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Nova Scotia Tax and Regulatory Review report seen as major step backwards

"Now we could soon be facing significant reductions in the number and range of public services which Nova Scotians depend on every day, as well as in the affordability of many essential goods and services which most Nova Scotians need.” — Joan Jessome, NSGEU President. 

Halifax (21 Nov. 2014) — The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) is strongly opposed to the recommendations of the recently released Nova Scotia Tax and Regulatory Review report.  According to NSGEU President Joan Jessome, “This report is a major step backwards for Nova Scotia that will work against the very economic and fiscal recovery which the government is seeking.”

Tax and Regulatory Review report details higher tax breaks for higher-income earners, increased consumption taxes for the general public and spending freezes for public services 

“How else can you describe an economic plan that proposes freezing program spending, moving away from a progressive tax system to increased consumption taxes, and tax breaks for higher-income Nova Scotians and big business?  This plan will adversely affect most Nova Scotians," said Jessome.

“Reducing the standard of living for most Nova Scotians seems completely contrary to what is needed if we are truly to chart a path for much needed social and economic development in this province.  Unfortunately, it fits into a pattern for the McNeil government of going after the rights and benefits of working people."

Nova Scotia government pushing agenda of austerity in preparation for the spring budget

It is bad enough to see Bills 30 and 37, as well as Bill 1, which have undermined full and free collective bargaining and the right to vote for the union of your choice. That legislation alone is already making health shortages worse," said Jessome.  "Now we could soon be facing significant reductions in the number and range of public services which Nova Scotians depend on every day, as well as in the affordability of many essential goods and services which most Nova Scotians need.”

“The Broten Report has now given the government the ammunition it needs to bring in a regressive budget in the spring.  All Nova Scotians must join together to do everything we can to oppose this plan of significant restraint and austerity that will hurt this province and its people for many years to come," Jessome concluded. 

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE