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NEWS RELEASE (CNS690) -->> TEAM SOUTH WEST--TEAM CALLS FOR
LOCAL VOICE IN BLUENOSE FUTURE




TEAM SOUTH WEST--TEAM CALLS FOR LOCAL VOICE IN BLUENOSE FUTURE
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The chair of the Team South West Cabinet Committee is calling on
the federal government to allow local input in the selection of a
private operator of the MV Bluenose.

"The people of this area have to live with the result. We think
its only right they should have a strong voice in planning their
future," Human Resources Minister Allister Surette told Yarmouth
and Shelburne County business and community leaders meeting in
Barrington Passage.

Earlier this month, Premier John Savage and federal Transport
Minister David Anderson agreed to finance the continuation of the
Yarmouth-Bar Harbor Me. service for an additional three months.

The federal Department of Transport expects to review four
private sector proposals for the ferry in November. Mr. Surette
said Team South West supports a request from the local regional
development agency to take part in the review. "We will work to
persuade the federal government that those who have to live with
the decisions are given their rightful place in making the
choice," said the minister.

Team South West was in Yarmouth and Shelburne Counties for the
second of its series of consultations with local leaders. The
meetings were designed to explore avenues for economic
development and diversification of the region.

During the sessions, Team South West presented an update on
government actions taken to improve the economy in the past year.
Besides its success in extending the operating season of the MV
Bluenose, the government has been active in expanding markets for
fish products, pressing the case for a more equitable license fee
structure for lobster fishermen, working to improve
telecommunications services needed for business, and assisting in
the creation of more than 100 jobs in the area.

The full day of consultations included tours of area businesses
in both counties.

Premier Savage established Team South West in February to help
municipalities and regional development agencies expand the
economic base of the region. Besides Minister Surette, who acts
as chair, the team includes Economic Renewal Minister Richie
Mann, Transportation and Public Works Minister Don Downe,
Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse, Acadian Affairs Minister Wayne
Gaudet, Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison and MLAs
Earle Rafuse, Joe Casey, Richie Hubbard, Clifford Huskilson and
Lila O'Connor.


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Contact: Paul McEachern  902-424-2575
                         902-499-5641 (cellular)

trp                      Oct. 21, 1996 - 1 p.m.