News release

Good Jobs for New Waterford Another Step Closer

Justice

Good jobs and improved services are closer to reality as space is secured in New Waterford for the province's Maintenance Enforcement Program.

"Having good government jobs located in New Waterford is great for businesses in our community," said Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. "It means people will be visiting the restaurants, stores and other retail outlets in the area. This is all part of government's commitment to support rural economies across the province."

The province has signed a 10-year lease agreement with Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) for a portion of the former Signature Styles call centre building. The program will occupy 7,405 square feet at $25 per square foot. ECBC will reconfigure and renovate the building to accommodate the program and its employees.

Thirty-five employees will occupy the space, including 24 new, permanent hires from within government and the community. Temporary staff will also be hired to support the transition.

Nadine Hanna is a new employee who started in August 2012. She is currently working out of one of the program's two temporary locations in Sydney.

"I lost my job through downsizing and getting hired into this program meant I had a good, stable job and most importantly, I got to stay in my community," said Ms. Hanna. "Having the program in one location is a good thing for consistency and training."

To date, three coordinators, 17 enforcement officers and five enforcement assistants have been hired. Work continues to hire an additional seven enforcement officers, one enforcement assistant and one inter-jurisdictional support order officer.

"It's nice to see the centralization of jobs in our community," said Lowell Cormier, councilor for District 11 (New Waterford, Lingan, Scotchtown, River Ryan & New Victoria), Cape Breton Regional Municipality. "I hope this is the start of many more positive outcomes for the New Waterford area and Cape Breton in general."

The space is expected to be ready this spring.