Kelly Regan

Mulgrave Park residents will soon benefit from a $5 million investment to preserve social housing in their neighbourhood. Through the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement a total of $18.2 million will be invested in social housing in Nova Scotia. The province is partnering with the federal government to direct $5 million of these funds to the Mulgrave Park restoration.

Finance and Treasury Board Minister Randy Delorey said tax relief is coming for small businesses in a balanced budget to be delivered next month. The small business income threshold will rise to $500,000 from $350,000, Mr. Delorey told a Halifax Chamber of Commerce event today, March. 28. The result will be more small businesses paying the lower small business corporate tax rate of three per cent.

The Chronic Disease Innovation Fund will invest $300,000 in 18 projects across the province. Community groups, in partnership with community health boards, applied for funding for projects that will help people stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, get active, and eat better.

Government is enhancing the Graduate to Opportunity program to encourage more businesses to hire women, people with disabilities and other diverse graduates. Employers will now receive an additional 10 per cent subsidy in the first year for diverse and international hires.

Wildfire risk season is now underway until October 15 and burning restrictions apply. People should check the BurnSafe website at novascotia.ca/BurnSafe for counties where burning domestic brush or campfires is permitted or restricted. The BurnSafe map is updated daily at 2 p.m. to show if burning of domestic brush and campfires is permitted that day.