I want to take this opportunity to outline a few changes, rebates, and programs the government has introduced, including the Affordable Living Tax Credit, free influenza shots, and a program dealing with climate change.
As you know, the HST was restored to its former 15 per cent on July 1. "Nobody likes taxes. Not you, not me, not anybody," said Finance Minister Graham Steele. "But we all like great public health care, a quality education system, decent roads, a sustainable environment, and good jobs. And it's taxes that pay for those things."
Starting in July, children's clothing and shoes, diapers and feminine hygiene products are exempt from provincial HST. In order to further protect people with low or modest incomes, the Affordable Living Tax Credit came into effect July 1. Households earning under $30,000 will automatically receive quarterly payments adding up to about $240 a year, with $57 a year for each dependent child. Households earning up to $34,800 will qualify for a portion of the tax credit. Also, seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement will no longer pay any provincial income tax.
People still need to file their income taxes each year to qualify for federal and provincial tax rebates such as the GST credit and affordable tax credit.
FLU SHOT WILL BE FREE THIS YEAR
No one wants to think of grim winter flu in the glorious days of summer. However, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection is planning ahead for the 2010/2011 flu season by providing free seasonal flu vaccines for all Nova Scotians. In previous years, the province's flu program covered certain at-risk groups. This year, the vaccination will be available to everyone. The province's flu vaccination program typically begins in October.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS ANTI-CLIMATE-CHANGE PROJECTS
By 2050, summers in Atlantic Canada will be two to four degrees warmer than they were in 2005. There's no doubt the effects of climate change are serious: rising sea levels; extreme rainfalls; changes in temperatures that affect plants, animals, and our way of life.
First, we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Shortly after last year's election, we brought in strict emissions caps, and made a commitment to get one-quarter of the province's energy from renewable sources within the next five years.
A new Climate Change Adaptation Fund encourages local, innovative ideas to deal with the effects of climate change. The fund, initially set at $25,000, is for projects that help Nova Scotia become better suited to deal with effects of climate change, or assess threats and opportunities related to climate change. The fund is open to groups and individuals. You can find more information at climatechange.gov.ns.ca, or by calling 424-0782. The deadline for submitting projects is Aug. 3.
