25 January 2012
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
A council is being established to lead regional economic development efforts in South West Nova Scotia, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. The announcement was made today by Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister for the Atlantic Canda Opportunites Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie.
“South West Nova Scotia is a great place to live and a great place to do business. Our Government is pleased to support the development of an organization dedicated to providing leadership and guidance to drive business development and restore regional economic leadership to our region,” said MP Kerr. “Our investment will help communities seize on opportunity, increase capacity and build a sustainable future for the region as a whole.”
Under this project, an investment of $142,240 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund will allow the Town of Yarmouth, in close partnership with the other municipal units in South West Nova Scotia, to establish an interim economic development council for a period of 14 months. During this time, the council’s efforts will focus on providing referral services to businesses, advancing high- impact projects and stimulating tourism by attracting events during the off-season. The 14 month time period will allow the council and interested communities to establish a long-term economic development strategy and model.
In addition to ACOA’s funding, the province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism is investing $142,240 in the project. “There is a tremendous amount of potential here in South West Nova Scotia and a lot of work to be done,” said Phil Mooney, Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth. “I am looking forward to seeing the council established so that it may capitalize on this potential and collaborate with our local businesses, community members and other economic development partners to do great things for this area.”
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is investing $142,240 to establish an interim economic development council for South West Nova Scotia.
>MP Greg Kerr said South West Nova Scotia is a great place to live and a great place to do business. The Government is pleased to support the development of an organization dedicated to providing leadership and guidance to drive business development and restore regional economic leadership to the region.
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INFORMATION:
Paul Moore
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-3470/902-222-3360 (cell)
Email : Paul.Moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Jeff Gushue
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Yarmouth
(902) 742-8565 ext. 222
Cell (902) 740-0246
