accomplishments over the past 19 months.

They include:

• the province's partnership with DSME to build wind turbines at Trenton Works plant, which will create 500 jobs.
• hiring Dr. John Ross as the provincial emergency room advisor. Dr. Ross has made several innovative recommendations to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia.
• organizing Back to Balance, the largest financial consultation in the province's history.
• providing support for keystone industries such as the Halifax Shipyard, and NewPage.
• establishing poverty reduction and affordable living tax credits that have put millions of dollars into the pockets of Nova Scotians who need it most.
• implementing a graduate retention rebate.

"We are making the changes that will ensure families in this province have a better future and we are building a stronger, more sustainable, more prosperous Nova Scotia," said Premier Dexter.