Nova Scotia's deficit smaller than predicted

The Nova Scotia government finished last yearin a strongerfinancial position than predicted, thanks largely to tax revenues that were higher than budgeted.

The government released its audited financial statements on Thursday for the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2015.

The deficit is $143.7 million, lower thanthe $279 million that was budgeted.

The variance is due largely to an additional $228 million inprovincial revenues from sales tax and income tax.The province'stotal spending was $92.7 million more than projected.

The province's net debt stands at $15 billion.

By the numbers:

• Total Nova Scotia revenues: $10.6 billion
• Total Nova Scotia expenses: $10.8 billion
• Year-end deficit: $143.7 million
• Net debt: $15 billion