GROW THE ECONOMY

The Houston government budgets Nova Scotia’s net debt-to-gdp to grow from 35 per cent to 40 per cent by 2025-26, as the province makes generational investments in health-care infrastructure. The government projects a $294 million deficit by 2025-26.

There is no plan to grow the economy, leaving the accumulated debt as a growing problem for future generations. Meanwhile, the anti-resource development sentiment is strong in the current and previous governments. Uranium mining, fracking, pipelines, forestry, setting out environmental standards for a pulp mill, mining of any sort, windmills and golf courses all face overwhelming hurdles for approvals, or pressure is exerted to rescind approvals granted. The result is a government culture that actively discourages resource development, instead of setting out clear, achievable environmental protocols consistent with national best practices.

Norway is one of the world’s most prosperous countries; the production of oil and gas accounts for 20 per cent of its economy. Other important sectors include hydro power, fish, forests, and minerals. State revenues from petroleum are deposited in the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund.

We as a province are facing a severe financial test. As we grow our population, we will require more hospitals, doctors, schools, roads, housing and social services. Establishing a culture in our government that embraces environmentally responsible development of our natural resources, with a focus on growing our economy, would allow us to fund “generational investments” without irresponsibly burdening future generations by failing to pay our way as we go.

Halifax by Design has transformed development in Halifax. We need a comparable province wide program for resource development if Nova Scotia wishes to pay for these generational changes. Ron Chisholm, Truro