Nova Scotia tables $16-million surplus in what could be last budget before vote

HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government has tabled a slim surplus of $16.4 million in what is expected to be its final budget before an election call.

The NDP’s $9.5-billion budget is propped up by an anticipated boost of $233.6 million in provincial revenues and another $86 million in departmental spending cuts.

The government is increasing the tax on tobacco by two cents per cigarette, a measure expected to rake in $18.1 million.

Maureen MacDonald, who delivered her first budget as finance minister today, also announced funding for insulin pumps for youths and an expansion of dental coverage for children.

Federal revenue sources are also expected to grow, driven by a $124.9 million rise in equalization funding from Ottawa.