18 March 2011
CORNWALLIS, Nova Scotia
The clam fishing industry of Digby and Annapolis counties will develop a sustainable cooperative clam management program with key industry stakeholders to increase productivity, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
“The clam fishing industry is integral to supporting local economies in Nova Scotia and is a key employer in rural communities,” said Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “It is important to local economies and provides hundreds of jobs in harvesting, processing and shipping. Our government is proud to support this industry.”
The Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) will develop a sustainable cooperative clam management program for the Annapolis Basin area of Annapolis and Digby counties. The project will support the development, enhancement and sustainability of regional capacity through the development of a cooperative clam management program. It will ensure a healthy industry for future generations.
“The goal of this project is to develop a sustainable cooperative clam management program for the Annapolis Basin,” said Dan Harvey, Acting Managing Director of ADEDA. “This significant contribution from the federal government certainly puts us on our way to achieve our goal.”
This project was identified as a priority by Team Southwest Nova Scotia, a committee of community and government representatives launched in April 2010 that works with local businesses and committees to identify and develop strategic long-term solutions to help the economy of south west Nova Scotia.
The Government of Canada is investing $70,571 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund toward the initiative.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
West Nova MP Greg Kerr today announced federal funding of over $70,500 to the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency to develop a sustainable cooperative clam management program for the Annapolis Basin area of Annapolis and Digby counties. MP Kerr said the clam fishing industry is integral to supporting local economies in Nova Scotia and is a key employer in rural communities. The project is being supported through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and was identified by Team South West Nova Scotia as a priority project for this area.
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Christopher Brooks
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790/902- 789-5184 (cell)
Email: Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Dan Harvey
Acting Managing Director
Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency
902-526-4479/902-526-4479 (cell)
Email: dharvey@annapolisdigby.com
