One day after Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil’s government delivered its budget, new measures for how the province plans to work with — and tax — local businesses dominated debate.

Cuts to the film industry tax credit have spurred significant political fallout on social media and across the province, and the issue loomed large during question period on Friday as well.

Film students and production company owners made their presence felt in the legislature, protesting the tax credit reduction that is supposed to save the province $12 million.

Though the government says the industry will adapt, critics say the damage is already beginning.

“It's a competitive industry. It moves just like that,” said production company owner Chuck Lapp.

“It's so mobile that you'll find people are actually loading the trucks today,” he said.

Filmmaker Leah Johnston says a significant impact is imminent.

“Without that tax credit, being competitive, there's just not going to be film production happening here, and there's going to be mass exodus of young people, like myself,” she said.

McNeil’s government says drastic changes are needed to confront the province’s economic challenges, and the premier defended the tax credit cut and job losses resulting from the budget.

“I have to be able to afford health care, I have to be able to afford education, I have to be able to try to look after the most vulnerable citizens in our province,” he said.

But after taking away, the government’s budget also created a new, mystery-shrouded ministry.

The Department of Business is intended to be a one-stop shop for companies dealing with government, and its new head Mark Furey wasted no time getting it off the ground.

On Friday the new Minister of Business began his tenure by repealing 16 pieces of legislation, some of it disposed of to make way for the new department’s creation.

He said he plans to “align departments, so that there's one voice, and one department speaking in consultation with business.”

Furey said the department will be up and running by July 1, and the details will come later — which is what worries NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald.

“The government themselves don't seem to have a clear plan, and are making it up as they go along,” she said.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ron Shaw