For immediate release
 
Sport Nova Scotia supports sport infrastructure investment but concerned with Healthy Living Tax Credit deferment.

HALIFAX, NS (Monday, May 4, 2009) – Sport Nova Scotia was watching the provincial budget closely to see what action the Government would take to continue supporting the sport sector across the province and get more Nova Scotians physically active. 

Sport Nova Scotia was pleased to see the Government confirm its investment in sport and recreation infrastructure through the Building Facilities and Infrastructure Together (B-FIT) program. The program will see $60 million invested in 35 projects over the next five years.

“Access to facilities remains one of the biggest barriers to participation in sports,” says Jamie Ferguson, CEO, Sport Nova Scotia.  “This announcement will help us begin to make real progress in addressing the sport and recreation infrastructure deficit that exists in Nova Scotia.”

Sport Nova Scotia also urges the Province to continue the investment in and operation of B-FIT beyond current projected investment of $68 million in order to ensure there is long-term funding for sport and recreation facilities. 

“This announcement will go a long way to addressing some of the deficit needs; but, the Province must continue to operate this program if we are to truly solve this problem and ensure all Nova Scotians have access to sport and recreation facilities.”

Sport Nova Scotia was disappointed to see the Government defer its earlier decision to extend the Healthy Living Tax Credit to all Nova Scotians.  “We recognize the challenges that the current economic situation brings,” said Ferguson, “and we didn’t expect that sport would fare differently than any other sector.  However, we believe extending the Healthy Living Tax Credit to all Nova Scotians is an important step that would encourage more adults to be active through sport.”   

“The Government has taken great strides to see more youth physically active but we also need to focus on adults,” Ferguson said. “Being active is a key factor in preventing illness; and, when we prevent illness we are also helping to reduce health care costs.  As well, extending the credit to adults would put more money in the pockets of Nova Scotians during these difficult economic times.”

The Government decision to invest in three major sport events happening in the province was applauded by the sport community.  “Investing in the 2011 Canada Winter Games, the World Senior Canoe Championships and the World Laser Championships illustrates the importance of sport to the economic prosperity of the province,” adds Ferguson.  “These events will show the world that Nova Scotia can organize and host successful major international events while also providing significant economic spin off for the local economy.” 

Finally, Sport Nova Scotia believes there is a unique opportunity for the sport community and the Province to work together.  “The Government’s decision to invest in crime prevention in communities around the province opens the door for us to find solutions to youth crime through sport,” says Ferguson.   “Sport has a proven record of helping youth develop life skills and improving the lives of everyone involved beyond the obvious health benefits.”

Sport Nova Scotia is a voice for amateur sport that promotes the benefits of health, personal development and achievement of all participants. Sport Nova Scotia is a non-profit, non-government organization representing over 60 provincial sport organizations and more than 160,000 member Nova Scotians.

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For more information, please contact:
Catherine McKellar
Director, Communications and Public Relations
902-425-5450 ext. 321
cmckellar@sportnovascotia.ca