NewsMakers

[TUSKET, NS] JHS FishProducts receives NSBI support: Technology and innovation in southwest Nova Scotia are helping one company take recycling to the next level. Tusket-based JHS FishProducts Ltd. is taking fish parts that would not normally be used in North America and turning them into an edible commodity using drying machinery. Dried fish products are a dietary staple in southern Nigeria and the demand for these products is growing. To support this growth, the company plans to create up to 50 jobs over about five years in the Tusket area with financial help from Nova Scotia Business Inc. NSBI is offering a $1.4-million term loan to help upgrade facilities and equipment. In addition, NSBI is providing a five-year payroll rebate to a maximum of $390,000. — By The Daily Business Buzz, Transcontinental Media

[SYDNEY, NS] Building strong communities focus of First Nation workshop: The First Nation community of Potlotek (Chapel Island) recently partnered with the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office to deliver a day-long series of business workshops. The title for the workshops was “Let’s Build Stronger Communities”. Workshops included entrepreneurship and economy building, career planning and best practices in community economic development. Cape Breton University and the Saint Mary’s University business development centres presented on economic development best practices and the power of community inclusion and identifying opportunities through asset mapping. Participants were also briefed on the concept of “two-eyed seeing.” Albert Marshall, an elder from Eskasoni, along with Cheryl Bartlett from CBU, explained how this refers to the process of learning how to see from one eye with the strengths of indigenous knowledge and then from the other eye with the strengths of the western knowledge and then using them both together. Lindsay Marshall, director of CBU’s Mi’kmaq College Institute, also presented on collaborative goal setting. — By The Cape Breton Post, Transcontinental Media

[BRUDENELL, PE] Fire destroys Brudenell trucking business: A massive fire that covered the town in huge clouds of black smoke and kept three fire departments scrambling destroyed the Morley Annear trucking business in Brudenell on Sunday. The fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. in what appeared to be the rear of the building and continued to rage through the entire building. Trucks, boats and anything within grasp was dragged out of the building which was quickly consumed by flames and fueled by the rubber and petroleum products inside. Miraculously no one was hurt but the fire destroyed the entire structure. — By The Guardian, Transcontinental Media

[FREDERICTON, NB] Labour force up by 500 in January: The labour force in the province stood at 401,700 in January, 500 more than in the previous month. “I am encouraged by the slight growth in the labour force numbers,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, commenting on the monthly labour survey released by Statistics Canada. “We will monitor these statistics over the coming months and will continue to utilize all government programs and initiatives to improve the situation.” The Statistics Canada figures show that employment numbers for New Brunswick stood at 364,500 in January, down 900 from December and down 3,400 compared to the same period last year. The unemployment rate in New Brunswick increased to 9.3 per cent in January compared to 8.9 per cent in the previous month. Employment growth in January was strongest in the following on a year-over-year basis: information, culture and recreation; other services; manufacturing. — By The Daily Business Buzz, Transcontinental Media