N.S. government forecasting lower deficit than in September

In a statement, NDP Leader Claudia Chender said the update shows that the government either can’t or won’t be transparent about its budgeting process.

“We are once again on track to reach a billion dollars in additional appropriations for this fiscal year.” Chender said. “We have a budget process for a reason, and Nova Scotians deserve to know how their money is being spent.”

She said that at the same time the government is adding unbudgeted money to its expenditures, “we’re also seeing underspending on housing. Nova Scotians remain in a housing crisis, as homes people can afford remain scarce. The Houston government is also underspending on child care, and families continue to struggle to find the care they need for their children.”

Chender said the government has the fiscal capacity to put more money into housing and child care, and could remove the tax on all food at grocery stores.

“All of these discussions should happen in a transparent manner during the budget process, but this government prefers to use Nova Scotians’ money for their own ends with little accountability to the people of our province.”

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