Government’s commitment to building an inclusive, innovative and entrepreneurial province where everyone has the opportunity to succeed was outlined today, Sept. 21, during the opening of the first session of the 63rd General Assembly of the Nova Scotia Legislature.
Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc, sworn in as Nova Scotia’s first Acadian lieutenant-governor earlier this year, opened the session with the Speech from the Throne.
The speech touched on Nova Scotians’ priorities in health care, education, helping those who need it most, and providing opportunities for youth.
“We will be working with Nova Scotians to build on a stronger province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “We are listening to them and are committed to enhancing the services government provides and creating conditions for a growing economy.”
The budget, to be tabled Sept. 26, will be a central focus of the session. Some of the initiatives that will be funded include:
— the creation of Nova Scotia’s first group of pre-primary classes, an initiative that will ensure equal opportunity for our children to have a solid foundation for school
— collaborative health teams
— more opportunity and support for graduates and apprentices to find jobs in Nova Scotia
— assistance in making community organizations and small businesses more accessible to people with disabilities.
The government’s fall legislative agenda, which is subject to change, includes:
–amendments to the Workers Compensation Act to make it easier for emergency response workers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder to access benefits
–amendments to the Pre-primary Education Act regarding the implementation of pre-primary
–amendments to the Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter that will support the province’s municipalities and villages in being more open and accountable for expense reporting
–the Adult Capacity and Decision Making Act, which replaces the Incompetent Persons Act
–the Intimate Images and Cyber Protection Act, which replaces the Cyber-safety Act.