27 November 2009
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and the Honorable Percy Paris, Nova Scotia Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, today announced that the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are investing $600,000 to help all Nova Scotia communities target, attract and host major events.
Under the brand Events Nova Scotia, the project will be implemented by Trade Centre Limited (TCL) in coordination with Nova Scotia Regional Development Authorities, as well as provincial cultural, sport and tourism organizations.
“The Government of Canada's priority is the economy and that's reflected in our investments in community infrastructure and facilities throughout Nova Scotia,” said Minister MacKay. “Building our ability to host major sporting, cultural, entertainment and business events helps communities to showcase their facilities and attract more visitors to Nova Scotia.”
“Major events help Nova Scotia remain competitive as a visitor destination and bring tangible benefits through economic activity and tax revenues,” said Minister Paris.
“Hosting major events is key to the sustainable growth of Nova Scotia’s economy – generating jobs and tax revenue for the benefit of all Nova Scotians,” said Scott Ferguson, President and CEO of TCL. “Events Nova Scotia will strengthen our ability to compete for major events and we look forward to working with communities across the province to do so.”
Events Nova Scotia will identify key event sectors to target and develop strategies to attract new events from these sectors; establish consistent measures to evaluate the economic return generated by major events; and, share best practices in order to build major event hosting expertise across the province. Events could include sporting, cultural, entertainment and business opportunities.
Funding for the initiative is provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). ($300,000), and Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage ($300,000).
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and the Honourable Percy Paris, Nova Scotia Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, today announced that the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are investing $600,000 to help Nova Scotia communities target, attract and host new major events.
The project will be branded as Events Nova Scotia, and led by Trade Centre Limited in consultation with Nova Scotia Regional Development Authorities, as well as provincial cultural, sport and tourism organizations.
-30-
INFORMATION:
David Harrigan
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4238
Email: david.harrigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Michael Noonan
N.S. Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage
902-424-1593
Email: noonanmg@gov.ns.ca
Fiona Kirkpatrick-Parsons
Trade Centre Limited
902-421-7002 / 902-440-5531 (cell)
Email: fiona@tclns.com
