8 June 2010
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Team Southwest has begun the process of identifying possible economic development opportunities for an area of Nova Scotia that has significant challenges.
Team Southwest Nova Scotia, co-chaired by senior officials with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Province of Nova Scotia, is working with local communities to explore development projects that can be put in place as quickly as possible while ensuring the approach is sustainable over the long-term.
Team members met today to approve a work plan that will aggressively engage in a number of initiatives for implementation this year. During the meeting, team members noted they are encouraged with the pace at which a plan is being developed.
Despite the economic challenges, Team members feel there is an overall optimism in the region concerning opportunities for economic growth. This is particularly true in the traditional sectors such as fishing, forestry and agriculture and light manufacturing which have potential for future growth through innovation.
In the short term, the team will be looking for investment opportunities where much of the planning is already in place. Over the longer term, the Team will look at broader issue such as skills development and community capacity building, and major projects that require significant time to develop.
The next steps includes a further engagement of communities themselves as well identifying all existing sources of federal and provincial funding and support. At the Team's next meeting it's expected that several project priorities will have been explored as part of an effort to strengthen the regional planning process.
Team Southwestern Nova Scotia was formed in April 2010 as a response to a general downturn in the local economy along with an increase in unemployment. In addition to ACOA and Nova Scotia government officials, the Team includes representation from Service Canada, local development agencies and local post-secondary institutions.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Team Southwest has begun the process of identifying possible economic development opportunities for an area of Nova Scotia that is facing some significant challenges.
Team Southwest Nova Scotia, co-chaired by senior officials with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Province of Nova Scotia, is working with local communities to examine development projects that can be put in place as quickly as possible.
Team members met today in Cornwallis to approve a work plan that will aggressively engage in a number of initiatives for implementation this year.
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INFORMATION:
David Harrigan
Director of Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4238/902-221-1435 (cell)
Email: David.Harrigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Heather Spidell
Director of Communications
Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development
902-424-4998/902-237-1493
Spidelhd@gov.ns.ca
