News Release

For immediate releases                                                   September 1, 2000

ARICHAT, N.S. -- A cooperative effort which includes the Anglo and Francophone communities and the Government of Canada will result in the development of a strategic plan for all of Isle Madame. Development Isle Madame Association Inc. (DIMA) will oversee the development of the plan in association with other community partners including La Picasse Centre.

This combined effort arose from direction provided by Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation which promoted the idea of one plan for the community. A Strategic Plan Steering Committee approved the terms of reference for the development of the plan and chose the consultant firm that will provide a French and English document. The consultant will work closely with the steering committee and the community to gather the opinions, ideas and initiatives of both linguistic communities, leaders, business people and others.

ECBC will make a non-repayable contribution of $71,350 through the Business Development Program to the total project costs of $96,350.

"The community responded well regarding ECBC's challenge to devote their efforts toward developing one plan. The Government of Canada strongly supports initiatives that promote community cooperation and collaboration. In this case the project will further benefit a region that is recognized for its innovation and success with community economic development," said the Honourable Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, who announced the Government of Canada funding on behalf of the Honourable George Baker, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

"We are excited by the process that is combining the efforts of the various community groups and our goal is to complete the plan by the end of the year. The Government of Canada's support for this community's cooperative efforts is appreciated," said Brenda Martell, Acting Executive Director, Development Isle Madame Association (DIMA) Inc.

The Steering Committee members include representation from DIMA, La Picasse, the Municipality of the County of Richmond, St. Joseph's Credit Union, youth and seniors' groups, the business community, Tourism Isle Madame, Community Ventures Association and College de l' Acadie.

Island-wide representation from the various facets of Isle Madame will be an important focus during the development of the plan. The process will also include an evaluation of the progress to date of existing plans and activities undertaken by various partners and community groups over the past number of years.

As well as spelling out what both linguistic communities want to accomplish, the plan will identify the organization that will be responsible for delivering specific initiatives outlined in the document. Different groups will be responsible for addressing the implementation, maintenance and long term provision of community economic development initiatives.

DIMA is a community based development association and it has been a leader in pursuing sustainable development opportunities on Isle Madame. La Picasse is a community non-profit charitable organization formed to develop and enhance the educational, cultural and economic components of Richmond County's Acadian community.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA' s programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.

For Futher Information Contact:

Marcie Stanley
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7876
Fax:(902) 564-3825
E-mail: mstanley@ecbc.ca

Brenda Martell
Acting Executive Director
Development Isle Madame Association Inc.
Tel: (902) 226-1918
Fax: (902) 226-1919