Nova Scotia Budget 2014

Finance and Treasury Board Minister Diana Whalen presented Nova Scotia’s 2014-2015 budget on April 3, 2014.  This year’s budget will focus its attention on population and workforce issues, economic development, the education system, and front-line patient care.

Given the current economic and fiscal state of the province, it should come as no surprise that the Harmonized Sales Tax ("HST") rate will be maintained at 15% (contrary to the 1% rate reduction announced by the previous government, which was to take effect on July 1).  The province has instead chosen to focus on a comprehensive review of its taxes, fees and regulations, with an update on the results of this review to be provided in the fall of 2014.  In the meantime, no new commodity tax measures have been introduced.

Further information on Nova Scotia’s 2014 budget may be found on the province’s web site at:
http://www.novascotia.ca/finance/en/home/budget/budgetdocuments/2014-2016.aspx