Highlights of the Nova Scotia government’s budget for 2013-14

HALIFAX – Highlights of the Nova Scotia budget introduced Thursday.

— Surplus of $16.4 million, up from a $356.4 million deficit from 2012-13.

———

— Departmental spending going down by $86 million and federal equalization payments up by $124.9 million.

———

— Net debt to grow to $14 billion, up from $13.9 billion.

———

— $5.3 million will go to funding insulin pumps and related supplies for youths up to the age of 19.

———

— $2.1 million will be spent to expand dental coverage for children 13 and under.

———

— Tobacco tax hike will result in an increase of two cents per cigarette, a measure expected to generate $18.2 million.