24 September 2009
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of up to $2.1 million for Nova Scotia's 13 Regional Development Authorities (RDAs). The investment is coming from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC).
A matching amount is being invested by Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and the municipalities in each RDA's geographic area.
"This investment is building sustainable communities in all regions of the province," said Minister MacKay. "Through our government's Economic Action Plan, we continue to provide timely and targeted stimulus to communities across Canada."
Nova Scotia's RDAs now operate under a performance-based funding model, allowing them to become even more involved in planning for economic, social and institutional change. Each RDA receives $125,000 in annual base funding from each funding partner and automatically receives an additional $2,500 to $25,000 depending on their local conditions. In addition, each RDA can receive $15,000 – $25,000 from each funding partner based on their performance as evaluated through annual reviews. All of the RDAs are eligible for the new performance-based funds.
"The federal government continues to recognize the vital work of the Regional Development Authorities in Nova Scotia," said Holly Boston, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities. "We facilitate economic development in the communities we serve."
RDAs are not-for-profit organizations responsible for leading economic development at the regional level, under the authority of the Nova Scotia Regional Community Development Act. The RDA approach is based on regional leadership in the core areas of strategic and business planning, building community capacity, providing leadership and coordination, and developing and supporting projects and programs for action.
For more information about Nova Scotia's RDAs, visit www.nsarda.ca
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Defence Minister Peter MacKay today announced a federal government investment of up to $2.1 million in Nova Scotia's Regional Development Authorities.
The Province of Nova Scotia and the municipalities with development authorities are matching the federal investment.
Minister MacKay says the government's investment, being made through ACOA and ECBC, is building stronger and more sustainable communities in Nova Scotia.
Chris Brooks
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790
Email: chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
D.A. Landry
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation
902-564-3617
E-mail: da.landry@ecbc-secb.gc.ca
Holly Boston
Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities
902-426-9016
E-mail: info@nsarda.ca
