The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will join forces with government and community partners to identify ways of combating economic challenges facing southwestern Nova Scotia.
According to Service Canada, that part of Nova Scotia now has the highest unemployment rate in the province. The problem will be compounded this summer with the loss of ferry service between Yarmouth and the United States.
“Our government, through ACOA, is taking a leadership role in cooperation with other government and community partners in responding to this challenge,” said West Nova Member of Parliament Greg Kerr, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Finding a solution will require all of us working together.”
The concept of a regional response team, to be known as Team Southwest Nova Scotia, has been successfully employed in other parts of the province. These efforts focus on using government and community programs to deal with job losses and a decline in business revenue.
The objectives of Team Southwest Nova Scotia would include:
- Mobilizing and discussing first-hand, the issues facing Southwest Nova Scotia;
- Sharing information on government programming with community stakeholders and identifying possible strategies for moving forward;
- Seeking input from local communities on potential solutions to strengthen the southwestern Nova Scotia economy and increase employment and business opportunities in current and emerging industries.
- Targeting strategic initiatives that would help revive the economy of southwestern Nova Scotia leading to increased employment opportunities in the affected communities;
The success of Team Southwest Nova Scotia will depend upon achieving both short and long-term objectives, which will be determined when the team holds its first meeting in Yarmouth in April.
For Broadcast Use:
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will join forces with government, community and the private sector organizations to identify ways of combating economic challenges facing communities in southwestern Nova Scotia. The formation of Team Southwest Nova Scotia was announced today by West Nova MP Greg Kerr, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield. The team will meet for the first time next month.
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For Information:
David Harrigan
Director of Communications
ACOA Nova Scotia
902-426-4238
David.harrigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
