Nova Scotians paying the price for Houston’s bad budget: NDP

HALIFAX –Tim Houston’s disastrous budget will cost thousands of jobs across Nova Scotia, including in arts and culture education. Today, Official Opposition leader Claudia Chender called on the Houston government to listen to the Nova Scotians who are losing their jobs because of his cruel budget cuts which would only address less than one per cent of Houston’s historic deficit.

“This government’s fiscal mismanagement has led to the financial mess we’re in, and Nova Scotians are the ones paying the price. Nova Scotians believed that this government would handle their money responsibly and invest in what matters most to them,” said Chender. “Instead, our premier has refused to spend in a responsible and transparent manner and as a direct result, people are losing their jobs and livelihoods. The arts and culture sector is a significant economic driver, yet the Houston government is slashing their funding without even considering how this would affect the province’s economy.”

The government is eliminating the Artists in Schools program. Several schools relied on them to bring talented artists and performers to students. The Perform! program provided work for 40 artists and served 14,000 kids each year across the province, bringing art to many schools who don’t have robust art programs.

“Kids should not be paying for this government’s irresponsible decisions,” said Chender. “Nova Scotians want the best for our kids, including the best education. We know that arts in schools helps students learn and thrive, and the loss of this program will mean many kids don’t get those important experiences. Instead of cutting the programs that schools and students depend on, this government needs to listen to Nova Scotians and do everything in their power to save these jobs, support education, and strengthen our arts and culture sector.”

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