Argyle MLA Colton LeBlanc says the provincial budget has many items for Yarmouth County.

He says the expansion of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital emergency department is a big one for the region.

“It’s welcome news for patients and staff, and I’m really happy that our government has committed to that,” said LeBlanc

Currently, the facility can care for 14 people at a time and handle two ambulances.

The expanded emergency department will be able to care for 30 people and handle four ambulances.

About $2.5 million has been invested in the project so far, in design and engineering and the new emergency department is scheduled to open in 2027.

LeBlanc says other items include the World Acadian Congress coming to the area this summer.

“More than 30,000 first time visitors will be coming to southwestern Nova Scotia. That’s a huge economic boost for our region, so our government is investing in that.”

He says recently announced long-term care beds for Yarmouth Heights will help local families.

LeBlanc says they focused on affordability with the budget, with the largest tax break in the province’s history.