N.S. finance minister to unveil capital plan on Wednesday

Finance and Treasury Board minister Allan MacMaster will be outlining major spending plans for government on Wednesday

CITYnews halifax \ Mark Hodgins

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Nova Scotia’s capital plan will be revealed Wednesday afternoon. 

Finance and Treasury Board minister Allan MacMaster will be outlining major spending plans for government.

It will be the first capital plan for the PC government. The party was elected on a big-spending platform including a promise to run deficits in order to pump money into the province, most notably the ailing health care system.

The last look at Nova Scotia’s finances in December showed a $108 million surplus. MacMaster at the time pointed to one-time tax revenue boosts and a stronger-than-expected economy due to the province’s response to COVID-19.

But as legislature returns this week and we move closer to seeing this year’s budget. the premier is warning not to expect that surplus to stick around.

Houston this week said he was clear during the election Nova Scotia would be facing significant deficits in the early years of his government, and he says the upcoming budget will be consistent with that messaging.