Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador Finalize Benefits Memorandum

Published by the Premier's Office

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Nova Scotians will have access to thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts related to the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project thanks to a memorandum of understanding between the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador announced in Sydney.

Quotes

“ This development is a game-changer for Nova Scotia, and the entire Atlantic region. The finalized agreement sets the stage for Nova Scotia companies and workers to access opportunities in this enormous project. ” Premier Darrell Dexter

“ Like the $25-billion shipbuilding contract and jobsHere, our strategic plan for economic growth, the Lower Churchill project is helping to change the economic landscape of Nova Scotia for the better. Never before has the province had so many great opportunities on the horizon with such vast potential to create jobs and grow the economy. ” Premier Darrell Dexter

“ The development of Muskrat Falls will provide tremendous employment, economic, and environmental benefits for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, while providing valuable business and labour income for the entire region and country. Muskrat Falls provides the opportunity to strengthen the region's energy future by ensuring greater choice of renewable energy supply, reduced reliance on thermal generation, and increased electricity trade within the country and the United States. ” Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Natural Resources Jerome Kennedy

“ The entire island of Cape Breton will benefit from this clean energy project and the partnership of the two governments. With the 180-kilometre transmission link entering Nova Scotia right here in Cape Breton, there will be opportunities for local business people to take advantage of this wonderful resource on our doorstep. That alone will create significant employment. ” Jim Paris, president of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce

Quick Facts

  • The memorandum outlines the industrial and employment benefits from the three projects that make up the $6.2-billion Lower Churchill development: the Muskrat Falls generating facility, the Labrador Island transmission link and the Maritime Link. It provides Nova Scotia companies with an opportunity to compete for all components of the development, with preference for Newfoundland and Labrador on the first two projects and equal access to jobs for Nova Scotia workers on the Maritime Link.
  • The Newfoundland and Labrador government anticipates a number of project-related employment opportunities for its province and the region. The MOU ensures Nova Scotians will have access to these opportunities.
  • The Maritime Link alone will provide 2,700 person years of employment. This agreement means that Nova Scotia firms and their workers have equal standing with Newfoundland and Labrador firms in bidding for contracts on the Maritime Link.
  • Emera will hold supplier information workshops in the new year for companies interested in working on the project. The province will also work with the Maritime Energy Association to ensure Nova Scotia companies have the information needed to compete for the project.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Janet Lynn McNeil
Premier's Office
902-237-4287
E-mail:
Tracy Barron
Department of Energy
902-424-1757
Cell: 902-497-3414
E-mail:
Jeff Myrick
Emera Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-3274
Cell: 709-727-4754
E-mail:
Joyce MacDougall
Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce
902-578-8499
E-mail:

Images

The proposed Muskrat Falls development.
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Premier Darrell Dexter, centre, with Rick Janega, president of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador (right) and John Harker, president, Cape Breton University.
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Premier Dexter with Rick Janega, president of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador to his right.
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Premier Darrell Dexter.
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Videos

Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says the MOU outlines benefits to Nova Scotia.
Premier Dexter says the Maritime Link is already providing benefits to the province.
Rick Janega, president of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador says the project makes good business sense.
Jim Paris, president of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, says the MOU creates an even playing field.