News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--SURVEY BOOSTS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ----------------------------------------------------------------- A KPMG study showing the low cost of doing business in Nova Scotia, will boost commerce and confidence in communities across Nova Scotia, Economic Renewal Minister Robbie Harrison said today. The study, sponsored by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, shows Atlantic Canada locations have a significant business cost advantage over U.S. cities. It compared Atlantic Canadian and U.S. centres and three Nova Scotia communities topped the list. "We've got to believe in this study and we've got to believe in ourselves," Mr. Harrison said. Yarmouth, Kentville and Truro led the field in cost competitiveness. The survey's findings support similar studies by KPMG and the Globe and Mail last year, which show Halifax as a business leader in national and international markets. "We've known Nova Scotia's communities are superb places to do business for a long time. Now we have to sell that fact world-wide and the Regional Development Authorities are the perfect vehicles to promote our regional centres," says Harrison. The Regional Development Authorities were established by the Nova Scotia government during the past two years. Today, the minister introduced legislation to entrench them in law. The RDA's coordinate, facilitate and motivate community economic development in all regions of the province. Community Economic Development services are already being delivered, and many RDA's have already developed strategic plans, which include selecting practical, viable projects and activities to create jobs. The Regional Community Development Act officially recognizes the RDA's, encouraging and facilitating community based planning for economic, social and institutional change. "Communities are taking their rightful place at the table of economic renewal. They've been given the decision-making ability to determine their own future," said Mr. Harrison. "The KPMG study should be used to boost confidence and to encourage marketing." The structure of the act was defined in consultation with the RDA's to ensure their individual needs were incorporated into the legislation. It brings all the RDA's under one umbrella and confirms the areas and goals identified by municipalities across Nova Scotia. "We've consulted and listened and this is the viable working model that has developed," Mr. Harrison said. Those identified goals may be further strengthened this spring as the government is working on unveiling a financial program to encourage more Nova Scotians to invest in community development initiatives. The regional development authorities themselves lead and coordinate communities in developing their local planning capability and community entrepreneurship, promoting business investment, jobs and opportunities for individuals through education and training. "The Regional Community Development Act represents a major step forward in the government's commitment to improve the economic and social conditions of rural and urban areas of the province," Mr. Harrison said. -30- Contact: Steve Warburton 902-424-0927 trp Apr. 03, 1996 - 2:20 p.m.