News Release

For immediate releases                                                          May 12, 2000

SYDNEY, N.S. -- The panel responsible for directing the public consultation process relating to the $80 million economic adjustment fund for Cape Breton Island has submitted its final report to the federal and provincial government.

Chair Michael Kelly, Principal of the Marconi Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College said, "As a panel, we were delighted with the response to the public consultation process. The panel’s mandate was to listen to residents’ ideas and suggestions for economic renewal and this has been accomplished."

The report, is a summary of discussion themes brought forward through presentations and written submissions during the consultation process on economic renewal. Sessions were held throughout Cape Breton Island in November and December 1999. In total, 214 presentations were made and 210 written submissions were received.

Hundreds of Cape Bretoners from all walks of life attended meetings from New Waterford, Glace Bay, Sydney, Sydney Mines, Baddeck, Port Hawkesbury, Petit de Grat, Cheticamp and Ingonish, contributing ideas and suggestions on how to grow a new economy for the Island.

Kelly said, "There was no shortage of good ideas and suggestions. As a panel we attempted to capture what was said and identify common themes. I am confident the document will be of assistance to government in its efforts to formulate the economic adjustment programs that will bring together Cape Breton Island’s resources to capitalize on opportunities for economic growth."

The report emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of the growth potential of key sectors, facilitating the impact of established industries, enriching Cape Breton Island’s investment climate, fostering trade to grow wealth and the opportunities associated with the decentralization of new government services and programs.

The Island-wide consultation process was held in response to the federal and provincial governments’ dedication of an $80 million economic adjustment fund for Cape Breton Island. This fund was set up to help Island communities adjust to the Government of Canada’s decision to remove itself from the coal industry. Before policy and programs were designed, the governments requested that Cape Bretoners provide their input on how to grow a new economy on the Island.

Copies of the panel’s report can be obtained by contacting 564-3600 or 1-800-705-3926 or on the Internet at www.ecbc.ca/consultations.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mike Kelly
Consultation Panel Chair
902-563-2344
e-mail: kellyjm@nscc.ns.ca

Bob MacEachern
Consultation Panel
902-625-1220
902-625-3907
e-mail: bob@cigo.com

D.A. Landry
Communications
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation
902-564-3600
e-mail : dlandry@ecbc.ca