Revenues are projected at $11.8 billion and expenses at $12.4 billion, with a projected $584.9 million budget deficit. Net debt is $18 billion, estimated to grow to $21.2 billion by 2024/2-25.

This budget outlines the following key pillars:

1. An Economy Where Business Can Grow
2. Modernizing Healthcare
3. Environment and Climate Action
4. A Connected, Affordable, Inclusive Nova Scotia

Highlights:

$7.3 million for the Tourism Accommodations Real Property Tax Rebate Program Part 2 through the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Response Council fund to support Nova Scotia’s hotel, motel, and inn operators, who have been hard hit by the global pandemic

$1.1 million to continue the digital content marketing program to support tourism operators implement customized digital marketing campaigns

$529,000 continued funding to support the RADIATE Tourism Program to help businesses and organizations develop and promote compelling travel packages to local and Maritime travellers

Continued funding to revitalize provincial tourism icons, including Peggy’s Cove and the Halifax Waterfront

$1.2 million to support the hospitality industry by expanding the 10 per cent Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation discount to include bottled and canned beer, cider and ready-to-drink products

$1.3 million for the first year of a new five-year Nova Scotia Quality Wine Strategy

Setting a new target to reduce government’s regulatory burden on business by $10 million in 2021, which is in addition to the $50 million in net annual savings for business since 2017

An additional Business Navigator at the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness