News Release Archive
PREMIER--SOME PROGRESS AT FIRST MINISTERS CONFERENCE ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia is optimistic a new federal-provincial infrastructure program could be used to further the province's export potential said Premier John Savage today. Premier Savage said, "Finance ministers have been asked to look at a new infrastructure program that would be more flexible than the last one. A new program might include highways, airports and ports. These are vital to improving Nova Scotia's ability to export." The premier said funding of the program would hopefully be flexible enough to include the private sector. "In many cases our municipalities do not have the ability to finance and share in new infrastructure programs. Under a new program, the private sector might be invited to participate in projects such as port expansion." Premier Savage also said most first ministers accepted the idea of another Team Canada mission to Asia at their meeting in Ottawa. "This is an area with great potential for Nova Scotia companies. We have asked the federal government that in the event of another trade mission, provincial governments be given more responsibility for selecting companies that take part." Premier Savage said the first ministers also agreed that ministers responsible for tourism will work together to find ways of improving tourism infrastructure. He said the prime minister told the premiers that the Federal Business Development Bank will be instructed to make it easier to invest in tourism related facilities. "This would be of great benefit to Nova Scotia tourism operators who are working hard to capitalize on the ever-growing world tourism market. The prime minister also suggested help should be extended to eco-tourism and off-season ventures." Premier Savage said he was also pleased with the first ministers decision to give a higher priority to dealing with unacceptably high youth unemployment. -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 jlw June 21, 1996 5:40 p.m.