Minister needs to step up for Southwest Nova
posted:
Jun 24 2010d'Entremont, Chris
TUSKET – The economic situation in Southwestern Nova Scotia is not going to change on its own, but the Economic Development Minister continues to react nonchalantly and passively.
“What Nova Scotians need is a proactive provincial government – a government that reaches out to the private sector and that reaches out to other levels of government to solve problems,” said Argyle MLA Chris d’Entremont. “Instead, Nova Scotians have a Minister that is basically sitting in his Halifax office, waiting for something to cross his desk.”
The cancellation of ferry service from Yarmouth to Maine has resulted in direct job losses to Southwestern communities. Without the influx of tourists the ferry would bring, many businesses are concerned about continued viability in the region.
“The ripple effect of the cancellation has yet to be fully determined, but even tourism operators from Cape Breton are feeling the pinch,” said d’Entremont.
Government has claimed that they will have a new operator for the service in time for the 2011 tourism season. However, d’Entremont is concerned with the wait-and-see attitude coming from the Minister.
“The Minister stated today that his government is not even looking for a new operator for the service. If we continue to wait for action from the provincial government, we will be in this same position in 2011,” said d’Entremont. “Thankfully we know the federal government is working toward a resolution.”
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For more information, please contact:
Sarah Reeves, Communications Officer
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Caucus
902.424.7723 (office)
902.499.9948 (mobile)
