The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released its annual Finance Minister Report Card that ranks provincial finance ministers on spending, debt and tax relief in the latest provincial budgets.

Nova Scotia Finance Minister John Lohr received an overall grade of D, the third lowest grade in Canada. Lohr received an overall grade of C+ last year.

“Lohr delivered no meaningful tax cuts this year for hard-working Nova Scotians while loading up on more irresponsible government borrowing,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director and General Counsel. “Lohr can’t get top marks until he stops racking up debt and burning more than $1 billion a year on debt interest payments.”

The following key grades influenced Lohr’s overall ranking:

Spending increase: D-

• The government is spending about 7.8 per cent more this year compared to last year’s budget. That’s the second highest in the country.

Debt: C

• The Nova Scotia government is increasing the debt by $5.5 billion compared to last year’s budget. The debt will reach $27.9 billion by the end of the year, working out to $25,455 per person, the sixth highest in the country

Tax relief: D

• The budget provides no new tax relief for Nova Scotians.

“Lohr’s budget significantly increased spending as Nova Scotians are already being punished by years of irresponsible borrowing,” Drover said. “Lohr must focus on cutting wasteful spending and stop racking up big government debt next year.”

Overall ranking of provincial finance ministers:

You can find the full report card and all individual grades HERE.