News Release Archive
TEAM SOUTH WEST--TEAM MEETS WITH LEADERS IN DIGBY AND ANNAPOLIS ----------------------------------------------------------------- The chair of Team South West says the provincial government has shown its confidence in the future of the Annapolis - Digby area with concrete action to improve the economy. "Government has shown its confidence in the future of the region. Now, all of us have a responsibility to instill a sense of confidence and accomplishment in the community," Human Resources Minister Allister Surette told a crowd of business and labour leaders in Digby. Team South West has begun a series of meetings with local leaders. A similar community consultation and report in Yarmouth on Sept. 30, will follow the sessions in Digby. "The answers to the economic questions facing Annapolis and Digby will not be found in the high-rises of Halifax," Mr. Surette said. "They are waiting to be discovered in the small businesses, on the wharves and in the minds of the people who live here and know what will really work." The minister presented an update on government actions to improve the economy of the region since Premier Savage established the special cabinet committee in February. Since its creation, Team South West has worked to persuade Marine Atlantic to examine ways to ensure that the vital ferry links to Saint John and Bar Harbour continue. The company is now examining alternatives such as private operation of the vessels. "The permanent solution is not yet in hand, but at least it is now within sight," said Mr. Surette. Other provincial government measures to improve the local economy include nearly $1 million for the forestry industry, negotiating approximately half a million dollars in compensation to local farmers effected by the elimination of the federal Feed Freight Assistance Program, and working with the fishing industry to ensure they have a stronger voice in any changes in the scallop sector. The minister also said the government is working with local ship building firms to sell boats to foreign markets. The small business sector of Annapolis and Digby has been the recipient of government assistance. This year, the Community Business Loan program of the Economic Renewal Agency has created 49 new jobs, maintained another 31 jobs and helped establish nine new businesses in the two counties, he said. The full day of consultations included meetings with municipal, labour and business leaders and officials of local economic development agencies. The ministers also met with workers and owners of some local business success stories including: Comeau Seafoods, Meteghan; Britex, Centreville, Annapolis County; Lewis Sawmill, Weymouth; Darmos Toy Manufacturing, Cornwallis Park; Venture Centre, Digby; Interplay, Bridgetown Development Centre; Solar Aquatics and Flight of Fancy, both in Bear River. Members of the Team South West committee include Human Resources Minister Allister Surette, Acadian Affairs Minister Wayne Gaudet, Transportation and Public Works Minister Don Downe, Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse, Economic Renewal Agency Minister Richie Mann, and Education Minister Robbie Harrison. -30- Contact: Paul McEachern 902-424-2575 or 902-499-5641 (cell) trp September 11, 1996 - 1:00 p.m.