(Middle Sackville) -- Last week NDP MLA Mat Whynott was joined by Finance Minster Graham Steele and Minister of Seniors Denise Peterson-Rafuse at the Sackville Heights Community Centre for a sit down lunch with a group of local seniors.

The event gave seniors an opportunity to learn more about the provincial budget tabled on April 6 and to ask questions about the positive impact it will have on their lives.

As part of the measures contained in the budget, seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will no longer have to pay provincial income taxes. Steele says that will benefit roughly 18,000 low-income seniors. He also said the NDP wants to support seniors and the new Affordable Living Tax Credit is a way to alleviate the HST burden on those with a household income below $30,000.

Peterson-Rafuse says a new Poverty Reduction Credit will help about 15,000 Nova Scotians living in poverty.

Whynott says it was good to get out in the community and hear what seniors are saying. He thanked both ministers for informing local seniors about how this budget is making their lives more affordable.

“It is important to be available for questions from our communities, to help everyone understand how their government is helping them and address their concerns,” says Whynott. “This is a very important budget for our province as it lays out a multi-year plan to get back to balance while living within our means. I’m pleased to let people know what we are doing to make their lives easier and more affordable.”

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For more information;
Mark Laventure
Media Relations Officer
NS NDP Caucus
O: (902) 424-6984
C: (902) 497-5953
laventma@gov.ns.ca