NewsMakers

[DIGBY, NS] MLA questions why speaker’s office is not being reviewed: Last week the auditor general’s report revealed inappropriate or excessive expenses by Nova Scotia MLAs such as televisions and generators over a three-year period. This has left local MLA Harold Theriault wondering why the speakers’ office is not being looked at as well since every receipt was approved there. About $45,000 is given to each MLA per year in monthly installments of $4,000 to run a constituent office, said the Digby Annapolis MLA. “I’m allotted so much money to run this office every month and that’s what I do. I don’t do anything elaborate, never did,” said Theriault. “I was brought up on the old adage, waste not want not.” He uses the money to pay for things like power, cell phone, heat and general office maintenance. At the end of each year he sends back any money left over, he said. Theriault donates an amount of money ranging from $100 to $500 to community groups after everything is paid for and his office is open to the community for things such as photocopying. “I tell people what’s in this office is yours, fill your boots,” he said. Theriault’s larger purchases over the last three years include two digital cameras, sofa, chair, a couple computers, new cell phone with accessories and a desk. “We’re all painted with the same brush no matter what we do,” said Theriault. The door is open for anyone who wishes to see his bills or receipts, said Theriault. — By Karla Kelly and Leanne Delong, The Digby Courier, Transcontinental Media

[ANTIGONISH, NS] Teachers’ group and StFX reach tentative agreement: The negotiating teams for the St. FX Association of University Teachers and St. FX University have reached a tentative collective agreement. 
The agreement has been approved by the StFXAUT executive and will be recommended to the membership. 
The agreement is subject to the approval of the StFXAUT membership by means of a ratification vote. A date for a meeting of the members and a vote will be announced soon. 
A media blackout is in place until the outcome of the ratification vote is known. — The News, Transcontinental Media

[AMHERST, NS] PolyCello requalifies as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies: Amherst-based PolyCello was named a winner of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies program in 2008 and recently requalified in 2009 to maintain its status as a Best Managed company. The program recognizes Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. “Pursuing new product options to meet our clients’ fast-growing demands is keeping us on the leading edge of flexible packaging and opening up new opportunities for growth in the years ahead,” said Stephen Emmerson, president and CEO of PolyCello. PolyCello’s packaging can be found in almost every household in North America, showcasing and preserving frozen food, paper products, pet food and lawn and garden products. In recent years, the company has focused on developing more environmentally-conscious products, including compostable and biodegradable packaging. — The Daily Business Buzz, Transcontinental Media

[TRURO, NS] Chamber urges health minister to release figures: Ever-rising healthcare costs and the ballooning construction expenses at the 
new regional hospital have prompted a call for a breakdown of the province’s health-care expenditures.
 “This is not an issue we can wait to deal with,” said Jim Lorraine, president of the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce, regarding a letter sent to Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, in which he expresses concern over the province’s ability to keep up with the rising costs. 
“If we don’t do something significant now, there will be no money left for anything other than health care. That means our schools, roads and our ability to attract new residents and businesses will suffer.”
 Lorraine said the chamber is troubled by estimates that say 100 per cent of the province’s revenues will be eaten up by health care within the next 10 to 15 years if expenses stay on their current path.
 Referring to the Corpus Sanchez report completed three years ago, Lorraine said the information “clearly” points to a crisis situation the government has yet to respond to.
 
“A complete breakdown is needed before we can fully understand what we’re up against.” — By The Truro Daily News, Transcontinental Media

[STELLARTON, NS] Human services field growing: Uncertain futures are looming over businesses and careers worldwide but one field is said to be a growth industry.
 That field falls under the rubric of “human services”. 
On Tuesday at the Pictou Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton, employers in that field took part in a career fair which attracted great interest from the students.
 Displays were set up by facilities and agencies from across the province including the VON, Valley View Villa, the Pictou County Health Authority, the MacLeod Group and Glen Haven Manor, just to name a few.
 Each presentation showcased what the particular service offered and presenters gave students a rundown from the perspective of a potential employee.
 Michele Bonvie of the VON of Pictou County attended to discuss opportunities in nursing as well as continuing care maintenance. 
The opportunity is there now to find good jobs in the field, said Bonvie. “It’s an excellent time because a lot of people want to be at home, want to recuperate at home and be with their loved ones, and we’re able to help facilitate that.”
 — The News, Transcontinental Media

[HALIFAX, NS] Oil and gas on Georges Bank could destroy Aboriginal fishery, says coalition: Recent drumbeats in the media about “clarification” being needed surrounding the current exploration and drilling moratorium on Georges Bank are a cause of great concern to the growing Aboriginal commercial fishery, according to the NoRigs3 Coalition. In a press release addressed to The Daily Business Buzz, the coalition — made up of fishermen, processors, aboriginal groups and environmentalists — said that the waters surrounding the Georges Bank are some of the most productive in the world and Aboriginal communities have entered the commercial fishery in record numbers, with Aboriginal-held licenses increasing from 1999 to 2009 by more than 400 per cent, from 316 to 1238. In 2007, there were approximately 315 First Nations people and 63 off reserve Aboriginal people working directly as fishers or crew in commercial fisheries. Additionally, there are salaries for support, administration and other workers. In 2009, 54 off-reserve Aboriginal commercial fishermen were employed by the Native Council of Nova Scotia generating some $750,000 in employment earnings and in the Bay of Fundy and First Nation fisheries include some 70 commercial fishing licenses that generate $13.3 million annually. “The loss of fishery access to the Georges Bank would be economically devastating to many Aboriginal communities in Nova Scotia and the Maritimes,” says Hubert Nicholas, a Mi’kmaq commercial fisherman for 20 plus years and now commercial fisheries liaison coordinator for the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources. “It is important the moratorium be preserved.” — The Daily Business Buzz, Transcontinental Media

NATIONAL SCENE

Tougher mortgage rules could heat up home market: The Canadian Press is reporting that the housing market may be in store for an influx of action as potential homebuyers rush to purchase before the introduction of new, tougher mortgage rules. For more information, read the story in The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=327398&sc=101

Ottawa’s silence over pensions raises red flag: The Canadian Press is reporting that John Gordon, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (one of the largest public sector unions in Canada), is expressing concerns that public sector pension plans may be in jeopardy. For more information, read the story in Metro Halifax: http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/453640–head-of-federal-public-sector-union-worried-about-ottawa-s-silence-over-pensions?pageno=all