Federal Government Support to Assist with Sustainable Economic Development
July 2, 2014 Port Hawkesbury, NS Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – Cape Breton
The Government of Canada is providing over $351,000 in funding support for two Cape Breton projects to improve forest management practices and to assist in the training of nautical students. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).
The Nova Scotia Landowners & Forest Fibre Producers Association is receiving a $199,800 contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program to assist with a pilot project that will improve forest management practices in Cape Breton. In cooperation with woodlot owners and the Province of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Privateland Partnership has been established providing woodlot owners and forest-management practitioners an opportunity to share best practices, as well as access forestry information and technical support from forestry professionals. The project will serve as a pilot for the rest of the province. The benefits to woodlot owners, harvesters, and other forestry sector businesses includes improved access to information and overall efficiencies in the management of their lands.
The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Strait Area Campus (Nautical Institute) will receive $151,696 towards the purchase of marine navigation simulation equipment to enhance learning opportunities for marine navigation students and to attract new students with an interest in the marine sector. The Nautical Institute is Canada’s oldest marine training institution and provides an array of courses focusing on marine navigation, engineering and safety.
Quick Facts:
Nova Scotia Landowners & Forest Fibre Producers Association
- Three woodlot owner groups on Cape Breton Island (Nova Scotia Landowner and Forest Fibre Producers, North Inverness Forest Management and Baddeck Valley Wood Producers) have partnered to develop and implement this project.
- The forest industry remains a significant contributor to the Cape Breton economy, contributing an estimated $14.6 million per year through payments to landowners, silviculture work, harvesting and trucking. This does not include the economic impact of paper and wood product manufacturing.
- In 2011, there were a total of 22 businesses on Cape Breton that relied on forest products as an input. A sustainable supply of wood from private woodlots will be key to the continued development of the forest industry.
NSCC Nautical Institute
- NSCC’s Nautical Institute is the oldest marine training institution in Canada. Its facilities include trades shops, labs, a wave tank, a state-of-the-art fire school and simulators for engine propulsion systems, marine navigation and global communications.
- NSCC’s Nautical Institute offers advanced diplomas in Marine Engineering Technology and Marine Navigation Technology, as well as marine industry certification training to those already working in a career at sea.
- NSCC is committed to building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation. Serving the province through a network of 13 campuses, NSCC offers over 100 programs in five academic schools. These programs reflect the labour market needs and opportunities of the provincial economy and set graduates on a course for career success.
Quotes:
“Geographically defined by land and sea, Cape Breton’s forestry and marine sectors are major economic drivers for all the province, but specifically in this region. Our Government is pleased to support the innovative industry leaders of these sectors as they prepare to meet the ever-changing industry demands and bring their cutting-edge skills and best practices to market, generating jobs and economic growth, to further strengthen the long-term prosperity of all our communities.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“We are committed to providing access to professional, independent advice for woodlot owners, ensuring that their woodlots will be managed to the highest possible standards.”
- Wilma Stub, Executive Director, NS Landowners & Forest Fibre Producers Association
“This marine navigation simulation equipment allows us to provide students and industry with the most realistic training possible for navigation at sea. It is investments like this that helps us ensure NSCC Nautical Institute graduates have the training and education necessary for the current and future needs of the growing marine industry.”
- Dr. Lucy Kanary, Dean, School of Trades and Technology, NSCC
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613 941-7241
Tom Gunn
Strait Area Principal
Nova Scotia Community College
902 625-4362
Wilma Stub
Executive Director
NS Landowners & Forest Fibre Producers Association
902 623-1132
D.A. Landry
Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – Cape Breton
902 564-3617
