ATLANTIC

Highlights of N.S. budget: $17 million surplus on $10 billion spending

THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Tuesday, April 19, 2016 2:30PM ADT Last Updated Tuesday, April 19, 2016 2:30PM ADT

Nova Scotia Finance Minister Randy Delorey attends a budget briefing at the legislature in Halifax on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Delorey has tabled the 2016-17 budget, with a $17.1 million surplus. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan)

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HALIFAX -- Highlights of the Nova Scotia budget introduced Tuesday:

Surplus of $17.1 million is projected on a spending program of about $10 billion.
Net debt of $15.2 billion in 2016-17.
Budget provides $6.6 million for childcare with money to increase the parent subsidy and to increase wages for early childhood educators.
Education will get $21 million, with $6.4 million going toward class cap sizes extended up to Grade 6 and $7.5 million to help improve literacy and math skills.
There will be $7.5 million for boosting income assistance by $20 a month for people eligible.
Tobacco tax increased by two cents a cigarette or 50 cents a pack, $4 dollars per carton.
Government will introduce a new 25 per cent refundable food bank tax credit for farmers at a cost of $300,000.
$3.6 million for the Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention Program to ensure children with autism access a specialized therapy.