Dexter collects highest taxes in Canada and still can’t balance books

HALIFAX, NS – Progressive Conservative House Leader Chris d’Entremont says the 2011/12 Public Accounts clearly show the NDP’s fiscal mismanagement and its disastrous impact for Nova Scotia families.

Financial statements released today show the NDP have collected $607 million more than estimated, including a whopping $110 million more in HST revenue than collected the previous year, but still ran a $248.5-million deficit.

“Premier Dexter’s personal commitment to balance the books next year is in grave doubt,” said d’Entremont. “Finance Minister MacDonald is now waffling and attributing that promise to former Finance Minister Steele as they prepare for failure.”
 
Last year, the Dexter NDP added $500 for every man, woman and child in Nova Scotia to our debt.

“We each owe over $14,000 now, thanks to the NDP,” said d’Entremont, noting the debt has reached $13.2 billion. “What was revealed today is while the NDP collect the highest taxes in Canada from Nova Scotians, they can’t balance the budget.”
 
“There are signs the economy is sick,” said d’Entremont. “Corporate tax revenue is down $36 million, even though we’re supposed to be in a recovery, and Community Services is spending $17 million more to look out for Nova Scotians in need. The NDP have governed over a loss of 3,400 jobs.”

d’Entremont pointed out departmental spending has increased $362 million over last year alone, a 4.6 per cent increase, and net revenues decreased year-over-year by $286.5 million - again in spite of collecting more HST, and more in federal government transfers.

“NDP corporate bailouts aren’t working, the NDP forcing up the cost of electricity isn’t working, the NDP’s duct-tape economics aren’t working,” said d’Entremont. “They’re asking Nova Scotians to do more with less but the NDP refuse to follow their own advice. Instead, they take more, while continuing to spend more. Nova Scotians are worried because they know that cycle can’t continue.”

A PC government would balance the budget then tackle Nova Scotia’s high taxes, and create an environment that helps job creators instead of scaring them away.

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