The province is forecasting an influx of cash in its bank account, thanks for population growth.

Nova Scotia is reporting a $115 million dollar surplus when it was expecting a deficit south of $500 million.

Finance Minister Allan MacMaster says they’ve been focusing on spending for health care and housing and adds they were quick to help during Hurricane Fiona.

Nova Scotia’s growing population and rebounding economy in 2022 has a positive effect on finances,” said MacMaster. “Over the past year, our government focused on what matters most to Nova Scotians, including healthcare, housing and affordability. We responded quickly to Hurricane Fiona and invested in communities across the province. We will continue to invest in Nova Scotians.”

The books show our province took in just over $15-billion in revenue, $2-billion higher than the expected.

Total consolidated expenses were $15.5 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion from the budget estimate. This was due to more money spent in the following area.

— transformational changes to healthcare
— grants for new healthcare programs at three universities
— retention incentives for healthcare workers
— off-oil programming
— expansions of the Seniors Care Grant and home heating grant.

The updated figures come as the government is set to recall the legislature for the fall sitting in October, with the cost of living, housing and health care set to take centre stage.