Darlene Compton and Finance Minister Allen Roach

critical services: More investments are necessary to sustain these critical services," he said, according to The Chronicle Herald. But Darlene Compton, the Opposition finance critic, says raising the tax rate won't create jobs or grow the economy. "Once again Islanders are being asked to weather more pain for little gain. Finance Minister Allen Roach unveiled the Liberal government second budget Tuesday, saying the changes are necessary because of slow economic growth and a need to maintain essential public services. "Islanders have told us that a balanced budget should not come at the expense of essential public services, such as health care and education. More than $30 million in new taxes, fees, licences and permits but still no balanced budget," Compton told the legislature. Last year, Roach projected a balanced budget for 2016-2017, but instead he expects a $9.6 million deficit to be followed by a $9.2 million surplus in 2017-18. She said the Island government is following the lead of other Liberal governments in the region and going for the "quick buck." The government will boost funding for health, education and services to help settle immigrants and refugees. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.