Atlantic NewsMakers: Province, Co-op Council launch new job-recruitment program

[HALIFAX, NS] – Province, Co-op Council launch new job-recruitment program: The provincial government and the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council kicked-off a new partnership today that will connect unemployed or under-employed Nova Scotians with jobs that meet today’s labour market needs. Premier Darrell Dexter and Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse launched the Target 100 employment program, which is designed to recruit, train and employ Department of Community Services’ clients over the next couple of years for jobs at co-op businesses around the province.

[HALIFAX, NS] – Halifax Council presented with 2010/2011 fiscal framework: Halifax Regional Council was presented with the 2010/2011 Fiscal Framework yesterday. The framework provides Council with information that will help determine the direction for the 2010/2011 budget. The biggest challenge contained in the framework is the need to address a $32 million shortfall in current revenues. Once the framework is approved, development of the budget will focus on HRM’s economic future, investment in resources and priorities for service delivery. The framework provides assumptions to help build a budget and to seek Council’s feedback on the level of services they want to see in the community. In the next few weeks, Council will be provided with information in order to set direction for the 2010/2011 budget. Council discussion on the framework will continue on March 2, 2010. Based on that discussion, staff will devise a more detailed plan for the 2010-2011 budget. The draft budget is scheduled to be tabled in April 2010. For more information and reports to Council, visit www.halifax.ca/budget.

[HALIFAX, NS] – Effectiveness must be ultimate goal of Council reform: As City Council begins its review of its size and structure, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce is reminding members and council that, while it supports a smaller council as a means to an end, the ultimate goal of any change is to make council better. “From tax decisions to setting infrastructure priorities, businesses in this city depend on an efficient and effective City Council to make the right choices for them and to make them in a timely fashion,” says Chamber President Valerie Payn. “It’s critical councillors work within the best structure possible. A structure that enables them to keep focused on their leadership role.” A Committee of Council has recommended three options for change: the status quo with 23 councillors, or a smaller council of either 18 or 15. “A smaller Council may be the way to go, but it’s not the magic bullet,” Payn says. “We need to realize that size isn’t everything. Even the greatest leadership can be held hostage in a system that isn’t designed to get things done.”

[POINT TUPPER, NS] – NSP looking to buy major stake in Point Tupper wind farm: Nova Scotia Power has applied to the provincial regulator for approval of its plan to buy a 49 per cent stake in a Point Tupper wind farm development. NSP announced the partnership with Renewable Energy Services Ltd. (RESL) last month to ensure the wind farm comes online as scheduled this year. NSP would invest $28 million in the Point Tupper project, which could provide enough electricity to power up to 6,000 homes. The 22.5-megawatt wind farm development was announced two years ago, but there had been little in the news about the project for some time prior to word that NSP would purchase part of the project. It was selected through a request for proposals issued by NSP. Under the agreement, RESL would continue to build and operate the wind farm, while NSP would buy six of the 11 new Enercon wind turbines. The new turbines will be twice as large as the existing turbine and erected on 80-metre towers. – The Cape Breton Post

[TRURO, NS] Changes to building codes will cost homebuilders: Updates to the Nova Scotia Building Code mean “major changes” and added costs for new homebuilders, industry officials say. “There’s a lot of changes,” says Mannie Withrow, chief building inspector for Colchester County. “Some major changes for when you’re building a new home.” Designed to address energy and water conservation measures, the new standards governing residential buildings came into effect Jan. 1. Commercial construction guideline updates are expected in 2012. – The Truro Daily News

[AMHERST, NS] – Finance minister rules out eliminating toll on Cobequid Pass: A suggestion to eliminate the toll on the Cobequid Pass, raised during the Back to Balance tour stop in Amherst on Monday, was quickly shot down by Finance Minister Graham Steele as being too expensive for the province. “If we were going to do it, we would have to find a way to replace that money,” Steele said in response to a suggestion from one of the groups making presentations on how to eliminate Nova Scotia’s deficit. “You’d be talking about a significant expenditure and we’re not looking to take on more expenditures right now. We’d have to find a way to pay for it.” – Darrell Cole, Amherst Daily News

[MILFORD STATION, NS] – Many opposed to inland container terminal: A proposed integrated container terminal for Milford Station is facing a lot of opposition. About 200 people filled the community’s recreation centre for a public meeting Tuesday night. The majority of people who offered their opinion were against the project and were anxious to take the microphone to prove their point. Some of the concerns include possible expropriation of homes, loss of agricultural land, impact on the environment and a possible increased crime rate. One of the reasons Milford Station is being considered is because of its close proximity to the port of Halifax (33 miles) and land along the CN rail line. Supporters of the project said benefits include spin-off commercial activity, employment opportunities, improved rail and trucking efficiencies, to name a few. – Monique Chiasson, The Truro Daily News

[NEW GLASGOW, NS] – Decision on jail location anticipated by end of March: Nova Scotia’s justice minister is hoping an announcement on the location of a new jail will be made by the end of next month at the latest.
Pictou Centre MLA Ross Landry says that at least three of the seven locations being considered for the new jail are in Pictou County. The four other remaining sites are between Antigonish and Truro. Currently, Landry says, his staff is working on analysing the seven sites. From there, the locations will be narrowed to two or three choices and Landry will choose from there. It’s hoped that process will be completed in the next few days. The jail will replace the aging Spring Hill facility and Landry has previously gone on the record saying the new jail will need to be located in the busiest areas, and currently the largest court traffic is occurring in New Glasgow, Pictou and Truro.

[DIGBY, NS] – Federal dollars announced for Digby recreational infrastructure: MP Gregg Kerr, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield, has announced an investment of $71,955 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program for upgrades to three recreational facilities in the Digby County area. Projects involved include upgrades to the Digby Area Recreation Facility, a new mini-soccer field in the Town of Digby, as well as new soccer field for the Tri- County Regional School Board.

[PORT HAWKESBURY, NS] – Province to spend money to protect Canso Causeway: The Department of Transportation will spend $590,000 to build up the armour rock protecting both sides of the Canso Causeway. A tender for the work has been awarded and it will begin in the spring – an exact start date was not available – and is to be completed in the summer. High winds and waves in a November 2001 storm caused what officials described at the time as the worst damage to the link since it opened. It was the first time there was an actual washout of the causeway’s road surface since its construction and the cost of repairs exceeded $100,000. In December 2004, a severe ocean surge spread a great deal of debris across the causeway and also washed out sections of the road shoulder. – Nancy King, The Cape Breton Post

[NEW GLASGOW, NS] – New businesses wanted in annual Progress supplement: The New Glasgow News is celebrating the progression of business in the county in an upcoming special edition, Progress. The magazine will feature stories on many prominent local businesses, but The News wants to give other businesses the chance to feature their work as well. Small businesses and new businesses that have opened within the past two years are welcomed to submit a 150 write-up to The News for inclusion in the edition. Write-ups can be e-mailed to jlittle@ngnews.ca. For more information, call 928-3514.

[EDMUNDSTON, NB] – Regional Development Corporation invests in downtown: The provincial government is investing $500,000 in a revitalization project in downtown Edmundston. Phase I calls for the upgrading and beautification of the intersection of Rue de l’Église and Canada Road. The $1 million project calls for sidewalk repairs, improving the intersection, safer walkway and the addition of trees to the landscape.

[WOODSTOCK, NB] – Hardwood company receives loan guarantee: The provincial government is providing a $300,000 loan guarantee for working capital to help Maritime Dimension Hardwoods Inc. in Woodstock maintain 14 jobs and meet growing product demand. “This assistance will allow Maritime Dimension Hardwoods Inc. to continue to access credit as it works to meet growing product demand and create specialized products for the competitive international market,” says Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau. The company offers a variety of niche market hardwood products, mainly for overseas customers. These products are for end-manufacturers in an array of sizes and species. Its products include blanks for flooring, brushes, furniture, handles and truck decking.

[CHARLOTTETOWN, PE] – People with paycheques will buy lobster: As soon as the U.S. economy improves so too will the fortunes for Prince Edward Island lobster fishermen says Mark Bonnell, president of the troubled Marnier Seafoods in Montague. “The solution to this whole industry is you put people back to work, because people that work will buy lobster,” Bonnell says. Meanwhile, industry officials are working to expand markets into China and Korea. – Wayne Thibodeau, The Guardian

[EXPLOITS, NL] – Business award winners announced: The Exploits Regional Chamber of Commerce has released the winners of its 2009 Business Excellence and Hall of Fame Awards. Business Excellence winners were awarded in seven categories from 32 nominees, and include Rumors Spa and Salon, Small Business of the Year; Donnini’s Pizza, Helping Hands Award; Snow’s Carpentry of Norris Arm, Customer Service, Wallace Sceviour of Botwood, Personal Excellence; The Carriage House, Ambassador Award; Barbara Dean, Business Woman of the Year; and Fundamentals Family Fitness, Business of the Year.

[CONCEPTION BAY NORTH, NL] – Federal dollars announced for recreation and culture projects: Three towns in Conception Bay North are receiving more than $225,000 in investments through the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Town of Carbonear will receive more than $100,000 under the Community Adjustment Fund to develop an exhibit interpreting the significance of Carbonear Island in the history of the Newfoundland and Labrador. The Town of Upper Island Cove will receive just over $91,000 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program to upgrade its recreation centre. The Town of Harbour Grace will receive close to $34,000 in funding to construct an extension to its minor soccer complex.