Shifting regeneration subsidies - A route to saving money and restoring temperate forest

Forest Health and Biodiversity Newsletter
Volume 13, No. 1, Spring 2009

It is not possible to calculate revenues from forest operations as they depend on unknown future market demand for species and dimensions of material harvested. Growing wood profitably for delivery to processing industries has two main expense drivers: the cost of re-establishing ‘free-to grow' trees after harvest intervention and the cost of harvesting mature trees.

On New Brunswick Crown land, after conventional large block clear cut harvesting operations are carried out, silvicultural operations are required to assure the establishment of trees (by plantation) and/or to assure that excess natural regeneration does not result in stagnating over-dense stands (by pre-commercial thinning). The expense for this silviculture is borne by provincial taxpayers.

In the presettlement temperate mixed wood forests of eastern Canada (Acadian and Great Lakes- St. Lawrence), large scale catastrophic regeneration dynamics (fire, wind, insects, and disease) were not as important as those drivers of forest renewal are in the boreal forest. Renewal, in large portions of these temperate mixed wood forests, occurred in small scale gaps that were scattered across the landscape. New growth was initiated by advance regeneration or the establishment of germinating seeds from nearby exposure-prone species with varying degrees of shade tolerance.

Large canopy openings, on almost all ‘unrestrained' Crown land, became more predominant due to the low cost. The hot, dry postharvest regeneration microclimates following these harvests resulted in the replacement of exposure-prone temperate, long-lived temperate species such as red spruce, eastern hemlock, white cedar, sugar maple, and white ash by such exposure-resistant, short-lived boreal species such as balsam fir, jack pine, black spruce, eastern larch, white birch and trembling aspen.

A lack of adequate regeneration of late-successional temperate species and the domination of harvested areas by insect-prone boreal softwoods (especially balsam fir) and shade intolerant hardwood species, not highly valued by markets, led to the adoption of very expensive, taxpayer-funded plantation silviculture. Plantations deployed less insect prone boreal softwood species that produced the fibre quality desired by export markets. The maintenance and expansion of these exports depended on consumers whose affluence was driven by cheap and abundant fossil fuel supplies, while energy depletion is expected to dominate future market conditions.

The economic and population growth that has driven Canadian forest product export markets is not expected to continue. Accordingly, predictions on the type of forest products that will be in demand when trees beginning life now reach the age where they can be harvested are based on speculation.

As large block clear cut harvesting has continued, so too has the expensive taxpayer funded plantation silviculture that was instituted to deal with its biological results. The cost of mechanical site preparation, planting, and chemical control of hardwood competitors usually exceeds $1,000 per hectare. If this establishment/reforestation expense/investment is carried forward at 4% interest for a 60 year rotation, it would total $10,520.

Studies have shown that harvesting methods (patch and strip cutting with side selection) that approximate gap dynamics will produce good, inexpensive natural temperate species regeneration. This is because these exposure-prone species require the cooler, moister regeneration microclimates that characterize small canopy openings. A shift toward increased alternative harvesting that approximates gap dynamics would allow some remedial planting of nursery-grown temperate species in areas where they have been totally replaced by boreal species as a result of a history of large canopy opening harvests, site preparation, plantation, and herbicide application. Thus, a move away from relatively inexpensive large canopy opening harvests toward somewhat more costly gap approximating harvests would incrementally affect a gradual restoration of the temperate forest species assemblage. The boreal species assemblage, that increasingly dominates temperate forest sites, is expected to be considerably stressed if current climate warming continues into the future. Temperate forest species assemblages are expected to be able to adapt to these climate stresses more readily.

Increased costs as high as 6% or $2.50 per cubic metre for alternative harvesting were recently described in a report entitled "Management Alternatives for New Brunswick's Public Forest" (1). These costs are usually borne by the Crown lease holder. In the present funding climate, Crown forest lease holders would be reluctant to change their harvesting behaviour.

If taxpayer funding were slowly shifted from the large block clear cutting/ boreal species plantation silviculture that has become the method of choice, toward support for gap approximating harvest methods that mainly rely on natural regeneration, then increased costs per hectare would be expected to be about $350 if the average harvest is 140 cubic metres per hectare. If this establishment/reforestation expense/investment is carried forward at 4% interest for a 60 year rotation, it would total $3,682. The difference in the two forest renewal approaches is at least $6,838 per hectare. The shift in forest renewal funding (or decrease in royalties/stumpage) to support alternative harvesting would result in a more resilient, climate adaptive, and diverse forest that offers increased management and market flexibility. Pre-commercial thinning, needed to avoid stagnation caused by overstocking, is often necessary for both naturally regenerated stands and plantations. Commercial thinning that can produce an operating profit allows management to shift growth onto the type of trees that markets appear set to require at final harvest.

Wood from eastern temperate forest lands faces decreased future demand as conventional dimension lumber and pulp and paper, but increased demand from the bioeconomy as the ‘new petroleum' for its carbon-carbon bonds that will replace those formerly gleaned from fossil fuels. Concern with species and fibre attributes that have dominated markets in the recent past would be expected to be less important under such conditions. In the context of uncertain future forest fibre markets, there can be no assumption that demand for long fibre from boreal softwood species will continue to the rotation age of trees being planted now. While intensive plantations have the potential to produce superior volumes of wood, cost-benefit analysis for this increased production is not possible without knowledge of future market demand.

Changing the character of the forest, from one dominated by large clear cuts and plantations to one that approximates the natural distribution of small gap openings, may decrease pressure from public interest groups that wish to set aside increasing amounts of forest land in preserves, where no harvesting is allowed, in order to provide a representation of natural forest remnants on the landscape.

(1) ‘Management Alternatives for New Brunswick's Public Forest'
http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/Promos/Forest/pdf/ErdleReport-e.pdf

Peter Salonius
Natural Resources Canada - Canadian Forest Service
Canadian Wood Fibre Centre
Atlantic Forestry Centre

Act Now Or They Are Gone Forever

Ironically, under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, the Dept. Of Fisheries and Oceans have declared many lighthouses as surplus, as in, not needed.

Please see article below from DFO, along with the names of active lighthouses who are on the list.

They recommend that those interested in submitting a petition for a surplus lighthouse contact Andrew Anderson at (613) 990-8886 or andrew.anderson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca for further information prior to submitting a written commitment to acquire a “surplus” lighthouse.
---------
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has declared approximately 480 active lighthouses and approximately 490 inactive lighthouses across Canada surplus to its needs. Under the new Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, these properties can be transferred to new owners wishing to take advantage of their heritage designation or tourism potential.

The Act comes into force on May 29, 2010 as a means to protect federally-owned heritage lighthouses by allowing them to be used for other purposes, as long as they are maintained in a manner consistent with established conservation practices.

Individuals, municipalities or non-profit groups may apply to Parks Canada for heritage designation of any federally-owned lighthouse property. For the surplus lighthouses, a written commitment to acquire ownership and protect the lighthouse must be accepted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in order for it to be designated under the Act. Potential owners must submit a business plan that shows their proposed use of the property will be economically viable over the long term, and that they have the capacity to manage the property.

In some cases, lighthouses contain aids to navigation, which must remain operational. Parties wishing to purchase these properties would need to enter into an agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, permitting it access to the site for maintenance and operation of the aid to navigation.

Pursuant to the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has determined that the lighthouses on the lists below are surplus to the operational requirements of the Department. A surplus lighthouse may only be designated as a heritage lighthouse if a person or body submits a written commitment to acquire the lighthouse and protect its heritage character in the event that it is designated as a heritage lighthouse.

Amour Point
Bacalhao Island
Baccalieu Island Southwest Point
Bear Cove Point
Belle Isle South End Upper
Belle Isle North End
Boar Island
Brigus
Bull Head (Bay Bulls)
Burnt Point
Cabot Islands (Bonavista Bay)
Camp Islands
Cape Bauld
Cape Fox
Cape Pine
Cape Spear
Channel Head
Colombier Island
Double Island
Ferryland Head
Grand Bank Wharf
Green Point (Bay Roberts)
Gull Island (Cape St. John)
Hant's Harbour
Harbour Point
Heart's Content
Keppel Island
King's Cove Head
La Haye Point
Little Denier Island
Lobster Cove Head L(Bonne Bay)
Manuel Island
Marticot Island
Middle Head
Orderin Harbour Entrance
Peckford Island
Pointe Riche
Random Head Harbour
Rocky Point
South Head
St. Jacques Island
Surgeon Cove Point
West Point
Westport Cove
Woody Point

LaHave Christening

The province is officially welcoming the latest of its network of car ferries that stretches from Cape Breton to Digby Neck. The new LaHave ferry is being named in honour of Brady E. Himmelman who operated a ferry at this crossing for more than 30 years. Mr. Himmelman's involvement with the ferry is the continuation of a family tradition dating back to the early 1900's when the ferry was operated by Mr. Himmelman's father and uncle.

The $3.5-million ferry was built in Nova Scotia by A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. of Meteghan River, a charter member of Nova Scotia Come to life. The new ferry will be able to carry 14 full size passenger cars.

The LaHave Ferry christening will take place July 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. on Route 331 in LaHave, Lunenburg County.

CFIB Business Barometer

Business owners in Newfoundland and Labrador (70.7) continue to be among the most optimistic in the country, behind only British Columbia. Businesses in New Brunswick (67.7) and Prince Edward Island (68.5) also have higher-than-average performance expectations. Nova Scotia (62.4) is one of only three provinces with below-average performance expectations.

Optimism among Canadian small business owners dipped slightly in June. According to the latest business confidence survey findings from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the Business Barometer Index finished the month at 66.4, down about a point from May’s 67.3 level. This latest reading is at the lower end of the average over the last 10 months, and suggests that economic output is growing at a modest 2.5 per cent.

All of this is outlined in the attached Business Barometer for June 2010. The barometer reports on small business expectations and business confidence.

The following are some provincial findings of note:

• The index for Nova Scotia is 62.4, up slightly from 61.2 in May
• 39 per cent of businesses in NS say the overall state of business is good; 48 per cent say is it satisfactory
• 8 per cent of NS businesses plan to decrease employment levels over the next three to four months, compared to 14 per cent who plan to hire
• Tax and regulatory costs continue to be the most significant cost pressure in NS, with 74 per cent of business owners saying these costs are causing difficulties for their business.

A one-page provincial summary is attached, along with the national report.

Based on a scale between 0 and 100, an index level above 50 means owners expecting their business’ performance to be stronger in the next year outnumber those expecting weaker performance. According to past results, index levels normally range between 65 and 75 when the economy is growing. The index summarizes results from the last three months in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and from the last four months in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you have any questions or want further detail, please do not hesitate to contact the Nova Scotia office at (902) 420-1997.

Juanita Spencer
Business Counsellor/Policy Analyst
T: 902-420-1997 or 1-877-210-4527
F: 902-422-8270
msns@cfib.ca or
www.cfib.ca

CFIB - Powered by Entrepreneurs

Express Your Opinion on NS Coastal Policy
Tuesday July 13,
Riverport Community Centre
6:30 – 8:30

In response to requests from individuals and from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the NS Government has agreed to make a presentation and address questions related to The 2009 State of Nova Scotia's Coast Report. The presenter will be Justin Huston, Coastal Zone Advisor for NS Fisheries & Aquaculture. Justin cannot record audience comments, so attendees are urged to submit written copy by the revised deadline of Sunday, July 18.

The meeting is sponsored by the Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy. For further information,

e-mail kcc@kccns.org, or call Marion Homer at 766-4355.

Riverport is on hwy 332 between Lunenburg and Bridgewater. The Riverport Community Centre is located at 166 Lower LaHave Rd, a minute or so from the bridge.

To reach the Community Centre:

1.From outside the area, take Hwy 103 to exit 11 at Blockhouse, then Rte. 324 toward Lunenburg, then Rte. 332 to Riverport, but do not turn onto the bridge. Continue straight on the Lower LaHave Road to building # 166. Allow 30 minutes from Hwy 103.

1.From Bridgewater or Lunenburg, take Rte. 3 to Rte 332, turn toward Riverport. The Lower LaHave Road begins at the Riverport end of the bridge. Look for # 166. Allow 15 minutes beyond Rte. 3.

Renewable Energy Sources ~ Consultations

The Government of Nova Scotia recently released the Renewable Electricity Plan to support and encourage increased development of renewable energy resources for electricity generation. The plan establishes new incentives and tools for Nova Scotians to build renewable electricity projects.

The consultation process will provide an opportunity for all members of the public to provide written comments. In addition, key stakeholders will have an opportunity to meet with department officials to discuss the Renewable Electricity Plan and the new regulations under the Electricity Act.

The Department of Energy will be holding regional meetings throughout the province in June and July. These meetings will be hosted by the local Regional Development Authorities (RDA).

June 15 – Sydney, Port Hawkesbury
June 23 – Truro, Amherst, New Glasgow
June 24 – Liverpool, Bridgewater, Yarmouth
June 25 – Digby, Kentville
June 28 – Halifax
June 29 – Dartmouth
July 6 – Antigonish, Guysborough

For questions regarding this consultation, please contact 424-8802. For more information regarding the draft regulations and Renewable Electricity Plan including copies of the documents, please visit www.gov.ns.ca/energy or call 424-8802.

Port Hood, N.S. Firm Responds to Gulf Oil Spill

For the next little while, Shannon MacDonald will trade the shores of Cape Breton for those of Louisiana, leading a Shoreline Clean-up and Assessment Team (SCAT) on the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Her work will include conducting surveys to determine oiling conditions on various shoreline types and providing recommendations for clean up methods.

This isn’t the first time Shannon has been called to lend her expertise in oil spill management. Her company, Harbourview Environmental Consulting is based in Port Hood, but Shannon, a graduate of Dalhousie University (BSc, Hons) and Canadian Coast Guard College (Bachelor of Technology - Navigation), has travelled far and wide to ensure oil spills are properly managed and shoreline cleanup is assessed and completed.

Before heading to Louisiana, Shannon was working in Mississippi. She has also done work on a major spill in Alberta.

She explains, “When a spill happens, I usually lead a team to assess the shoreline, the geology and type of oil, and recommend how to clean it up. After the treatment, the team reviews the shoreline to ensure it’s clean enough.”

SCAT teams systematically survey and document the affected area to provide a rapid and accurate geographic picture of shoreline oiling conditions. The information is used to develop real-time decisions regarding shoreline treatment and cleanup operations.

This technique is a standard component of spill response in North America. The team is made up of scientists of various backgrounds depending on the situation and location of the spill, and who represent the various stakeholders.

Iles-de-la-Madeleine resident calls for moratorium on oil and gas development in Gulf
from Cape Breton Post
Published on June 2nd, 2010
Chris Hayes

SYDNEY — A concerned resident of Iles-de-la-Madeleine is calling for a moratorium on oil and gas development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which would include an area called the Old Harry Prospect that is being explored by Corridor Resources Inc.

Marilyn Clark, who says her concerns are shared by inshore fishermen on the islands, says any oil and gas developments should be refused until there has been a more thorough and independent review of environment concerns as well as a review by ministers of the environment of Canadian practices and regulations.

Like the Georges Bank off Nova Scotia where a moratorium on oil and gas development has been extended to 2015, the Gulf of St. Lawrence is a sensitive fishing area, she said.

Clark said there should also be more consultation with fishermen and other stakeholders in all of the provinces surrounding the Gulf.

An environmental assessment of the project should have been more global considering how currents move the water in the Gulf, she said.

Halifax-based Corridor Resources is proposing to conduct up to nine geohazard surveys from 2010 to 2020 including 2-D seismic, sonar and other assessments of the Old Harry Prospect, according to an environment assessment. The prospect, which is located in the northeastern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (95 kms northeast of Iles-de-la-Madeleine), includes areas that are under the jurisdiction of both the National Energy Board and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

The environmental assessment concluded that no significant adverse environmental effects would occur as a result of the project.

Corridor Resources president Norman Miller said the company is still at the application stage but wants to start the geohazard survey, which will look at sea floor conditions, in September or October.

“It has all the ingredients of a potential discovery,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “It’s a pretty exciting structure, it’s very large.

“We have some companies that are quite interested in operating a well there.”

He estimated there could be a well in place next year but more likely in 2012.

Miller responded to the call for a moratorium by saying there are always opponents to oil and gas developments,

“I think if we do it properly, and that’s the only way to do it these days, then you can do it without adverse environmental effects.”

Miller said the proposed development in the Old Harry prospect would be very different physically from the the Deepwater Horizon rig that has been spewing oil into the Gulf of Mexico for six weeks, and that Canada’s regulatory regime is much stricter.

Clarke hoped to raise her concerns when the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Coalition on Sustainability holds its annual general meeting in Cheticamp (June 11-12).

Executive director Chantal Gagnon said the coalition is a non-profit organization consisting of about 400 members, including community groups, First Nations, governments and others who share the goal of having a sustainable southern Gulf of St, Lawrence from Cape Breton west to the Gaspe.

Gagnon said the coalition hasn’t yet established a stand on oil and gas exploration in the Gulf but has forwarded Clark’s concerns to members, making it one of the topics that may also be raised at the annual general meeting.

Although the Old Harry Prospect is not itself within the southern Gulf, any oil and gas developments could affect the southern region, she said.

On Saturday, May 15th over 120 Royal LePage offices hosted record breaking garage sales in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, raising more than $300,000 to end violence against women and children in communities across Canada. In 2009, the National Garage Sale for Shelter raised $120,000.

The 2nd annual National Garage Sale for Shelter is a community event which brings local residents together with Royal LePage REALTORS® to collect gently used household items for sale, with all proceeds generated supporting local Canadian communities.

Every dollar raised by the National Garage Sale for Shelter supports local women’s shelters, as well as national and provincial programs to help stop the cycle of violence. All proceeds from the garage sales go directly to the cause because Royal LePage underwrites 100 per cent of the administration costs.

This year, with the generous support of our local communities, TD Canada Trust (National Presenting sponsor), Atlas Van Lines Canada (In-kind Moving and Transportation sponsor) and Advance Commission Company of Canada (Major Event sponsor), we more than doubled last year’s record and raised more money and awareness than ever!

"Helping You Is What We Do is not just a collection of words that sits beneath our logo. Royal LePage agents, brokers and staff care deeply about giving back to the community,” said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage.

The National Garage Sale for Shelter helps restore hope to more than 30,000 women and children across Canada. “Half of Canadian women will experience abuse in their lifetime and 360,000 children are exposed to domestic violence each year. Thanks to events like the National Garage Sale for Shelter, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is working hard to help create safer homes and safer communities,” said Sandra Diaz, executive director, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

Since 1999, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has donated more than $10 million to support women’s shelters, violence prevention and education programs across Canada.

Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charity, empowering sales representatives making a tangible difference on both local and national levels.

Oil Development in Gulf of St. Lawrence???

My name is Marilyn Clark, and I am from the Magdalen Islands. Given that we are neighbours and are strongly dependent on the fishing and tourism industry I thought you may be interested to know that Quebec and Newfoundland plan to drill for oil near your shores. The Old Harry prospect held by Corridor Resources in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is expected to contain up to 2 billion barrels of oil. (http://www.corridor.ca/oil-gas-exploration/gulf-of-saint-lawrence.html) Though not yet in the production stage, permits for extensive seismic tests have been issued to Corridor Resources by the Canada Newfoundland Petroleum Board. The environmental assessment process that demands that fishers be consulted through their associations is now in progress. However there are no open forums for coastal communities to be consulted. ( http://www.cnlopb.nl.ca/environment/corrgeo.shtml) See revised scoping document. Also see map of the Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore area: http://www.cnlopb.nl.ca/land_maps.shtml

In response to these developments in combination with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, we the fishers on the Magdalene Islands are mobilizing to ask for a review of Canada’s environmental norms with regards to the oil and gas industry before anybody proceeds to drilling in the gulf. The Gulf of St. Lawrence is the lifeline of most of the Maritimes. It is smaller and more enclosed than the Gulf of Mexico so we the residents of its coastal communities are more vulnerable to an oil spill. We are unprepared to clean up a spill as we do not have the necessary equipment or technology to recover escaping oil and gas. Also, in the event of a spill there is not enough money to compensate the industries which rely on the sustainability of their environment. In an article published in the Montreal Gazette it was highlighted that oil companies were only liable for 30 million dollars. That however, barely covers the landings of 325 lobster fishermen on our small island.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Large+spill+Canada+
would+need+public+money/3022422/story.html

I will be travelling around the Maritimes delivering information sessions to all those interested in hearing about the Gulf oil & gas development projects. In this particular trip I hope to gain the support of the fishing industry around the Gulf.

So who am I and why am I doing this:

I am a student at Memorial University studying user conflicts between the fishery and the oil and gas industry. I am also a fishermen’s daughter. I have been employed in the fishery and despite the discouraging quota cuts and low prices; I feel that we have a precious renewable resource that directly injects money into local economies. Fishing and tourism keeps gulf communities alive and we must come together to protect them. If you are interested in scheduling a meeting for the second week of June email me at: Marilyn_Clark18@hotmail.com.

Marilyn Clark (Old Harry, Magdalene Islands, Q.C.)

Program to help students create their own job

Students are doing great things in Nova Scotia! Since 2004, hundreds of students have taken advantage of the Students in Business (SIB) program to start and run their own businesses. Students receive encouragement to learn more about entrepreneurship while developing important leadership, management, and life skills. Students in Business offers training, support, mentoring, and a financial rebate in addition to the interest-free loans.

The SIB program is a non-profit, government-sponsored program available to Nova Scotia full-time students who are between the ages of 15 and 34. The program encourages and supports students in the creation and operation of their own businesses. A maximum of $5,000 in loan assistance is available per business. The loans are interest-free with flexible repayment terms. The program also provides business skills training, counseling and mentoring. Students who participate fully in training and mentoring opportunities and repay their loan in full could qualify for performance and participation rebate in the amount of 25 percent of what is borrowed.

Many students across Nova Scotia have been taking advantage of this program. SIB has recently passed the 2-million-dollar mark for loans granted. Additionally, the organization has retrieved 96 percent of these funds and the success stories of their student clients accumulate monthly due to the safe supported learning environment provided to them. They are very excited about their program as it is designed to reduce the barriers that often discourage would-be leaders and entrepreneurs from reaching their potential.

The SIB Program is facilitated by the 13 Community Business Development Corporations throughout Nova Scotia and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Education Development in the Halifax metro area. The program is supported by Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Nova Scotia Rural and Economic Development.

“I’m very fortunate to meet many talented and outstanding youth in our communities across the island. I work with schools, community groups and parents to help our students learn more about entrepreneurship by actually experiencing entrepreneurship. There is a great deal of interest among Cape Breton’s youth when it comes to entrepreneurship, and the SIB program is a great way for them to gain valuable lifelong skills,” stated Bailey MacIntosh, Students in Business outreach facilitator for Cape Breton.

Program applications and other information are available at www.studentsinbusiness.ca

Students wishing to take advantage of the SIB program should contact: Bailey MacIntosh, Outreach Facilitator, Cape Breton, CBDC’s Students in Business, phone: (902) 539-4332; cell: (902) 563-6522; fax: (902) 562-1016; Email: bailey.macintosh@cbdc.ca.

Nova Scotia Going Coastal

As Co-Chair of the Skoda Heritage Society of Kingsport, Kings County, NS, I have on two occasions addressed the Kings County Municipal Council, in an attempt to save the last of our Public Right of Ways to the coast, in the Hamlet of Kingsport, from becoming private property, and as such, a barrier to the general public, preventing them from accessing the Beach/Shore, on the Minas Basin, a part of the Bay of Fundy.

We, in Kingsport used to have an “operational” wharf, where commercial fishers and locals could launch and tie up their boats and off-load their catch. Alas, those days are long gone. In its place we have a private Marina, that is in fact, only a boat ramp/slip, operated and controlled by the Kingsport Community Association (KCA). Local commercial fishers are no longer able to launch and recover their boats at this Marina, due to what I feel is an arbitrary weight restriction imposed by the KCA. Because this boat launch site is of gravel and rock there is no longer a wharf to tie up to. This Marina is now strictly for launching and recovering recreational/pleasure boaters.

The hell with the people making a living on the water.

There were two other roads leading to the shore in Kingsport. However one road has eroded to the point that it is now on private property and the other has a private dwelling situated on it.

If one drives along our coast with a GPS, you can see all the “Phantom” roads leading to the shore. They show up as roads on the GPS, but they are no longer visible to the eye. Some have disappeared under the farmer’s plow, or are overgrown with foliage. Some have been fenced in and as in Kingsport; one has been paved as a Private Driveway.

We need our Municipal governments in this province to take a greater interest and control of all costal development and especially the attempts at the private ownership, of what was once public.

Not only should our Governments save our accesses to the coast, but they should also identify any and all such Right of Ways. What better way to honour and remember our past history and connection to the sea, than by signage pointing out that history. What better way to promote Tourism. If we are so proud of our connection to the SEA, than here is a chance to shout if out loud and clear, for everyone to SEE.

It is only by making these Right of Ways public knowledge that we can prevent the silent, sealing off of our coast line by the few, for the enjoyment of the few, rather than for the enjoyment of all.

I will sign off with the same salutation, I made to the Kings County Municipal Council, on two separate occasions:

In that traditional song,
Farewell To Nova Scotia - You Sea-bound Coast

It will soon mean:
Farewell to the Nova Scotia Shore,
You Private Property-Bound Coast.”

I thank you

Richard Harvie
C0-Chair - The Skoda Heritage Society
Kingsport, Nova Scotia

Underwater kites

Here's a new type of tidal power turbine that is said to be fish friendly in its design, an auger-type of engineering. It is also quite adaptable to smaller communities and rivers. One has to wonder why these types of devices are not being tested in the Bay of Fundy?. Not industrial-sized enough? This unit has lots of potential to help with Nova Scotia's renewable energy objectives without destroying fish, salt marshes nor the beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy:

http://www.popsci.com.au/2010/05/video-sea-kites-could-harness-tidal-energy-for-future-power-plants/

Lobster pot left to rot? That's one man's idea
For fishermen like Jarod Bray, economic uncertainty gives rise to creative alternatives.

By Beth Quimby bquimby@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

Jarod Bray is asking people to pay him not to catch lobsters.

For $1,350 a year, Bray will send the customer the identification tag -- required by law -- off one of his 800 lobster traps with a pledge not to fish it. He said he reduces his carbon footprint by using less fuel, and his gear poses less risk to the endangered right whale. Farmers get paid not to grow certain crops, so why not pay lobstermen not to catch lobsters, Bray asks.

Bray, who fishes with his father, Joe, off Matinicus Island, launched his "No Impact Trap" business and website, www.ecolobstercatch.com, last fall. Although he has yet to find any takers, he said people have told him he is onto something.

"Everyone is trying to be green and eco-friendly," said Bray.

Known for creative marketing ploys, Maine's 4,330 lobster fishermen are casting about for new ways to broaden demand for the venerable crustacean. Adopt-a-trap programs, peddling right off the boat or at farmers markets and selling shares of the catch are among the recent innovations.

Lobstermen say they are just trying to cope with the uncertainty over what 2010 holds, following several years marked by soaring fuel costs, rock bottom lobster prices and, last summer, enough competition to trigger lobster wars.

"Every other week there is something challenging," said Dane Somers, executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council.

The lobster promotion council is pushing the "new-shell lobster," also known as soft-shell lobster, as the tastier alternative to hard-shell specimens, which fetch higher prices because they are easier to ship.

"Some people are convinced it is sweeter and more tender and if you talk to chefs they love to get their hands on a nice new- shell lobster," said Somers.

Lobstermen say the only thing that saved them from total disaster last year was a record catch. In 2009, Maine lobstermen hauled in 75.5 million pounds. But the lobster was worth a lot less -- $221 million, compared with the $244 million value of the 69.8 million pounds caught in 2008. Fishermen received $2.93 per pound last year, compared with $3.50 a pound in 2008 and the peak price of $4.63 a pound in 2005.

This year, lobstermen are worried not only about the troubled economy and whether Americans have regained their appetite for the luxury shellfish, but also about the price of bait. Federal regulators have imposed a quota on herring, a favored baitfish.

Although the lobster population has been deemed relatively healthy, there is growing scientific concern over the high level of lobstering, said David Etnier, deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

"There is a lot of gear in the water and a lot of fishermen that could pose a long-term threat," said Etnier.

Such talk sends shivers through an industry that prides itself on its self-imposed sustainable fishing practices. In recent years, regulators have stepped in to require costly replacements of fishing gear and to restrict the entry of new lobstermen into the fishery.

Stuart Norton, owner of Three Sons Lobster and Fish in Portland, said although business has picked up around the holidays -- he was busy with Mother's Day orders on Friday -- the days of people from out of state ordering a shipment on a whim show no signs of coming back.

Norton predicts the glut of lobsters will continue this summer, bad for the harvesters but great for consumers, with prices even better than last summer, when some retail markets were selling small soft shells for as little as $3.50 a pound.

"It is not going to be the luxury food it once was," Norton said.

Others are more optimistic. Somers said he has seen some encouraging signs. He said people who attended the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels last month and the International Seafood Show in Boston in March said they felt customers are coming back and the worst is behind them.

"Not that things are going to be wonderful," said Somers.

Long-time Yarmouth lobsterman Willis Spear said he is feeling more certain about the cost of bait, after his suppliers assured him they would have plenty on hand through August at least. He said all he can do is hope for the best.

"We are always cautiously optimistic or we would never go out," said Spear.

Organic Apple Pies in Nova Scotia

Oak Haven Organic Farm and Inglis Orchardview Farm are pleased to announce a new co-operative venture, THE TUPPERVILLE FRUIT COMPANY CO-OPERATIVE.

Jim Inglis of Inglis Orchardview has owned the old Tupperville Fruit Company building for over 15 years. Both his father and grandfather were involved in the original Tupperville Fruit Co. business. With the support and encouragement of Speerville Flour Mill, the new venture aims to produce high quality local processed foods.

Our first offering is an all organic apple pie with whole wheat pastry flour. The pies are currently available in local health food stores and will be present at a number of the farmers markets. We would like to thank Apple Valley Foods for the professional assistance in getting this product ready for the marketplace.

The Tandem Tour for Charity
Media Advisory

Pictou County, April 27, 2010 … The Friends of Redtail Society has been named one of four beneficiaries for the upcoming “Tandem Tour”, a cross-Canada bicycle ride for charity.

The Tandem Tour is four friends, riding for four causes on a bicycle built for four. Ben Miller, Brent Seamone, Jeff Belanger and Ian Beavis will depart from Victoria, BC on May 5th and will wrap up their trek, arriving in Halifax in July. More details on the tour, the chosen charities and young men who are embarking on this remarkable endeavour are available at the following links…

www.friendsofredtail.ca
www.thetandemtour.com

The Tandem Tour is on Facebook, Twitter and Blogspot

Contact us if you would like to arrange an interview with Ben Miller, who is riding for Friends of Redtail Society’s Sheltering Forests campaign.

-- Michelle Ferris
Friends of Redtail Society
(902) 485-4561
www.friendsofredtail.ca

Press Release April 22, 2010
Founding Meeting of the Nova Scotia Food Policy Council

Nova Scotians from all walks of life and all sectors of the food system held a Founding Meeting of the Nova Scotia Food Policy Council, on April 19th at the Holiday Inn in Truro. These dedicated individuals, many of whom participated in a major Food Summit in last fall and an inclusive Food Policy Council organizing meeting in January, elected an Interim Board with Chair, Ralph Martin and Vice-Chair, Av Singh. The Board will meet within two weeks to decide on the Executive, Mission, Principles and Goals.

This meeting brought together many people from across the Province who share the goal of a secure, sustainable, and just food system that will benefit all Nova Scotians, now and in the future. The Council will help facilitate the work of the many organizations and individuals already working to bring this about. New links will be forged between all participants in our food systems in order to increase the effectiveness of everyone’s efforts.

The Council will be a means for gaining information about issues and challenges, seeking out and helping to implement solutions, and raising public awareness of the environmental, health, economic, social and many other benefits of supporting a sustainable food supply for all Nova Scotians. The challenges are huge, but already more than 100 people from all sectors are participating. This pioneer group welcomes other like-minded citizens to bring their wisdom and knowledge to the upcoming deliberations.

Ralph Martin, Interim Chair

For more information please contact Linda Best:
lbest@ns.sympatico.ca

Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award Winners Announced

Halifax, NS - Three communities were announced today as the recipients of the 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Awards.

The communities of Town of Canso & Eastern Guysborough County; Portland Estates & Hills, in Dartmouth; and Sable River were selected from 13 nominations, all of which showed a high degree of community collaboration and strength.

"We were delighted to receive many worthy nominations again this year, but it certainly made the selection process very challenging," says Catherine Woodman, chair of the Selection Committee, who is also President and CEO United Way Halifax Region, host of the award program. "All the community stories are compelling and it is clear there are many vibrant and dynamic communities across our province.”

The award, launched in 2007 by Mayann E. Francis, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, recognizes up to four communities annually that demonstrate engaged and active citizens across many aspects of community life.

“I greatly look forward to presenting each community with its award over the coming months. The winning entries for 2010 continue to exemplify the meaning of community spirit in our province, following the examples set by the 2008 and 2009 winners,” said Lt-Gov. Francis. “The enthusiasm and sense of community that the winners have demonstrated is something all Nova Scotians can take pride in.”

The Lieutenant Governor will present the awards at separate celebrations to be held later this year in the winning communities. The Selection Committee invited communities not chosen this year to resubmit for the 2011 awards, providing them with feedback on their 2010 submissions.

This program is supported by corporate sponsor Nova Scotia Power Inc. and media sponsor Transcontinental Media Inc.

We would like to congratulate Jeremy Flynn, owner of Flynnweb and full time student at St. Francis Xavier University.

Before launching his business, Jeremy had thousands of hours in web design and had developed considerable talent and experience. That coupled with a Students In Business loan enabled him to launch his business Flynnweb in May 2008.

The success that followed has landed Jeremy the Provincial and Atlantic titles as ACE’s 2010 Student Entrepreneur Regional Champion. ACE, which stands for Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship, is a national, charitable organization that provide university and college students access to real world experience, through the implementation of outreach projects and business ventures that complement in-class studies.

Jeremy is now on his way to the National Competition in Calgary on May 12th. The National Champion will receive a $10,000 cash prize and represent Canada at the international level of competition, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards.

http://www.acecanada.ca/news/newsItem.cfm?cms_news_id=384

For more on the Students in Business program, you can contact a CBDC or CEED office nearest you or visit their website at: www.studentsinbusiness.ca

Halifax, NS - Three communities were announced today as the recipients of the 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Awards.

The communities of Town of Canso & Eastern Guysborough County; Portland Estates & Hills, in Dartmouth; and Sable River were selected from 13 nominations, all of which showed a high degree of community collaboration and strength.

"We were delighted to receive many worthy nominations again this year, but it certainly made the selection process very challenging," says Catherine Woodman, chair of the Selection Committee, who is also President and CEO United Way Halifax Region, host of the award program. "All the community stories are compelling and it is clear there are many vibrant and dynamic communities across our province.”

The award, launched in 2007 by Mayann E. Francis, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, recognizes up to four communities annually that demonstrate engaged and active citizens across many aspects of community life.

“I greatly look forward to presenting each community with its award over the coming months. The winning entries for 2010 continue to exemplify the meaning of community spirit in our province, following the examples set by the 2008 and 2009 winners,” said Lt-Gov. Francis. “The enthusiasm and sense of community that the winners have demonstrated is something all Nova Scotians can take pride in.”

The Lieutenant Governor will present the awards at separate celebrations to be held later this year in the winning communities. The Selection Committee invited communities not chosen this year to resubmit for the 2011 awards, providing them with feedback on their 2010 submissions.

This program is supported by corporate sponsor Nova Scotia Power Inc. and media sponsor Transcontinental Media Inc.

Celebrating Communities Conference and Awards

http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/celebratingcommunities/e/default.asp

Sewage and Sludge on Farmers Fields

Members of our group and hundreds of other citizens are concerned about environmental pollutants entering our food chain from the use of biosolids on agricultural soils in Nova Scotia, but are also worried about these same contaminants making their ways into our waterways and ground water sources.

As you are no doubt aware, run off from farm fields that have been spread with biosolids (and indeed, other fertilizers) are an issue in many areas and maybe contributing negatively on fish habitat and other wildlife species. The problem with biosolids is that this fertilizer product has the potential to contain hundreds or thousands of chemical substances, heavy metals, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and so on.

Minister Belliveau is standing by the statement made by Dr. David Burton, a professor of Environmental Studies at NSAC, saying that, " Spreading biosolids on land is perfectly safe and the treatment process stabilizes any chemicals rendering them harmless." Yet, a recent and independantly-commissioned Federal study on biosolids contaminants claimed that, "there is a notable lack of sound science concerning emerging contaminants detected in treated sewage sludge.......and a complete lack of efficiency data by different biosolids treatment processes for most contaminants."

Please write a letter of support for our concerns regarding biosolids to the Ministers of the Environment and Agriculture . Their contact addresses and e-mail addresses are written below. Please copy me your letter and forward any responses. We need lots of momentum now if we are going to be successful in turning this discussion to a more positive one such as looking at alternative strategies for biosolids and extracting useful, clean energy from them without polluting the environment. We would certainly appreciate any help that you can give in forwarding this cause. We can win this!

Kindest Regards,
Marilyn Cameron
Chair, Biosolids & Waste Water Caucus
Nova Scotia Environmental Network
(tel) 542-5330
www.nsen.ca (click on "Working Groups/Caucuses" and select "Biosolids" - for lots more information!)

Minister of Environment
Sterling Belliveau
P.O. Box 442
Halifax, N.S. B3J P8
e-mail: min_env@ov.ns.ca

Minister of Agriculture
John MacDonnell
P. O. Box 2223
Halifax, N. S. B3J 3C4
e-mail: MIN_DAG@gov.ns.ca

The Founding Meeting of the Nova Scotia Food Policy Council
Holiday Inn, Truro, April 19, 2010, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

The Founding Meeting of the Nova Scotia Food Policy Council will take place on April 19th between the hours of 10:30 am and 3:30 pm at the Holiday Inn in Truro. Nominees will be voting but the meeting is open to everyone, and those who wish to enjoy the local lunch prepared by the Holiday Inn are asked to reply to Linda Best.

This meeting will bring together those who share the goal of a secure, sustainable, and just food system that will benefit all Nova Scotians now and in the future. The Council will help facilitate the work of the many agencies, organizations and individuals already working to bring this about. At the Nova Scotia Food Summit in October it became clear that new links must be forged between all participants in our food systems in order to increase the effectiveness of everyone’s efforts. The Summit recognized the importance of working with the Provincial Government in these endeavours.

[ The Council will be a means for gaining information about issues and challenges, seeking out and helping to implement solutions, and raising public awareness of the health, economic, social and many other benefits of supporting a sustainable food supply for all Nova Scotians. The challenges are huge, but already more than 100 people from all sectors are participating, and they bring reassuring wisdom and knowledge to our deliberations.

All Nova Scotians are invited to attend the Founding Meeting and to join the Council. Food matters to everyone. For more information please contact Linda Best: Phone 902-542-3442 or 670-3660, email lbest@ns.sympatico.ca

Hop on the bus! Just $10 for the return trip. There are quite a few people who are interested in taking a bus rather than driving to Truro. If you're travelling from Yarmouth, the Valley, Halifax-Dartmouth area or the South Shore we'd love to have you join us. In addition to the listed stops we'll make other stops (Avonport) to accomodate you if possible - let me know what would work for you.

Depart Perry Rand Transportation @ 7.00 AM
Depart New Minas Zeller’s @ 7.15 AM
Depart Windsor Super Store @ 8.00 AM
Depart Canadian Tire Parking lot- Bedford Crossing @ 8.45 AM
Arrive Truro @ 9.50- 10.00 A M
Return stops in reverse ending at Rerry Rand Transportation by 6:30 PM

Obama Protects Georges Bank

Fishermen and environmental groups breathed a sigh of relief this week when Georges Bank was spared from the Obama administration's plan to radically expand offshore oil drilling.

The plan will protect the US portion of Georges Bank from drilling for at least the next five years. According to the Energy Information Administration, 730 million barrels of oil could lie beneath the bank. Before Congress enacted an offshore drilling ban in 1982, several exploratory wells were drilled in Georges Bank — all came up dry.

Georges Bank, an oval-shaped underwater shelf located about 75 miles east of Cape Cod, has been one of the most productive fisheries in the world. It is home to abundant populations of cod, halibut, and herring, with its circular currents serving as a prime hatching ground. It has sustained numerous coastal fishing communities for centuries, from Gloucester, Mass. to Nova Scotia.

Canada’s moratorium on drilling on George’s Bank runs out in June of this year. Canada’s portion is 1/6 of the total Bank. Fishermen and environmentalist are hoping Canada will extend it. It is an area that supports endangered species such as the right whale and leatherback turtle.

Students and Environmental Organization join forces to put on community concert.

Pictou County, Thursday, April 1, 2010 .... On April 9th the Friends of Redtail Society (FRS) and the Northumberland Regional High School Environmental Club will co-sponsor a community fundraiser to contribute to a local environmental cause. The event “Songs for the Forest” will feature folk and jazz musical entertainment in a coffee house style atmosphere. As well, numerous pieces of fine art will be sold by auction during the evening. All proceeds will go the Society’s Sheltering Forests campaign which is aimed at preserving through purchase 313 acres of Acadian forest in western Pictou County.

“This is the kind of event that really draws community together,” says FRS event organizer Nancy Hanlon. “It is great to work with the youth and to draw on their enthusiasm and it is great to see how many people care about the forest.” Hanlon adds that the entertainers and the artists have all donated their talents for the cause.

“People need to see that we can make a difference,” says Environmental Club co-chair Alissa Ali.. “Environmental degradation effects us all but the future of our generation will be very dim if we don’t stop exploiting the Earth” The club has already conducted an in school fundraiser for the Society and hopes to continue to build support for its efforts to preserve forest land and demonstrate a new land use ethic.

The event will be held at Northumberland Regional High School. Doors open at 7:00. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and can be purchased in advance at the White Lotus in New Glasgow, Carvers Coffee House in Pictou, though the Environmental Club or at the door. Refreshments are included in the ticket price.

Friends of Redtail Society
(902) 485-4561
www.friendsofredtail.ca

The Friends of Redtail Society is a grass-roots, non-profit organization formed in 2006 to pursue a community-based solution to the destructive, unsustainable practice of industrial clear-cutting. We wish to demonstrate a more respectful land ethic, which begins to redress decades of extractive land use that has degraded forests and rural communities. We have until December 2010 to raise $250,000 to purchase 313 acres of forestland slated for clear-cut near Scotsburn, Pictou County.

Hard plastics decompose in oceans, releasing endocrine disruptor BPA

(March 24, 2010) -- Scientists have reported widespread global contamination of sea sand and sea water with the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) and said that the BPA probably originated from a surprising source: Hard plastic trash discarded in the oceans and the epoxy plastic paint used to seal the hulls of ships. ...

When epoxy resin breaks down, it releases BPA, a typical endocrine disruptor," Saido explained. "This new finding clearly demonstrates the instability of epoxy, and shows that BPA emissions from epoxy do reach the ocean. Recent studies have shown that molluscs, crustaceans and amphibians could be affected by BPA, even in low concentrations."

full story

Bruce Aitken to Receive Music Nova Scotia Award of Excellence
Cape Breton International Drum Festival Founder to accept award at this year's CBIDF in Sydney

During the tenth year of the Cape Breton International Drum Festival, founder Bruce Aitken will receive the Music Nova Scotia Award of Excellence.

Aitken is the first recipient of the Music Nova Scotia Award of Excellence, an honour aimed at recognizing members who have contributed generously and in extraordinary fashion to Nova Scotia's music industry.

Aitken was born in New Zealand, where he honed his love of drumming. Since 1998, he has made his home in Cape Breton, running a world-class drum festival. It has attracted incredible names like Alan White (John Lennon, George Harrison and Yes), Michael Shrieve (Santana, The Rolling Stones) and Todd Sucherman (Styx).

"Music is my life and I breathe it," says Aitken. He says highlights in his career include working with Uriel Jones (Motown Funk Brothers), touring Afghanistan military bases and being the first Canadian to play at the Australian Ultimate Drummers Weekend.

Aitken also toured with John Campbelljohn, the Irish Rovers and Fred Eaglesmith. In 2008, he was inducted into the Southland Musicians Club Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Aitken focuses much of his attention on youth, working as a drum teacher and attracting many students and even children to the festival each year. He offers the motto, "Education through performance."

The 2010 Cape Breton International Drum Festival takes place at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, May 22 and May 23. Top performers this year include Virgil Donati (Steve Vai), Denny Seiwell (Paul McCartney and Wings) and Bill Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra).

Back To Balance:

The provincial government has invited citizens to give advice to help Nova Scotia get back into financial balance. The province is faced with the serious economic challenges of increasing budgetary deficits and mounting debt.

However, it must also deal with other difficult social and environmental problems, including rising energy costs, unemployment, climate change and poverty. If we do not address these challenges simultaneously, our province will never truly prosper.

In the consultations, Back to Balance, one of the four questions that the government has asked is: What investments should be made today that will help grow the economy in the long term?

We believe a green-collar job strategy is a critical investment to stimulate the economy, reduce poverty and protect the environment.

A green-collar job has been defined as blue-collar employment that has been upgraded to better respect the environment. These jobs are also career-track and family-supporting. Examples of such jobs include electricians who install solar panels, farmers involved in organic agriculture, foresters in quality-improvement silviculture, service providers in sustainable tourism, and construction workers who build energy-efficient buildings and mass transportation systems.

Last year, Blue Green Canada was established by an alliance of two national labour and environmental organizations: the United Steelworkers and Environmental Defence. They are jointly advocating for the creation of a green manufacturing strategy that addresses climate change and reduces toxic chemicals in commercial activity across the country ( www.bluegreencanada.ca).

In December, the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Labour Congress released a report, Green Decent and Public, that examined green job potential in Canada. The report focused on the important role of governments and the public sector and found that with targeted investments, thousands of decent jobs can be created in energy efficiency and renewable energy. It also emphasizes the distinct advantages of public and community ownership of needed renewable energy expansion.

The report cites the impressive Home Retrofit program by the German Alliance for Work and the Environment. Since 2001, 11 billion euros of public investment led to 342,000 homes renovated, 140,000 jobs created or saved, and two million tonnes per year of greenhouse gas emissions reduced in Germany.

In the United States, almost 1,500 mayors have signed on to the Green Jobs Pledge to create a thriving green-collar workforce. Van Jones, the author of the book The Green Collar Economy and founder of Green For All in the U.S., has documented many successful examples of poor communities being positively transformed by going green ( www.greenforall.org).

The government of Ontario has taken up the green-collar challenge with the recent passing of the Green Energy Act. The act has given Ontario the potential to create and sustain 90,000 good-paying jobs over the next 10 years, according to the study entitled Building the Green Economy: Employment Effects of Green Energy Investments for Ontario.

Nova Scotia can be a leader in the clean-energy economy with a green-collar job strategy. The strategy would harness the full potential and power of the provincial Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act and the climate-change strategy.

A Nova Scotia green-collar job strategy would require an integrated government approach that collaborates with our academic, labour, private and non-profit sectors. It should also draw on the environmental and energy efficiency expertise of community groups like Clean Nova Scotia, the Ecology Action Centre, Solar Nova Scotia, and Clean Annapolis River Project among others. As well, the strategy should support home-grown businesses like Thermal Dynamics and link with initiatives like the Nova Scotia Business Alliance for Local Living Economies.

A green-collar job strategy for Nova Scotia would get the province on a new path of economic, social and environmental prosperity and bring us into real balance.

Tamara Lorincz is executive director, Nova Scotia Environmental Network. Andrea Harden-Donahue is energy campaigner, Council of Canadians

Survey on Chemical Exposures and Women's Health

The National Network on Environments and Women's Health, in collaboration with the Canadian Women's Health Network, is conducting a survey on people's daily exposures to chemicals. They are trying to gather information from as broad a range of people in Canada as possible, with a particular interest in responses from women. The survey will be online until March 24th. Please fill it in and encourage others to do so as well (it only takes a few minutes). The results from the survey, which will be submitted to Health Canada, will be published on later this spring. Please complete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PBGRWGC.

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS ON YOUTUBE

The Lunenburg Queens Volunteer Partnership (LQVP) is using social media to increase awareness about volunteerism and community leadership with young people in the two counties.

The LQVP will produce a 10 minute promotional video featuring local youth leaders and volunteers talking about their experiences. The video will be featured on their website, Facebook and YouTube. The youth will assist in the filming and a local filmmaker will produce the video with guidance from the LQVP.

“We needed to move away from our traditional approach. We wanted to really connect with young people in our community and we felt we could best do that by using social media” according to Anne Fownes, Volunteer Navigator with LQVP.

LQVP is frequently asked to give school presentations and participate in a wide variety of youth events. The videos will provide a great resource to leave with groups but can be accessed by a much larger group of young people using the popular social media sites.

Fownes explains why they are using video. “While verbal presentations and printed handouts are the traditional tools of promotion, they lack the innovation and excitement essential in capturing the attention of many of today’s youth.”

The ultimate goal is to generate interest in becoming involved in the local community and volunteering. “Volunteering is a lot of fun and we hope viewers will see this,” Fownes remarks.

“This project really reflects the goals and objectives of our community foundation. It is about exciting activities that enrich the lives of local people,” states Pam Harrison, Chair of the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia. Harrison adds, “It is a wise investment – in our future. That’s what we are about – people investing in rural Nova Scotia.” The Foundation provided $2,550 to assist in the production of the video.

Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia
Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCF) builds on the strengths and assets of Nova Scotia’s rural communities by encouraging philanthropic giving. A permanent endowment fund provides funds for projects designed to address the needs of rural Nova Scotia. RCF is dedicated to creating a dynamic, healthy and prosperous future for Nova Scotia’s rural communities. The Rural Leadership Initiative provided $25,550 to six community projects in the last two years.

For more information on the Rural Communities Foundation, contact:
Pam Harrison, Chair
Box 42, River Hebert, NS B0L 1G0
902 251 2549 office 902 664 2561 cell phone 902 251 2496 fax
pamharrison@ns.sympatico.ca

For more information on Lunenburg Queens Volunteer Partnership, contact:
Anne Fownes, Volunteer Navigator
ACSBE Resource Centre, Suite 108, 215 Dominion St., Bridgewater, N.S. B4V 2K7
(902) 543-3422 office (902) 277-1587 cell
lqvolunteerpartnership@gmail.com

Atlantic lobster industry gets $2.2M to innovate
Last Updated: Thursday, February 18, 2010 | 5:04 PM AT

CBC News

The Atlantic lobster industry will get almost $2.2 million to develop new processing technology and lobster products, federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea announced Thursday in Charlottetown.

The money is part of an effort to find long-term solutions to industry problems, Shea said on behalf of National Revenue Minister Ashfield, who is also responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Atlantic Gateway.

"This is all in an effort to improve the bottom line to all the stakeholders in the industry — right from the harvesters, to the buyers, to the seafood processors," she said.

"We all know that we have to get the price for lobster up and so by trying to open new markets … invest in new technology, which will allow processors to be more viable. Right down to the harvesters, the buyers and the processors, we have to improve their bottom line."

Lobster prices in the region dipped to below $3 a pound last season, a 20-year low.

Shea already announced $417,000 for Atlantic Canada's lobster industry to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy.

The latest money will go to the PEI Seafood Processors Association to invest in projects to.

Develop four to six new lobster products over the next year. Come up with new processing techniques and equipment to help lower production costs and increase labour productivity. The Food Technology Centre and Holland College will help carry out the work.

The federal government is contributing $1.6 million, while the P.E.I. government will provide $500,000. The PEI Atlantic Shrimp Corporation is contributing $95,000.

The lobster industry employs about 50,000 people in Atlantic Canada.

Click here to read more...

EA Decision Inadequate

Avondale – Though it may appear as if the provincial government is attempting to do the right thing by imposing conditions on a proposed new mine in Hants County, it is unlikely these conditions will be met without adequate oversight, says Raymond Parker, President of the Avon Peninsula Watershed Preservation Society.

“For over 50 years, the gypsum company has been doing as it pleased, which is why the community is opposed to this project and for the past four years has documented multiple failures of the company to address its concerns, ” said Parker.

“By and large, the scientific community is also against it, and even their concerns are falling on the deaf ears of politicians.”

The main condition of the EA approval is to restrict the footprint to the twenty year mine extent as proposed by the company, CGC Inc, a subsidiary of Chicago-based United States Gypsum.

“We know this area includes rare and endangered species, fish and bat habitat and significant watercourses critical to the continued flow of Shaw Brook, the integrity of the watershed and the continued operation of Shaw Brook Dairy Farm.”

“And we know this could be the slippery slope leading to continued destruction of our community and watershed.”

For more information, contact:
Raymond Parker
Phone: 902 792 0272
Email: apwps@xplornet.com
www.apwps.ca

Design firm selected for Pictou County Sport, Recreation & Wellness Centre

Pictou County, NS (January 21, 2010) – The Pictou County Shared Services Authority (PSSA) has announced the selection of Nova Scotia-based DSRA Envision Architects (DSRA) for the design services of the Pictou County Sport, Recreation & Wellness Centre.

“The selection of DSRA Envision Architects for the building design marks the next step in advancing the project and reaching our community’s goal of creating a sport, recreation and wellness centre that will improve people’s lives for generations to come,” said Ron Baillie, Warden, Pictou County.

The state-of-the-art Sport, Recreation & Wellness Centre will create a focal point for Pictou County that provides a variety of amenities appealing to a broad range of ages, interests and abilities. The consultant’s are reviewing concepts including ice surface, aquatic centre, walking track, gymnasium, child care facility, and multipurpose space and community meeting room. Current environmental and energy efficient principles will be included in the design to maximize energy savings and create a healthy environment for visitors.

The building design was awarded to DSRA based on their proposed fee, design timeline, previous design experience and experience of the team.

DSRA has more than 60 years of experience in the design of similar facilities including but not limited to the Canada Games Centre (Halifax), Sackville Sport Stadium (Halifax), The Tower (St. Mary’s University, Halifax) and Foxharb’r Resort and Spa (Wallace).

“The DSRA team is at the leading edge of designing similar facilities throughout our province and we look forward to viewing their design and sharing it with municipal councils and residents of Pictou County,” said Warden Baillie. “Once we have the proposed design this spring we are looking forward to presenting it to the community.”

Building design is now commencing, the site work package will be tendered and awarded in the Spring of 2010 and the building construction will be tendered and awarded in the Fall of 2010. The facility is anticipated to be completed in the Spring of 2012.

“The municipalities of Pictou County collectively are committed to the development of the Wellness Centre and partnering with DSRA to ensure that the facility is designed to meet the immediate and future needs of the community,” said Warden Baillie.

The $34 million facility will be owned by the PSSA and be jointly operated with the YMCA of Pictou County.

Contact:
Ron Baillie
Warden, County of Pictou
Phone 902-485-4311

Nova Scotian Scientist Shares 2009 Nobel Prize

Amherst, Nova Scotia-born scientist Willard S. Boyle recently celebrated a career high from his home in Halifax.

The 85-year old was among three scientists sharing in the 2009 Nobel Prize in physics, for technology he helped develop 40 years ago while employed with Bell Labs, a subsidiary of US company Bellcomm.

Along with fellow scientists Charles K. Kao and George E. Smith, Boyle shares in the US$1.4 million prize for the invention of an imaging semiconductor circuit -- better known as the Charge-coupled device, or CCD. CCD technology is used widely in fields such as medicine, astronomy, in space explorations and other imaging devices.

Boyle retired 30 years ago and moved home to Nova Scotia, where he later served on the research council of the Canadian Institute of Advanced Research and the Science Council of the Province of Nova Scotia.

Read more about the scientist and his story online in a recent article posted on CTV's site.

GOVERNMENT JUST RELEASED A DRAFT OF A NEW WETLAND CONSERVATION POLICY

www.gov.ns.ca/nse/wetland/docs/Nova.Scotia.Wetland.Conservation.Policy.pdf and is inviting comments as part of the public consultation on the new policy. The draft policy was developed in response to the 2007 Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act mandate that government establish a policy to prevent the net loss of wetlands by the end of 2009. The draft describes a comprehensive approach that Government can use to ensure the benefits wetlands provide are maintained for the people of Nova Scotia. Ultimately, the draft policy establishes specific goals and objectives intended to prevent the net loss of Nova Scotia's valuable wetlands. The public consultation period runs until November 6, 2009. Comments will be received through an online form, by mail and by phone To access the online consultation form, you may go to:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/wetland/conservation.policy.asp

To send your comments by mail, please complete the attached form and send it to:

Wetland Policy Comments
Department of Environment
5151 Terminal Rd., P.O. Box 442
Halifax, N.S., B3J 2P8

To discuss your comments over the phone, please contact John Brazner, Wetland/ Water Specialist at 902-424-4936.

Species At Risk (SAR) Stewardship Workshop

Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation and partners are organizing a Species At Risk (SAR) Stewardship Workshop on December 3rd to 5th, 2009 at the Old Orchard Inn & Spa, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. This workshop will provide the opportunity for learning and information sharing between policy makers, scientists, community groups, environmental managers, academia and other individuals interested in the recovery of SAR in Atlantic Canada. The SAR Stewardship Workshop will have both poster and oral presentations, with keynote speakers. Networking and discussion groups are also vital components of the 2009 workshop, with one focus being the improvement of the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP).

October 30th, 2009 is the deadline for submitting abstracts to the SAR Stewardship Workshop. Workshop themes include Habitat Stewardship Program, Capacity Building during Stewardship Opportunities, Issues surrounding Critical Habitat, Role of Invasive Species with regards to Species at Risk, Native/Aboriginal Involvement in Species at Risk Stewardship, Roles and Responsibilities of Recovery Teams and Breaking the Barrier: Better Communications between all Stakeholders. Please email abstracts to nicolle@coastalaction.org and ensure the phrase “Abstract Submission” is in the subject line of the email. For registration information and other workshop details please visit www.coastalaction.org.

NS Environment Draft Wetland Policy Open for Comment

The Nova Scotia Government has released a draft of a new Nova Scotia Wetland Conservation Policy and invites comments as part of the public consultation process.

The draft policy was developed in response to the 2007 Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act mandate that government establish a policy to prevent the net loss of wetlands by the end of 2009.

The draft describes a comprehensive approach that Government can use to ensure the benefits wetlands provide are maintained for the people of Nova Scotia. Ultimately, the draft policy establishes specific goals and objectives intended to prevent the net loss of Nova Scotia's valuable wetlands.

Deadline for comments is November 6, 2009. For more info:
http://www.esans.ca/reports_policies.html

Department of Natural Resources
July 23, 2009 1:21 PM

Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell has appointed 12 Nova Scotians to guide the development of a new natural resources strategy for the province. The appointments were recommended by a steering panel chaired by former Chief Justice Constance Glube.

"The steering panel has selected 12 well-qualified technical experts for this second phase of the natural resources strategy process," said Ms. Glube. "The four expert panels will soon begin the job of consulting with stakeholders, and their findings will be reported to the steering panel late this fall."

The steering panel selected the panel members from applications received earlier this year.

"I thank the steering panel for their recommendations and look forward to receiving the phase two report this fall," said Mr. MacDonell. "Most important is that the panel members have demonstrated their technical expertise and that Nova Scotians will see a balanced approach on important resource issues."

The four, three-member panels of expertise will focus on the key components of the strategy: forests, minerals, parks and biodiversity.

The members of the panels are:

Forests:
--Bob Bancroft, Pomquet, biologist
--Jonathan Porter, Liverpool, manager, Forestry and Fibre
Resources, Abitibi Bowater
--Donna Crossland, Bridgetown, senior park warden, Kejimkujik National Park

Minerals:
--Jacob Hanley, Halifax, geology professor, Saint Mary's University
--David Duncan, Wolfville, geologist
--Marcos Zentilli, Halifax, geology professor, Dalhousie University
Parks:
--Tony Charles, Halifax, professor of management science and environmental studies, Saint Mary's University
--Bruce Martin, Bear River, parks planner
--Dale Smith, Dartmouth, president, Nova Scotia Nature Trust

Biodiversity:
--Cliff Drysdale, Middleton, director, Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association
--Steve Mockford, Wolfville, assistant professor, Department of Biology, Acadia University
--Martha Jones, Sydney, associate professor, Department of Biology, Cape Breton University

Under the guidance of the steering panel, the four panels will define the process for researching the issues and themes that emerged during the public consultations. The panels will seek technical expertise and hold consultations. They will also prepare and submit draft reports and recommendations to the steering panel.

The steering panel oversees the strategy process during phase two, which incorporates information collected through public consultations held in 2008.

The third and final phase of the process will see the development of a strategy to manage Nova Scotia's natural assets, and guide the Department of Natural Resources and government for the next decade and beyond.

More information on the natural resources strategy process is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/ .

Fire Ants Invade Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick

Halifax, Nova Scotia (AHN) - European fire ants have invaded parts of Canada, particularly Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick. The spread of the fire ants has worsened in Nova Scotia and officials in that capital city will hold a briefing for residents on Monday night how to protect themselves from the insect.

The invasion has caused yards to become unusable, while homeowner have to don protective gear when moving the grass or hanging clothes dry.. The ant, which belongs to the specie Myrmica rubra, has a bite compared to a hornet's sting and an itch similar to poison ivy.

To make matters worse, the insects have learned to avoid insecticides. Because of the damage caused by the fire ants, it has caused real estate values in infected areas to plummet.

Specific areas in Halifax with identified heavy populations of the European fire ant are Summit Street and Jubilee Road, Spryfield, Lower Sackville, Abercrombie and Stellarton.

Among the advice that experts have given to residents in the past are for homeowners to check garden materials they bring in such as soil, mulch, plants and decaying logs to make sure it is ants free. Another is the removal of probable nesting sites like boards, logs and rocks or anything that keeps a moist environment.

Known effective pest control products for these ants are boric acid and diatomaceous earth.

Mabou students immersed in marine technology

A remotely operated underwater vehicle, built by a team of seven students from Dalbrae Academy in Mabou, took part in an international competition in Massachusetts last week.

The Dalbrae Aquatic Robotic Team, and their vehicle Silver Dart 4, represented Nova Scotia in the 2009 MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) Centre's International ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Competition.

This year's competition promotes ROVs as the next generation of submarine rescue vehicles. It is intended to build awareness of marine technical fields and the educational and career opportunities in that area.

"This innovative competition provides a wonderful opportunity for young people to experience careers in science and technology, focusing on one of our greatest natural assets, the ocean," said coach Ed Dunphy.

The students had to build both a mock submarine and an ROV that is able to inspect and repair the sub and rescue its crew in less than 15 minutes. In addition to the challenge, students submit a 20-page technical report, present for half an hour and create a poster display as if they were selling the ROV to a panel of marine professionals.

Eastern Shore islands becomes newest wildlife sanctuary

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has bought Bayers Island, a 31-hectare string of islands at the eastern tip of Martinique Beach, about 30 kilometres from Halifax.

The federal and provincial governments contributed about 75 per cent of the total price of $640,000, with the rest coming from private and corporate donations from ExxonMobil Canada, the Shaw Group, Ducks Unlimited and the Fountain family of Halifax.

Bayers Island is an archipelago formed of three main islands connected by barrier beaches. The island's mud flats and eelgrass beds support thousands of Canada geese and ducks during spring and fall migration, and its sand dunes are a breeding area for the endangered piping plover.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has been trying to buy the land for 10 years.

Hi Everyone

I just wanted to share a few thoughts with you. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

We need to change the way we do business. Stop doing business the way it has been done since the 1800's. It is time to look to the present and especially the road ahead of us. Let’s get together and take control of what we do best. We have the boats, the crew, all the expenses and most importantly catch the product. Why are we giving our hard earned product to a middle person to decide what to do with it? The middle men build markets and set the prices all the while making a substantial livelihood for themselves. We should be setting our own prices and adding to our own livelihoods. Now is the time to learn from the past and be in command or our futures.

Southwest Nova needs a state of the art holding facility that can be used to benefit all lobstermen in this area. A facility to hold our lobster under ideal conditions, so we can sell when the markets are up, as the large companies are currently doing with our lobster. We do not want to be bound to the middle man who in turn are bound to the big companies. We need to find a solid marketing manager who would work diligently for us to locate markets and sales opportunities around the world. All members would be equal partners. No one person would have more control than another. Aboard would be put in place to represent and report to the members. Privacy/confidentiality would be of utmost importance which unfortunately has not always been the case with the buyers.

Government funds and grants are available for co-operatives (co-ops) in our area and for the fishing industry in general. Up until now, it has largely fallen into the hands of large corporations and not the independent fishermen/fishery. It is time that the fishermen grasp the entrepreneur spirit and take a stand. By forming a co-cp and acquiring this money, you will still be an independent fisherman, but have all the advantages that come with controlling what happens to your product. Help preserve our future and the future of the fishing industry in this area. This money will help us reach our goal of sustainability in the lobster business. Let’s seek out this government funding and put it to good use.

A co-op has additional benefits such as the ability to buy in bulk at wholesale prices. Why pay inflated retail prices, when lower prices can be negotiated for all our equipment, fuel, bait....purchases? This puts more money in our pockets or back into our companies

Keep it simple! A simple plan that will work through determination hard work and some ingenutiey on our part. The more boats and fishermen = the more opportunities and chances for prosperity increase. Co-op means teamwork. Working Together Everyone Achieves More.

An action plan needs to be put in place. Input and details need to be initiated and discussed. We are looking for interested parties who are willing to commit their time and energy to taking the first steps. It is time to take a position, speak out and take charge of our future. The opportunity is resenting itself= think about how you would like to see our industry operate. What are you willing to do together to make a stronger, more viable lobster industry.

Lets put a little independence back in the fishery.

Thanks again and looking forward to hearing from you.

Jody Smith
fundyfirst@live.ca

Nova Scotia Achieves Grape Glory

Nova Scotia wines recently won 28 medals at the All Canadian Wine Championships in Windsor, Ontario.

Blomidon Estate Winery brought home the first-ever medal for Nova Scotia in the Chardonnay category. L'Acadie Vineyards Brut took home silver in the sparkling category.

"This kind of impressive performance at a national championship shows just how far the Nova Scotia wine industry has advanced in recent years," said Janice Ruddock, managing director of the Winery Association of Nova Scotia. "We are truly showcasing the quality and diversity of our Nova Scotia wines and gaining more recognition on the national stage."

Some of the Double Gold award winners included L'Acadie Vineyards' 2008 Soleil, Gaspereau Vineyards' 2007 Barrel Select Lucie Kuhlmann and Vitis, Jost Vineyards' 2008 Habitant Blanc, 2007 Valley Roads Marechal Foch and 2005 Baco Noir.

Held annually, the All Canadian Wine Championships had a record-breaking 1,071 wines submitted this year from 173 wineries across Canada.

"Each year, as an industry, the number of medals we bring home from the All Canadians increases," said Hans Christian Jost, Winery Association president and Jost Vineyards owner. "With 28 awards and six of those double gold medals indicating best of category, this year holds a new high for the Nova Scotia wine industry."

Lunenburg A Main Dish In Eatery Guide

Lunenburg restaurant Trattoria della Nonna has been chosen as one of the best in the country by the national restaurant guide Where to Eat in Canada.

About 500 eateries across the country were named in the guide. Trattoria della Nonna was one of just 133 restaurants to be awarded a star of excellence in the new 2009 edition of the national restaurant guide.

Every year, food critics Eat in Canada travel the country to pick the best restaurants. This is the 38th year of publication for "Where to Eat in Canada," which bills itself as the book that "nobody can buy their way into … and nobody can buy their way out of."

Chef Terry Vassallo, sommelier Simone Mombourquette and business partners Susan and Guenther Reibling, received an e-mail earlier this year from the editor of the publication saying that their restaurant had been visited on two occasions. They found out at the end of May that they had made the grade. Trattoria della Nonna and Fleur de Sel are two Lunenburg restaurants that have earned the Star of Excellence rating. "As far as I'm concerned, that is the best review that we can get," Mr. Vassallo said. "It's really something, and I take a lot of pride in that … I'm in the same category as Fleur de Sel. I think it really says a lot for Lunenburg."

From the NS Env'l Assessment page:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea/minas.passage.tidal.demonstration.asp
Fundy Tidal Energy Demonstration Project
Proponent: Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy
Location: Minas Basin, near Parrsboro
Class: I
Project Status: Under review

Description
This is to advise that on June 17, 2009 the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy registered the proposed Fundy Tidal Energy Demonstration Project for environmental assessment in accordance with Part IV of the Environment Act.

The purpose of the proposed undertaking is to construct and operate a facility to demonstrate and test in-stream tidal devices and assess their potential to generate electricity. The marine demonstration site will consist of three underwater berths for turbines located in the Minas Passage just west of Black Rock, with power cables from the berths to an onshore facility located off West Bay Road, between the communities of Black Rock and West Bay, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia. Implementation is planned over a three year period (2009 – 2011).

Opportunities for Public Input
Public comments on the Registration Document will be accepted from June 17, 2009 to July 17, 2009. All comments received, including any personal information, will be available to the public at the Nova Scotia Environment Library, 5th floor, Halifax Office, 5151 Terminal Road.

You can comment online or submit letters etc. by email, mail or call the department :
https://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea/comments.asp?project=minas.passage.tidal.demonstration

 

Nova Scotia RDAs Recognized For Supporting Business Growth

Nova Scotia's regional development authorities have been recognized internationally for their efforts to retain and recruit businesses to strengthen the provincial economy.

The provincial Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program received an honourable mention at the 2009 Business Retention and Expansion International Awards in Des Moines, Iowa in May.

The BRE program helps Nova Scotia businesses stay and expand in the province. The 13 regional development authorities connect businesses to the resources and services they need to be even more competitive at home, across the country and around the world.

"Hundreds of businesses in sectors as diverse as hospitality, alternative energy and biotech have leveraged the program," said Holly Boston, executive director of the provincial association of regional development authorities.

Regional development authority staff members work one-on-one with businesses to identify barriers to growth, develop strategies to overcome those barriers, and seize opportunities for expansion. Services offered through BRE vary depending on the needs of the business and may include connecting businesses to sources of capital, promoting local firms internationally, or helping ensure a qualified local labour pool.

BRE officers have connected with more than 1,700 businesses since the program started in 2006.

ECONOMIC/RURAL DEVELOPMENT--Planning Workshops for a High-speed Future

Residents are invited to participate in workshops in their own communities, whether they are awaiting connections through the Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative, or already have high-speed. By working together, business operators, cultural organizations and others will be able to take fuller advantage of high-speed Internet services.

To help communities ensure they are ready to take full advantage of the opportunity, the Department of Economic and Rural Development is encouraging groups to host a workshop in their area.

"To support healthy and sustainable communities, we've developed a workshop called Planning for a High-speed Future," said Nancy Flam, project director, Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia. "The purpose of the workshop is to help Nova Scotia's communities think strategically about how the Internet can help them connect to compete."

Chambers of commerce, boards of trade, library boards, community access program (C@P) sites, regional development authorities, municipalities, community and cultural groups are invited to partner with the rural broadband team to host a four-hour workshop on the benefits of high-speed Internet. These sessions will help participants understand how broadband applications can be harnessed to strengthen job creation, support innovation, skills and learning, tourism and culture, community and municipal services.

More than 80 people have already participated in recent workshops, which have proven to be a great success.

"The response of the members that participated in our workshop was very enthusiastic. They just jumped right in," said Darlene Cameron, community access program co-ordinator, Inverness County C@P Network Society. "They really see the importance of broadband in their communities and all the opportunities that are within reach for them."

"Everybody got so excited thinking about what broadband can do for our community, tourism, immigration, housing and jobs," said Debbie Innes, community access program co-ordinator, Kings/West Hants C@P Region Society, who hosted a workshop. "I just see it as our whole community growing educationally and becoming a much better, cohesive unit with broadband access."

Opportunities to host a workshop are available from now until March. Economic and Rural Development will provide a trained, regionally based facilitator and the tools and resources for the session. The hosting organization will supply a suitable location and ensure about 20 people participate.

Groups interested in hosting a workshop in their community, should contact Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia at 902-424-8822, e-mail broadband@gov.ns.ca,
or visit www.gov.ns.ca/econ/broadband/ .

The Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI) has been renewed and enhanced for the next four years through March 31, 2013. This $19.1 million investment will enable Canadians to continue to establish new co-operatives and test innovative methods for using the co-operative model to meet the socio-economic challenges of today and tomorrow.

The Government of Canada through the Co-operatives Secretariat will partner with the co-operative sector to implement an enhanced CDI, made up of three very specific components. Advisory Services will improve access to co-operative development information and services that will assist in the formation of new co-operatives. The “Innovative Co-operative Projects” component will assist in financing projects that respond to the needs of communities. Research and Knowledge Development component will focus on new applied research and the sharing of information necessary to support further sustainable development for co-operatives.

Since it was established in 2003, CDI has supported over 1,500 co-op projects and helped to create over 200 new co-operatives. The program has also allowed for testing new kinds of co-operatives and undertaking research projects to understand how co-operatives can contribute to regional economic development.

For contact information and to learn more about the Co-operative Development Initiative, please visit the www.coop.gc.ca site.

Pour en savoir davantage sur l’Initiative de développement coopératif, veuillez consulter le site www.coop.gc.ca site.

Fishing e-book Hooks National Award

The Canadian Library Association has selected an online storybook about fishing in River John for its Information Today Award for Innovative Technology.

The interactive children's storybook, called Lobster Fishing on the Susan B., was written by Pictou Island author Maureen Hull, illustrated by Brenda Jones and narrated by Joan MacKeigan. Library staff at the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library digitized the content and posted it online.

It is the first electronic storybook produced by a Nova Scotia library and showcases tourism, economic development and local artists. The book defines certain words for young readers and can be used with school curriculum.

The Canadian Library Association presented the award to the book's creative team at a ceremony in Montreal.

Nova Scotia Export Outlook
By Bill MacDonald

Yesterday, Peter Hall, Vice-President and Chief Economist of Export Development Canada, made a presentation on the current economic downturn and the near-term outlook for recovery at an event hosted by the Greater Halifax Partnership and the Chronicle Herald. Attendees received a memory stick containing the EDC's Global Export Forecast Spring 2009. The following is the Nova Scotia piece from the Provincial Outlook section of this publication:

More than three quarters of Nova Scotia’s exports are destined for the US. Therefore, the recession that is affecting Canada’s southern neighbour is also expected to hit Nova Scotia’s export sector hard. Weaker demand for luxury fishery products, decreasing supply of natural gas and production cutbacks in the tire and newsprint industries will drive export receipts down by 20% in 2009, followed by a 2% increase in 2010.

On the natural gas front, the Sable project will face decreasing production levels over the forecast horizon, and the positive effects of a lower Canadian dollar will not be enough to offset output and price declines. Decreasing production and the lack of new exploration are the main problems facing the sector. On a positive note, the off-shore Deep Panuke project is on track to come online by the end of 2010. This project is expected to add 8.5 million m3/d to natural gas production in 2011. Both lower energy prices and natural gas production will drive energy exports down 47% in 2009. In 2010, better pricing conditions for refined petroleum products and natural gas will lift exports by 1%.

Weak global demand will dictate the fate of Nova Scotia’s fisheries over the next 2 years. Given that the province’s traditional fishery products (lobster, crab, shrimp and scallops) are considered luxury foods, the recession hitting major export markets will adversely impact demand. The contamination that is affecting some clams in the basins will make it difficult for producers to comply with new testing requirements and other regulations to be introduced in the U.S. starting this year. Moreover, Japan is also tightening its requirements on lobster testing; thus, limiting exports of tomalley to that market. The Canadian government is currently trying to implement new testing procedures that would comply with the new Japanese standards. On the bright side, fish stocks remain stable and an increasingly larger number of fisheries (offshore lobster, scallops and swordfish) are being certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. This eco-labelling will not only help Nova Scotia fisheries maintain their international market share, but it will also help foster product differentiation. Driven mostly by lower demand and prices, we expect seafood exports to fall 21% in 2009, before increasing by a marginal 1% in 2010. As a result, agri-food exports will decrease 17% in 2009 and rebound by 1% in 2010.

Exports of motor vehicles and parts are being hurt by the critical situation facing the auto industry in both the US and Canada. In fact, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. has announced that it will temporarily cut back the production of rubber tires at its Granton plant. We expect exports to increase 2% in 2009, largely owing to the beneficial impact of the Canadian dollar, and 11% in 2010 thanks to an increase in production.

Prospects for the newsprint sector do not look very promising. In an attempt to cut costs, the Bowater Mersey Paper plant in Brooklyn is halting production for five weeks, starting in March. We cannot rule out further production cuts this year. Overall, forestry exports will contract 4% in both 2009 and 2010. Finally, Churchill and Halifax have recently signed an agreement to bridge their ports. This initiative will provide an alternative export route for Canadian grain producers in the west.

Message from the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association, May 2009
Public Information

On Thursday, May 21, the third Annual Meeting of the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association (BLBRA) will be held at the Whycocomagh Education Centre, at 7 PM. This meeting is open to the public and will feature a Panel Presentation on the theme: A Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve: Should We Bother? The objective is to hear a range of views about the advantages and disadvantages of a Biosphere Reserve. There will be opportunity for general discussion. Hope to see you there!

Application Submitted
The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association met the 2009 (February 28) deadline for submitting its application to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The 257 page document is the product of several years of work by more than twenty volunteers, supported by data provided through various public agencies. The document is organized in response to specific questions presented by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program. It describes a broad range of natural, social, economic and cultural aspects of the Bras d’Or Lake region. An initial response from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO gave positive feedback and some excellent suggestions where additional information would be helpful. We are currently making those additions.

Application Withdrawn
The procedure for an application requires it to be endorsed by entities who own and/or manage the core and buffer areas within the proposed Biosphere Reserve region. Two of those entities are the Nova Scotia Departments of Natural Resources and of Environment. Those must be provided before the Canadian Commission approves the document for final review by UNESCO in Paris. We opted not to ask for those endorsements until we had evidence that all of the region’s local governments supported the application. Letters of support came from the organization representing five First Nations Chiefs and two Municipal Councils; from various federal, provincial agencies whose jurisdictions relate to the Lake region, and from numerous local lake-related organizations. We did not ask for the Province’s endorsement because we did not receive support from Inverness and Richmond Municipal Councils. Consequently, we withdrew the application for this year.

FRIENDS OF REDTAIL SOCIETY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Society launches YouTube video to support fundraising goal

Pictou County, NS, May 19, 2009…The Friends of Redtail Society has created a video, which it is hoping will shed light on its cause to a worldwide audience. The Society’s “Sheltering Forests” fundraising campaign has kicked-off to help the group raise funds to protect and preserve 313 acres of forest and delicate habitat in western Pictou County. The Society has until December 2009 to raise $250,000, which includes applicable taxes.

The struggle to preserve the land began two years earlier when residents of the area became aware of plans by the American landowner, Wagner Forest NS Ltd., to have the forest clear cut. "Industrial forestry practices have radically transformed Nova Scotia’s forests so that the Acadian forest system is considered one of the most endangered in North America," says Bernadette Romanowsky, newly installed Society Chair. “We came together as individuals sharing a common concern about the consequences of industrial forestry practices in rural communities and we have found a way forward that will bring our community back into the equation.”

The route of purchasing the land in order to protect it provided the group with the greatest opportunity to engage the broader community in the process of defining what a community forest can be, based on a land use model that takes into account the needs and interests of both human and non-human communities. “The video and website provides an understanding of the vision that is guiding our effort and will hopefully inspire others to join in our cause,” explains Romanowsky.

The Friends of Redtail Society has received endorsements from Elizabeth May, long time environmentalist and leader of the federal Green Party; Farley Mowat, iconic author and environmentalist; Bob Bancroft, respected wildlife biologist and land conservator and David Orton, writer and ecologist. The Society is pleased to have the support and partnership of the Sierra Club Canada Foundation, which is assisting them in their fundraising efforts.

With little more than 6 months to go before closing the deal, the Society’s fundraising activities have gone into full swing. The Sheltering Forests campaign provides as many avenues as possible for people to get involved; supporters can donate directly or host their own fundraiser for the campaign. There will be events taking place throughout the province all summer, providing the public with the opportunity to support events closer to home.

The new video is available on YouTube by searching “Sheltering Forests” and on the Society’s website, visit www.friendsofredtail.ca or call (902) 485-4561 for more information.

For More Information Call: Michelle Ferris, 485-4561
Email: info@friendsofredtail.ca

Crystal Clear Future for Nova Scotia Company

After four years of research and development, SSPS Ltd. says it has found a way to use nutrients from the ocean to clean and purify drinking water.

Out of its facilities in Yarmouth and Digby, SSPS has developed a patented process to extract nutrients, mainly calcium, from the ocean and use them in a filtration system. The nutrients are charged with electrical properties that attract and trap unwanted minerals, leaving the purified water behind.

“We have the ability to take things out of water like arsenic, uranium, iron, sulphur and lead, without using chemicals,” said Darrell Challoner, CEO of SSPS Ltd. “The filtration system is unique. It also works on waste water and we can even take sulphur out of the air and oil out of water.”

Challoner has used a version of this process to develop household cleaners, creams and lotions, which are sold under the brand name Neptune’s Balance. To create the products, SSPS draws nutrients out of the ocean and adds them to creams and cleaning agents to produce a more natural, scent-free and chemical-free product.

Fishing organizations calling on fisheries ministers to deal with lobster industry crisis

Shediac, N.B. — Fisheries Organizations throughout Atlantic Canada have issued a joint call for provincial and federal fisheries ministers to convene an emergency meeting to deal with the devastating lobster market collapse, which is threatening the survival of thousands of small fishing enterprises throughout the Atlantic region.

Those making this call include members of the FFAW/CAW in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Maritime Fishermen’s Union (MFU) in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the PEI Fishermen’s Association, the Regroupement des Pêcheurs professionnels du Nord de la Gaspésie in Québec, the Gulf Nova Scotia Bonafide Fishermen’s Association, the Northumberland Fishermen’s Coalition and the Gulf Nova Scotia Fishermen’s Coalition in Nova Scotia. These groups and organizations are urgently calling for the government to intervene in the wake of reports that lobster prices in the days ahead could fall as low as $2.75-$3.50 per pound.

“We are looking at prices that we haven’t seen in 20 to 30 years — this has the potential to destroy the Atlantic lobster fishery, along with the harvesters and communities that depend on it to survive,” said FFAW Secretary Treasurer David Decker. “People don’t seem to realize that lobster is the most important fishery for small enterprises in the less-than-45-foot fleet in rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada. We need to have our governments step in and take immediate steps to help address problems both for now and in the future.”

Christian Brun of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union (MFU) also comments that: “Never in recent history have we seen the lobster industry in such an alarming state. Atlantic Canada fish harvester organizations collectively realize that government has ignored the Atlantic Canada fishing industry and the economic benefits it has the capacity to generate. Because of this, harvester organizations in Atlantic Canada have united to work on solutions to the economic crisis facing their industry. Uniting fish harvester organizations is in itself a huge challenge and one that has been overcome by the sheer determination to demand a response from Government to the crisis and to the solutions the fishing industry has presented for consideration. We believe the lobster industry has enormous potential in the not-so distant future. Many countries in the world have perceived this great opportunity and have acted: why would our governments not want to participate so the Canadian fishing industry remains competitive on a worldwide scale?”

Kay Wallace representing the Gulf Nova Scotia Bonafide Fishermen’s Association says: “The fishing industry in Atlantic Canada is facing an immediate crisis with this season’s severe drop in prices. Lobster fishers spend any profits made in their local communities; with prices so low, they will have no profits; only losses. This will have a direct effect the economies of local communities. This will likely also see recent new entrants forced out of the fishery. Dave Crawford, of the same organization, adds that: “I really don’t know what some fishers will do.”

The Atlantic fisheries organizations want the provincial and federal ministers to work with them to find solutions to help harvesters survive this year, but also to develop a longer term plan to ensure the future viability of the Atlantic lobster industry through improved marketing and rationalization.

Ed Frenette of the PEIFA relays some strong feelings of abandonment as he affirms that: “Two million people in Atlantic Canada are being short changed by Steven Harper’s government. It might start with fishermen, but in my view, it could go far beyond that.”

Upcoming meetings of Atlantic fish harvester organizations held early next week will concentrate on various options in regards to what action will be taken.

Fewer Emissions at Chester Arena

Old refrigeration equipment at the Church Memorial Park Arena in Chester will be replaced with a new, energy efficient system because of an investment from the ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change.

The $80,080 investment will help the arena recover waste heat, which can be used to heat hot water and space in other parts of the arena. The municipality will also receive $8,000 from the ecoNova Scotia Municipal Program to conduct a full emissions inventory and audit of municipal facilities. The audit will determine where energy is consumed and greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions are generated.

“We are pleased to invest in a project that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting the local community,” said Judy Streatch, Minister of Education, on behalf of David Morse, Minister of Environment. “We are also pleased to help support an emissions audit so the municipality can identify the best places to make building retrofits that will reduce energy consumption and operating costs.”

The ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change provides funding to eligible projects and programs that reduce harmful emissions or increase energy efficiency.

County of Annapolis
For immediate release
April 30, 2009

COUNTY ASSISTS WHARFS ASSOCIATION WITH PLANS FOR LOCAL WHARVES

ANNAPOLIS CO. –The Municipality of the County of Annapolis is pleased to announce the newly formed Annapolis County Wharfs Association has taken the first step in working towards a strategic, long-term plan for local wharves; a goal that seemed almost unreachable just one year ago.

Since 2007, the Annapolis County Finance Committee has worked with local wharves/harbours representatives, as well as provincial and federal representatives, to explore opportunities for cooperation in resolving funding challenges for local wharves. During these discussions the idea of a united association was introduced. In just over a year, working closely with the County, members from the individual wharf organizations joined together and formed the Annapolis County Wharfs Association (ACWA).

“I feel this may be one of the most sustainable economic development packages we have ever been involved with,” remarked Tom Vitiello, Councillor for District 5 and Finance Committee Chair. “Our (Council) investment has been mainly time and in-kind. The financial contribution has been quite modest if you think about the potential this has over the next 10-15 years for leveraging very significant project funding into the County for these facilities.”

Council’s approval of a $10,000 start up grant has allowed the Association to launch their first joint project by arranging an engineering assessment for each site as the first phase in creating a priority action list. This will indicate which wharves need the most immediate repair. With the funds allotted by the Municipality, engineer Mr. Francis Doucet, was hired and started his first assessment on April 29th at Harbour Authority of Battery Point in Victoria Beach.

“Today is a perfect example of the benefits we’re seeing by working as a team (referring to the engineering assessment being done),” said Jeffrey Gregory ACWA President. ”ACWA members have already sat down with different levels of government, and the feedback has been very positive. The Municipality provided us the assistance we needed to develop a united front. It was obvious that competing against one another for funding was not working. As a group we have created a stronger voice and a support group for one another.”

Presently, there are seven wharves within Annapolis County, four of which are operated by authorities that qualify for federal Small Crafts and Harbours funding. The remaining divested wharves are owned by community, non-profit societies which must seek funding through alternative programs. The ACWA works on behalf of all wharves to explore funding opportunities appropriate for the individual wharf organizations. In turn, the County provides two types of grants: (1) “seed money” to leverage Federal and/or Provincial grants for large capital projects; and (2) assistance for small projects that address ongoing capital maintenance.

“The formation of the Annapolis Wharfs Association is a good thing,” notes Annapolis County Warden Peter Newton. “The Municipality has assisted this dedicated group of men and women in forming an organization to foster sustainability and self-sufficiency for wharves for commercial fishing, recreational activities and tourism.”

Contact: Warden Peter Newton 532-3137


This photo depicts the engineering assessment being done on April 29th at the Harbour Authority at Battery Point in Victoria Beach. This the Annapolis County Wharfs Association’s first phase in creating a priority action list to determine which wharves in Annapolis County needs the most immediate repair. Shown from left, Jeffrey Gregory, ACWA President; Tom Vitiello, Councillor District 5; Francis Doucet, engineer; Jonathan Taylor, Harbour Authority at Battery Point President; and Richard Morrison, Harbour Authority at Battery Point Vice President.

County of Annapolis
For immediate release
May 4, 2009

COUNTY APPROVES FUNDING FOR MARGARETSVILLE WHARF REPAIRS

ANNAPOLIS CO. - The Municipality of the County of Annapolis has provided the Margaretsville Wharf Society with $10,000 in an effort to assist them in repairing their severely damaged wharf, a project that has been estimated at over $70,000.

On August 26, 2008, Margaretsville encountered a brutal storm that brought down over 15 feet of the wharf’s outer wall rendering the structure’s use limited, and a serious safety concern. Barriers have been put in place to restrict use of the wharf.

“The Margaretsville wharf is one of only seven wharves still operating in the county,” said Annapolis County Warden Peter Newton. “And, although it is no longer used in commercial fishery, it is home to pleasure crafts and serves as a point of interest to thousands of visitors each year. It is an essential landmark to their tourist industry, and is vital to their livelihood and the community’s well-being.”

The Margaretsville wharf is a divested wharf owned by the community as non-profit society, which means it is not eligible under the federal government Small Crafts & Harbours Program. The Society must rely on fund raising, and other applications to governmental departments and programs.

Council approved $10,000 to assist in the project, and to provide a leverage of funding for requests to higher levels of government.

“Community volunteers have worked hard to bring in resources, but, like many of the coastal communities are finding, this has mostly ebbed in recent years leaving residents asking for help,” noted Warden Newton. “Council’s approval of this funding will provide assistance to the Society so they can start getting the structure repaired. The existence of this wharf is essential to the community.”

Contact: Warden Peter Newton 532-3137


Councillor Brian “Fuzzy” Connell (left) was on hand to present Margaretsville Wharf Society President Kim Connell (right) and John Stokvis, Margaretsville Wharf Society Treasurer (center) with a cheque for $10,000 from the County of Annapolis. This money will assist the Society in repairing their severely damaged wharf; a project estimated at over $70,000.

Report on How to Build a Sustainable Rural Canada

For your information and distribution, the 36 page report entitled “One Vision, Many Voices: How to Build a Sustainable Rural Canada” from the National Symposium on Rural Matters is available at:
www.ruralmatters.ca/images/report/one%20vision%20many%20voices%20-%20english.pdf.

The Symposium was held in Alberta last summer with over 800 participants and organized by the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Councils. The Report includes an executive summary. The organizers are looking for another province to host it in three years.

The Symposium’s 30 workshops focused on priority themes around governance and sustainability; economic; infrastructure; and environment.

The Report’s seven recommendations on how to build a sustainable rural Canada are:

• Increase cooperation and partnerships among rural municipalities, senior levels of government, industry, rural stakeholders and Aboriginal communities.
• Increase educational opportunities for rural Canadians by reducing the barriers to access post-secondary opportunities.
• Increase high-speed connectivity in rural and remote regions of Canada to ensure readily available access to critical information and promote opportunities.
• Ensure stable, predictable funding for local and regional governments, not necessarily based on population.
• Establish a federal ministry dealing solely with issues and opportunities of rural and remote Canada.
• Establish a rural network to share best practices for rural economics, infrastructure, environment and governance across all jurisdictions of Canada.
• Communicate the messages from the Rural Matters! Symposium to decision makers, rural organizations and community leaders.

On April 17/09, the Province of Nova Scotia released an interesting report, Our Common Ground: The Future of Nova Scotia’s Natural Resources, on its citizen engagement process on that topic. The process and report, prepared by NS Voluntary Planning, took one year to complete. Twenty-seven community meetings were held with a total of about 2,000 participants. Written submissions were received from over 600 organizations and individuals. The report is 53 pages with a 2 page Executive Summary. The report completes phase one of a three phase process in the preparation of a NS Natural Resources Strategy scheduled for release in 2010.

Nova Scotians were asked to comment on what they value about biodiversity, forests, minerals and parks. Five key values emerged from the process – sustainability, diversity, collaboration, transparency and informed decision-making. For example, to Nova Scotians, sustainability means the wise management of natural resources, rural jobs based on sound ecological principles and maintaining the rural way of life. Informed decision-making means using the best available information that incorporates science, economics, citizen values and locally-based community knowledge when making resource management decisions. It also means that Nova Scotians want to contribute to the decision making process.

A copy of the report is available at http://gov.ns.ca/govt/vp/NaturalResourcesReport.pdf.

Bright Idea for Roadway Lighting

Nova Scotia will soon be reducing energy consumption and further reducing greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions by using new LED lights on provincial streets and roads.

LED Roadway Lighting Limited of Amherst, NS will receive $1,156,000 in government assistance for a demonstration project.

The province's ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and Climate Change fund is contributing $756,000 while Conserve Nova Scotia, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, will invest $400,000 in the project.

The pilot demonstration project will convert 1,100 high pressure sodium street lights in at least 10 municipalities to more efficient light emitting diode, or LED, lights. Many lights at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and along Nova Scotia highways will also be converted.

LED Roadway Lighting Ltd. plans to market the technology internationally.

"This funding will help us partner with Nova Scotia municipalities to showcase this unique, green-friendly lighting to the world," said Chuck Cartmill, President of LED Roadway Lighting Limited. "This homegrown LED technology has the interest of potential customers in the United States, Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Panama.

Lakes, Loons and Water Quality in Nova Scotia
By Benna Keoghoe

Nova Scotia is home to a marvelous network of freshwater lakes, perfect for summer swims, autumn canoeing, and for skating on a frosty winter day. They are also habitat for some of our favourite wildlife, including the iconic Loon.

As the lake ice melts in early spring, Common Loons (Gavia immer) return from the ocean to find a place to raise their young. To most of us the Loon is a symbol of the Canadian wilderness, with their striking size, distinctive appearance and their haunting calls which echo across vast landscapes. An adult Loon in summer plumage has a large black head with a sharp dagger-like black bill and red eyes. A ring of white lines surrounds its black neck like a necklace, and its back displays a pattern of black and white, like a checkerboard.

Scientists and naturalists are concerned about Nova Scotia’s Loons. Volunteers and staff with Bird Studies Canada, Parks Canada, Environment Canada and the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute near Kejimkujik National Park in Queens County are currently monitoring breeding loon populations.

Many of Nova Scotia’s lakes are naturally acidic (with low pH), due to slightly acidic rain and the area's geology and soils. However, humans have been adding to the acidity- most of it originating from factory emissions as far away as Ontario or the northeastern United States. This acidity increases the amount of heavy metals, such as mercury, found in the flesh of lake fish, along with the loons that eat the fish. What hasn't been determined so far is exactly how the increased mercury levels are affecting the Loons.

There are a variety of other threats facing loons. For example, these birds can be very sensitive to human disturbance, especially during breeding season, which runs from late May to the end of August. Lakes inhabited by Loons around the province also tend to attract people for a variety of recreational activities. Boat wakes can flood nests and lakeside development that doesn't leave a vegetative buffer can also destroy nesting habitat.

To avoid disturbing Loons during breeding season, have a look around a lake before engaging in potentially disturbing activities. If a pair of Loons is present then there is a good chance that they have a nest. Be considerate and give them a little space. If you do own property on a lake, consider leaving or restoring a healthy buffer of vegetation along the shore.

If you'd like to volunteer to monitor loons in Kejimkujik or on your own lake, contact Bird Studies Canada or the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (902-682-2371). LoonWatchers receive a form that can be filled out through the summer to record loon activities. At the end of the season, your information is collected and used to help protect Nova Scotia’s loon populations.

Benna Keoghoe is studying wildlife conservation at the University of Plymouth, and worked as part of the Loon research team at MTRI during the summer of 2008. Coastlines is coordinated by the Coastal Issues Committee at Ecology Action Centre and supported by the Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund with contributions from hunters and trappers.

Sadie Beaton
Coastal/ Marine Researcher
Ecology Action Centre
Halifax, NS
(902) 446 4840

Community Building: Before and After

The rural Nova Scotia community of Westfield recently celebrated the rebuilding of their Community Hall just a year and a half after it was destroyed by a tragic fire. Using the most sustainable approach possible, the majority of the hall’s kitchen was repurposed from a local school while local lumber and other materials from nearby Douglas Lumber and Shelburne Building supplies were sourced by more than 100 volunteers. Community members gave over 5,500 hours of their time, skills and resources to the project. This is a true picture of a thriving rural and sustainable community coming together to support its development.

Eassons Transport Ltd. is reducing their carbon emissions by about 1265 tonnes per year with the company’s anti-idling policy. Proprietor Paul Easson set out to save fuel costs for his business when he initiated the program for 110 of Eassons Transport’s trucks a decade ago. Currently, the savings amount to approximately $60,000 a month in fuel savings.

The company recently joined Conserve Nova Scotia’s idle-free-zone campaign, along with a growing number of schools and businesses across the province, and displays one of the agency’s signs encouraging drivers to turn off their engines.

Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation (BCAF) Employment Opportunity

Position Description
Employer: Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation (BCAF)
Position Title: Project Coordinator
Project Title: LaHave Water Rescue Project
Responsibilities of LaHave River Project Coordinator:

The Project Coordinator for the LaHave Water Rescue Project (LWRP) is responsible for the overall project delivery and reporting. He or she will work in cooperation with the LWRP Advisory Committee when planning and implementing the various components of the project. The Project Coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director on all matters.

Duties include, but are not necessarily limited to, hiring and managing field staff, project planning, collection and analysis of water samples, in-stream restoration planning and implementation, riparian health assessments, data compilation, working with a project advisory committee, oral and written reporting, development of education and outreach materials, and representing BCAF at public events, meetings, etc.

Specific Duties:

• Research and compile information on the influences and impacts to water quality on the LaHave system.
• Evaluate the efficiency of sampling frequency, parameters tested, and locations to ensure they are suitable for the project.
• Collect water samples and prepare for analysis as outlined in the monitoring protocol.
• Log results from water analyses and maintain a record of the river’s condition.
• Prepare reports on work completed, findings, and solutions.
• Conduct riparian health assessments or aid in the completion of these assessments within the LaHave watershed.
• Design and implement river restoration projects within the LaHave watershed with the information received through riparian health assessments.
• Compile information on incentive-based programs and resources available for landowners / small business operators (e.g., NSDAF’s manure storage plans, etc.)
• Plan and host a series of sector-specific workshops within the watershed (e.g., forestry, farming, etc.)
• Attend local festivals and events throughout the year showcasing the project and speaking one-on-one with watershed residents about the issues.
• Represent BCAF in a professional manner at meetings, workshops, and seminars.
• Create project specific website material for the BCAF website.

Other tasks may be assigned to the Project Coordinator from time to time by either the Executive Director or a member of the Board of Directors.

Applicants must be energetic, motivated, and have a background in environmental science, biology, watershed management, or geology. Successful applicants should be able to work well with others as well as individually, comfortable in dealing with land owners and the general public, and have a love or appreciation for nature and working outside. Strong writing skills, a strong attention to detail, experience in conducting field surveys, and experience in data analysis are desired assets to the position.

Application Deadline: April 13th, 2009
Position Start Date: ASAP
Location: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

For more information please contact:

Brooke Cook, Executive Director
Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation
P.O. Box 10
Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
Phone: (902) 624-9888
Fax: (902) 624-9818
Email: brooke@coastalaction.org

Two coasts, same problem
We Can Build A Better Aquaculture Industry Ourselves
By Alexandra Morton
Opinion

The website for Friends of Port Mouton shows a grim-faced Nova Scotia fisherman holding a fish farm protest sign.

The caption reads, "Something's wrong when you have to fight like this just to keep your friggin' harbour."

He's right.

Something is very wrong, and my grizzled-faced fisherman neighbours are standing in this man's shoes a continent away.

While government scoffs at the science, the fact is the wild salmon are vanishing on the extinction trajectory we predicted.

As the wild salmon go, so we go.

All the hype that fish farms benefit small coastal communities makes people from Port Mouton, N.S. to Echo Bay, B.C. angry.

But today there is no place for fish "farms" under the Constitution of Canada.

On Feb. 9, 2009, BC Supreme Court ruled: they are not "farms," they are a fishery, their provincial licences to operate are unconstitutional and he removed this industry from provincial hands. The fish farmers are not allowed to privatize ocean spaces, and they cannot own a school of fish in our ocean. Their pens are irrelevant because the same ocean flows through both sides of the nets. Marine Harvest has appealed the court ruling because their investors want the fish to be private property. The provincial government did not join Marine Harvest in this appeal.

Ok, so let's take stock.
The fish "farming" corporations may not own their fish, their licences are unconstitutional and will be invalid in 11 months, and the B.C. government seems fine with this.

On the global front, their market is failing as Americans tighten their belts, and their share prices plummet due to a virus they appear to be accidentally infecting their own farms with down in Chile.

This industry has built nothing. As their market decays they will pull anchor and leave.

The Solution
I live in a small town and I know we need jobs, but someone in government is going to have to stand up and recognize that this social experiment is not working.

The Norwegian feedlot fishery is too mechanized, too damaging and too cheap.

Their fish are not worth enough for them to deal with their issues.

There has been a net loss in jobs, the price of wild salmon has been destroyed and the entire wild salmon fishery and the $1.5-billion tourism industry threatened.

So what's the answer?
Wild salmon cannot be moved, so remove the ones in pens.

Offer incentives to Canadian fish farmers to build tanks on land where they can work on farming a range of fish species and rebuild a viable industry with infrastructure that will stay with the towns.

Form councils made of local people willing to work hard to restore wild salmon, using the remarkably successful biology of wild salmon as the compass and instruct government to help, not hinder these people.

Apply the Fisheries Act fair and square to any aquaculture that remains in public waters. We got into this mess because no one read the road signs and now we are way out of bounds and deep into the danger zone.

The final straw for me was the $5 million Pacific Salmon Forum tasked to respond to the plummeting wild Broughton salmon stocks.

They did indeed confirm there is a relationship between fish farms, sea lice and declining wild salmon and what do they recommend?

Leave farm salmon production at the level where all the damage to the lovely Broughton occurred.

This is wrong. When another fishery in Canada is even suspected (never mind millions in studies) of harming a wild salmon population they face reductions.

The PSF should take this industry back to 1994 levels where the wild salmon were surviving.

Something is indeed very wrong when you have to fight this friggin' hard to do the obvious.

I don't trust government or the industry to benefit the B.C. economy.

Norwegian fish farmers take your feedlots and go home.

Use your own coast as a litter box if you must, we can build a better aquaculture industry ourselves and have our wild salmon and our jobs, too.

To sign the petition to apply the Fisheries Act to fish farms the way it is applied to fishermen please click on the link below.........

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cEkxX3p3MGFBbWNVVGNVU3lxQnBwQmc6MA..

For your information and distribution, the 36 page report entitled “One Vision, Many Voices: How to Build a Sustainable Rural Canada” from the National Symposium on Rural Matters is available at:
www.ruralmatters.ca/images/report/one%20vision%20many%20voices%20-%20english.pdf .

The Symposium was held in Alberta last summer with over 800 participants and organized by the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Councils. The Report includes an executive summary. The organizers are looking for another province to host it in three years.

The Symposium’s 30 workshops focused on priority themes around governance and sustainability; economic; infrastructure; and environment.

The Report’s seven recommendations on how to build a sustainable rural Canada are:

1. Increase cooperation and partnerships among rural municipalities, senior levels of government, industry, rural stakeholders and Aboriginal communities.
2. Increase educational opportunities for rural Canadians by reducing the barriers to access post-secondary opportunities.
3. Increase high-speed connectivity in rural and remote regions of Canada to ensure readily available access to critical information and promote opportunities.
4. Ensure stable, predictable funding for local and regional governments, not necessarily based on population.
5. Establish a federal ministry dealing solely with issues and opportunities of rural and remote Canada.
6. Establish a rural network to share best practices for rural economics, infrastructure, environment and governance across all jurisdictions of Canada.
7. Communicate the messages from the Rural Matters! Symposium to decision makers, rural organizations and community leaders.

DRAGONS' DEN IS BACK FOR SEASON FOUR!

Auditions heat up in Halifax on Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Got a hot business concept that can turn the economy around? DRAGONS' DEN wants to hear from you!

The DRAGONS' DEN production team will be in Halifax looking for the next big thing for Season Four of the hit series returning this fall on CBC Television.

The show gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of wealthy Canadian moguls who are entrepreneurs themselves. The prize is real cash and real investment - from the Dragons' own pockets!

Open auditions are taking place on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 from 11 AM - 6 PM at the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development Incorporated (CEED), Halifax Shopping Centre - Tower 1, 7001 Mumford Rd, Suite 103.

If you convince us that your concept is ready for the limelight, you could qualify to be on DRAGONS' DEN. No experience is necessary. For this round, be prepared to make a pitch in five minutes or less. We will consider any idea - from eco-friendly inventions to futuristic vehicles to unique underwear - as long as it can make money!

Please apply online prior to the auditions. Find details at www.cbc.ca/dragonsden To check out some successful Dragons' Den products, visit shopdragonsden.com

F. Shawn Cunningham
CEED Financing Program
CEED Centre For Entrepreneurship Education & Development Incorporated
Direct Line: 902-421-2333 ext 103
Fax: 902-482-0291
CEED
Halifax Shopping Centre
7001 Mumford Rd
Suite 107, Tower 1, Box 196
Halifax, NS
B3L 2H8
www.ceed.info
shawn.cunningham@ceed.info

The Nova Scotia Policy Review is an independent magazine that explores our common life in the community with style and spark. Each quarterly issues covers politics, culture and justice, drawing on a wide range of voices to pose real solutions to pressing problems. Its original reporting has been cited as evidence in the legislative assembly and municipal chambers and has been republished in the daily press.

CURRENT ISSUE: MARCH 2009
The MARCH issue looks at the role of Indigenous knowledge in our culture and economy – from democracy, to the fisheries, to academia. ▪ In a new department called Community Economics, the Coastal Learning Communities Network sets out its concept for a just restoration of the fisheries. Caroline Cameron calls attention to the cultural and political place of Gaelic and Mi’kmaw in our communities. And the differences between classical and Indigenous approaches to research are given a personal reading in a new book by Shawn Wilson.

ALSO:
▪Matthew Scott writes about coming home in “Blomidon or bust.” Arts consultant Andrew David Terris describes how culture is moving from the margins to the centre of our economy and why we need to invest in our creative core. And Shauna MacKinnon in Manitoba surveys national and regional approaches to poverty reduction.
▪ Chris Arsenault’s critical history of Agent Orange in Canada is reviewed. The question of political education in schools is raised – and answered. The public value in farmland is documented. And the conceptual problems in creating the new department of economic and rural development are outlined.
▪ There are briefs on an online farmers’ market, reading out the recession, coastal concerns in St. Margaret’s Bay, geomatics and community action, and what’s missing from the province’s new climate change action plan.
▪ The Regional Review digests youth and family policy in New Brunswick and the state of poverty in Ontario – and offers a comic take on the work-life balance of politicians.
▪ There’s also a summary of pressing social problems in Nova Scotia and George Orwell weighs in on the silent protest of journalists at The Chronicle Herald.
▪ Plus: new cartoon by Janet Larkman and artwork by Jack McMaster.

The Nova Scotia Policy Review
“A little companion to democracy”
Published quarterly by Finest Point Periodicals Ltd
P.O. Box 447 Bridgetown NS B0S 1C0
Phone: 902 665 4538
Fax: 902 665 4981

Province Continues to Focus on Stimulating Business Growth in Rural Communities

Economic and Rural Development
March 4, 2009 2:30 PM

Communities in the northern Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and Annapolis-Digby regions are taking a new approach to stimulating local business growth.

The Business Retention and Expansion Program is a community-based economic strategy in which experts gather specific information first-hand from businesses to identify and respond to their challenges, needs and opportunities. The information becomes part of a comprehensive database used to develop strategic plans and create a stronger business climate.

Murray Scott, Minister of Economic and Rural Development, announced today, March 4, more than $280,000 in provincial support for the Business Retention and Expansion Program to help expand the project to another six regional development authorities across the province.

"Through the regional development authorities in Nova Scotia, we are working with businesses to identify opportunities and to help alleviate barriers," said Mr. Scott. "This program is especially vital during these uncertain economic times and is an important component of the province's economic growth strategy and stimulus package."

The project is co-ordinated by the Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities with funding by the departments of Economic and Rural Development, Labour and Workforce Development and Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Six regional development authorities in central, southern and western Nova Scotia were involved in an 18-month pilot program that began in 2006.

"Now more than ever, we need to take a closer look at challenges and opportunities on a local and global scale, and help companies as they work through them," said Stephen Lund, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. "The Business Retention and Expansion Program is valuable to the work we are doing at NSBI and, most of all, it's adding value every day to business development across the province."

Holly Boston, of the Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities, said the move is a boost for the whole province.

"Business retention and expansion is a team effort that involves the regional development authorities, our partners in business and all three levels of government," said Holly Boston, of the Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities. "Extending the business retention and expansion model to the rest of Nova Scotia will position our province as a leader in economic development and competitiveness."

The Business Retention and Expansion Program has helped Windsor-based Nova Scotia-based technology firm BioMedica Diagnostics Inc. be globally competitive despite being removed from the traditional urban centers of medical technology.

"The Business Retention and Expansion Program, via our local Hants Regional Development Authority, has been instrumental to our success by promoting our firm nationally and internationally, creating networking opportunities with international visitors, and positioning us as an ambassador for the community," said Abdullah Kirumira, chief executive officer of BioMedica Diagnostics.

In January, his firm won a World Economic Forum Award for Pioneering Technology for providing affordable medical solutions to resource-poor nations.

The Nova Scotia association is the link between the 13 regional development authorities, including the Greater Halifax Partnership, and is funded through regional development authority membership, the province and the federal government.

UN Calls for Green Revolution to Prevent Food Crisis

By Sarah Hills, 19-Feb-2009

A major change is needed in the way food is produced, handled and disposed of in order to feed the world's rising population and protect the environment as prices are expected to remain volatile, according to a new UN report.

The factors blamed for the current food crisis - drought, biofuels, high oil prices, low grain stocks and in particular speculation in food stocks - may worsen substantially in the coming decades unless more intelligent and creative management is brought to the world's agricultural systems, said the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) study.

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director, said: "We need a Green revolution in a Green Economy but one with a capital G."

Green revolution, with a lower-case g, is a term that usually refers to the spread of new agricultural technologies since World War Two.

However Steiner has a different idea in mind:

"We need to deal with not only the way the world produces food but the way it is distributed, sold and consumed, and we need a revolution that can boost yields by working with rather than against nature."

He added: "Over half of the food produced today is either lost, wasted or discarded as a result of inefficiency in the human-managed food chain.

"There is evidence within the report that the world could feed the entire projected population growth alone by becoming more efficient."

Last year food manufacturers faced soaring commodity costs, as prices for key raw materials such as corn and wheat reach unprecedented figures, putting intense pressure on company balance sheets.

The report called: "The Environmental Food crises: Environment's role in averting future food crises" warned that food prices may increase by 30-50 per cent within decades. At the same time, 25 per cent of the world’s food production may become lost due to 'environmental breakdowns' by 2050 unless action is taken.

Recommendations

To reduce the risk of hunger and rising food insecurity, it recommends a seven point plan

In the short-term it suggests re-organizing the food market infrastructure to regulate prices and generate food safety nets for those at risk. This would be backed by a global, micro-financing fund to boost small-scale farmer productivity in developing countries.

It also suggests the removal of agricultural subsidies and the promotion of second generation biofuels based on wastes rather than primary crops.

In the medium-term is recommends reducing trade barriers and improving infrastructure to increase trade and improve market access.

It also suggests replacing the use of cereals and food fish in animal feed with post-harvest losses and waste and offering support for more diversified and ecologically-friendly farming systems.

Long term recommendations include steps to limit global warming with climate-friendly agriculture production systems and raising awareness of the pressures that consumption and population trends put on sustainable ecosystems.

Opportunities and markets

Last week another UN report said that despite the economic crisis, the organic market will grow so countries such as Africa need to grow and export more organic produce to help tackle issues of food security and sustainability.

However, this latest UNEP report said that increasing growth and power of international food corporations is affecting the opportunities of small agricultural producers in developing countries.

Acadian Seaplants Expanding

Nova Scotia-based bioscience company, Acadian Seaplants Ltd. will double the production capacity at its Cornwallis, Annapolis County, processing plant, thanks to support from the province.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. is complementing the company's investment with a payroll rebate to a maximum of $270,000. NSBI's five-year rebate will help Acadian Seaplants maintain its workforce as it invests in its competitiveness.

"Throughout the years, Acadian Seaplants has invested heavily in research and development, along with market development," company president Jean-Paul Deveau said in an interview with the Chronicle Herald last week.

"And those have been the cornerstones of the development of the organization. By doing that, we’ve been able to differentiate our products in many markets around the world. That way, we’ve been able to build our business by differentiating ourselves substantially from our competitors."

Acadian Seaplants specializes in the technology-based manufacturing of natural and specialty fertilizers, feed, food, food ingredients and brewery supplies derived from select species of marine plants. The company exports its products to 70 countries The company has several processing plants in Atlantic Canada and employs 300 people in eight countries, including 75 at it’s Cornwallis facility.

Foundations of Board Governance March 19; Thurs 10am to 5pm Tatamagouche Centre

Effective Board governance rarely happens by accident - it is generally the result of proactive and intentional efforts to build capacity and enhance performance. This workshop provides an overview of the key elements of a strong Board, and introduces a framework and tools for participants to assess their own Board strengths and areas for improvement. A participatory approach facilitates knowledge-sharing, and a 30-page workbook is provided.

This workshop will be of interest to individuals who serve on not-for-profit Boards and seek greater effectiveness!

Leadership: Bruce Smith is an organizational consultant, mediator and facilitator based in Liverpool, NS. He works with not-for-profit Boards on all aspects of governance, including Board-Executive relations, monitoring and evaluating performance, and strategic planning.

Margaret Tusz-King, Program Director at Tatamagouche Centre.
Tuition: $85; Meals/Snacks: $20
To register, or for more information, contact Tatamagouche Centre
1-800-218-2220 or www.tatacentre.ca

Commissioner’s Report Says “We are not on an Environmentally Sustainable Path”

On February 5th, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development released his first Report to the House of Commons. In it, the Commissioner states that the government cannot demonstrate that some of its key environmental programs are making a difference.

The Report also says that environmental problems such as species extinction, risks to human health from environmental contamination and climate change are serious problems that governments and the public must face today. On a more positive note, the Commissioner recognizes that the federal government is moving in the right direction by providing Canadians with better information and encouraging changes in environmental behaviour.

FISHERIES/AQUACULTURE--Government Working With Lobster Industry to Meet Challenges, Op-ed Piece

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ron Chisholm.

Our rural coastal communities depend on our resource sectors, such as the lobster industry, for economic sustainability. As Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, I have been working with government and industry to determine solutions for the challenges facing the provincial lobster fishery.

One of the largest issues facing the industry today is the global economic downturn that has influenced the purchase of high-end lobster products in the marketplace. This situation has led to low wharf prices which are negatively impacting many in the Nova Scotia lobster industry.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture continues to engage in marketing and promotional activities that enhance the work undertaken by the industry. For example, in December, the department's marketing staff and two Nova Scotia chefs spent two weeks promoting fresh Nova Scotia lobster in Calgary, Lloydminster, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray. The tour included in-store promotions, television appearances and meetings with government and business leaders.

I participated in part of the tour and was impressed at the interest and increase in sales, which, in some markets, improved by as much as 400 per cent. Staff are now looking at ways to use tours to tap into other markets in the future. They are also networking with industry representatives to explore other marketing options for North America and Europe.

There is more work to be done. Over the past several months, I have met with my Atlantic and federal counterparts to discuss viable solutions to the lobster industry challenges. We are continuing to discuss what governments can do to help, and will meet again this month with industry representatives.

Meanwhile, members of the industry has been discussing what they can do to help improve their bottom line. I encourage harvesters and dealers to keep communication lines open and to work in co-operation to improve the industry.

The department has also taken the important step of creating the loans for licences program. Access to capital is important for young fishermen who want to get licences. The program will help finance licences for new fishermen, and help other fishermen get licences for new species. The details of the program are being worked out in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Capital is expected to be available in April.

Working wharfs and coastlines are also important to our province. This spring, a draft of the State of the Coast Report will be released and Nova Scotians will be asked to provide feedback. Their input will be incorporated into the Sustainable Coastal Development Report, a document that will guide how our coast will look in the years ahead.

I invite everyone with ideas and workable solutions to come forward and share them with us. With the continued support of government, we can effectively tackle many of the issues faced by the lobster fishery in Nova Scotia. Working together, we can make our industry stronger and more resilient to today's challenges and those of the future.

THE SHUBENACADIE ART CONNECTION

The Shubenacadie Art Connection is a new exhibit opportunity for Nova Scotia artists encouraging artistic excellence and community involvement. This exciting new art event will showcase the entire Shubenacadie Canal and Waterway from Halifax Harbour to Cobequid Bay. Artwork celebrating the past, present and future of the waterway will be exhibited simultaneously at five community locations from Maitland to Dartmouth. The juried exhibition will be held for the first time from September 19 to October 4, 2009, a period covering two weeks and three weekends. Community reception dates will be announced. This professionally juried exhibit will be open to all Nova Scotia visual artists, both professional and amateur, whose submitted artwork pays tribute to the Shubenacadie Waterway. All painting and drawing mediums will be eligible, as well as all painting styles. For complete details, interested visual artists should go to the Shubenacadie Canal Commission's website to see guidelines, application form, and event calendar for artists (note: first artist event 'History of the Waterway' is on March 11, 2009): http://shubie.chebucto.org (Dawn Josey: (902) 883-8540 or Susan Sweet: (902) 261-2036) Deadline: 15th of July, 2009

More promotion of lobster needed says newly formed committee

EI qualifications, easing of bank loan repayments other issues and challenges

by Tina Comeau/Sou'Wester

Fishermen, local business people and others attended a Jan. 29 meeting in Yarmouth, N.S. to talk about the industry.

A committee that has come together in southwestern Nova Scotia for the betterment of the lobster industry says promotion of the product is needed and this needs to be a collaborative effort involving fishermen, businesses, government and the community.

“Who here thinks that lobster is being promoted?” asked Wanda Atkinson, a businesswoman from Cape Sable Island, one of the organizers of a meeting held at the Yarmouth Wesleyan Church on Thursday, Jan. 29.

No one in the room raised their hand.

“We would like to see promotion, we would like to see advertising, we would like to see campaigns. We’ve got to look and see if there aren’t some opportunities here so we can build the industry bigger and stronger,” she said. “Our lobsters aren’t advertised they aren’t marketing. The only time you ever see any advertisement that includes lobster is Red Lobster and what do they advertise? Shrimp.”

Atkinson admits advertising won’t erase the economic crisis that is gripping Canada, the United States and other parts of the world. But it could help cushion the blow locally if more awareness translates into more demand for the product.

Because of the low prices paid to fishermen in the opening weeks of the season – when it is a make or break time in their livelihoods – there are concerns about how the situation has impacted captains, and in particular, crewmembers. Aside from those struggling with low wages and high debts, because some crewmembers have been laid off there is concern they won’t have enough hours to draw employment insurance when the season closes and they don’t have other fishing to fall back on. The requirement is 595 hours to qualify.

Many had been hoping for relief in EI qualifications in the federal budget that was just tabled, but that didn’t happen. For the hours needed to qualify to decrease, people were told at the meeting that the unemployment rate has to go up. But even a rate hovering between 9.1 and 10 per cent would only shave off 35 hours. Warden Jim Thurber of Digby County pointed out it is problematic because people who don’t qualify for EI benefits aren’t calculated in the unemployment rate.

The province’s Liberal fisheries critic Harold Jr. Theriault, the MLA for Digby-Annapolis, voiced his concern with the lack of attention given to the fishing industry in the federal budget.

“We’ve got people in the industry, both young and old, facing a heavy debt load during this hard economic climate,” he said, saying he needs to look no further for evidence of this than to his own sons who are in the fishery. Theriault said people who got into the industry years back are still burdened by what he calls artificially inflated entry prices that came about after 1999.

The Jan. 29 meeting opened with a presentation from the local Community Business Development Corporation about loan programs that are available for fishermen who may want to pursue other small business opportunities during the off season, or who are looking to get out of the fishery. A presentation from the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce referred to the support the chamber can offer to the industry and cargo opportunities that will arrive with the start of scheduled air service operating out of the Yarmouth airport. Representatives from Service Canada spoke about EI programs, training and benefits.

The organizers of the meeting also invited local businesses to talk about the impact they feel when troubles hit the lobster fishery. Mike Mercier, the new owner of the Canadian Tire in Yarmouth, said there is little doubt that when the industry hurts, so do businesses in the community. Having just recently moved here from Saskatchewan, he said in early December when fishermen tied up their boats that made the news out west.

“I know some friends that did go out into restaurants and buy lobster,” he said, adding any new promotion of the lobster product can only help.

The committee, which this week will hold another meeting at the fisheries museum in Lunenburg, has launched a site called I Love Lobster on the social networking site Facebook. They intend to capitalize on some municipal units in Shelburne County having declared 2009 the Year of the Lobster.

Carol Spinney, the wife of a lobster fisherman and an organizer of the meeting, will be making a presentation to the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce seeking its help is lobbying banks to offer pardons for fishermen who are struggling to make payments.

Those at the meeting were encouraged to write letters, and to have others do the same, to politicians at all levels of government to stress the importance of the industry and highlight changes that are needed, like to EI programs, to provide short term assistance for the industry.

“We’re looking to make change. We’re trying to put out sustainable, achievable and sensible goals,” said Spinney, who admits it often can be an uphill battle.

“You do have a lot of stereotyping that happens. Some fishermen have nice trucks and nice homes. People who are not directly involved in fishing, they judge because they see these nice big trucks and homes so they think right away that these people have a lot of money. Well even if that’s the case, I say good for them because they worked hard for their money, it’s long hours and it’s a hard job on the water,” Spinney said. “But for those of us, as middle average individuals, we don’t live on high society, we work and we try to have a comfortable way of living and it’s unfortunate what’s happened to us.”

While the committee is still looking for volunteers to help it push for and create short and long-term solutions and opportunities for the industry, it is also seeking ideas from the public on ways to promote the lobster. One suggestion from the floor was to try and organize a lobster week to coincide with the end of the season in May. There were some suggestions on how to generate funding for a lobster promotion campaign.

Another suggestion came from Henry Surette, a fisherman from Pinkney’s Point, who said the industry should jump on the President Barack Obama bandwagon. The president is making his first foreign visit to Canada on Feb. 19 and a lot of attention will follow him.

“Maybe we could send a box of lobsters for Obama and a box of crabs for the other guy,” said Surette. Once the initial laughter in the room subsided, some in the audience murmured, “You know, that’s not a bad idea.”

Tital Update, News Release

As part of our commitment to keep you up to date with current information on tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy, please see the link below for a news release from the Nova Scotia Department of Energy released on January 22, 2009 entitled "Nova Scotia Welcomes Tidal Project Activity".

http://www.offshoreenergyresearch.ca/Media/tabid/56/Default.aspx

South West Nova Community Investments Limited.

CBDC Yarmouth and CBDC Digby (Growth Opportunities) is pleased to announce a new Business Venture: South West Nova Community Investments Limited.

The Fund will serve as an investment option for businesses located in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, and Shelburne Counties in Nova Scotia and has the support of the provincial authorities. This community-focused Fund is being created to assist in stimulating economic growth and enhance prosperity within our community.

The dead-line for investing is February 27th, 2009!

All prospective investors and interested parties are encouraged to contact Angela Carver for information and or to make an investment. An informational Fact Sheet is enclosed for your review. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Angela Carver, the Fund’s coordinator, at (902) 742-5364.

RRSP season is upon us once again, and attached you will find an alternative investment opportunity that will provide you with an additional 30% tax credit right up front. Also, it will allow your investment dollars to remain in your province. If anyone has any questions regarding this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I have attached the letter of introduction, and the FAQ’s with regard to our CEDIF.

CEDIFFacts.pdf

If you want more info, do not hesitate to ask.

Angela Carver, BBA
Project Officer
CBDC Yarmouth
(902) 742-5364
(902) 742-6305 (Direct Line)
(902) 749-7310 (Cellular)

January 13th, 2009
For Immediate Release

Coalition wants say in Coastal Strategy

Halifax, January 13 - Thirty-one community and environmental organizations from Yarmouth to Cape Breton formally offered their collective assistance to the province to help develop a Sustainable Coastal Development Strategy. The organizations want a role in the policy development process.

“The organizations that signed this letter have the ideas, the expertise, the solutions, and can generate broad-based public engagement. We want to be involved, not only in the development of the strategy, but also its implementation”, says Geoff LeBoutillier, of the St Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association.

The groups urge the province to move swiftly. “The time is now,” says Karen Traversy, spokesperson for the Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia. “The high costs of climate change, damaged infrastructure, and loss of biodiversity are upon us.”

“The Strategy must involve municipalities and communities in a meaningful way,” says Ashley Sprague, Marine Coordinator at the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. “This Strategy must include a comprehensive land-use plan that adequately addresses coastal ecosystem protection through such tools as zoning, set-backs and coastal marine protected areas.”

“Our coasts are one of our most valuable assets,” says the Ecology Action Centre’s Jen Graham, “and they are on the front lines of climate change and intensifying development. A comprehensive coastal development strategy is a sound investment.”

Ruth Smith from the Friends of Port Mouton Bay explains, “Responsible coastal development is essential to the health and growth of our coastal communities and will protect and expand employment in the traditional fisheries and tourism sectors.”

“Community and environmental groups have been doing the on-the-ground coastal and watershed management work for years. Historically, we have always played a key role. We must be part of the solution,” sums up Jen Graham. “The sea is rising. Let’s hope our collective ability to rise above the challenges we are facing rises right along with it.”

The provincial government’s announcement about a Coastal Development Strategy is available at
http://www.gov.ns.ca/fish/marine/coastalzone/framework.shtml.
A copy of the text of the letter is available on the website of the Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia at
http://ccns.chebucto.org/

For further information:

Jen Graham, Coastal Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre,
coastal@ecologyaction.ca 442-5046
Ashley Sprague, Marine Coordinator, CPAWS-NS,
marine@cpawns.ca (902) 446-4155
Karen Traversy, Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia,
kvtraversy@ns.sympatico.ca , 902-845-1093
Geoff LeBoutillier, St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association,
community@heartofthebay.ca, 823-1404
Ruth Smith, Science Committee, Friends of Port Mouton Bay, 443-1113

Yarmouth Airport Lands Daily Air Service, International Air Show

Montreal-based Starlink Aviation announced plans last week to begin passenger service through Yarmouth airport in early February serving routes between Portland, Maine, Yarmouth and Halifax. The flights will be offered twice daily, Monday through Friday, using an 18-passenger Jetstream 31 aircraft.

Traffic into the Yarmouth airport, owned and operated by the Yarmouth Airport Commission, is currently a mix of military aircraft, charters and corporate jets.

According to an article that appeared in the Chronicle Herald, "the city of Portland is anxious to have the service since it hasn’t had regularly scheduled international flights since the events of September 11, 2001. Portland International Jetport, which competes with Boston’s Logan International Airport for business, is served by several major U.S. carriers and handles 1.7 million passengers annually."

In other news for the Yarmouth airport, the facility stands to benefit from increased air traffic at Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport. Since Halifax is so busy, the Nova Scotia International Air Show will touch down at the Yarmouth airstrip this fall. The announcement last week was a welcome one for the region as the event promises to attract visitors to the Yarmouth area over the weekend of September 12 and 13.

How to Make Poverty History in the Maritimes –
Training of Community Organizers

February 27 – March 1: Fri 7 pm – Sun 1 pm

This workshop will explore how local groups and individuals can help to make poverty history in their communities, province and globally. The workshop will involve participants in collectively drawing a picture of poverty in the Maritimes and in the world, identify the policy changes that are needed to realize a world without poverty and explore online and media action strategies, lobbying and political action tools, and popular education approaches to raising public awareness. Participants will design and develop action strategies for provincial poverty reduction to Make Poverty History in the Maritimes and plans for campaigns on global poverty in relation to the G8 Summits.

Leadership:
Dennis Howlett is the Coordinator of Make Poverty History. He is the former Executive Director of the National Anti-Poverty Organization where he initiated a national campaign for making the minimum wage a living wage and for action on youth poverty. For over 30 years he worked for a number of ecumenical social justice coalitions including Ten Days for Global Justice and KAIROS where he led successful campaigns for cancellation of Third World debt, fair trade coffee, and ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. He is the author of several books including Ah-hah! A New Approach to Popular Education and From Resistance to Transformation: Social Movement Coalitions in Canada, Philippines, South Africa and Mexico. Maria Recchia, Program Resource Group.

For more information and to register Contact us:
Brenda Garrison - Registrar
Brenda Aitchison - Weekend Registrar
1-800-218-2220
902-657-2231
www.tatacentre.ca
tatacent@tatacentre.ca

A new GPI Atlantic report, “Fisheries and the Marine Environment in Nova Scotia: Searching for Sustainability and Resilience”, has been released today. Written by Chris Burbidge, Heather Boyd, Amanda Lavers and myself, the report – along with an accompanying press release – is available at the GPI Atlantic website:

REPORT: http://www.gpiatlantic.org/pdf/fisheries/fisheries_2008.pdf

RELEASE: http://www.gpiatlantic.org/releases/pr_fisheries_2008.htm

Economic Development
December 17, 2008 11:48 AM

Immigrants who have recently moved to live in Nova Scotia can soon get down to business with the help of the new Immigrant Small Business Financing Program.

The program offers immigrants, who have lived in Nova Scotia less than five years, up to $150,000 to help start, expand or buy a small business.

Many immigrants, even those with stable banking practices in their home countries, often find it difficult to get business funding as banks and other lending institutions in Canada generally do not recognize international credit history.

In Nova Scotia, there are more than 30,000 small businesses, representing 92 per cent of all businesses in the province.

"Small businesses drive the Nova Scotia economy," said Economic Development Minister Angus MacIssac. "This program will help ensure immigrant entrepreneurs have the opportunity to become small business owners in this province and generate jobs."

The pilot project is available solely through credit unions across Nova Scotia. It will be administered by the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, and is a joint initiative of the council, the Credit Union Council of Nova Scotia, local Credit Unions, the Department of Economic Development and the Office of Immigration.

Credit unions will begin taking applications in mid-January.

Economic Development will invest $2 million in a loan guarantee to the Small Business Immigration Financing Program, which will be reviewed annually. Immigration will provide $100,000 a year for operating and other costs of the program, such as business counselling, administration, technical services and legal costs.

"Access to economic opportunities are key factors in a new immigrant's decision to stay or leave the province," said Immigration Minister Len Goucher. "By setting up businesses, new immigrants will also establish stronger roots in local communities, roots that will help newcomers integrate and, ultimately, settle in Nova Scotia."

The Immigrant Small Business Financing Program is an extension of the existing Small Business Financing Program, which is also administered by the Nova Scotia Enterprises Co-operative and delivered through credit unions. It has helped more than 350 companies create and maintain 2,300 jobs.

"We've helped establish new businesses and empower entrepreneurs with the support they need to create employment for themselves and others," says Dianne Kelderman, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. "We have had great success and now, with a program for immigrant entrepreneurs, we see the opportunity for even greater growth."

Last year, more than 150 immigrants interested in starting or buying a new business approached the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association for assistance.

"We can assist new immigrants with many services when they come to Nova Scotia," said Claudette Legault, executive director of the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association. "But having access to business loans in a timely manner is very significant in terms of determining their financial success."

For more information on the Immigrant Small Business Financing Program, visit the Economic Development website at www.gov.ns.ca/econ .

More information on the application process will be available on the website in mid-January

IMMIGRANT SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM - PROGRAM DETAILS
http://www.nsco-opcouncil.ca/newsninitiatives.php

TIDAL POWER DEVELOPMENT IN THE BAY OF FUNDY

The "Strategic Environmental Assessment of In-Stream Tidal Energy Generation Development in New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy Coastal Waters" contains 19 recommendations to be considered if the Province moves forward with developing in-stream tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy. The Government of New Brunswick is working on a formal response to the recommendations.

The report is available at http://www.bofep.org.

Volunteer organizations across Nova Scotia will now have the full support of government thanks to a collaboration agreement with the province.

Premier Rodney MacDonald met with Steve Young, chair of the Nova Scotia Volunteer Community Advisory Council, and members of the volunteer community today, Dec. 5, to sign the agreement as part of International Volunteer Day.

"Volunteers play a critical role throughout Nova Scotia, providing many of the services and programs that build and support healthy communities," said Premier MacDonald. "The Nova Scotia government is pleased to work in partnership with volunteers to identify opportunities for strengthening organizations so they can achieve more."

The purpose of the collaboration agreement is to lay the foundation of a healthy relationship between the government and volunteers. It represents a commitment to create open, transparent and collaborative ways to work together on issues, policies and programs that will have positive outcomes for volunteers.

The collaboration agreement was created by the advisory council, which was formed in March to develop action plans and recommendations to increase volunteer work, healthy public policy and create better public services. The council also acts as a communications link with government, and is the first step to developing a relationship between government and volunteer organizations.

"Volunteerism is alive and well in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Young, "Statistics show that the Atlantic provinces have the highest volunteer rates per capita in Canada, and for this reason, I am pleased to be a part of the creation of this agreement."

In Nova Scotia, more than 377,000 people or 48 per cent of the population, contribute their time and expertise to volunteer work. That is the third leading province or territory after British Columbia and the Yukon in the number of volunteer hours contributed.

Nova Scotia also has the second largest number of volunteer organizations per capita in Canada, with 5,820 registered not-for-profit organizations. There are thousands more that are not registered but provide a wide range of services in communities across the province.

Province Invests in Bringing Local Foods to Consumers
Agriculture December 5, 2008 8:48 AM

New funding will make it easier and more convenient to buy local foods in Nova Scotia.

Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor announced today, Dec. 5, that $2.3 million over three years will support the development of the local food systems, which includes everything from farmers to consumers, and improve access to local foods for consumers throughout the province.

The investment will target strategic infrastructure and development initiatives that will enhance industry competitiveness, market access and direct marketing methods.

"Local food systems are an exciting and rapidly evolving sector," said Mr. Taylor, "This funding will develop the roots between rural and urban food systems, and support marketing initiatives."

This investment will complement the province's food marketing programs, Select Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia, in promoting the variety and quality of food Nova Scotia has to offer.

Nova Scotia's agri-food sector contributed an estimated $904 million to the provincial gross domestic product in 2007, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The Department of Agriculture is making the investment in partnership with the Department of Economic Development. The funding comes from the Community Development Trust Fund, a $34.9 million fund that was established by the federal government to help communities and sectors experiencing economic challenges.

"Creating new local food networks will help sustain and expand our rural economy," said Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac. "They encourage farmers and other food producers to become involved in innovative new business ventures to bring their foods more directly to consumers."

The priorities of the trust fund are to enhance sustainable prosperity, diversify economic and trade opportunities, improve productivity, innovation and training, assist communities with transition planning, and help workers facing adjustment challenges. More information on the Community Development Trust Fund in Nova Scotia is at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/cdtrust .

Thursday evening, December 4th, at 7:00 pm, at the Potter Auditorium of the Kenneth C. Rowe Building on University Ave at Dalhousie, the Metro Interagency on Family Violence Committee, and the Dalhousie Women's Centre are sponsoring a FREE public lecture by Brian Vallee (see attached poster.)

Mr Vallee is a former producer for W5, and was responsible for the documentary, and the subsequent books Life with Billy, and Life After Billy, the stories of the life and death of Jane Hurshman.

Last year, Mr. Vallee published a new book called the War on Women, with a foreword by Stephen Lewis. From his web site:

The War on Women

The man who wrote THE book on battered women in Canada, international bestselling writer Brian Vallée returns to the domestic battlefield.

Twenty years ago, in an international bestselling book entitled Life with Billy, investigative journalist and documentary producer Brian Vallée shone a spotlight on the dirty little secret of what was then known as “domestic abuse.”

In The War on Women Vallée revisits the domestic battlefield, revealing that the War on Women by the intimate men in their lives continues; that the fallen in this War are more likely to be ignored than honoured; that the refugee camps of this War are called “shelters”; and that the number of men being killed by their spouses has dropped by more than 70 percent since the inception of shelters, while the number of women being killed has dropped by less than 25 percent. That’s right, shelters save men’s lives!

Vallée was compelled to revisit the domestic battlefield when he was contacted by Calgary music promoter Elly Armour, who harboured a dark secret. She had once been a battered wife. In Nova Scotia in 1951, her husband brutally beat her and forced his way into a locked room where she was trying to hide. A teenaged mother of two with a third on the way, Elly shot her husband dead with his own hunting rifle. She was charged with the capital murder of Vernon Ince.

Through the years, Elly never talked about the shooting or the abuse. Not until more than half a century later when, her health failing and upset at the number of women still being murdered and abused by their intimate partners, Miss Elly contacted Brian Vallee and asked him to reveal her secrets.

Publisher: Key Porter, Toronto, 2007
ISBN #1-55263-828-6

http://brianvallee.ca

Nova Plastics

Doug Gidney's newest creation was on the chopping block Tuesday night, but the Weymouth man couldn't be happier. The co-owner of Nova Plastics was showing off his wares as part of a Chicago trade mission when the chef at the hotel where he was staying took an interest in the company's recyclable cutting board.

"He took it right down to the kitchen, threw aside his wooden cutting board and proceeded to prepare a meal for 400 people (with) it," Mr. Gidney said in a telephone interview. "He was delighted. He told me that he would finally be able to keep the health inspector happy."

Nova Plastics is one of 60 companies from Atlantic Canada in the Windy City this week trying to drum up business as part of a Team Canada Atlantic trade mission.

"There's a lot of business being done," said Mr. Gidney, who has eight meetings scheduled over two days. "I don't think they've heard about the recession here in Chicago."

Nova Plastics was formed three years ago when Mr. Gidney returned home to Nova Scotia after working as a contractor in Prince Edward Island. His tinkering with plastics had spawned a couple of products he thought might be marketable. The company has worked quietly on the development of a washable mildew-resistant shower curtain and easy-to-sanitize recyclable cutting surface. Encouraged by some sales in the U.S. through a wholesaler serving the hospitality industry, he got involved in the ACOA-sponsored trade mission as a way to promote the products.

He said the cutting sheets have gotten getting a lot of attention because they are cheap, durable and bacteria-resistant and prevent cross-contamination in chopping areas.

POLITICS, CULTURE & JUSTICE

The December issue of The Nova Scotia Policy Review reports on the lack of regulation, standards and choice in residential care for people with disabilities. It also provides a county-by-county evaluation of education outcomes for Aboriginal students, offering a more positive view of the “education gap.” The Youth Criminal Justice Act is appraised in the context of the campaign to “crack down on youth crime”; life on the financial margins is described; the plight of Aboriginal women in Canadian jails and of Inuit children in Northern schools is brought into focus; and the role photography plays in shaping our responses to social problems – from polio to Africville – is critiqued.

As well, author Susan Haley continues her musings on agriculture in “Down not out in the Annapolis Valley.” Barbara MacDonald reports on her experiences at the municipal “campaign schools” for women. Writer Amy James applies her studies in psychiatry and mental health to her review of the new book, Protect, Befriend, Respect: Nova Scotia’s Mental Health Movement 1908-2008. Judy Kennedy explains why Naomi Klein’s sharp critique of “disaster capitalism” is timely. Sherri Torjman explains social enterprise to capitalists. And Rachel Brighton surveys the ideas behind two court challenges that seek to decriminalize prostitution.

There are also updates on private land conservation, watershed management and the persistent problem of freedom of information.

The Nova Scotia Policy Review is an independent quarterly magazine for inquiring individuals and concerned policy makers. Each issue tackles politics, culture and justice, drawing on a wide range of voices to pose real solutions to pressing problems.

Please visit www.policyreview.ca for subscription details or email Rachel Brighton at editor@policyreview.ca to request a sample issue.

Get your 2009 calendar now and help the Coastal Communities Network at the same time.

This calendar features fourteen gorgeous photos of beautiful rural and small-town Nova Scotia taken by CCN staffer and expert photographer Cynthia MacLean. Order now so you'll have your calendars well before Christmas. This calendar is just $13 (delivered) and will be your companion throughout the coming year. And it makes a great gift as well. To order, simply go to:

http://www.coastalcommunities.ns.ca/documents/CALENDARORDERFORM.pdf

print off the order form and fax it to (902) 752-7972, or mail to CCN, PO Box 402, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5E5.

All proceeds from the sale of CCN's 2009 calendar go toward the important work CCN undertakes on behalf of rural and small-town Nova Scotians across Nova Scotia.

FISHERIES / AQUACULTURE- -Renewal Program For Nova Scotia's Seafood Industry

Nova Scotia's seafood industry will get a major financial boost to support its competitiveness in a challenging global marketplace, the province announced today, Nov. 17.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, will invest $3.75 million in the seafood industry over the next three years. The funds will be provided through the Community Development Trust Fund, which was established to help communities and workers hard hit by economic challenges.

Cost-shared funding will be used to diversify markets and develop new products, improve productivity and product quality and to meet consumer expectations about food sustainability.

"Nova Scotia is Canada's leading seafood exporting province and the industry provides thousands of jobs in our coastal communities; we want to keep it that way," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Ron Chisholm. "The government recognizes the importance of the seafood sector to the province and the need for an industry driven renewal process to meet the current challenges."

Seafood producers are facing many challenges such as a weakening U.S. economy, increased global competition, higher production costs and changing consumer expectations.

Funding will be available to eligible applicants in three areas:

• diversifying into new export markets
• adopting new technology and processing techniques that enhance value and reduce costs
• seeking independent eco-certification of key fisheries and reducing the use of fossil fuels in seafood production

Support is available to seafood processors, harvesters, industry groups and organizations, seafood businesses and co-operatives.

"We want this program to provide lasting benefits for the industry and the province," said Jamie Muir, acting Minister of Economic Development. "We are focusing on projects that will enhance economic growth and competitiveness while encouraging partnerships among participants in the seafood sector."

Information is available at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/marine/ssrp . More information on the Community Development Trust in Nova Scotia is available at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/cdtrust .

Black Business Initiative (BBI)
…creating a Dynamic and Vibrant Black Presence within the Nova Scotia Business Community

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) is a Province-wide business development initiative committed to fostering the growth of businesses owned by members of the Nova Scotia Black Community. The BBI places priority on educating Black business owners in the operation of their business - from marketing to budgeting to securing funding.

http://www.bbi.ca/

Michael Hayes
Account Manager
Community Development
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
1801 Hollis Street, Suite 600
P.O. Box 2284, Station "M"
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3C8
Tel: (902) 426-7158
Cell: (902) 471-1720
Fax: (902) 426-2054
Toll: (800) 565-1228
email: michael.hayes@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
website: www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Natural Resources report misses public's urgent call for reform: EAC
November 13, 2008

Centre calls Voluntary Planning's interim public consultation report on new forestry and mining strategies timid and vague, and worries that citizens not being heard

The Ecology Action Centre is expressing its deep concern over the lack of substance and conclusions in a recent report from Voluntary Planning on new natural resources strategies for Nova Scotia.

The Natural Resources Citizen Engagement Committee, struck by Voluntary Planning to gather and synthesize public input into provincial forests, mining, parks, and biodiversity strategies, held twenty-seven public meetings across Nova Scotia this spring. They also received over 600 written submissions. Earlier this month the committee released their interim report, titled "The Future of Nova Scotia's Natural Resources: What We Heard".

The report consists primarily of excerpts of public comments, and identifies five "emerging themes" intended to reflect public input: sustainability, diversity, balance, collaboration, and transparency. It does not elaborate on where the bulk of public opinion rests on key natural resource issues that the new strategies will be addressing, nor does it provide guidance on how the new strategies should deal with hot button issues like clearcutting, coastal development, and mining reform to be in sync with public aspirations.

"In this state, it provides no direction to government or those who will prepare the strategies. It's a very timid and vague report," according to Mark Butler, EAC's Policy Director. "The final report needs to draw conclusions about the overall public mood on key issues, even if those views were not unanimous or they present additional challenges. Take clearcutting for example – citizens overwhelmingly said they want less of it. That's a valid finding for a process like this."

EAC is also surprised that the public's plea for greater protections of the environment failed to emerge as a key theme in the report. "Over and over citizens repeated their deeply felt desire for forestry and mining reforms to make these activities less destructive to the environment. Anyone who attended the hearings or has read the on-line submissions should appreciate the huge public appetite for a new approach that emphasizes profoundly better environmental stewardship," Butler said. "A lot of participants will be incredibly frustrated if the final report glosses over what should legitimately emerge as a key finding. Right now, a great deal of thoughtful citizen input has been watered down into a handful of buzzwords."

"Voluntary Planning has a responsibility to everyone who participated to put some meat into the final report and draw some useful conclusions," Butler said. "The Committee must provide clear direction for the next stage of this important process. VP's sterling reputation for gathering and accurately reporting on public opinion is on the line."

Butler points out that the document is only an interim report and the Committee has committed to making changes if key points are missed. A copy of the interim report and information for submitting comments can be found at http://vp.gov.ns.ca/projects/resources/getinvolved. VP plans to release a final report around Christmas.

Contacts: Mark Butler (902) 429-5287, Jamie Simpson 429-1335, Kermit deGooyer or Raymond Plourde 442-5008.

Nova Scotia Fishermen Furious With Regulatory Changes, Lack Of Consultation – Belliveau

Sterling Belliveau
(MLA Shelburne)

November 12, 2008

Shelburne – NDP Fisheries Critic and MLA for Shelburne, Sterling Belliveau, says the stacking of lobster licences in the Atlantic lobster industry is a breach of the Preserving the Independence of the Independent Inshore Atlantic Fishing Fleet put in place by the Federal Fisheries Minister.

“Recent Department of Fisheries and Oceans regulatory changes allow fishermen to fish more than once licence per boat without both licence holders being present,” says Belliveau. “The first the LFA 34 Advisory Committee heard of this change was when it was presented to them in late October. The Fishermen are infuriated that these changes were made without any consultation.”

Since the elected representatives on the LFA 34 Advisory Committee were not consulted, the decision to make regulatory changes was made without local input.

“Nova Scotia fishermen are looking for consultation based on trust and good faith,” says Belliveau. “The Provincial Minister of Fisheries must contact his federal counterpart immediately to ensure proper consultations take place.”

Belliveau stressed that advisory committees are set up to advise on issues they know about.

“When decisions are made without their input, it is fishing families and fishing communities that could end up being hurt,” says Belliveau. “What plan does the Provincial Minister of Fisheries have for these communities in light of local decisions being made in Ottawa?”

Published Nov 4, 2008
Canada's rural demography
La démographie rurale du Canada
1851 to 2006

Canada's rural population, namely people who live outside the commuting zone of larger urban centres, has remained fairly stable at about 6 million since 1981.

However, stronger growth among the population of larger urban centres has meant that these 6 million people represent a smaller share of Canada's total population. In 2006, their share had declined to about 19% of Canada's population, compared with 20% in 2001.

Between 2001 and 2006, the population in rural and small town areas grew by 1%. This was much slower than the growth of 6.4% in larger urban centres.

Within these rural and small town areas, population growth was highest during this five-year period in areas strongly linked to urban centres (+4.7%). In areas weakly linked to urban centres, the population declined 1.4%.

Each province showed a similar pattern. In zones that were less linked to urban centres, the population declined more, or growth was slower.

However, in both Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador, the overall rural and small town population has been declining since 1986.

Although the 1.4 million rural and small town inhabitants in Ontario represented a relatively small share of Ontario's total population, they constituted 24% of Canada's total rural and small town population in 2006. Quebec's share of the total rural and small town population was slightly higher at 25%.

Note: This study uses three different definitions of rural Canada to profile the structure of Canada's rural population, and updates the population data to 2006. The term "rural and small town" refers to those areas outside of urban centres of 10,000 or more population and where less than 50% of the labour force commutes to an urban centre for work.

The study "Structure and change in Canada's rural demography: An update to 2006" is now available as part of the The Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletin, 1851 to 2006, Vol. 7, no. 7 (21-006-XWE, free), from the Publications module of our website.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Ray D. Bollman (613-951-3747; ray.bollman@statcan.gc.ca), Agriculture Division.

La démographie rurale du Canada
1851 à 2006

La population rurale du Canada, c'est-à-dire les personnes vivant à l'extérieur de la zone de navettage des grands centres urbains, est demeurée assez stable, s'établissant à environ 6 millions de personnes depuis 1981.

Cependant, une croissance plus forte de la population des grands centres urbains signifie que ces 6 millions de personnes représentent une proportion plus faible de la population totale du Canada. En 2006, la population rurale représentait environ 19 % de la population au Canada, en baisse par rapport aux 20 % enregistrés en 2001.

De 2001 à 2006, la population des régions rurales et petites villes a augmenté de 1 %. Il s'agit d'un taux de croissance bien inférieur à celui de 6,4 % observé dans les grands centres urbains.

Dans les régions rurales et petites villes, ce sont les régions à forte influence métropolitaine qui ont enregistré la plus grande croissance de la population (+4,7 %) pendant la période quinquennale. Dans les régions à faible influence métropolitaine, la population a reculé de 1,4 %.

La tendance était semblable dans chaque province. Dans les zones où l'influence métropolitaine était faible, la population a accusé un plus grand recul ou un plus modeste accroissement.

Toutefois, en Saskatchewan et à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, la population dans l'ensemble des régions rurales et petites villes affiche un recul depuis 1986.

Même si les 1,4 million d'habitants des régions rurales et petites villes de l'Ontario représentaient une proportion relativement faible de la population totale de la province, ils représentaient 24 % du total de la population des régions rurales et petites villes du Canada en 2006, dépassés légèrement par la part du Québec, qui s'élevait à 25 %.

Nota : Dans l'étude, on a recours à trois définitions différentes du Canada rural pour dresser le profil de la structure de la population rurale au Canada, et on présente une mise à jour d'après les données sur la population de 2006. Le terme «régions rurales et petites villes» correspond aux régions à l'extérieur des centres urbains qui ont une population de 10 000 personnes ou plus et où moins de 50 % de la population active fait la navette vers un centre urbain pour y travailler.

L'étude «Structure et évolution de la démographie rurale du Canada : Mise à jour jusqu'en 2006», qui fait partie du Bulletin d'analyse : régions rurales et petites villes du Canada, 1851 à 2006, vol. 7, no 7 (21-006-XWF, gratuit), est maintenant accessible à partir du module Publications de notre site Web.

Pour obtenir plus de renseignements ou pour en savoir davantage sur les concepts, les méthodes et la qualité des données, communiquez avec Marco Morin au 613-951-2074 (marco.morin@statcan.gc.ca), Division de l'agriculture.

Ray D. Bollman, Agriculture Division / Division de l'agriculture, Statistics Canada / Statistique Canada, Ottawa K1A 0T6. 613-951-3747 rings to 306-379-4431 when tele-working; fax: 613-951-3868; Ray.Bollman@statcan.gc.ca.

Good news for small business
Pilot program provides funding to help them become more innovative

Small and medium-sized businesses in Nova Scotia will soon have access to funding for support and services through a pilot program to help them become more innovative and productive.

The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Pilot Program will award eligible businesses vouchers for up to $15,000 to help purchase services and support to expand their businesses. The program targets areas such as research, management of intellectual property, new product and product prototype design, lab equipment rental, and support for post-graduate students placements. Innovation voucher programs have been used successfully in Ireland and the Netherlands.

"A key benefit of this program is that it will provide small and medium-sized businesses with a range of options, allowing them the flexibility to choose the services they need in a way that is most convenient for them," said Economic Development Minister Angus MacIssac. Organizations interested in providing services for the voucher program are invited to visit http://wdev1.gov.ns.ca/econ/pnivouchers/ to submit information about their services and programs.

A final list of eligible service providers will be posted Nov. 21.

Businesses can submit applications for the program vouchers, on the same website, beginning Nov. 24. The Department of Economic Development will review the applications on a first-come, first-serve basis and award the vouchers based on eligibility criteria set out on the website, and the level of demand for the various service providers.

Once approved for a voucher, a business will select from the service providers, and arrange for the work to be done. The pilot program will use $1 million in private-sector productivity and innovation funding allocated in the 2008-09 provincial budget.

The program will accept applications from businesses until Dec. 21.

NS Flooring Company Turning Waste into Opportunity

Finewood Flooring and Lumber Ltd., of Middle River, Nova Scotia, is capitalizing on an increased demand for alternative heat sources this season by turning its waste into wood pellets.

The company purchased a wood pellet machine last December to turn leftover sawdust and wood chips from it's primary business of hardwood floor production into burnable pellets. Since then, co-owner Peter Christiano says his company has accumulated a long list of potential customers from within Nova Scotia and beyond. He says a shortage of wood chips for pellet production can be traced to the collapse of the U.S. housing market, which led to mill shutdowns sparking a search for suppliers of the alternative to costly oil heat.

The company plans to sell wood pellets locally first and grow the business to meet as much of the demand as possible.

Visit Finewood Flooring and Lumber Ltd. online at
www.finewoodflooring.ca.

First Wind Energy at University in Canada set for Cape Breton

Cape Breton University is set to become the first university in Canada to add a wind turbine to its campus. The university's board of governors recently voted unanimously to partner with local wind energy firm Cape Breton Explorations Ltd. to install an 850-kilowatt turbine at the rear of the school's Sydney campus. One hundred per cent of the turbine's electricity production will go to powering the campus and is estimated to account for upwards of 30 per cent of the schools total energy consumption.

The turbine has been ordered and will be installed by the fall of 2009.

CBU, a charter member of Nova Scotia Come to life, is also actively engaged in improving sustainability practices by establishing its Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment.

Voluntary Planning is seeking feedback on a working paper outlining Nova Scotians' thoughts about the future of the province's natural resources.

Nova Scotians filled 2,000 seats at 27 community meetings in May and June to discuss the province's biodiversity, forests, minerals and parks. About 600 written submissions were also received from individuals and groups.

The volunteers on the Voluntary Planning Natural Resources Citizen Engagement Committee drafted the working paper to share with Nova Scotians before preparing a final report. The committee's work is the first of three phases for the development of a provincial natural resources strategy.

"We want to make sure that we accurately reflect what Nova Scotians value most about our natural resources when we pass on our final report to the Minister of Natural Resources and the phase two advisory and technical panels in December," said committee co-chair Rick MacDonald. "We're encouraging people to review the working paper and give us their feedback."

Nova Scotians have until Friday, Nov. 14 to submit comments on the working paper, which is available on the Voluntary Planning website at http://vp.gov.ns.ca .

Comments can be submitted to Voluntary Planning via email to volplan@gov.ns.ca, by fax at 902-424-0580, or by mail to:

Voluntary Planning
Suite 600, 1690 Hollis St.
Halifax, N.S.
B3J 3J9

Nova Scotians can also call Voluntary Planning at 902-424-8644 or toll-free at 1-866-858-5850 to give comments.

Jamie Simpson, M.Sc.F.
Forestry Program Coordinator
Ecology Action Centre
2705 Fern Ln.
Halifax, NS B3K 4L3
902 429 1335

Bay of Fundy Vies for New7Wonders of Nature Designation

Listen up Nova Scotians! The Bay of Fundy needs your help!

Fundy is competing in a worldwide contest to be declared the New7Wonders of Nature. The Bay of Fundy is one of only five Canadian sites selected to participate in this global contest.The votes for Fundy need to roll in before December 31, 2008, when a lone Canadian site will be chosen to represent our country during the 2009 phase of the contest. Bay of Fundy Tourism made a compelling case for Fundy's inclusion in the contest and is now coordinating the voting effort through its website & Facebook group at www.bayoffundytourism.com.

Here's Fundy's awesome case for becoming a New7Wonder of Nature:

• it's been compared in biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest
• it's home to the highest tides in the world
• it's got world-renown geology that's been contributing to global dinosaur and fossil records for centuries
• it's the summer feeding area for more than half the world's population of endangered North Atlantic Right whales
• it's a critical feeding ground for 90+ per cent of the world's population of semi-palmated sandpipers
• it's the best site in the world for tidal power potential
• UNESCO has recently recognized the upper Bay of Fundy as a Biosphere Reserve and Joggins Fossil Cliffs as a World Heritage Site

Currently, the New7Wonders of Nature contest has over 400 sites participating worldwide and expects 1 billion online votes by the contest's conclusion with the winning 7 sites. Vote online for Fundy now through www.bayoffundytourism.com.

GPI Agriculture Report Released

We released the final GPI agriculture report on Thursday. The full 338-page report and the press release are available on our home page at www.gpiatlantic.org. This is definitely the most complex, comprehensive, and far-reaching of all the GPI agriculture work undertaken over the last decade.

While some of the hard numbers (age of farmers, jobs, wage to cash receipt ratio, etc.) are not good news, there is also a lot in this report that is tremendously positive about the contribution of agriculture to rural community viability in Nova Scotia and PEI. For the first time, it tackles the contributions of agriculture to human and social capital in rural Nova Scotia and PEI, including the social networks on which resilient rural communities depend, and it recommends new indicators and new forms of data collection required to track progress in this field, including indicators of bio-regional self reliance and local food webs.The report references extensive and detailed interviews conducted with 107 local farmers in Nova Scotia and PEI, and thus combines qualitative and quantitative research - with the former used to identify potential indicators and measures of progress. I think there is quite a lot here that can be very useful in the formulation of agricultural policy in the two provinces.

I realize that the report is very long and therefore quite daunting to read in its entirety. But I do hope that some folk will take the time to do so, and that you might pass it along to some of your colleagues in the field, as the report does grapple with the whole issue of rural community viability in this region and of the resilience of resource-dependent rural regions. I hope you find it useful.

Ron Coleman

Nova Scotia Power to Launch Campaign to Encourage Wider Use of Energy Saving Lighting

Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and eight major retail organizations will launch a campaign designed to encourage householders to expand their use of compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs) to help save on energy costs and reduce electricity demand.

The “Cleaner, Greener, Brighter” campaign promotes new specialty CFLs with a $3 saving at the cash register on selected CFL lighting packages. The discount is available at more than 160 stores across the province including Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Home Hardware, Atlantic Superstore, Zellers, Kent, Rona and Wal-Mart (see attached list to see which are participating in your area). The offer is available October 2, 2008 until December 31, 2008.

The new efficient CFL designs include chandelier, outdoor, dimmer, globe, three-way and bathroom vanity lights.

On October 18-19 and 25-26, 28 select stores throughout the province will also host “expert sessions” where subject experts will be on hand to better explain to householders how to use the new forms of lighting.

Another component of the campaign is a direct install program. NSPI has partnered with Clean Nova Scotia to visit more than 2,000 small businesses and organizations over the next few months to switch out their incandescent bulbs with energy efficient CFLs and LED lamps for their exit signs – all at no cost to the business. Many of these organizations, such as churches, health clinics and other non-profits, have indicated they could not otherwise afford to conduct such lighting retrofits.

Program representatives are calling small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to book the installations, but interested businesses can call the call centre, at 902-420-7944. The program is running in Digby, Yarmouth, Bridgewater, Halifax/Dartmouth, Kentville, New Glasgow, Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury and Sydney.

This campaign is part of NSPI's commitment to helping Nova Scotians reduce their energy use – providing financial savings for homeowners and businesses and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.

Click here for NSPI poster
Click here for the list of particpating stores

Nova Scotia Music Week Going Green

Nova Scotia's yearly celebration of all things music is going green.

In partnership with Nova Scotia Come to life, Music Nova Scotia will introduce reusable USB storage devices loaded with brochures, music, videos and other important delegate information in lieu of scads of paper promotions during the 12th annual Nova Scotia Music Week.

This year's event runs from November 6 to 9 in Pictou County.

For the remaining "goodies" - bags, hats, stickers, gadgets and gizmos - Music Nova Scotia will provide reusable delegate bags.

Other tactics to lessen the environmental footprint of the event include offsetting guest speaker flights to the province by purchasing carbon credits through Offsetters. Offsetters' carbon offsets are investments in projects that prevent greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere. Becoming more environmentally friendly will be a long-term goal for Music Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Music Week.

Read more about Offsetters at www.offsetters.ca

Learn more about Music Nova Scotia and this year's Nova Scotia Music Week at www.musicnovascotia.ca

Music Nova Scotia is a charter member of Nova Scotia Come to life.

Shelburne set to shine at Democracy 250 Gala...

Shelburne''s historic reenactment community is playing a big part in the big October 2 finale for the Democracy 250 project, which will have an overall 18th Century theme. Local players' presence will be felt in a number of ways. Key players with the Shelburne Reenactment Association are coordinating most 18th Century elements of the day and the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers will be out in force all day at the Grand Parade and Province House.

The Prince of Wales Historic Dancers will give three performances during the day, including being the featured act with Symphony Nova Scotia at the Gala Ball, the Association is presenting "People of the 18th Century" a living history tableau of 18th Century life, the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers, in association with the Black Loyalist Heritage Society, will present the historic timeline vignette, "Black Freedom", Governor Charles Lawrence will be portrayed by Owen Hamlin of Liverpool, one of the primary architects of the Loyalist Landing Grand Reenactment Weekend in Shelburne during the summer .

The events are featured in a full page ad in Friday's Halifax Herald. A full schedule of the October 2 events is available online and tickets to the 18th Century Costume Ball are available online also. Photos from the press conference announcing the Oct 2 event are also online.

The Association, 3rd New Jersey and Prince of Wales Dancers provided the major attractions during the Loyalist landing 2008 celebrations this summer in Shelburne.

From South Shore & Shelburne County TODAY

Commuting in rural Canada

Rural commuters are just as dependent on rural labour markets as they are on urban labour markets. About 450,000 rural residents commuted to another rural town or municipality for work, while a similar number commuted to an urban centre.

The findings challenge the prevailing idea that rural commuting in Canada essentially involves travelling from a rural residence to a job in the city.

One-half of rural commuters worked in an urban area. Urban-based jobs provided employment for 16% of the rural workforce, but this represented only 4% of urban-based jobs.

For commuters from urban to rural, rural-based jobs provided employment for only 1% of the urban workforce, but represented 7% of rural-based jobs.

The commuting pattern varied in different parts of rural Canada. Rural Canada was divided based on the share of the workforce residing in a rural town or municipality that commuted to an urban area for work.

In those rural areas most linked with urban areas, over 80% of all commuters travelled to an urban area for work. In contrast, less than 10% of commuters in more peripheral rural areas travelled to an urban centre.

In rural areas with weaker linkages with urban centres, however, there were strong rural-to-rural economic linkages. In these areas, most rural commuters travelled to the same type of rural area as where they lived.

The typical rural town or municipality had around 25% of all its jobs filled by in-commuters. The typical rural town or municipality was strongly linked with neighbouring rural towns and municipalities.

The Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletin: "Rural commuting: Its relevance to rural and urban labour markets," 2001, Vol. 7, no. 6 (21-006-XWE, free), is now available from the Publications module of our website.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Alessandro Alasia (613-951-1204; alessandro.alasia@statcan.gc.ca), Agriculture Division.

Le navettage en milieu rural au Canada

Les navetteurs ruraux comptent autant sur le marché du travail rural que sur le marché du travail urbain. Quelque 450 000 résidents de régions rurales ont fait la navette vers une autre ville ou municipalité rurale pour y travailler, tandis qu'un nombre semblable a fait la navette vers un centre urbain.

Les résultats remettent en question l'idée courante selon laquelle le navettage en région rurale au Canada consiste essentiellement à se déplacer d'une résidence rurale vers un emploi en ville.

La moitié des navetteurs ruraux travaillaient dans une région urbaine. Les emplois urbains fournissaient de l'emploi à 16 % de la population active rurale, mais ces emplois occupés par les résidents ruraux ne représentaient que 4 % des emplois urbains.

Pour les navetteurs urbains qui se rendent dans une région rurale pour y travailler, les emplois ruraux n'ont fourni de l'emploi qu'à 1 % de la population active urbaine, mais ils représentaient 7 % des emplois ruraux.

Les caractéristiques de navettage ont varié dans différentes parties du Canada rural. Le Canada rural a été réparti en fonction de la proportion de la population active résidant dans une ville ou une municipalité rurale qui faisait le navettage vers une région urbaine pour y travailler.

Dans les régions rurales ayant les liens les plus forts avec les régions urbaines, plus de 80 % des navetteurs se rendaient dans une région urbaine pour y travailler. En revanche, moins de 10 % des navetteurs des régions rurales plus périphériques se déplaçaient vers un centre urbain.

Dans les régions rurales ayant des liens plus faibles avec les centres urbains, cependant, il existait de solides liens économiques entre les régions rurales. Dans ces régions, la plupart des navetteurs ruraux se déplaçaient vers le même type de région rurale que celle dans laquelle ils habitaient.

Environ 25 % de tous les emplois d'une ville ou municipalité rurale typique étaient occupés par des navetteurs entrants. La ville ou municipalité rurale typique avait des liens solides avec les villes ou municipalités rurales voisines.

Nota : L'étude «Le navettage en milieu rural : son importance pour les marchés du travail ruraux et urbains» permet d'examiner les caractéristiques de navettage des Canadiens des régions rurales et urbaines en fonction de leur point de départ et de leur destination. Un navetteur a été défini comme toute personne qui traverse une frontière municipale au cours de son déplacement quotidien domicile-travail.

Le Bulletin d'analyse : régions rurales et petites villes du Canada : «Le navettage en milieu rural : son importance pour les marchés du travail ruraux et urbains», 2001, vol. 7, no 6 (21-006-XWF, gratuit), est maintenant accessible à partir du module Publications de notre site Web.

Pour obtenir plus de renseignements ou pour en savoir davantage sur les concepts, les méthodes et la qualité des données, communiquez avec Marco Morin au 613-951-2074 (marco.morin@statcan.gc.ca), Division de l'agriculture.

****Ray D. Bollman, Agriculture Division / Division de l'agriculture, Statistics Canada / Statistique Canada, Ottawa K1A 0T6. 613-951-3747 (306-379-4431 when tele-working); fax: 613-951-3868; Ray.Bollman@statcan.ca. [When tele-working, fax:306-379-4379, RayD.Bollman@sasktel.net]. Rural & Small Town Canada ANALYSIS BULLETINS are at http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/21-006-XIE/21-006-XIE2007001.htm. To search for all Statistics Canada studies on rural issues, go to www.statcan.ca and click on "Analytical Studies" in the left-hand panel and search on "rural".

1. From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007: This report is published by NRCan and reflects the advances made in understanding Canada's vulnerability to climate change during the past decade taking a regional approach. Each region of Canada had lead authors who were responsible for arranging an interdisciplinary team of contributing authors for their respective regions.

http://adaptation.rncan.gc.ca/assess/2007/index_e.php

Some highlights:

• The impacts of changing climate are already evident in every region of Canada.
• Climate change will exacerbate many current climate risks, and present new risks and opportunities, with significant implications for communities, infrastructure and ecosystems.
• Climate change impacts elsewhere in the world, and adaptation measures taken to address these, will affect Canadian consumers, the competitiveness of some Canadian industries, and Canadian activities related to international development, aid and peace keeping.
• Impacts of recent extreme weather events highlight the vulnerability of Canadian communities and critical infrastructure to climate change.
• Adaptive capacity in Canada is generally high, but is unevenly distributed between regions and within populations.
• Resource-dependent and Aboriginal communities are particularly vulnerable to climate changes. This vulnerability is magnified in the Arctic.
• Some adaptation is occurring in Canada, both in response to, and in anticipation of, climate change impacts.
• Integrating climate change into existing planning processes, using risk management approaches, is an effective approach to adaptation.
• Barriers to adaptation action need to be addressed, including limitations in awareness and availability of information and tools.
• Although further research will help to reduce uncertainties and to address specific knowledge gaps and adaptation planning needs, existing knowledge is sufficient to start undertaking adaptation activities in most situations.

2. Adaptation to Climate and Environmental Change in Rural Canada: This is a special issue of the Journal of Rural and Community Development (JRCD), Vol. 3 (2), organized with assistance from Dr. Ellen Wall. JRCD is an open journal housed at Brandon University. Holly Dolan and Rosemary Ommer wrote a paper entitled "Climate Change and Community Health: Lessons from Canada's East and West Coasts" based on previous work done together on Coasts Under Stress (CUS). CUS was an interdisciplinary MCRI project, led by Rosemary, examining the impacts of restructuring on rural coastal communities in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. This paper uses examples from CUS cases to demonstrate that qualitative research examining current human-environment relations can contribute to the larger climate change discourse. The paper can be found at http://www.jrcd.ca/viewissue.php?id=6

The climate change message for rural areas is consistent and compelling:
(a) Conditions are altering now and slated to become more pronounced;
(b) impacts from those changes will vary according to region and sector; and
(c) the capacity to handle the resulting challenges appears to be limited.

Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities Wins Gulf of Maine Award for Leadership on Sustainability
For Immediate Release
September 15th, 2008

Halifax, NS: The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) has been selected as the 2008 Nova Scotia winner of a Gulf of Maine Visionary Award in the organization/institutional category. The Gulf of Maine Council is a Canadian – U.S. partnership of government and non-government organizations working to maintain and enhance environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine. Each year, this group gives Visionary Awards to two individuals, businesses, or organizations within each state and province bordering the Gulf.

The UNSM received the award for their demonstration of leadership and commitment to sustainability by establishing a Municipal Sustainability Office. In 2004, a Sustainable Practices Committee was created by UNSM that led a number of climate change initiatives. In 2007, the UNSM expanded these efforts and developed a Municipal Sustainability Office - the first of its kind within municipal associations across Canada.

“We are delighted with this validation of our efforts from such a well respected and well recognized organization,” says Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) President Robert Wrye. “We’ve worked hard to raise awareness and support implementation of policies and practices that encourage sustainability. We feel the Office has been particularly important as a resource for our smaller municipalities that may not have capacity to face the challenges of sustainability.”

The Municipal Sustainability Office has been active over the past twenty months in developing practical materials and leading projects to assist good decision making in municipalities on environmental sustainability issues. It has also engaged in key partnerships with the Province and other parties on a number of initiatives. The UNSM has a seat on the Minister of Environment’s Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Prosperity. The Office has been supported by UNSM, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and Halifax Regional Municipality.

“Leadership on sustainability at the municipal level is key, and sustainability must become part of our everyday thinking and actions,” says President Wrye. “We are committed to building this capacity and positioning Nova Scotia municipalities as leaders in sustainability. This is an important goal.”

For more information, contact:
Peggy Crawford
Municipal Sustainability Coordinator
Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities
Cell: 902.220.3567
Email: crawfopl@gov.ns.ca

Fishing Industry Projects Receive Funding

The Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council (NSFSC) has announced funding for three new projects benefiting the fishing industry in Nova Scotia.

The projects, funded by the Government of Canada include developing an "eco-labeling and certification" toolkit to inform the industry of the requirements involved in tagging products to indicate they were produced in an environment-friendly way. This allows consumers to make informed choices and helps promote sustainable production methods. This project is expected to be completed and available for industry use by Spring of 2009.

NSFCS will also plan and host a symposium for the industry during the fall and winter months to provide Nova Scotia enterprises with information to help them remain competitive and assess futures tactics to increase competitiveness.

Finally, in a joint project with the federal and provincial government the NSFCS will conduct a study to determine the economic value and importance of the ocean sector in Nova Scotia to act as a baseline with which to measure future trends and growth in the sector.

Visit the NSFSC online at: www.nsfsc.ca.

Plan to Register Now for the REACT 2008 Trade Show Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th, 2008 At the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, Cape Breton, NS

Hosted by the Inverness Victoria Federation of Agriculture, the conference and trade show will explore the connections between renewable energy, conservation and rural sustainability. For government service agencies, renewable energy companies, not-for-profit organizations, retail companies and others associated with these issues, the event offers the chance to meet first-hand with:

• Interested Members of the General Public in North-eastern Nova Scotia
• Farm Producers and Small Business Owners
• Regional Municipalities and Local Decision Makers

REACT 2008 takes place within the inviting surroundings of the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Arena, a facility which that has gained an international reputation for implementing LEED technology and advanced energy management practices.

Registration information is available on the REACT 2008 website at www.react2008.ca, or contact the Project Office at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre at (902) 625-5486.

Shannon MacIntyre
REACT 2008
606 Reeves Street, Unit 1
Port Hawkesbury, NS
B9A 2R7
Tel: 625-5486
Cell: 631-3464

Book Launch: From Poverty to Power: How Active Citizens and Effective States can Change the World

Join editor Mark Fried at the launch of Oxfam’s new book, From Poverty to Power (2008) for a discussion on how ordinary people through organized action can help eliminate poverty, and its related challenges of inequality and environmental collapse. From Poverty to Power sets out a vision of women and men in communities everywhere who are equipped with education, enjoy good health, have rights, dignity and voice—and are in charge of their own destinies. What is required is a global new deal—a redistribution of power, opportunities and assets.

Mark Fried is the Advocacy Coordinator for Oxfam Canada and writes regularly on policy issues related to international development. Oxfam Canada (www.oxfam.ca) is an international development agency working with over 100 partner organizations in Africa, the Americas and Asia. With a specific focus on women, Oxfam strives to tackle the root causes of poverty, injustice, and inequality and it helps to create self-reliant and sustainable communities.

Two NS locations:
HALIFAX
Tuesday September 30, 2008
North Branch Public Library, Gottingen St
7:00 – 8:30pm

WOLFVILLE
Wednesday October 1st, 2008
Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville
7:00 – 9:00pm

Corrie Melanson & Janet Rhymes
Oxfam Canada
Public Engagement, Advocacy, and Campaigns Officers
2099 Gottingen St., Halifax, NS, B3K 3B2
902-425-7877
halifax@oxfam.ca

Oxfam believes that ending global poverty begins with ensuring women’s rights. To learn more visit www.oxfam.ca.

New Course in complimentary health field to be taught in Canso Nova Scotia:
From Renee Albrecht DSHOM Canso Nova Scotia 366 27 23

There is a bronze Sculpture of a German born doctor in a small garden near the Capitol Building in Washington DC. He is the only doctor to be honoured this way in the USA Capitol. His name is Doctor Samuel Hahnemann, he was born in Leipzig East Germany in 1755 and he was the founder of modern day Homeopathic Medicine.

As often happens, when individuals shake up orthodoxy, Dr Samuel Hahnemann was jeered and insulted by many of his peers even while his followers proved and recorded the success of Homeopathic prescribing.

North America established Homeopathic teaching hospitals such as Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia and Toronto’s Princess Grace Hospital.

By the 1890s homeopaths numbered eight percent of all medical practitioners.

“ As homeopathy ‘s popularity grew, it became an important route to a medical career for women. Between 1852 and 1900, around one thousand and ninety women graduated from homeopathic colleges.” ( quote from, A Vital Force, Women In American Homeopathy by Anne Taylor Kirschmann, Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick New Jersey.)

Canada’s first recognized woman doctor, Emily Beecher Stowe was a Homeopathic practitioner.

In time the politics of medicine and pharmacy wreaked havoc on Homeopathic practitioners. Universities were urged not to hire homeopathic medicine teachers and Homeopathic hospitals were taken over by the mainstream.

Even so Doctor Elizabeth Wright Hubbard practiced and taught Homeopathic Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City in the 1960.

Homeopathy is gentle, highly dilute, individualized medicine prescribed based on an individual’s unique disease symptoms. A well selected, infinitely small, highly charged remedy influences simultaneous healing of the patient’s mental, emotional and physical sphere.

This fall The British Institute Of Homeopathy course, “An Introduction to Homeopathy,” will be offered (over a five week period ) at Canso Academy in Canso.

For further information or to register please contact Renee Albrecht
P.O. Box 416 Canso N S B0H 1H0

Nova Scotia Farmer Develops Hay-burning Furnace
From Come to Life E-newsletter

A Pictou County farmer has devised an affordable alternative to rising home heating costs and in doing so has created a new market for his fellow agriculture producers.

Gus Swanson has created the Waterside Hot Water Hay Pellet Furnace, the result of building and testing 10 prototypes to ensure maximum efficiency.

When loaded with hay pellets Swanson's furnace reaches a temperature of 1000 C within 7 minutes. When set to a temperature to boil water, the furnace will burn off all ash and leave little or no waste requiring that the furnace be cleaned only once a year. The furnace burns 50 to 125 pounds of pellets a day and creates 30,000 to 190,000 BTUs an hour.

Manufactured from dried field hay left in the fields and harvested at the end of the season, the hay pellets are incredibly efficient. A Musquodoboit company will compress hay pellets suitable for use in the furnace.

Swanson estimates that two acres of hay could heat one home for an entire winter. One tonne of hay, is equivalent to approximately $700 worth of conventional heating oil. One tonne of hay pellets, says Swanson, would sell for approximately $200.

Swanson received a grant from Agri-Futures Nova Scotia, the provincial distributor of funds through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) Program, to assist in patent and safety certificate testing.

Read more at: www.novascotiabusinessjournal.com/index.cfm?sid=164059&sc=107

FRIENDS OF REDTAIL SOCIETY
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
August 20, 2008

Friends of Redtail Society has deal to purchase land, stop clear cut

Pictou County - The Board of Directors of Friends of Redtail Society wishes to announce that after prolonged and challenging negotiations with Wagner Forest NS Ltd. they have successfully concluded negotiations to purchase three parcels of land comprising approximately 313 acres in the vicinity of MacBeth Road near Scotsburn, Pictou County that had been slated for clear cut. To complete this purchase the Society has until December 2009 to raise upwards of $250,000, covering the purchase price and taxes.

“The Society is pleased to be moving forward to achieve its goals for forest preservation, ecological education and the demonstration of a sustainable land use ethic,” says Society Chair, Nova Annette Poirier. To achieve this agreement with Wagner Forest NS Ltd. the Society has had to accept a significantly shorter time frame for raising the purchase price. “We will need to mobilize support quickly in order to achieve our first objective and that is the preservation of this beautiful woodland area.”

The Friends of Redtail Society will launch its fundraising and educational campaign on October 11th with a "Picnic in the Forest" on the grounds of Redtail Nature Awareness. For more information please call (902) 485-4688 or email friendsofredtail@gmail.com.

For More Information
Call: Michelle Ferris, 485-4561
Email: friendsofredtail@gmail.com

Local Food - Family Picnics Equal Summer Fun

Nova Scotians getting together with family and friends to eat fresh, local food. Sounds like a good idea right? Well that idea will become a reality later this month across Nova Scotia.

Select Nova Scotia is promoting the idea of choosing to eat from local farmers, fishers, and producers through the launch of the Incredible Picnic. The first province wide Incredible Picnic takes place simultaneously at locations across the province on Sunday, August 24, from 11a.m. to 3p.m.

Bring your own picnic basket filled with local foods, or make your picnic lunch from produce sold by vendors at all picnic locations. Many locations will include entertainment and activities for the kids, making this a great way to celebrate Nova Scotian food.

Picnic locations include:

• Halifax: Garrison Grounds and Citadel Hill
• Truro: Victoria Park
• Annapolis Royal: farmers market and wharf
• Wolfville/Kentville: Prescott House Museum
• Tatamagouche: Community fields
• Windsor: Cocoa Pesto Bistro and Windsor Community Centre
• Guysborough: Rare Bird Pub courtyard
• Sydney: Petersfield Provincial Park
• Liverpool: White Point Beach Resort
• Antigonish: Chisholm Park
• Hubbards: Hubbards Barn and Community Park

For more information on the Incredible Picnic and buying local produce, visit:
www.selectnovascotia.ca

Business lands in Shelburne with Loyalist celebrations

The Loyalist Landing “celebration to remember” has proven to be a good one for local businesses, especially in relation to the “signature” weekends in Shelburne in July. The thousands of people who flocked to the waterfront and other areas of town over the three weekends left in good spirits and left some considerable cash behind them.

The community celebrations planned by the LL2008 Committee were designed mostly to celebrate the Loyalist heritage of the area, but economic benefit was also a consideration. Alan Reid, owner of the Sea Dog Saloon, saw a visible increase in his business during the three weekends in July, but especially during the Grand Reenactment weekend. In part because of his sponsorship of the 18th century tavern abutting the Sea Dog, Reid’s saloon also became the “home away from home” for thirsty reenactors.

The Waterfront Weekend was crammed with dozens of events in many locations, culminating in a stellar fireworks show. Food vendors on the waterfront did a steady business during the days and some also had good evening sales. Fireworks shows do not typically generate much other retail sales, as most attendees have supper at home and drive in just for the show.

Water Street and historic district merchants reported increased sales during all three weekends and Suzanne Mahaney of the Loyalist Landing Committee reported in an email that the group had achieved its projected attendance numbers and all area restaurants “cheerfully reported excellent business”.

For the museums, the Grand Reenactment Weekend delivered a double whammy in attendance and sales. “We had the most attendance and sales at our museums in a decade during that weekend,” says Louise Lindsay, president of the Shelburne Historical Society. Because of the influx that weekend especially in visitors from away, including almost all of the reenactors from the USA , some accommodations operators also reported they were completely booked for that weekend.

One residual effect will certainly be the economic spin off from the wealth of media coverage of the weekends. “We really had no way of knowing that there would be so much attention paid to our reenactment,” says Bob Guay, Commander of the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers regiment and president of the Shelburne Reenactment Association. “The incredible NBC Today Show segment was seen by five million people in the U.S. and we are still getting calls about it,” Guay adds. The Grand Reenactment weekend was also featured in several Coast Guard features, a live, three-hour CBC radio broadcast, a Halifax Herald feature story and in several nationally broadcast ATV segments.

“This sort of major regional, national and international media attention can have a dramatic effect on local tourism businesses the following year and for years to come, “ says Elizabeth Rhuland, former president of the Shelburne & Area Chamber of Commerce and a tourism product development specialist. “The fact that so many out-of-town visitors and major media outlets found the historical reenactments attractive should be exploited in this region.”

The Loyalist Landing events continue with the history-themed Whirligig & Weathervane Festival on September 20 & 21 and a Loyalist Christmas and New Year’s eve ball. Timothy Gillespie is a Shelburne-based writer who has written business and feature stories for magazines and newspapers in Canada and the U.S.

• Are farmers in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island earning enough to stay in business?
• If not, how will the loss of farms affect jobs and income in rural communities?
• Do the prices farmers get for farm products cover their costs of production?
• And how do those prices compare to the cost of food in grocery stores?
• What, in short, is the future of farming in the Maritimes? — Is farming still a viable institution in the region, and can it survive?

The new report examines trends since 1971 in several key indicators of farm economic viability in the two provinces, including:

• Net farm income
• Expense to income ratio
• Farm debt
• Total debt to net farm income ratio
• Solvency ratio (total liabilities or debt divided by total assets or capital value of farms)
• Return on investment

The report also presents the total economic contribution of agriculture to the provincial economies of Nova Scotia and PEI (including direct, indirect, and induced impacts) and to job creation in the two provinces, and it contains specific policy recommendations to improve farm economic viability in the Maritimes.

The report will be available at: http://www.gpiatlantic.org/pdf/agriculture/farmviability08.pdf at 9am on Friday, 15 August.

The press release can be accessed at the same time at:
http://www.gpiatlantic.org/releases/pr_farmviability08.htm.

For more information, please contact the lead author, Jennifer Scott, at: 902-757-1640 (email: jen@ns.sympatico.ca) or

GPI Atlantic Executive Director, Ronald Colman, at 902-489-7007, or colman@gpiatlantic.org.

Nova Scotian Petunia a Proven Winner

A Nova Scotia plant grower has made a name for himself and his small retail greenhouse thanks to the incredible success of one of his creations.

Ken Lander, owner of Sunrise Greenhouses in Pugwash, is a self-taught gardener and entrepreneur whose creation, the Supertunia Bordeaux, a patented, two-tone hybrid variation on the petunia, is among the most popular plants in North America.

In 2001 Proven Winners, an Illinois-based company that distributes flowering plants, picked up Lander’s plant for distribution. After purchasing exclusive rights from Lander, Proven Winners went on to sell about 500,000 Supertunia Bordeaux plants in the first years; just under a million the next, and about 1.5 million plants in the third year.

The sales allow Lander to enjoy life in this rural area of Nova Scotia while not having to worry about the modest livelihood provided by his retail operation. From here he reaches out to customers from around the world.

"There is no better summer climate than coastal Nova Scotia, rivaling England and Ireland, with less rain," said Lander in a recent email. The temperate Nova Scotia climate and encouragement from customers have provided him the perfect place to live, work and do business.

"I have had customers from all over the world including Holland and B.C. which I have always considered #1 and #2 respectively for growing skills. Great feedback!!!"

Nova Scotia to Showcase Landfills

Delegates from Japan and Newfoundland will tour Nova Scotia from July 28 to Aug. 1 visiting the province’s state-of-the-art landfill systems, and meet with municipal partners to gain insight into what makes Nova Scotia's solid waste management system a success.

Both groups will view organic and recycling collection trucks, visit a composting site, and tour a waste stabilization facility, landfill, and transfer station.

"Our best environmental success story is in solid waste management because it employs thousands of people, contributes to economic growth, and reduces our environmental footprint," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment.

More information on Nova Scotia's solid waste is available on the Department of Environment's website at www.gov.ns.ca/nse.

CEED’s Second Chance Program Poised to extend its Reach
By Kathy Murphy

CEED is working to extend its reach for the Second Chance program, currently offered in Halifax as part of CEED’s social entrepreneurship programming. Second Chance’s Program Manager, Ed Matwawana, and I recently attended a meeting with ten community leaders in Pictou County to discuss the opportunity of a Second Chance program for the region.

This committed group of volunteers is currently led by the principal of North Nova Education Centre, Eileen English, who is spearheading this initiative. Eileen serves on many boards and commissions, including CEED’s volunteer board of directors. Eileen’s commitment to youth extends beyond her duties as principal of North Nova, as her volunteer efforts show a genuine interest and drive in helping youth and building a stronger community within Pictou County and throughout the region.

Second Chance is a year-long entrepreneurship program for individuals in conflict with the law. The program is based on the principle that, by using entrepreneurship as a vehicle for learning, youth in conflict with the law can be trained to develop positive attitudes and can gain skills that will help them to become productive citizens and possibly successful entrepreneurs.

Since 1998, the Second Chance program has graduated approximately 12 youth per year, at a recidivism rate of less than 5%. Most past participants are now engaged in some type of productive activity, whether self-employment, paid work or continuing education. CEED is extremely excited at the prospect of extending the program to outlying areas, and supporting the transition of youth, to a more promising, self sufficient and positive future.

The Second Chance Program uses entrepreneurship as a tool to promote participant independence, self-reliance, security and well-being. Through life and employability skills development, participants are better equipped to re-integrate into the economy. Second Chance gives participants the tools and mindset they need to legally sustain themselves.

Cape Breton Island Wins Listed in Top Ten Islands of the World

What do Hawaii, Easter Islands, Galapagos and Cape Breton Island all have in common? They have all been listed in the top ten Islands of the world

in Travel and Leisure Magazine reader’s survey of favourite Islands. Further, Cape Breton is the only Island in Canada to make the list.

Coastal Communities Network (CCN) congratulates Cape Breton Island on their well deserved recognition. “It is not only the natural beauty that sets Cape Breton above the rest, “states CCN’s Executive Director Ishbel Munro, “It is the people, the culture, the heritage and diverse attractions. Where else can you experience Acadian, Scottish and Mi’Kmaq First Nations cultural heritage all in one days drive?” Munro explains further, “Countless community volunteers and community leaders have worked together to build dynamic, vital communities. They are all to be congratulated and to take pride in their work and their Island.

Cape Breton Island scored 83.82 in the readership survey. The top island was the Galapagos Island with 87.64 points. The ranking will be published in the August issue of Travel and Leisure Magazine, available on newsstands on July 22.

Coastal Communities Network is a province wide non-profit organization that for the past 16 years has been for rural and coastal communities.

"From Our Atlantic Woods"; Non-timber forest products directory Seeking an outlet to advertise your Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)?

The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with representatives in all four Atlantic Provinces and the state of Maine to create a non-timber forest product (NTFP) directory called “From Our Atlantic Woods” where you can publish your NTFPs and services for FREE. What are non-timber forest products (NTFPs)? NTFPs are any goods or services derived from the forest which do not include conventional wood products such as timber and pulpwood. Examples include everything from raw resources like fiddleheads, mushrooms, birch bark and fir pitch to value-added products like maple syrup, rose hip jelly, berry wine, bent willow furniture and also non-consumptive services such as, eco-tourism and guided bird watching tours.

The goal of the “From Our Atlantic Woods” directory is to facilitate the development of a vibrant, diverse and sustainable NTFPs industry in the region. The directory, which will include photos, recipes, information on historic and modern uses, harvesting information and more will be available online and in a printed format. Copies will be distributed at Sobeys outlets, farmers’ markets, NS-DNR offices, tourism booths, craft fairs and other venues as well as from the listees’ places of business. If you, or someone you know, would like to take advantage of this FREE promotional opportunity please contact Sarah d'Apollonia at 1-866-226-7577 or email woodlot@gov.ns.ca. Or, if you wish to seek additional information on this project, please visit www.ntfp.infor.ca.

PICTOU COUNTY RIVERFRONT FARMERS MARKET DELIVERS LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE- SEASON OPENER JULY 12

NEW GLASGOW, NS, Monday, July 7, 2008….The season opener of the Pictou County Riverfront Farmers Market will take place this Saturday, July 12 from 9 am to 12 noon at Glasgow Square Theatre. Future markets will be held at the Keltic Building, also in New Glasgow along the Riverfront.

Consumers will have the opportunity to get the very best in local taste and quality by purchasing fresh produce straight in from local farms. This new gathering centre for the region’s producers is in response to an increasing demand for naturally produced goods.

Organizers from the Pictou Regional Development Commission and the Town of New Glasgow along with representative from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture believe the benefits of buying locally grown produce will be obvious from the first bite: the shortest route from the ground to the dinner table ensure the finest flavors and healthy meals.

Some of the products consumers can expect to find at the new Farmers Market include: farm fresh beef, local vegetables & berries, certified organic cheese, farm fresh eggs, baked goods & free trade coffee. Local artisans’ products include handcrafted jewelry and knitwear. There will also be local musicians on hand to add to the atmosphere.

“A Farmers Market helps everybody: farmers, craftspeople and the consumer. Local producers are excited because they believe it is something Pictou County people want and it attracts customers to one place,” says local producer Allana Murray. “It benefits the customer interested in local produce, who otherwise would have to travel to each individual farm for these unique products. The Farmers Market promotes local entrepreneurs, eating local and growing local. Choosing local produce not only has a big impact on the local economy; it also cuts down on transportation costs and reduces harm to the environment. We want our Farmers Market to be a complete promotion of healthy living and we will be adding features that compliment food and crafts and also offer information to the public on options for healthy lifestyle choices and services.”

“By buying locally grown food and crafts, residents will not only enjoy exceptional taste and authentic products but also support local farmers and endangered family enterprises,” explains Kim Dickson, Marketing and Communications Director for the Town of New Glasgow. “We want to support local agriculture. Sometimes it is easy to take for granted the important role of farming but this sector is core to life in Nova Scotia and what makes Nova Scotia special. We also want to help bring these products to the marketplace. Our society is often time deprived and people struggle to find the time to search out local produce if they have to travel to numerous locations. Bringing these quality producers and crafters together in one spot achieves both of these goals.”

Kevin Bekkers, Agriculture Resource Coordinator, NS Agriculture, adds, “It is exciting to see the community support for locally produced food purchased directly from farmers and the leadership of PRDC and the Town of New Glasgow for helping to make this happen. “

Organizers also believe the Pictou County Riverfront Farmers Market, which will focus on local produce, will be a compliment to the weekend market in Pictou that concentrates on the products of artisans and crafts and hope that both the attraction of two markets will attract new visitors to the region through the creation of a critical mass of local products available for consumers throughout northern Nova Scotia as well as tourists.

For more information about the Pictou County Riverfront Farmers Market or to register as a vendor, please contact 752-6159.

Global Issue Will Effect Nova Scotia Communities:
CLIMATE CHANGE WILL HAVE MAJOR IMPACT ON FISHING INDUSTRY, SAYS UN AGENCY
New York, Jul 10 2008 11:00AM

Climate change is already impacting the world's oceans and will have serious consequences for the hundreds of millions of people who depend on fishing for their livelihoods, according to the Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Changes in sea temperatures alter the body temperature of aquatic species used for human consumption and therefore impact their metabolism, growth rate, reproduction and susceptibility to diseases and toxins, FAO said today, at the start of a four-day scientific seminar in Rome on climate change and marine fisheries.

Impacts on fisheries that have already been observed include an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as the El Niño phenomenon in the South Pacific; the warming of the world's oceans, with the Atlantic in particular showing signs of warming deep below the surface; and warmer-water species increasing toward the South and North Poles.

There has also been an increase in salinity in near-surface waters in hotter regions, while the opposite is occurring in colder areas because of greater precipitation, melting ice and other processes. In addition, the oceans are becoming more acidic with probable negative consequences for coral-reef and calcium-bearing organisms.

Fishing communities in the world's high-latitudes, as well as those that rely on coral reef systems, will be most exposed to the impact of climate change. Fisheries located in deltas, coral atolls and ice-dominated coasts will be vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion because of rises in sea level.

FAO says that some 42 million people work directly in the fishing sector, the great majority in developing countries. Counting in those who work in processing, supply, marketing and distribution, the fishing industry supports several hundred million jobs.

Aquatic foods have high nutritional quality, contributing 20 per cent or more of average per capita animal protein intake for more than 2.8 billion people, again mostly in developing countries.

Fish is also the world's most widely traded foodstuff and a key source of export earnings for many poorer countries. The sector has particular significance for small island States.

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

A 13-year fight for power
By DEVIN STEVENS
Fri. Jun 27 - 6:46 AM

For the last 13 years, Carolyn Muise has been fighting to get electricity to her home and Nova Scotia Power has finally agreed to connect her.

The Natural Resources Department now wants $11,000 to allow power lines to cross Crown land, casting doubt on whether Ms. Muise and her neighbours will ever be on the grid.

"It’s like we’re in the Dark Ages, but we can’t do a thing about it," Ms. Muise said in a phone interview Thursday.

Ms. Muise’s home along Highway 203 is one of nine in Upper Ohio without power. The area of Shelburne County has traditionally been the location of seasonal homes and cottages, but in the last 15 years, permanent residents have moved in.

In the summer, Ms. Muise runs her TV, lights, water pump and washer and dryer using mostly solar panels. In the winter, she relies more on a gas generator. Her stove, fridge and hot water heater all run on propane.

"You wouldn’t know I didn’t have power if I didn’t tell you," said Ms. Muise.

Enough residents have lived in the area for a long enough time that Nova Scotia Power agreed to connect the community last year. The estimated cost to the utility is about $300,000.

However, the line will have to cross about 3½ hectares of Crown land. Natural Resources regulations say the power company needs to pay the government an easement to do that.

The cost will be $11,200, plus tax, and the residents will be on the hook.

"(Natural Resources) are the ones stopping it right now," said Ms. Muise. "I don’t know if they just don’t want more people moving up here because we’re next to Tobeatic (Wilderness Area) or what it is."

Kirk Cox, Shelburne County’s chief administrative officer, said the project was scheduled to begin in March 2008. In the fall of 2007, Natural Resources sent out a letter saying the work couldn’t go forward without the easement fee.

Mr. Cox said he would understand the province’s position better if the owners had built new homes far into the woods and then expected power to be connected for free. He said it doesn’t make sense because these homes are along a provincial highway.

"We’re talking about a provincial secondary road that is paved, that has industry on it," said Mr. Cox. "It’s a main transportation link to Yarmouth County and the Annapolis Valley. This is not in the middle of nowhere."

Natural Resources Minster David Morse said the power issue has nothing to do with the government. He said there’s a set formula to determine the cost of an easement and that formula won’t change.

"Whether they recover that (cost) from the residents or not is between Nova Scotia Power and the residents," said Mr. Morse. "We are not going to be charging them one fee in Shelburne County and another fee in Pictou County or Cape Breton."

Sterling Belliveau, Shelburne’s NDP MLA, said it’s a disgrace that the government won’t waive an $11,000 fee to connect residents with a basic utility. The government, meanwhile, has spent more than $230,000 on child-size ATVs to train youngsters and about $300 million on a spring spending spree that wasn’t included in the provincial budget.

"This is a better way of spending some money here," Mr. Belliveau said over the phone Thursday. "If it was private landowners, it would just be a matter of getting written permission. It’s simply unfair to ask the residents to absorb this cost."

Mr. Morse said his department has already made a special allowance by letting residents harvest wood cut to run the power lines. They can use the money to help pay the cost of connecting to the grid. "It’s not like that wood is wood they can cut down and sell," said Mr. Cox. "It’s all junk softwood they can’t do anything with. Nobody’s going to use it for firewood. You can’t make money off it."

With David Jackson

It is time to rebuild rural Canada
Committee challenges government to act quickly on rural reform

OTTAWA (June 17, 2008) -- The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry has tabled a report on rural poverty that lays out a sweeping set of recommendations on rural reform that should be, ‘on the top of the national policy agenda.’

At the forefront of the committee’s report, Beyond Freefall: Halting Rural Poverty, is a proposal to create a Department of Rural Affairs whose mandate would be to represent the interests of rural Canada at cabinet and drive the implementation of many of the report’s recommendations. One of its first tasks would be to move 10% of the public service out of the big cities and into the regions.

Other recommendations include a proposal for a green paper on a guaranteed annual income and the immediate development of a national forest strategy to deal with the massive layoffs and mill closures that have been occurring in the forest sector.

“We didn’t reach these conclusions lightly,” said committee Chair Joyce Fairbairn. “The report was two years in the making. We met with rural policy experts and hundreds of rural Canadians in legions halls and church basements across Canada, in all provinces and territories. And based on their testimony we believe there is a crisis of decline and poverty in rural Canada that will have a lasting and dangerous impact on all of us if the government does not move quickly to address these problems.”

The picture painted by rural Canadians of the decline and poverty in their communities is a sombre one. Rural populations are becoming progressively smaller – the latest Census showed rural Canada’s share of the national population dropping to below 20% for the first time in the country’s history -- and most of the resource based industries such as agriculture, forestry and fishing are in decline. Young people are leaving rural Canada for school or work in the cities and not returning. Meanwhile, those left behind – mostly seniors – watch as schools, churches and businesses close down around them.

“Rural Canadians will find no surprises in this report,” said Senator Leonard Gustafson, Deputy Chair of the committee and a grain farmer from Saskatchewan. “But urban Canadians and federal government managers are going to be profoundly shocked. Not only will they be distressed by the extent of the rural deterioration that needs to be addressed immediately, they will be dismayed that they did not see this coming. It is time to rebuild rural Canada”

Included in the 68 recommendations in the report, the committee also recommended that:

• Farmers should be compensated for providing environmental stewardship services. A revised version of the Farm Families Options Program should also be developed to bring enhanced income stability to low-income farmers;
• The government create a national poverty reduction strategy that is sensitive to the rural /urban divide;
• The Canada Child Tax Benefit and the Working Income Tax benefit be enhanced;
• Enhanced support for rural education be provided through: a new early learning and childhood education program sensitive to rural realities; resources for cooperative vocational schools in rural Canada; students loans and grants funding sensitive to rural needs; more university and college programs in rural Canada and enhanced funding for adult literacy programs
• The government create a permanent Rural Health Human Resources Initiative with funding for tele-health, rural-based health education and the restoration of the Office of Rural Health

“Our economy is rooted in Rural Canada, said Senator Fairbairn. “It produces food, fuel, energy and building materials for our cities and for export around the world. As a nation we have been watching the international food and oil crises and the economic downturn with concern. How well we weather these difficult times will depend largely on the resilience of rural Canadians. And they have been dangerously neglected. It is time to give something back to those who have made our country strong.”

Note to editors: Committee press conference
DATE: June 17, 2008
PLACE: Room 2, Victoria Building, 140 Wellington Street
TIME: 10 a.m.
Live Webcast, audio and video:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/39/2/parlbus/commbus/senate/AgriWebcast-e.htm

Teleconference: For media wishing to participate by phone, the dial-in numbers are: North American Dial-In Number: 1-888-265-0464 or locally: 613-954-4096.

Participants must quote Conference Identification Number 52043721.

Members of the committee are:
Fairbairn, Joyce Chair - (Lethbridge - Alberta)
Gustafson, Leonard J. Deputy Chair - (Saskatchewan)
Baker, George - (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Callbeck, Catherine S. - (Prince Edward Island)
Mahovlich, Frank W. - (Toronto - Ontario)
Mercer, Terry M. - (Northend Halifax - Nova Scotia)
Peterson, Robert W. - (Saskatchewan)
Segal, Hugh - (Kingston-Frontenac-Leeds - Ontario)
St. Germain, Gerry - (Langley-Pemberton-Whistler - British Columbia)

For more information visit www.senate-senat.ca/agfo.asp or contact the committee clerk, Jessica Richardson, at 1-800-267-7362 or by email at richaj@sen.parl.gc.ca.

Eric Mikkelborg
Media Relations
Toll-free: 1-800-267-7362
Tel.: (613) 995-1952
E-mail: mikkee@sen.parl.gc.ca

Jessica Richardson
Committee Clerk
Toll-free: 1-800-267-7362
Tel.: (613) 990-6087
E-mail: richaj@sen.parl.gc.ca

Farm input costs
Committee tells government to take more active role

OTTAWA (June 17, 2008) -- In a report on farm input prices tabled by the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, senators told the federal government that action needs to be taken on a wide variety of fronts to keep escalating prices from eroding all profitability in grain and livestock production in Canada.

Some of the areas of significant concern for the committee were in fertilizer prices, which in some cases have risen as much as 240% in four years and diesel fuel, with prices in some regions rising by more than 50% in one year. Seed costs have risen by as much as 80%.

Among the recommendations outlined in the report are a recommendation that the federal government revise farm programs to help cover rising costs. Proposals were also made to take a critical look at the level of concentration in the fertilizer industry in Canada as well as re-examining research funding levels, particularly as they apply to the cost-efficient use of farm inputs.

“As our committee travelled throughout rural Canada this past year, it was clear to us that the farm sector is fighting an uphill battle to remain economically viable,” said Committee Chair Joyce Fairbairn. “Grain prices might be high but very little is left over for the farmer because of unseemly high input prices. If we, as a nation, cannot find ways to keep the family farm viable, we will be ill prepared to deal with the international food crisis or rural poverty and decline.”

Other recommendations in the report include proposals for:

• the Finance Department to examine how commodity traders in hedge and pension funds are distorting prices;
• the government to implement a program to help Canadian agri-retailers upgrade their security measures and safeguard fertilizer and pesticides from criminal misuse;
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to review how government regulatory measures are putting the agri-food industry at a competitive disadvantage; and

creating fora for the agrifood industry to discuss regulatory needs of new input products, and facilitate the approval of products already sold in other countries. “As a grain producer I know that the only way a farmer can remain competitive and survive is by keeping the input costs down. Canadians farmers have to compete in the international marketplace. If the farm sector in Canada is to survive, then the Federal Government will have to play a more forceful role in monitoring and containing farm input costs,” said Senator Leonard Gustafson, Deputy Chair of the committee.

Members of the Committee are:
Fairbairn, Joyce Chair - (Lethbridge - Alberta)
Gustafson, Leonard J. Deputy Chair - (Saskatchewan)
Baker, George - (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Callbeck, Catherine S. - (Prince Edward Island)
Mahovlich, Frank W. - (Toronto - Ontario)
Mercer, Terry M. - (Northend Halifax - Nova Scotia)
Peterson, Robert W. - (Saskatchewan)
Segal, Hugh - (Kingston-Frontenac-Leeds - Ontario)
St. Germain, Gerry - (Langley-Pemberton-Whistler - British Columbia)

Note to editors: Committee press conference

DATE: June 17, 2008
PLACE: Room 2, Victoria Building, 140 Wellington Street
TIME: 10 a.m.
Live Webcast, audio and video:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/39/2/parlbus/commbus/senate/AgriWebcast-e.htm

Teleconference: For media wishing to participate by phone, the dial-in numbers are: North American Dial-In Number: 1-888-265-0464 or locally: 613-954-4096.

Participants must quote Conference Identification Number 52043721.

For more information on the Committee and its study, visit www.senate-senat.ca/agfo.asp. For more details about the hearings, contact the committee clerk, Jessica Richardson, at 1-800-267-7362 or by email at richaj@sen.parl.gc.ca.

Eric Mikkelborg
Media Relations
Toll-free: 1-800-267-7362
Tel.: (613) 995-1952
E-mail: mikkee@sen.parl.gc.ca

Jessica Richardson
Committee Clerk
Toll-free: 1-800-267-7362
Tel.: (613) 990-6087
E-mail: richaj@sen.parl.gc.ca

Teleconference: For media wishing to participate by phone, the dial-in numbers are: North American Dial-In Number: 1-888-265-0464 or locally: 613-954-4096. Participants must quote Conference Identification Number 52043721. For more information on the Committee and its study, visit . For more details about the hearings, contact the committee clerk, Jessica Richardson, at 1-800-267-7362 or by email at . Eric Mikkelborg Media Relations Toll-free: 1-800-267-7362Tel.: (613) 995-1952E-mail: Jessica Richardson Committee ClerkToll-free: 1-800-267-7362Tel.: (613) 990-6087E-mail:

 

Workshop offers woodlot owners an alternative?

BY CHRIS SHANNON?
The Cape Breton Post

MIDDLE RIVER An effort is underway to introduce the province?s woodlot owners to a clear-cutting alternative and in the process offer buyers a higher quality product.

The fourth of five workshops being sponsored by the Uneven-aged Management Outreach project, a program of the Association for Sustainable Forestry, takes place today at Peter and Candace Christiano?s 100-acre woodlot in Middle River.

This project is funded by the provincial Department of Natural Resources.

For the last 30 years, the Christianos have practiced uneven-aged management of their wood lot with the design of growing high quality hardwood trees. It's an option not many woodlot owners in eastern Nova Scotia have considered, Peter Christiano said.

Instead of clear-cutting, uneven-aged management allows woodlot owners to grow high value hardwood and softwood trees suitable for uses such as high quality veneer and fine flooring, while managing their woodlands for multiple species, ages, values and benefits.?

The Christianos, who have operated Finewood Flooring and Lumber Ltd. for 26 years, will display their techniques and give a tour to interested woodlot owners and contractors, in hopes more operators in the business will begin to practice this style of forestry management.

The government is trying to move away from that type (clear-cutting) of forest management basically because in the long run it?s probably not as healthy a type of management (as uneven-aged),? Christiano said.

The forest really doesn?t like to have that happen to it.

Here is a typical example of how uneven-aged management works:

On one-acre of woodland, 30 per cent of the trees which are 12 inches or larger in diameter are harvested.

Another 30 per cent of the trees measured at between nine and 12 inches will be ready for harvest in about 20 years time.

And the final one-third of trees in the stand, comprising of four to seven inches in diameter, are considered young trees only beginning to grow and those remain untouched.

What happens in a situation like this is you?ll come in and cut out that 30 per cent that's at a harvestable size and where you cut those trees out, you?ll create holes in the forest where more young trees will start growing,? he said.?

Basically you have a forest where you can go in every 20 years and harvest wood, but you still have a forest intact.

Christiano said when all the costs of clear-cutting are tallied up, this alternative becomes a very viable option.

In the long run it's a lot cheaper (type of) forest to manage because you don't have the expense of replanting, the expense quite often of herbiciding or weeding because other tree species will start growing in and around the ones that you've planted.

Your cost of getting trees to a marketable size is a lot less because nature does it all for you.?

Through their work, the Christianos have grown exceptional stands of sugar maple and yellow birch.

Finewood Flooring and Lumber Ltd. is well known in Nova Scotia and throughout the world for the high quality hardwood products made from locally grown lumber. More than 50 per cent of their product is shipped to Europe.?

Their eco-friendly business also has chain-of-custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council.

The final day-long workshop will be held on June 14 at St. Joseph, Antigonish County.

cshannon@cbpost.com

Nova Scotia Releases Coastal Management Framework Fisheries and Aquaculture
June 5, 2008 11:50 AM

The Coastal Management Framework, a Canadian first that will protect Nova Scotia's coast while guiding its prosperity, was released today, June 5, by Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ron Chisholm.

The framework outlines strategic activities for the next two years, including the release of a Sustainable Coastal Development Strategy, another first in Canada, in 2010. The framework is intended to provide economic growth along the coast, while protecting environmental and social qualities important to Nova Scotians.

"Our coastal areas and resources are the foundation of this province's economy, culture and heritage, but they are a finite resource and the demand for their goods and services is increasing," said Mr. Chisholm. "Sustainable development in Nova Scotia means that we need to carefully plan and manage our coastal areas and resources to ensure that current and future generations of Nova Scotians can continue to prosper."

The Fisheries and Aquaculture website outlines the framework and government's commitment to the ambitious coastal management initiative. Updates on the framework and related activities will also be available online at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/marine/coastalzone.

"We recognize that economic and environmental sustainability along our coast requires a new way of doing business," said Mr. Chisholm. "Good coastal management requires strong co-operation and integration not just across provincial departments, but among all levels of government."

Several years ago, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture established the Provincial Oceans Network to develop and implement the Coastal Management Framework. The 12 provincial departments and agencies will continue to work closely with federal and municipal counterparts to ensure the success of the framework.

Media Contacts: Celeste Sulliman
Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-237-9594
E-mail: sullimcc@gov.ns.ca

Sean Weseloh McKeane
Fisheries and Aquaculture
902-424-5830
E-mail: weselosw@gov.ns.ca

SUNDAY HERALD COLUMN: June 1, 2008 (HH0821)
BEYOND BRAIN-DEAD ECONOMICS
by Silver Donald Cameron

My submission to the Voluntary Planning hearings on natural resource policy came down to just 10 words.

Go beyond brain-dead accounting. Use the Genuine Progress Index.

Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning is holding consultations on a long-term natural resources strategy for the province, looking particularly at forests, minerals, parks and biodiversity. Clearly, something big is afoot. Meetings have already been held in Pugwash, Parrsboro, Blockhouse, Port Hawkesbury, Middleton, Tusket, Dartmouth, Inverness, Saulnierville, Middle Musquodoboit, St. Ann's, Debert, New Minas, Shelburne, Cheticamp, Windsor, and St. Peters.

Further meetings will be held in Sherbrooke, Sheet Harbour, Weymouth, Membertou, Yarmouth, Halifax, Liverpool, Stellarton, and Antigonish. There will be three meetings in French. It's also possible to submit written comments. Details are at http://vp.gov.ns.ca/projects/resources

These consultations may shape the government's natural resources strategy for years to come. But alarmed conservationists reported that the early meetings were packed with industry representatives demanding that the province reduce the number of protected areas, support clear-cutting and herbicide spraying, relax its regulations on mining and, specifically, abolish the moratorium on uranium exploration and mining.

Ye gods. But if nobody else is heard, those voices will control the discussion. So I trotted off to St. Peters with my ten-word recommendation.

Go beyond brain-dead accounting, I said. Use the Genuine Progress Index.

Every economic activity has costs as well as benefits. Brain-dead accounting overlooks the most important costs, and overstates the benefits. For example, it sees a forest only as potential pulp and lumber. The only costs are the cost of labour and equipment to cut it down. The benefits are employment and profit.

But a living forest is a natural community which confers all kinds of other benefits. It inhales greenhouse gasses like CO2, and exhales oxygen. It provides habitat for life forms which enrich the soil and pollinate our crops. A forest absorbs rainwater, filters it, and regulates its release into the streams. It prevents soil erosion, attracts visitors, provides us with recreational activities like hunting, fishing and hiking.

To the forest industry -- indeed, to the industrial economy generally -- such benefits literally count for nothing.

A natural forest also produces more and better wood than a clearcut one. Windhorse Farm, in Lunenburg County, has been logged selectively and sustainably since 1840. No pesticides, no clearcuts. Its rich, mature Acadian forest has produced more lumber than would have been produced by clear-cutting and re-growing and the site contains as much standing timber today as in 1840.

GPI studies have also found that forestry jobs per unit of wood cut have steadily declined with the growth of industrial forestry. Sustainable forestry produces far more jobs than clear-cutting.

The 170-year experiment at Windhorse Farms simply ends the debate on clear-cutting, which really amounts to mining and destroying the forest, just as we mined and destroyed the cod fishery. If clear-cutting destroys the other benefits of a forest, and doesn't even produce as much wood as selective logging, it simply can't be permitted.

Uranium mining and nuclear power are even worse. Uranium mine tailings are viciously toxic, and they persist for generations. Nuclear power plants are so dangerous that they can't get liability insurance at any price -- so they are insured by government. That's you and me, buddy. Wastes from nuclear plants have to be securely stored for centuries, perhaps millennia. Nobody knows how to do that, and the costs, though real, are simply incalculable -- so they aren't calculated. They're ignored.

That's brain-dead accounting, the kind of accounting that goes into calculations of the Gross Domestic Product. It's the normal basis for economic decision-making, and it's hideously wrong. If we had kept the ecological books properly in the first place, we wouldn't be facing environmental catastrophe today.

The essence of the Genuine Progress Index, by contrast, is "full-cost accounting," which recognizes the value of such natural capital as standing forests, healthy populations, productive soils and waterways -- and the cost of destroying such assets. Over the past decade, GPI Atlantic (www.gpiatlantic.org) has been publishing realistic accounts for Nova Scotia, using our province as a test-bed for techniques to be applied globally.

The GPI is a fabulous gift to Nova Scotia. Nobody else has it. It covers almost every sphere of human activity, and it's almost complete. It should be the foundation of any discussion of natural resource strategies in this province.

We can choose to ignore the GPI and the environmental crisis, fouling the earth with toxins and consuming the natural wealth that belongs to our descendants. But the St. Peters crowd, which included several forest workers, was largely on the GPI wavelength. It wanted to develop sustainable lifestyles, and agreed that a top priority should be the restoration of our depleted forests.

The death of brain-dead economics and the birth of genuine progress. It's a vision as beautiful as sunrise.

Silver Donald Cameron
(902)446-5577 fax (902)446-6099

Canadians Growing Smarter - Atlantic Canada and Quebec Take the Lead

The Canadian Council on Learning says the country's overall score on the Composite Learning Index has improved for the second straight year.

The survey is the world's only statistical index of lifelong learning, with results for 4,700 communities across Canada.

It uses statistical indicators that reflect learning in school, in the home, at work and within the community.

The non-profit group, which promotes learning, says the steepest improvements are in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

The survey scored the national average at 77 for 2008, up one point from 2007 and four points ahead of the national benchmark of 73 set in 2006.

The index suggests Canada's performance in school-based learning is stagnant, however, while work-related learning and learning for personal development are on the rise.

It found the majority of the country's 10 most-improved cities are located east of Ontario, with St. John's, N.L., topping the list.

It found improvements in rural communities are occurring at roughly the same rate as in large cities.

At 93, Victoria and Ottawa are now the top performers among major cities, followed by Calgary and Gatineau at 92.

The Composite Learning Index indicators are based on four pillars identified by UNESCO:

• Learning to know, or the development of skills and knowledge such as literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.
• Learning to do, or the acquisition of applied skills, closely tied to occupational success, such as workplace training.
• Learning to live together, or the cultivation of respect and concern for others, such as through involvement in clubs and organizations.
• Learning to be, or areas of learning that are related to creativity, personal development, and health in the physical, social and spiritual senses, including access to broadband Internet.

The structure and method of the index has been technically assessed as "internally sound and robust" by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, which specializes in developing and assessing composite indices.

Truro is KPMG’s Lowest Cost Location

Truro, Nova Scotia is ranked the lowest cost business location in Atlantic Canada and second-lowest in all of Canada, when considering the price to establish or relocate business to the area by KPMG Consultants.

Together with neighboring Pictou, Truro ranked high in KPMG’s evaluation of labour costs, taxes, and real estate prices. The rankings assign a grade out of 100 and Truro came in with a rating of 93.3 and Pictou at 94.5, while Halifax's cost rating stands at 96.6. Business location costs in Sydney are slightly higher than Halifax, at 97.

Composites Atlantic In Luenburg Gets Beoing Contract

Lunenburg-based Composites Atlantic is gearing up following the company's recent contract to support Boeing's 787 Dreamliner program with assistance from a $1-million loan from the province to help the company purchase new equipment and retool operations.

The company is using new technology and streamlining operations to produce composite diagonal braces for the 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The redesigned brace, which supports the engine to the main body of the aircraft, incorporates limited metal, resulting in a lighter and more fuel-efficient product.

The one-year, interest-bearing repayable loan is from the province's Industrial Expansion Fund and will cover up-front costs associated with production of the redesigned diagonal brace.

Composites Atlantic has earned a reputation as a leader in the design, testing, certification and manufacture of advanced composites for the aerospace, space, defense and commercial industries. The company has grown from 10 employees in 1993 to 450 today.

Economic Development/Fisheries and Aquaculture

Canso's inshore fishery will receive a major boost to revitalize waterfront infrastructure and support the inshore fishery.

Waterfront properties formerly by the off-shore fleet will be transferred to Small Craft Harbours so the site can to be transformed into a modern in-shore fishing port.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, announced today, May 5, that Nova Scotia will invest $800,000, provided through the Community Development Trust. The trust was established to help communities and workers hard hit by economic challenges.

"The Town of Canso is committed to their community. They were willing to fight to keep the fishing industry alive in Guysborough County and this investment says we believe in what they can accomplish," said Ron Chisholm, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "This project will facilitate immediate work on upgrading the local infrastructure and support the commercial in-shore fishery and, in so doing, strengthen a major industry in this rural community."

The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans will make major financial investments over the next few years toward the revitalization project. The provincial investment will complement the federal contribution of $592,000, which Small Craft Harbours will invest in harbour infrastructure this year. The federal-provincial co-operation on the project will cut 18 months off the completion date, originally , completion was estimated for 2012-13.

The investment will help with waterfront infrastructure improvements to strengthen the industry, including a seafood depot with a facility for ice, bait, and cold storage needs for the in-shore fishery. Officials envision a working waterfront that will cater to the needs of the commercial fishery and travelling marine public.

The waterfront rehabilitation project, managed by Small Craft Harbours, will improve commercial fisheries port operations with enhanced vessel and gear loading, more space for fish-buying stations, enhanced Harbour Authority offices, information signs, washrooms and laundry facilities for commercial fishers and marine tourists.

"This investment will strengthen the commercial fishery, a major industry in the Canso economy, and enhance the positioning of marine tourism potential," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Economic Development. "This project will be successful because of the commitment from all three levels of government and the belief of this community in themselves and in what they can accomplish."

The in-shore fishery has been part of the socio-economic fabric of Canso and eastern Guysborough for generations. The investment will help maintain community and resident pride and sustainable prosperity for the Town of Canso and eastern Guysborough.

Fishermen continue blockade Inverness Harbour

By CHRIS LAMBIE Staff Reporter and The Canadian Press Fri. May 16 - 8:06 AM

INVERNESS - A harbour blockade remained in place in the tiny fishing community of Inverness, N.S., Friday as angry fishermen continued to demand a share of the local crab quota.

At least three Cape Island boats were blocking the 30-metre-wide channel to the wharf keeping four New Brunswick vessel from leaving to set traps in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

``As it is now we have these New Brunswick boats that came in and they're all loaded to go and set the gear,'' said David MacLean, a fisherman from Inverness.

``We felt this was a good time to stop it, to see if we can't get some meetings with DFO and if they can't give us any kind of an allocation at all.''

MacLean said more boats from neighbouring communities were expected to arrive during the day to join the protest.

And the tiny harbour was expected to get even more congested with the anticipated arrival of a coast guard vessel from nearby Cheticamp.

MacLean said local fisherman, who have just begun lobster season, are desperately trying to cope with a dramatic drop in catch, low prices and higher fuel costs.

``The lobster catches are way, way down. I mean they've been going down every year but they really took a dive this year,'' he said from his home overlooking the harbour.

``We're getting paid what we were 10 years ago. You can barely make your payments. It's just wicked.''

MacLean said their ability to make a living from the sea is getting harder all the time but a share of local crab stocks could help and the blockade will remain in place until they get satisfaction.

``We're not stopping any of our own crew and we're not stopping anyone that has a regular crab licence'', he said.

``I guess our big beef is these permits that were given to New Brunswick people to come down here.''

MacLean said the plan was to rotate boats in and out of the blockade, allowing participants to continue lobster fishing, until they get a meeting with federal fisheries officials and Premier Rodney MacDonald who represents the area in the legislature.

About 90 fishermen were involved in the protest.

RCMP officers visited the wharf shortly after it began but MacLean said they took no action and the New Brunswick boats have not tried forcing their way through the blockade.

The blockade began yesterday, when three Cape Islanders were tied together, blocking the 30-metre-wide channel leading out of Inverness Harbour.

"We've got them blocked in the harbour," Lawrence MacLellan, a lobster fisherman from Inverness, said at about 9 p.m.

"They're not getting out. They want to go set their crab gear and we're not letting them go.

"We can keep it going until the summer - as long as it takes. We're in it for the long haul."

About 90 fishermen were involved in the protest.

"We're at rock bottom here," said Mr. MacLellan, 32. "We need some of the sharing."

RCMP officers had already visited the wharf.

"They can't do much," Mr. MacLellan said. "It's a friendly protest."

The crab in question lie 25 to 40 kilometres offshore, he said.

"There's not as much crab up in their neck of the woods," he said of the New Brunswick fishermen. "So it's easier for them to come down here and they get their quotas in a short period of time."

The New Brunswick fishermen had not tried forcing their way through the blockade. "Not as of yet," Mr. MacLellan said. "They're just sitting there."

Fishermen from four harbours in Cape Breton are involved in the Inverness blockade, which started at about 5 p.m. Besides Inverness, which is closest to the crab grounds, they're from Judique, Port Hood and Mabou.

The local fishermen believe New Brunswickers are catching about 225,000 kilograms of crab off Cape Breton and they want their share.

"The crab is landed here, it's loaded on a truck and it's shipped out," Mr. MacLellan said. "There's no spinoff for anybody in the community."

He said local fishermen, who are in the middle of lobster season, have tried to apply for crab licences, with no luck.

"We've met with (Premier) Rodney MacDonald and we've numerous times called (Cape Breton-Canso MP) Rodger Cuzner, but it just seems like the politics doesn't want to go in our favour," Mr. MacLellan said. "They don't want to address it."

He vowed the blockade will last until the Cape Breton fishermen get action.

"We're going to keep it up until we get to talk to the right people," he said. "We're trying to make some noise because we have no other way to get this crab. You do it the diplomatic way and you don't get anything."

Mr. MacLellan has been fishing lobster for eight years. He has a two-year-old son, and his wife is pregnant again.

"I don't want to spend the winter in Fort McMurray like the rest of everybody else," he said, noting the New Brunswick fishermen obviously aren't in that position. "They're coming into our province, taking our crab and going home with it. And we're going to be packing our bags in the fall because lobsters are down, fuel is up, bait is up, and that's a problem. So we've just had enough."

Update on Foresty meetings around the province from the Ecology Action Centre

A quick up-date on the public meetings. Jamie has attended two -- Pugwash on Monday and Parrsboro last night. In short: no support for improving forestry practices.

Both of these meeting were well attended by employees or supporters of the forestry and mining industries, particularly JD Irving. As a result, here is a sample of the recommendations coming out of these meetings:

• we need less protected areas; maybe 4% instead of 12%
• more intensive forest management; more government funding for this type of forestry and the silviculture that supports it
• guaranteed wood supply for industrial forestry operations
• ensured access for OHV anywhere and everywhere
• need to let public know that current forestry practices are excellent
• need to abolish the moratorium on uranium exploration and mining
• need to relax government regulations on mining

It's crucial that we get people out to these meetings to promote a different vision for Nova Scotia's natural environment.

Next meeting is tonight (Wednesday) in Middleton. Next week is St. Ann's, Inverness, Tusket, Dartmouth, Inverness, Saulnierville, Middle Musquodoboit, Debert and New Minas. All meetings 6:30 - 9.

Finally, it's also important to encourage people to submit written comments. This can be done on-line at the Voluntary Planning website: https://vp.gov.ns.ca/projects/resources

Talking points on forestry available at www.novascotiaforests.ca

Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments. Jamie Simpson (mailto:forests@ecologyaction.ca) Forest Conservation Coordinator Standing Tall Campaign for Environmentally Responsible Forestry, Ecology Action Centre, 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 4L3 902.429.1335 (voice); 902.405.3716 (fax). www.novascotiaforests.ca & www.clearcutnovascotia.ca

JUDES and Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op are pleased to present an evening with Francisco VanderHoff - a co-founder of Fair Trade.

His idea was so simple - to organize small coffee farmers into co-operatives and build their capacity to produce, transport, process and export their high quality coffee at a fair price. This would allow them to escape the clutches of "coyotes" or intermediaries and give them dignity, control and hope for a better future.

Fair Trade now includes many different products and has great potential as a model for social change. It is also in danger of being hijacked by big business. Join us for a presentation and discussion about the Future of Fair Trade.

• Fr. Francisco VanderHoff will share his experience and thoughts on the future of Fair Trade (with an introduction from the Town of Wolfville in Wolfville)
• Errol Sharpe of Fernwood Publishing will speak about his recent visit to a Fair Trade coffee community in Mexico
• Screening of Wisdom of the Mountains-a short video capturing the spirit and experience of the indigenous Zapotec peoples, Fair Trade coffee farmers in Chayotepec, Mexico

Fair Trade refreshments will be served.

When & Where (2 locations)

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 @ 7-9 pm
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Auditorium, University Avenue, Wolfville, Acadia University

OR

Thursday, May 22, 2008 @ 7-9 pm
5657 North Street Church, Halifax (at the Corner of North and Fuller Terrace)

For more information, please email info@judesfairtrade.ca or phone 902-542-7474 xt 230

This event is also co-sponsored by: Fernwood Publishing, the Town of Wolfville, and the F.C. Manning School of Business (Acadia University).

Please fell free to circulate this notice and apologies for any cross-postings.

Sandy Point Lighthouse gets funding... South Shore MP Gerald Keddy, SWSDA CEO Frank Anderson and others announced Tuesday a successful funding application for funding to ACOA (Keddy is also parliamentary secretary to the ACOA minister) and others for support to repair the ailing Sandy Point Lighthouse near Shelburne.

ACOA is investing $ 38,274, Nova Scotia Economic Development is contributing $20,000, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne is contributing $10,000, and the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society is contributing $6,600 toward the upgrades and improvements.

Substantial work has been done over the winter on the concrete base for the maritime icon and the project will also include new railing and interpretive panels. Joan Bower of the South West Shore Development Authority was instrumental in a two-year campaign to raise funds for the project.

Conserving Biodiversity in the Mabou Highlands: land-use planning as an approach to conservation

Some of you may have received a disk copy of the Margaree Environmental Association's (MEA) recent report prepared by Chris MIller, Ph.D. With the Mabou Highlands as a case study, it proposes a conservation model using governance and legislative practices based on a land-use strategy to protect ecologically significant areas where there is a mixture of public and private lands.

Such a conservation model could be a viable strategy in many other areas in Nova Scotia and provide a timely solution to the problem of how Nova Scotia can create new protected areas on a landscape level.

The Mabou Highlands contains ecologically significant natural features of importance to conservation within a continuous forested ecosystem. Both The Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Nova Scotia Nature Trust have established protected areas there.

We are releasing this report to NGOS and politicians this month, and will hold a couple of press conferences about it in May, and hope to meet and discuss the report with these parties in May as well.

Please pass on the report’s electronic link to anyone who you believe may find it of interest: http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/neall/Mabou_Highlands.pdf

I hope you enjoy reading it !

Regards,
Peggy Cameron /for Neal Livingston, Co-chair
Margaree Environmental Association
*with the support of the SAGE Foundation

Making a difference
By Sandra Phinney

Martin Luther King Jr. said that life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” Volunteers have no trouble answering that question although many are humble and their service is done with little fanfare.

This is certainly the case for nine souls in Shelburne County who serve on the board of directors of the CBDC. Dick Jensen currently chairs the board. He says that CBDC is a good thing for small communities like Shelburne, Barrington and Lockeport. “We’re not the richest county in the province and it helps to get small businesses started. The important thing is to find a niche market where no one else is doing something or a business that you can market over the internet,” he says.

Service on the board can mean anything from monthly meetings for a full day to taking a course on board governance. “There’s no money involved,” says the former general manager for VenRez Products, “but you learn a lot and the biggest perk is seeing someone’s business take off. That’s very rewarding. There’s a lot to feel good about at the end of the day.”

The CBDC opened its doors in 1990. Since then it has provided financial assistance, advisory services, technical advice and training to over 6,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners in Shelburne County. It’s also invested over $12,000,000 in small business development. That’s nothing to sneeze at!

Executive Director Dixie Redmond credits much of the CBDC success story to the generous support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Canada. “Without them, the small business support we provide to our community would be greatly restricted,” she says.

But there’s another side to the operation that is equally as important. “We have a volunteer board of nine people who have given countless hours behind the scenes. They help us realize our vision which is to contribute to the sustainable economic development of Shelburne County through the development and continued support of small business,” Redmond says, “and it’s their in-depth knowledge of the local markets and businesses that make us effective.”

This grass-roots approach works in spades. So it’s most appropriate during volunteer week, to draw attention to the role of the volunteer at CBDC as their involvement has been crucial to countless success stories. And although service requires dedication, time and commitment, board members find it to be a positive experience.

Sandy Hiltz is the secretary and he says that serving on the board has been a real eye-opener. “Over the past few years there’s been a tremendous movement of people out of the area. We’re starting to see desperation. Yet there’s lots of resilience and fortitude. It’s amazing the things people will attempt,” he says.

It also makes it challenging as the board has a responsibility to encourage entrepreneurship but they don’t want to set anyone up to fail. “Many businesses exist that wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the CBDC,” Hiltz says.

Cindy Embree, the Vice Chair of the board, concurs. “We are a body of people who are encouragers. We want to see small business grow,” she says, “but we are always sensitive to the balance between supporting an idea and looking at the realities such as competition and expenses.”

Embree, a retired school teacher, says that volunteering on the board has made her much more aware of the challenges faced by businesses in the area. “I’ve also learned that small community organizations understand the value and importance of partnering. The sharing and partnering of everything from facilities to supplies to volunteer personnel is impressive.”

Someone once said that volunteers believe people can make a difference—and are willing to prove it. This is certainly evident behind the scenes at CBDC. Hats off to the volunteer board at CBDC!

The Aboriginal Rights Coalition – Atlantic (ARC-A) invites you to:
Mines, Treaties and Communities - Building Solidarity with First Nations
Saturday May 17, 2008
10am to 5pm
Tatamagouche Centre, Tatamagouche NS

Concerned about uranium mining and your community?
Looking for support, new partners, new strategies and action?
Seeking deeper relationships and partnerships with First Nations people?

Join with us, to learn about

• the environmental and social impacts of mining
• the risks of uranium mining,
• Aboriginal treaty rights and mining, and
• a regional case study from Hants County NS

Resource people include:
Albert Marshall, Mi’kmaw Elder and environmentalist;
Ramsey Hart, incoming Canada Program Coordinator for Mining Watch Canada;
Tracy Glynn, Conservation Council of NB, and Mines and Communities Online Frank Kesick and Roger Hunka, the Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources Secretariat; and
Regional Experts on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights

This day-long gathering will be followed by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition – Atlantic, annual meeting. All are welcome!

Cost:
$40 for the day program (includes snacks, lunch, program)
$95 for the day program plus ARC-A gathering to mid-morning Sunday (includes all meals, program, overnight accommodation and breakfast)

Bursaries available, please let us know if you need assistance to participate.

To register contact Tatamagouche Centre at 1-800-218-2220 or www.tatacentre.ca

ARC-A works toward the transformation of the relationships between Atlantic Canadian society and Aboriginal peoples. Through education, research, advocacy, and action this regional coalition of churches, other faith bodies, and regional social justice groups works in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples. ARC-A seeks to embody the partnership by building authentic alliances in the struggle for Aboriginal justice.

The Peace and Friendship Project is staffed by Mi’kmaw leader, Tina Bernard, and is a partnership project of Tatamagouche Centre with the Mennonite Central Committee, in conjunction with the Aboriginal Rights Coalition -Atlantic and the United Church of Canada.

Secretariat for Community Non-Profit Organizations
New era of partnership between government and non-profit sector (08/03/28)

NB 367
March 28, 2008

Although this story is about New Brunswick, it's a wonderful move for a provincial government to agree to organizational, rather than just project funding.

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The province will revitalize its partnership with community non-profit organizations as the main focus of the government's response to Blueprint for Action, the report of the Premier's Community Non-Profit Task Force.

Carmel Robichaud, minister responsible for Community Non-Profit Organizations, said the new relationship will ensure that groups receive stable, multi-year funding; work to reduce red tape and supplies costs; and build better communications between government and non-profit groups.

"With this response, entitled Delivering on the Blueprint, the Government of New Brunswick is committing itself to work in true partnership with the non-profit sector to accomplish our mutual goal of creating a province that is more just, compassionate, progressive and, ultimately, self-sufficient for all," Robichaud said.

In its report, the premier's task force, chaired by Claudette Bradshaw, called on government to establish a revitalized partnership with the voluntary and non-profit sector. This partnership would require improvements in the respect and recognition the sector receives from all areas of government.

Robichaud said the key to improving this relationship is the establishment of the Secretariat for Community Non-Profit Organizations.

"The secretariat is a new voice for non-profits at the cabinet table and within government, and is working to facilitate a better working relationship between individual departments and their non-profit partners," Robichaud said. "Guided by an advisory board drawn from the provincial non-profit sector, the secretariat will be a key point of contact for these organizations within government on policy development, information sharing, and capacity building within the sector."

Other recommendations addressed in the response include:

• government will move toward multi-year funding to give more predictability to organization budgets;
• a process will be put in place to allow for non-profits to retain a budgetary surplus by the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year;
• the Province will be willing to work with the sector to create a program to provide interest-free loans for capital costs related to the acquisition, repair or renovation of property used for service delivery;
• government will work to reduce red tape for non-profits, reduce the number of required forms, and simplify remaining forms and other information requirements;
• government will promote the value and importance of the voluntary sector in the public service and, in collaboration with the sector, promote voluntary activity and awareness among New Brunswickers in general; and
• government will work with the sector to promote and sustain a culture of volunteering in the province. This will include increasing protection for volunteers and organizations, and increased emphasis on civics education in schools.

Robichaud noted that New Brunswick is the first province in Canada to provide non-profit organizations with multi-year funding.

"Our government is grateful for the countless hours of volunteer work that are done each day by New Brunswickers to make our province a better place to live," Robichaud said. "This response provides our province with a clear, actionable plan to fulfil the recommendations provided by the Blueprint for Action. Just as individuals and groups come together to achieve change, so must we in government come together with the non-profit sector. As the third pillar of our society and economy, the non-profit sector will play an important role in achieving self-sufficiency for New Brunswick."

We are pleased to announce that Tatamagouche Centre has appointed David Pollock as the new Executive Director. Mr. Pollock brings a strong commitment to the mission of the Centre to be a transformative education, retreat, faith, and social justice centre, offering innovative programs and hospitality to community, church, non-government and business organizations from throughout the Maritimes.

Mr. Pollock has extensive experience in international development, social justice, churches, and the environment, with a rich background in directing not-for-profit organizations and multi-stakeholder relations. He has served on a number of non-profit boards including the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, Project Ploughshares, The Churches Task Force on Corporate Social Responsibility, and The International Anglican Council on Justice and Peace. A former Executive Director of BIOCAP Canada Foundation, Mr. Pollock has also served as Executive Director of the Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development, leading the advancement of holistic and sustainable environmental solutions.

Mr. Pollock is a published author and producer of numerous educational videos, and has taught courses in the philosophy of social sciences at Roger Williams College in Rhode Island. The breadth of his experience ranges from Director of Development Education at CUSO to senior management (employment equity) at the Bank of Montreal.

He holds degrees from Queen's University in Political Science (Hon B.A.) and from the University of Toronto (M.A.), and was a scholarship exchange student to St. Andrew's, Scotland. He recently concluded several years as a director with Climate Change Central in Alberta. During his time in Alberta he was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal for “outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.” Mr. Pollock continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the federal Sustainable Development Technology Foundation.

Mr. Pollock will begin his duties at Tatamagouche Centre in late May.

For further information on this release, contact:
Heather Hamilton
Promotions Officer
Tatamagouche Centre
1.800.218.2220
heather@tatacentre.ca

Margaret Tusz-King
Program Director
Tatamagouche Centre
1-800-218-2220
www.tatacentre.ca

22apr08:
Sandy Point Lighthouse to get federal funding...

South Shore MP Gerald Keddy will make an announcement today about a successful funding application to ACOA (Keddy is also parliamentary secretary to the ACOA minister) for support to repair the ailing Sandy Point Lighthouse near Shelburne.

Substantial work has been done over the winter on the concrete base for the maritime icon and the project will also include new railingings and interpretive panels.

Joan Bower of the South West Shore development Authority was instrumental in a two-year campaign to raise funds for the project.

CBC News

Nova Scotia politicians back uranium mining ban

April 15, 2008

An all-party committee of the Nova Scotia legislature has reaffirmed its support for the province's moratorium on uranium mining.

The standing committee of resources passed the motion unanimously Tuesday after a two-hour presentation by the province's main mining association on why the ban should be lifted.

"We are not interested in having the moratorium stand in the way of legitimate mining," said Graham Steele, the New Democrat MLA who proposed the motion.

"We understand the uranium moratorium as it's currently worded can, in some circumstances, stand in the way of the development of a healthy mining sector. So we're all for the removal of those kinds of impediments, while leaving the uranium in the ground where it belongs."

The motion also calls on the province to consider allowing exploration for other minerals even if uranium turns up during the search.

Steele said it's now up the provincial government to appoint a committee to review whether it's possible to mine other minerals without disturbing uranium deposits.

Gordon Dickie, president of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, told the committee that Nova Scotia is sacrificing tens of millions of dollars in possible exploration because of the moratorium.

Nova Scotia banned uranium exploration in 1982 after rural residents complained about the environmental risks.

Canada produces about one-third of the world's uranium, making it the top producer around the globe. Uranium is used in nuclear power plants to produce electricity.

Green Mobility Forum

Thinking Outside the Car

Acadia University, Wolfville, NS

Join us May 21-22, 2008 in Wolfville to launch sustainable transportation into public debate at the provincial level!

The TRAX program of the Ecology Action Centre and Transport 2000 Atlantic, with support from Conserve Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection, and Environment Canada, are pleased to invite you to the Green Mobility Forum.

This two-day forum will offer interactive panel discussions, dynamic speakers and hands-on workshops. It will also feature the launch of TRAX's Green Mobility Strategy and Transport 2000 Atlantic's Rural Transportation Toolkit.

The Green Mobility Forum will provide an opportunity for those with an involvement or interest in public and active transportation from across the province to learn from each other, share resources, and determine the way forward for sustainable transportation in Nova Scotia.

Registration forms are attached and available at www.ecologyaction.ca/trax

Space is limited so register early!

Contact: forum@ecologyaction.ca
www.ecologyaction.ca/trax

5th Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities
(French version below)

University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI
August 19-22, 2008
Call for presentations

Submissions:
http://www.thequaich.pe.ca/UltimateSurvey/takeSurvey.asp?surveyID=202

NEW FOR THIS YEAR!
The Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities is calling for presentations that profile promising practices, programs, policies, experiences or lessons learned that relate to the theme of literacy and connect it with health, safety or crime - the focus of the Institute.

We are welcoming presentations in French and/or English for either Interactive or Posterboard Presentations.

Presentations will be featured during the “Atlantic Canada Showcase” to be held on Thursday August 21st, 2008 as part of the Atlantic Summer Institute in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. We will give priority to proposals from Atlantic Canada but we also encourage others to submit ideas.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday April 30th, 2008.

For more information on the presentation process or the Atlantic Summer Institute, please explore the website www.upei.ca/SI* or email asi@thequaich.pe.ca.
*The website is being renewed, please be patient while we add more information.
Please clear your memory cache.

If you are ready to submit, please click on the link
http://www.thequaich.pe.ca/UltimateSurvey/takeSurvey.asp?surveyID=202

You will be asked to complete a template that will include;

• a description on your presentation
• what others will learn from your presentation
• a short biography
• your contact information

* helpful hint : try writing your presentation description in a Word document
(e.g Word or WordPerfect) then cut and paste it into the template.

Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested!

For questions, please contact The Quaich Inc, (902) 894.3399.

If, at any time you would like to unsubscribe from this list please send an email to asi@thequaich.pe.ca with ‘UNSUBSCRIBE’ as the subject line. Thank you.

5e Institut d’été sur les collectivités sûres et en santé au Canada atlantique

Université de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, Charlottetown (Î.-P.-É.)
19 au 22 août, 2008
Appel de présentations

Soumissions :
http://www.thequaich.pe.ca/UltimateSurvey/takeSurvey.asp?surveyID=205

NOUVEAUTÉ CETTE ANNÉE!
L'Institut d'été sur les collectivités sûres et en santé au Canada atlantique lance un appel de présentations qui mettent en avant des pratiques, des politiques et des programmes prometteurs ainsi que des expériences et leçons tirées qui sont reliées au thème de l'alphabétisation, la santé, la sécurité et le crime - l'objectif de l'Institut.

Nous accueillons maintenant des propositions de présentation en français et en anglais.

Les présentations se dérouleront le jeudi 21 août 2008 au cours des « Exposés sur le Canada atlantique» dans le cadre de l'Institut d'été atlantique à Charlottetown, à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Nous donnerons la priorité aux propositions venant du Canada atlantique mais encourageons également les candidats d'autres régions à soumettre leurs idées.

Pour de plus amples renseignements sur l'Institut d'été atlantique, veuillez visiter notre site Web www.upei.ca/SI* ou courriel asi@thequaich.pe.ca.

*s'il vous plaît soyz patient pendant q’on ajout de l’information sur le site web renouvelé. S'il vous plait, effacer votre mémoire cache.

Si vous êtes prêt.e à soumettre votre présentation, veuillez cliquer le lien suivant :
http://www.thequaich.pe.ca/UltimateSurvey/takeSurvey.asp?surveyID=205

Vous aurez à compléter le formulaire et y inclure;

• une description de votre présentation
• ce que les autres apprendront de votre présentation
• une courte biographie
• de l’information sur la personne-ressource

* Suggestion: essayez d’écrire la description de votre presentation dans un traitement de texte (p. ex. Word ou WordPerfect) puis copier et coller l’information dans le formulaire.

Veuillez acheminer cette annonce à toute personne qui pourrait s’y intéresser.

Pour questions, veuillez contacter The Quaich Inc. par téléphone au (902) 894.3399

Si vous désirez retirer votre courriel de cette liste d'envoi, veuillez envoyer un courriel à asi@thequaich.pe.ca avec 'DÉSABONNER' comme Sujet. Merci.

Colchester County Tops for Business

Colchester County remains among the top business climates in the country according to KPMG’s Competitive Alternatives analysis.

Colchester is listed as the lowest-cost business location in Atlantic Canada and the second lowest in all of Canada when it comes to the price tag for establishing or relocating a business. The latest survey from KPMG Consultants shows neighboring Pictou County is slightly more expensive than Truro.

KPMG uses a point system to compare things like labour costs, taxes, and real estate prices. It assigns a level of 100. Truro comes in with a rating of 93.3 and Pictou is next at 94.5.

Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association
April, 2008

The UNESCO Application

A groups of dedicated people in Cape Breton have been working to have the Bras d'Or Lakes's unique qualities recognized by the United Nations. It is a long process that requires reams of documentation. Quite a feat to undertake with volunteers.

Early in March, the group posted a draft document (150 pages) on our website (www.blbra.ca) and mailed 50 copies to various organizations whose mandate relates to the Lake. We are inviting comment, corrections, additions … from everyone who wants the Bras d’Or Lake and its watershed described accurately and appropriately for presentation to the World forum, UNESCO. We set April 18 as the deadline for comments, allowing us time to complete work on the Final Draft before summer.

Many individuals contributed generously of their time and expertise to produce this Draft. For most, the time spent was voluntary. The job is so large that the group came to reason that they are not doing this just for UNESCO. They are building a strong and reliable base of information to serve all who are concerned about the Bras d’Or Lake and its watershed well into the future.

Individuals are not the only contributors. For example, the Association could not afford to print 50 copies of the draft document with its 150 pages. They were pleased that Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources agreed to take on that task. In addition, the cost of mailing the documents was covered through the generosity of Georgia Pacific (Canada) Inc.

Cooperating with Others
The three major functions of a biosphere reserve are conservation of biodiversity, sustainable development, and logistic support. These are complex terms. They paid attention to sorting them out and recognized that no single agency or organization can fulfill those functions. There is a section (Appendix 1) of the Nomination Document where they have begun to describe the role of the proposed biosphere reserve in relation to the many and varied entities (governments, voluntary organizations, institutions) whose work relates to the Lake. The group is looking forward to having a cooperative relationship with those entities. Defining the exact terms of that relationship is a job that requires open conversation and trust.

Upcoming
You are encouraged to attend the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the Biosphere Reserve Association. It is on Monday, May 26, at St. Joseph’s Hall, Bras d’Or from 7- 9:30 p.m. Peter Etheridge will be our guest speaker. He is the Executive Director of Canada’s newest biosphere reserve: The Fundy Biosphere Reserve in New Brunswick. It will be a great opportunity to compare our experience with theirs.

Teresa MacNeil, Chair
Board of Directors, Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association

 

An Invitation to Woodlot Owners and Forestry Contractors
Learn How a Provincial Program Could Help You Grow High-Value Trees
Visit Woodlots That Have Qualified for Financial Support Under this Program

A woodlot owner who makes fine hardwood flooring. Two woodlot owners who are managing their woodlots as their families have managed them for generations. A woodlot owner who is trying something new. A contractor who is an advocate for alternatives to clearcutting.

What do these individuals have in common? All are practicing uneven-aged management, an alternative to clearcutting that allows woodlot owners to grow high-value hardwood and softwood trees suitable for uses such as high quality veneer and fine flooring. In addition, all of these individuals are eligible for financial help from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources through a program administered by the Association for Sustainable Forestry.

In May and June 2008, woodlot owners and contractors all over Nova Scotia will have a chance to meet one of these individuals, see a woodlot that has qualified for funding under the provincial program, and learn how they too can practice uneven-aged management and qualify for program funding. The Association for Sustainable Forestry’s Uneven-Aged Management Outreach Project will be sponsoring free workshops and field trips in Digby, Antigonish, Queens, Colchester, and Victoria counties. All owners of small private woodlots, and forestry contractors who work on small private woodlots, are invited. However, pre-registration is required. These free workshops and field trips are scheduled as follows:

• May 3, Digby County, Richfield area
• May 10, Colchester County, Earltown area
• May 24, Queens County, North Brookfield area
• June 7, Victoria County, Middle River area
• June 14, Antigonish County, St. Joseph area

Each full-day program will begin with a morning workshop to include information sessions and an opportunity for group discussion. This will be followed by a meal and a visit to a nearby woodlot for a look at uneven-aged management as it is being practiced “on the ground”. The woodlot owner and/or the contractor will be on hand to discuss the purpose, rewards, and challenges of this type of woodlot management.

These programs are free, but pre-registration is required. Interested woodlot owners and contractors are encouraged to register by calling the Uneven-Aged Management Outreach Project at 902-673-2278 or emailing us at outreach@asforestry.com

This outreach project is being funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources as part of program to increase the number of small, private woodlot owners who practice uneven-aged forest management methods on appropriate sites. As part of this program, NSDNR has also dedicated $443,000 in funding to support silviculture methods associated with uneven-aged management—that is, selection management, crop tree release, and crop tree pruning. This funding is available through the Category 7 Quality Improvement Silviculture Program and is being administered by the Association for Sustainable Forestry.

Information about this new program, including an information packet and reference list, is available at http://www.asforestry.com/Category7program.htm, by email at outreach@asforestry.com, or by calling 902-673-2278.

Our hosts

Antigonish County: Gabe Chisholm
A ranger school graduate, silviculture contractor, and 8th generation woodlot owner, Gabe Chisholm is managing his woodlot with a goal of restoring long-lived native species of trees and converting stands that are currently all the same age to the multi-aged condition that is characteristic of natural Acadian Forest. Gabe has created a “value-added” business in which he mills lumber and sells completed sheds and other wood structures. On June 14, Gabe will welcome visitors to a section of woodlot that he has qualified for selection management silviculture funding from the Association for Sustainable Forestry. This treatment is currently under way.

Colchester County: George Dempsey
A silviculture contractor who says he has done “a little of everything,” George Dempsey of New Wave Forestry has experience with a wide variety of harvesting techniques. He is a proponent of selection management, which he says “is better for the forests,” and believes that many owners would be more interested in woodlot management if they could see sites that have been selectively harvested. On May 10, he invites woodlot owners and contractors to visit a site that he selectively managed on behalf of North Nova Forest Owners Co-Op Ltd., with a subsidy provided by the Category 7 Quality Improvement Silviculture Program.

Digby County: Eldon and Lucille White
Eldon and Lucille White have been operating Richfield Forestry since the early 1980s, and now their son has become an integral part of the business as well. They have decided to pursue selection management activities on their woodlot because they appreciate the value of mixed-aged, mixed-species stands and want to increase the long-term value of their property. With many uncertainties facing the forest industry, Eldon and Lucille also wish to diversify their business to offer a wider range of woodlot-management and silviculture activities. On May 3, Eldon and Lucille will be showing visitors a site that has received funding for selection management.

Queens County: Jim Crooker
Jim Crooker is a retired school teacher who worked in the woods with his dad as soon as he could walk. He now has a business that combines forestry with agriculture and was pleased to learn that the selection management he had been practicing on his woodlot for many years qualified for provincial funding from the Association for Sustainable Forestry. Jim says that receiving money from the province for work that he had done or was planning to do anyway has allowed him to put more money back into his woodlot and to invest in his farm.

Victoria County: Peter and Candace Christiano
Peter and Candace Christiano’s company, Finewood Flooring & Lumber Ltd., is well known in Nova Scotia and all over the world for the high-quality hardwood products made from locally grown lumber. Their eco-friendly business has chain-of-custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council. Peter and Candace have selectively managed their own woodlot for 30 years with the goal of growing high-quality hardwoods. The thought, work, and care put into this woodlot is apparent today in magnificent stands of Sugar maple and Yellow birch. The Christanos’ woodlot is a particularly fine example of what can be achieved using uneven-aged management. On June 7, they will welcome visitors to an uneven-aged hardwood stand that has been approved for selection management funding.

 

 

Short news item about the Uneven-Aged Management Outreach Project
For more information, please contact Flora Johnson, 902-673-2278 or
outreach@asforestry.com

Growing High-Value Trees
Free Workshops And Field Trips Showcase Uneven-Aged Management

Uneven-aged management permits woodlot owners to grow high-value trees while managing their woodlands for multiple species, ages, values and benefits. In Nova Scotia, financial assistance may be available to small private woodland owners through the Association for Sustainable Forestry’s Category 7 Quality Improvement Silviculture Program.

In order to provide small private woodlot owners and contractors with information about uneven-aged management and the Category 7 program, the Association for Sustainable Forestry’s Uneven-Aged Management Outreach Project is offering free workshops and field days throughout the province.

Each educational program will include a morning workshop followed by a visit to a nearby woodlot for a look at uneven-aged management as it is being practiced “on the ground”. The schedule of these day-long events is as follows:

• May 3: Digby County, Richfield area
• May 10: Colchester County, Earltown area
• May 24: Queens County, North Brookfield area
• June 7: Victoria County, Middle River area
• June 14: Antigonish County, St. Joseph area

Space for these free programs is limited, and reservations are required. Nova Scotia woodlot owners and contractors are encouraged to register by calling the Outreach Project telephone number (902-673-2278) or emailing the project at outreach@asforestry.com.

The Uneven-Aged Management Outreach Project is funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Information about the Category 7 Quality Improvement Silviculture Program is available at http://www.asforestry.com/Category7program.htm or from the Uneven-Aged Management Outreach Project at 902-673-2278 or outreach@asforestry.com

Public Workshops on Water

Share your input on the best ways to protect, preserve, and use our water - today, and in the future. You can help develop Nova Scotia’s strategy for managing our water resources. Read the discussion paper at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water.

Attend a public workshop, 6:30pm to 9:00pm at one of these location

• Oxford Tue April 1 Lion’s Hall, 4627 Upper Main Street
• Truro Wed April 2 Best Western Glengarry, 50 Willow St.
• Bridgewater Thu April 3 Wandlyn Inn, 50 North St.
• Yarmouth Tue April 15 Fire Hall, 221 Pleasant St.
• Annapolis Royal Wed April 16 Fire Hall, 5 Saint Anthony St.
• Kentville Thu April 17 Fire Hall, 416 Main St.
• Stellarton Mon April 28 Museum of Industry, 147 North Foord St.
• Antigonish Tue April 29 Keating Millenium Centre, StFXU campus
• Mabou Wed April 30 Mabou Community Hall
• Sydney Thu May 1 Delta Sydney, 300 Esplanade
• Sheet Harbour Mon May 12 (*venue location TBA)
• Lower Sackville Tue May 13 (*venue location TBA)
• Cole Harbour Wed May 14 (*venue location TBA)
• Halifax Thu May 15 (*venue location TBA)

Nova Scotia small luxury hotel makes top National Geographic list
March 25, 2008

National Geographic Traveler magazine has selected Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia for "The Stay List: 150 hotels you will love," which appears in the April, 2008 issue.

The list celebrates 150 hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region that are among the best at blending location-inspired architecture, ambiance and amenities, eco-stewardship and an ethic of giving back to the community.

According to editor Keith Bellows, the list's inspiration came from wanting to help readers avoid the letdown of staying in a hotel that isn't original and fails to exhibit any understanding of its cultural context. National Geographic created the list based on extensive research, including input from local experts and seasoned travelers, in-depth questionnaires to more than 600 nominated hotels and detailed follow-up by magazine staff. Regardless of price, all the featured hotels cherish a sense of place and offer a sweet night's sleep, according to the magazine.

Trout Point opened in 2000 as a backwoods lodge bordering the Tusket and Napier Rivers in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area. Built of massive white spruce logs and hand-cut granite & sandstone, the Great Lodge building blends almost seamlessly into its forest environment. With a total of 11 guest rooms and two cottages, Trout Point has recently re-doubled its longstanding efforts at promoting sustainable tourism, including replacing nearly all lighting with low-energy bulbs and using no air-conditioning, encouraging guest recycling, teaching about the boreal forest ecosystem, growing its own greens, vegetables, and herbs, and availing guests to high-end BVLGARI amenities in bulk dispensers. The Lodge won the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award late last year.

"I remember being contacted to fill out a survey form last summer," commented co-proprietor Charles Leary, "but it's still quite an unexpected honor to be chosen for such a list that emphasizes precisely the kind of experience we strive to give our guests." The Great Lodge will open for the season on May 16, 2008.

Author: Vaughn Perret
Organization: Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia
E-mail: foodvacation@gmail.com

Department of Natural Resources

The province is finalizing details on several land purchases, including the first transactions under its forestry transition program.

In October, the province announced it would invest up to $20 million over five years to purchase parcels of industrial forest land from viable forestry companies.

The first acquisitions under that program, worth up to $4.5 million, are:

• land valued at up to $1.5 million in Queens County from NF Douglas and Company Limited
• land in western Nova Scotia valued at up to $2 million from Freeman Lumber of Greenfield, Queens Co.
• $1 million worth of property in Annapolis, Digby and Yarmouth counties from Comeau Lumber Limited.

By March 31, the province is expected to have completed about $2.5 million worth of those purchases, acquiring about 1,563 hectares (3,862 acres). Work will continue over several months to identify and finalize remaining parcels from the companies.

"This program is a great way of making our investments work for us in more than one way," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "The province is adding to its limited Crown land base by acquiring good land at fair market value. But it also helps these key rural employers by letting them divest of certain assets they no longer consider essential."

NF Douglas and Company Limited produces kiln-dried lumber at its sawmill in Caledonia, Queens Co.

Freeman Lumber is an ISO-certified company whose main products include Eastern White Pine and Eastern Hemlock lumber, kiln-dried studs and precision trims.

Comeau Lumber is headquartered in Meteghan in the District of Clare. It produces construction-grade lumber, custom-built wooden packaging and wood chips for use in pulp and paper industry production.

Under terms of the forestry transition program, purchases of land are made from viable forest-related companies. Land must be reviewed under the Department of Natural Resources' integrated resource management process, the purchases must be made at current market value and all proposals are assessed by an interdepartmental committee of government staff.

In addition to the up to $4.5 million in forestry transition program purchases, the province has also approved acquisitions worth up to $1.7 million to further increase lands of coastal, environmental and recreational value.

Department of Natural Resources officials are now working to finalize those purchases, which include:

• more than 70 hectares (180 acres) at Carters Beach, Queens Co.
• 21 hectares (53 acres) on Moshers Island, Lunenburg Co.
• 65 hectares (160 acres) of land near the Lake Rossignol Wilderness Area in Queens Co.

"This is all part of the province's ongoing efforts to expand the proportion of Crown lands available for Nova Scotians now and in the future," said Mr. Morse. "Whether we acquire land that has strong forestry options or strong environmental attributes, all of it gets added to our Crown land base. That means we are able to continue to move closer to our goal of protecting 12 per cent of the total land mass by 2015."

The province has yet to determine how any of the newly acquired properties will be designated or used in the future.

Nova Scotia will invest $34.9 million from the new national Community Development Trust to support communities facing economic hardship.

The announcement was made today, March 28, by Premier Rodney MacDonald and Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The trust, announced earlier this year, is worth $1 billion over three years. It will enable provinces and territories to help communities and workers affected by economic difficulties stemming from instability in the global financial and commodities markets.

"Sustainable communities are crucial to the future strength and prosperity of the province and this fund will support community development and diversification," said Mr. MacDonald. "We will use funding from the trust to help communities and workers who are hard hit by global competition, weakening economies and a strong Canadian dollar."

"This significant contribution underlines the government of Canada's determination to assist communities and workers," said Mr. MacKay. "The Community Development Trust builds on a host of other initiatives undertaken by the government to protect Canadians from turbulence in international markets, and helps us build a stronger and more prosperous future for Nova Scotia and Canada."

The province will use funding from the trust to enhance sustainable prosperity, especially in the areas of:

• economic and trade diversification
• improved productivity, innovation and training
• preparing for and developing community transition plans
• helping workers who are facing adjustment challenges

Funding from the Community Development Trust will be used in a number of ways in Nova Scotia. Forestry, fishing, manufacturing and small business are four sectors that will benefit from the initiative. The trust will be used to help communities such as Canso and Trenton that have been hard hit by the loss of major industries.

The province has agreed to respect Canada's obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Canada-United States Softwood Lumber Agreement, and the World Trade Organization in administering its portion of the trust funding.

Water issue:

Note: Although this is an international issue, not Nova Scotian water affects us all and so we are including it here.

Ottawa - The Council of Canadians is calling on the Harper government to stop blocking a resolution tabled by Germany and Spain at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on March 10 that calls for water and sanitation to be recognized as a human right.

The resolution, which will be voted on within the week, is currently being debated at the UNHRC session in Geneva. Canada has put forward numerous objections to the resolution. Canada and the United States are the only two countries to go on record at the United Nations in opposing the right to water.

Canada is a member of the UNHRC until 2009, while the United States is not an elected member of the UNHRC but allowed to engage under the rules of the Council.

"Recognizing water as a human right is vital to ensuring that governments address the reality of more than a billion people who are currently without access to clean water," says Maude Barlow, chairperson of the Council of Canadians and author of Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water.
(http://council-of-canadians.c.topica.com/maakw59abFLcoaCQ2P1eaeQy7T/) "It is shocking that Canada would work with the United States to oppose this fundamental right."

The debate occurs as communities around the world observe the 15th UN World Water Day on March 22 emerging out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.

The joint resolution promoted by Germany and Spain aims to establish a 'Special Rapporteur' with the mandate to provide guidance on the right to water and sanitation, identify best practices, investigate country situations and promote the right internationally. The resolution follows a report by Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stating that "specific, dedicated and sustained attention to safe drinking water and sanitation is currently lacking at the international level" and recommending that access to safe drinking water and sanitation be recognized as a human right.

Canada is working to weaken the resolution by demanding that references to the right to water and sanitation be removed and that the scope be reduced. Canada wants the proposed position of 'special rapporteur' to be downgraded to an 'independent expert' serving for only one year instead of the proposed three years. Canada is also opposing visits by this independent expert to individual countries and the granting of a mandate enabling them to clarify the content of the right to water and sanitation.

Negotiations on the issue are expected to conclude this week.

The Council of Canadians will be marking World Water Day
(http://council-of-canadians.c.topica.com/maakw59abFLcpaCQ2P1eaeQy7T/) by working to promote the right to water in nearly 40 communities across the country.

For more information, please contact:
Meera Karunananthan Media Officer: Tel.: (613) 233-4487, ext. 234;
Cell: (613) 795-8685;
meera@canadians.org.

Forbes Magazine has listed the world’s most endangered coasts. The Gulf of Maine is one othem. This includes the Bay of Fundy!

Click here for more information

NS Poverty Reduction Strategy Public Consultation

The provincial government is in the process of developing a poverty reduction strategy for Nova Scotia. The initiative is co-led by the Departments of Community Services and Environment and Labour, in cooperation with a working group made up of representatives from diverse organizations interested in the fight against poverty.

To gain input, a group of stakeholders, including representatives from business, labour, poverty advocates and other community organizations from across the province met with us in November 2007 and January 2008. We are now looking for the public's feedback.

Between March 10th and March 31st Nova Scotians will be encouraged to fill out a questionnaire designed to get their input on how we can tackle poverty. They will be able to access the questionnaire online, request it by phone, or fill out a copy at any Provincial Building, Access Nova Scotia location or DCS office around the province.

Please take the time to answer the questionnaire yourself at http://gov.ns.ca/coms/poverty and encourage people you know to do the same. Help make a difference.

FUNDY TIDAL ENERGY FREE WORKSHOP FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY ON MARCH 19

- Only opportunity to learn more and have an input! Please RSVP to ensure a seat.

NSEN will be hosting a free, full-day workshop on the Fundy Tidal Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on Wednesday, March 19 from 8:30-4:30 PM at the Nova Scotia Public Archives, 6016 University Avenue, in Halifax.

This will be the only opportunity for the environmental community to learn about and provide input into the Fundy Tidal Energy project. Workshop presenters include representatives from the Offshore Energy Environmental Research Association (OEER) SEA Stakeholder Roundtable. The workshop will be jointly facilitated by Lisa Mitchell, environmental lawyer and consultant. The input from this workshop will be submitted to the provincial government as part of the final report on the Fundy Tidal Energy SEA.

We can provide travel subsidies to assist people in attending the workshop. There will be delicious vegetarian catering from Little Foot Yurts.

To attend this important workshop, please RSVP to Kelly McRae, the new NSEN Caucus Coordinator, caucus_nsen@cen-rce.org or call NSEN at (902) 454-6846.

More information on the SEA and the Background Report for the Fundy Tidal Energy SEA is available at www.bayoffundysea.ca.

For an updated updated workshop agenda and for more information on the workshop, go to the NSEN web site http://www.nsen.ca/.

The Nova Scotia Policy Review

Balancing competing claims on our resources

March 12, 2008

Nova Scotia’s independent policy magazine is pressing on with it program of publishing concrete proposals for balancing competing claims on our resources.

In the March issue of The Nova Scotia Policy Review, Arthur Bull of the Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre describes how communities could benefit from alternative energy models for extracting tidal power from the Bay of Fundy. “By linking even a small degree of wealth from tidal energy to community economic development, a self-sufficient system of investment in small business development could be put in place,” he writes. “Another model would be to give rural communities around the Bay of Fundy an energy advantage by reducing local energy costs. This would support economic development in the region and would support the development of a model for a green rural economy.”

Geoff Le Boutillier, the founder and chair of the St. Margaret’s Bay Stewardship Association, presents a model for coastal development that could end decades of squabbling over coastal development.

And Marc Carrel of the Ecology Action Centre explains how the privatization of the fishery has failed our fish stocks and our coastal communities, and why community equity and public rights must be enshrined in fisheries policy.

The March issue also documents the state of poverty in the province and argues for “an all-out assault on illiteracy, which undercuts the province’s one-eyed claim to be a smart province.”

The Nova Scotia Policy Review is available at select newsagents and bookstores or by subscription at www.policyreview.ca
For inquiries, contact Rachel Brighton at editor@policyreview.ca

Why is it So Tough to Get Ahead?

Metcalf Innovation Fellow John Stapleton launched a new report in December 2007 called: Why is it so tough to get ahead? How our tangled social programs pathologize the transition to self-reliance.

Stapleton writes that social assistance recipients live with disincentives. “The more they earn, the more they lose in benefits; when they tell the truth, they are punished.”

The report outlines a series of recommendations for policy solutions that can be taken right away to eliminate some of the barriers thrown up by multiple subsidies and program policies.

Stapleton calls attention to the need for a new governance model that enables governments to forge policies and procedures in a coordinated way so that the transition to self-reliance is a healthy, supported process for people.

It’s a call that resonates with communities across Canada. For instance, Vibrant Communities Saint John has made several recommendations to the provincial government about policy barriers to people exiting poverty and how these policies might be changed.

Download the report at: http://www.metcalffoundation.com/downloads/John%20Stapleton%20-%20why%20is%20it%20so%20tough%20to%20get%20ahead.pdf

 

Click Here to Register Now!
Legal Limberness 101 Workshop
Maintaining a Financially Healthy Not-for-Profit

A Workshop on Legal Issues affecting Societies, Charities, Co-ops and Social Enterprises

March 28, 2008
Kingstec Campus
Nova Scotia Community College
Richard Bridge, Charities Lawyer

What others have said about this workshop:

• This workshop should be mandatory for all the NGO board members and executive team!
• I learned new laws, policies and procedures that charities should abide by. I can't wait to make necessary improvements to my organization.
• It was intense but excellent delivery and organization of material.
• Most valuable was clarifying the many options for social enterprises and the legal requirements
• I accomplished my objectives and more.

March 28
10 am - 4 pm
Room 2101 Kingstec Campus
Nova Scotia Community College
Kentville

Lunch will be provided

Complete the attached registration by March 21
Return to Kathy Moggridge
kathy.moggridge@servicecanada.gc.ca
902-426-1840 (FAX)

The provincial government is asking Nova Scotians to go online and fill out a questionnaire about budget priorities. You and your organizations may want to fill it in. There is space for comments and suggestions.

Go to: http://www.gov.ns.ca/finance/

Announcement of Creative Writing Contest Winners

In celebration of UNESCO’s International Adult Learners’ Week (ALW), Literacy Nova Scotia is pleased to announce the winners of the Creative Writing Contest:

• Sherry LeBouthillier, ALP - NSCC IT Campus
• Kelly Carter, Annapolis Work Activity Centre
• Stephanie Nickerson, Barrington Community Learning Centre

The three winners will be honoured at a reception held at Province House in Halifax on March 6th. They will read their winning submissions to an audience including Premier MacDonald, literacy educators and learners, and other invited quests.

There were over 120 entries received: 73 from community-based programs, 35 from NSCC and Adult High Schools, and 14 from seniors’, workplace and family literacy programs.

A special thanks to all those who assisted in the judging process: Krys Galvin (Chair, LNS), Jean Desmond (Director, LNS), Sophie Hoeg (Faculty, NSCC Truro), Norbert LeBlanc (NS Dept. of Education), and Jenni Blackmore (Creative Writing Workshop Facilitator and Author).

There were many wonderful essays! We would like to acknowledge the nine finalists:

Honourable Mention
Karen Augustine, ALP – NSCC Waterfront Campus
Andrew McFarlane, ALP - NSCC Cumberland Campus
Travis Munro, ALP - NSCC Truro Campus
Michelle Snook, ALP - NSCC Truro Campus
Bernice Lamont, Annapolis Work Activity
Tara Bates, Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County
Betty Ann Childs, Colchester Adult Learning Association
Anne LeBlanc, Équipe Alphabetisation Nouvelle-Écosse
Jack MacNab, Colchester Adult Learning Association


The winners’ readings will be featured in the second edition of the Learning Beacon LNS’s E-zine( www.ns.literacy.ca ) which is due to be released in late March.

We would like to acknowledge the following for their support in this project:

• Adult Learning Knowledge Centre, an initiative of the Canadian Council on Learning, which is a national, non-profit, independent organization committed to improving learning for all Canadians.
• Adult Education Division, Skills and Learning Branch, Department of Education

The Poverty Reduction Strategy Coalition has launched its 'Framework for a Poverty Reduction Strategy for Nova Scotia'. It is hoped that this document will be an effective tool to garner increased public understanding and support to government as they undertake initiatives to begin to address the need for a government led, cross-departmental and multi-sectoral plan for poverty reduction.

If you would like to endorse the Framework, please take a moment to answer a few questions online at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dVZJflmSZH0AzQp48YIpFw_3d_3d

The PRS Coalition also hopes that this document can be a launching point for partnership between the provincial government and community groups to create a mutual understanding of need and priorities and collaborate towards creating and implementing a PRS Strategy.

The direct link for the Framework is http://www.cahhalifax.org/DOCS/prsframework2007.pdf.

For more information on the Poverty Reduction Strategy, please visit our website at http://www.cahhalifax.org/prs.htm

Laurie Bryson, Admin
Community Action on Homelessness
2030 Gottingen Street, suite 201
Halifax, NS B3K 3A9

Phone: (902) 420-2186
Fax: (902) 420-6038
info@cahhalifax.org
www.cahhalifax.org

Celebrate Adult Learners' Week: March 3 to 9

Contest for Adult Learners!

In celebration of UNESCO’s International Adult Learners’ Week (ALW), Literacy Nova Scotia wants adult learners to celebrate their right to learn and their freedom of expression by putting words to paper.

Literacy Nova Scotia wants stories about adult learning. Typical themes include “adults’ right to learn”, “lifelong learning” or “me, as a learner”. Submissions of up to 500 words will be accepted. Submissions may be in the form of an essay, a poem, or a short story.

Who can enter the contest? Anyone enrolled in an Adult Learning Program can enter. We hope to hear from learners in adult high schools, NSCC Adult Learning Programs, community-based programs, seniors’ literacy, ESL, and Workplace education programs.

How do I enter the contest? Send submissions to Jayne Hunter at jayne.hunter@nscc.ca or fax 902-897-4020. Please include your name, address, and telephone number and the name of the program you are attending.

Deadline for submissions: by noon on Wednesday, February 27, 2008

How will the winners be chosen? The submissions will be reviewed by a committee of adult learners, LNS staff and board members. The Three winners will be contacted on Monday, March 3rd.

What are the Prizes?

• All expenses paid trip to Halifax for you and your guest, this will include one overnight stay in a hotel, meals and travel costs from your home to Halifax. LNS staff will be on hand to help you get to the planned events. (For winners from Halifax a gift certificate will be given)
• A meeting with Premier Rodney MacDonald on March 6th and a chance to present a copy of your writings to him.
• You will be guests of honour at the ALW Reception at the Nova Scotia Legislature and you will have a chance to read from your story there.
• Each winner will receive a DVD recording of the event.
• Your article will be included in next issue of The Learning Beacon (See LNS’s website to read the first edition, www.ns.literacy.ca )
• A briefcase loaded with treats!
• Other surprises!

Literacy Nova Scotia
902-897-2444 p
800-255-5203 toll-free
902-897-4020 f
www.ns.literacy.ca

This Thurs. and Fri. there will be a barter fair at the Carmel Center on Mt. Carmel