Highlights of 2019-2020 budget
- A budget surplus of $1.8 million compared to $13.8 million surplus for 20182019.
- Net debt forecast to reach $2.24 billion in 20192020 up from $2.18 billion in 2018-2019.
- Two new family physicians in Queens County.
- $1.6 million to support nurse practitioners added in the past year.
- $1.3 million in new orthopedic specialist services to help reduce wait times for hip and knee replacements.
- $3.2 million for 100 new longterm care beds across the province.
- $150,000 for the establishment of midwifery services.
- An increase of $19.2 million in spending on K12 and early years education.
- New frontline staffing positions in schools will include 32 teachers and 42 educational assistant positions.
- Holland College, UPEI and College de L’Ile will receive a two per cent increase in operating funding.
- Financial support for a second children’s lawyer.
- $4.7 million to address poverty reduction and accessibility supports for Islanders.
- $225,000 to develop a secureincome pilot program.
- A further $2.2 million in rent supplements.
- $100,000 annually to support a women’s homeless shelter.
- $100,000 to support a survivors of sexual assault program.
- The basic personal tax amount will increase to $10,000 as of Jan. 1, 2020.
- The lowincome threshold amount for personal income tax will increase from $17,000 to $18,000 effective Jan. 1, 2020.
- Small business tax rate will decrease by 0.5 per cent starting Jan. 1, 2020.
- $5.7 million in additional spending into agriculture insurance rates and premiums.
- $10 million in incentives for fuel switching.
- A $500,000 incentive program for solar power projects.
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