Good morning.
It's a great pleasure to be here this morning to make an announcement that will have a positive effect on the lives thousands of Nova Scotians.

I'm thrilled to announced a six million dollar investment that will promote independence and provide more living options for people with disabilities.

I have a vision for the New Nova Scotia. A province that's even better than the one we have today. In the New Nova Scotia every person will have the support they need to reach their full potential. Today's announcement will give that support to many Nova Scotians.

More than three million dollars of this investment will build three community homes. One for children and youth in Halifax and two adult homes in the western region of the province. It will renovate existing community homes and expand programs for people with disabilities. That means almost 200 Nova Scotians will benefit from new residential and vocational opportunities.

Some will get they help they need to live on their own. Others will have the chance to experience a loving family atmosphere through the expanded Alternate Family Support program.

Another 2.6 million dollars will be directed toward transitional and vocational day programs that provide skills training or employment opportunities.

That means 90 additional Nova Scotians will be able to experience the confidence that comes from learning a skill and finding employment.

The same satisfaction that 19-year-old Kyle MacInnis felt last Friday when he walked across the stage at the graduation ceremony for the Nova Scotia Community College Strait to Work program in Port Hawkesbury.

Because of this funding, more mothers will experience the rush of parental pride Margie MacInnis felt when she learned Kyle had landed a job at WalMart.

Minister Streatch understands that hundreds of Nova Scotians can have success stories just like Kyle's. She has been a strong and persuasive advocate for the funding for the Services for Persons with Disabilities program. I want to thank her publicly for her tenaciousness.

Today's announcement is about expanding the opportunities for Nova Scotians with disabilities. It's about changing lives for the better. And I am proud to be a part of it.

Thank you.