NSGEU Response to Broten Report

November 19, 2014

Tax and Regulatory Review Report Seen as Major Step Backwards

Halifax – The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) is strongly opposed to the the recommendations of the recently released Nova Scotia Tax and Regulatory Review Report.  According to NSGEU President Joan Jessome, “This report is a major step backwards for Nova Scotia that will work against the very economic and fiscal recovery which the government is seeking”.

Jessome said: “How else can you describe an economic plan that proposes freezing program spending, moving away from a progressive tax system to increased consumption taxes, and tax breaks for higher income Nova Scotians and big business?  This plan will adversely affect most Nova Scotians.”

“Reducing the standard of living for most Nova Scotians seems completely contrary to what is needed if we are truly to chart a path for much needed social and economic development in this province.  Unfortunately, it fits into a pattern for the McNeil government of going after the rights and benefits of working people.

It is bad enough to see Bills 30 and 37 as well as Bill 1 which have undermined full and free collective bargaining and the right to vote for the union of your choice.  That legislation alone is already making health shortages worse. Now we could soon be facing significant reductions in the number and range of public services which Nova Scotians depend on every day, as well as in the affordability of many essential goods and services which most Nova Scotians need.”

Jessome concluded:  “The Broten Report has now given the government the ammunition it needs to bring in a regressive budget in the Spring.  All Nova Scotians must join together to do everything we can to oppose this plan of significant restraint and austerity that will hurt this province and its people for many years to come.”

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The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union represents over 30,000 women and men who provide quality public services Nova Scotians count on everyday.

For more information or to arrange an interview with NSGEU President, Joan Jessome, please contact:

Deedee Slye, NSGEU Communications Officer

902.424.4063 (office) 902.497.6761 (cell) dslye@nsgeu.ca