News Release

For immediate releases                                                        March 20, 2000

Sydney (NS) - March 20, 2000 - The panel responsible for directing the public consultation process relating to the $80 million economic adjustment fund for Cape Breton Island has released its draft report. The document is currently being distributed to Island community groups, business leaders, educators, labour groups and the general public.

The report, released this morning, is based on 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 from November 1 through to December 1, 1999, and all were open to the public. In order to accommodate the number of people who wanted to participate, the panel held additional sessions and extended the deadline for written submissions. In total, 214 presentations were made and 210 written submissions were received.

Chair Michael Kelly, Principal of the Marconi Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College said, "As a panel, we are delighted at the response to the public consultation process." He continued, "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."

The panel's mandate was to listen to residents' ideas and suggestions for economic renewal. Kelly said, "Throughout the process, stakeholders informed us of 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." He added, "It is our task now to carry these messages forward to government."

The panel announced that the public has 14 days to provide feedback and clarification on the content of the report. Once it is finalized, the panel will then submit the document to the federal and provincial governments who will shape policy, design programs and form partnerships that will bring together Cape Breton Island's resources to capitalize on opportunities for economic growth.

Those wishing to comment on the report are asked to do so by April 3, 2000.

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 are designed, the governments requested that Cape Bretoners provide their input on how to grow a new economy on the Island. This resulted in a series of consultation sessions during which hundreds of Cape Bretoners expressed their ideas and suggestions on economic renewal.

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.

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: dIandry@ecbc.ca