HALIFAX – Members of the Progressive Conservative Caucus returned from Ottawa last night after a series of meetings that have resulted in improved federal-provincial collaboration on issues essential to economic growth in Nova Scotia.
 
Lead by acting leader Cecil Clarke, the delegation arranged two full days of meetings with federal MPs and senators to discuss pressing issues such as the future of the Yarmouth ferry and Marine Atlantic, the impact of a provincial HST hike, support for tuna and crab fishery initiatives, the accessibility of Donkin coal, the development of tidal energy and harbour security, and tough-on-crime strategies.
 
Tourism was also a major focus for members, who expressed the need for this portfolio to be given greater priority in the province.
 
"Each MLA arrived in Ottawa with a list of issues that are of critical importance to their constituents, and to all Nova Scotians who feel the NDP government is ineffective at communicating with federal representatives on their behalf," Clarke said Friday. "It was an extremely busy but productive week."
 
Discussions began with a presentation to the Atlantic Caucus, followed by two days of back-to-back meetings with federal leaders, including Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism Rob Moore, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, ACOA and Atlantic Gateways Minister Keith Ashfield, Environment Minister Jim Prentice, Defense Minister Peter MacKay, Fisheries Minister Gail Shea, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose.
 
Highlights of these discussions include $203 million in support for Marine Atlantic's Sydney to Newfoundland ferry crossing, and assurance from Minister Shea to Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott and Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MP Scott Armstrong that an engineering study on the security of seawalls around Advocate Harbour will soon move forward.
 
Members also returned with a commitment to explore several ideas and alternatives that would improve the economic outlook in rural communities like Yarmouth, where the NDP's urbanization mandate is having a tremendous impact.
 
"If the NDP government is not willing to put these issues on the table and work toward collaborative solutions, we will," said Clarke. "We did not go to Ottawa to ask for money - we went to make sure our federal leaders are aware of what is happening in our province, and to let them know that we want to work with them to ensure its prosperity."
 
In total, the trip cost approximately $12, 000. A reception for MPs, senators and staff was hosted by PC Party President Rob Batherson and MLAs to create networking opportunities within key ministries.
 
A complete breakdown of expenses is available.
 
-30-
 
For more information, please contact:
Janna MacGregor
Public Relations Officer
NS Progressive Conservative Caucus
Tel: 902.424.5238
Cell: 902.499.9948
Fax: 902.424.7484
macgrejl@gov.ns.ca