Austerity first, then tax hikes if needed

IT’S A CLASSIC political manoeuvre — hold public meetings, float an unpopular idea and then pronounce that the public is willing to go along with the government’s plan.

That seems to be the tactic taken by Nova Scotia’s government, whether it wants to admit it or not.

Following a meeting in Dartmouth on Monday, Finance Minister Graham Steele suggested that Nova Scotians may be ready to accept a sales tax increase.

Click to read more ...

Builders rap possible sales tax hike

Increasing the sales tax would hammer Nova Scotia homebuilders, says the association that represents more than 300 firms.

According to Finance Minister Graham Steele, a consensus has been emerging at a series of pre-budget meetings that people will accept a higher harmonized sales tax. He is touring the province looking for suggestions to offset what’s predicted to be a $1.4-billion deficit by 2013.

Click to read more ...

Rebate spurs home work

ABOUT 1,500 Nova Scotia families will save up to $7,000 on the purchase of a newly constructed home thanks to the province’s New Home Construction Rebate program.

Click to read more ...