Nova Scotia spent $8.3 million on provincial day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth
The official day of mourning to mark Queen Elizabeth's death, during which Nova Scotia schools and courts were closed and public sector workers got a paid holiday, cost the province $8.3 million.
Finance Minister Allan MacMaster said Thursday the provincial holiday came with a cost, but he said many Nova Scotians felt that marking a day to honour the queen's life and service was fitting.
"I know not everyone would have agreed with the idea of a holiday … but depending on who you ask, I think a lot of Nova Scotians would have felt that was the right thing to do," MacMaster said.
Despite schools and courts closing for the day of the queen's funeral -- Sept. 19 -- health-care services remained open and businesses were given the choice to open or close. The province said the holiday pay in the health-care and long-term care networks cost roughly $7.1 million.
It cost Nova Scotia's Justice Department and Department of Community Services a combined $1.2 million in extra expenses.
The cost for the day of mourning was not the only unplanned government expense the Finance Department shared Thursday during its budget update.
The finance minister said Nova Scotia's deficit is set to increase by $48 million compared to the estimate in the March budget, bringing the total expected deficit to $554.2 million. Expenses are up by $110.8 million, driven by $97.1 million in increased department spending. MacMaster said the increase is largely due to COVID-19-related health costs and other expenses related to long-term care and justice.
The province spent an additional $19.9 million on nurses from out of province to work in long-term care homes. It also spent an extra $10.4 million on the public inquiry into the Nova Scotia mass shooting.
The Health Department's spending is forecast to be $93.5 million over budget, largely due to $89.9 million in additional COVID-19-related costs, which include testing and personal protective equipment.
The extra spending is partially offset by an expected boost in Nova Scotia's total revenue, which is projected to hit $12.7 billion. This is up $71.8 million compared to the spring budget.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2022 and was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.