News Release

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2002

ECBC Vice President Denies Political Involvement in Project Approval

Sydney, NS – Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation Vice-President, Rick Beaton, today categorically denied any political motivation in recent Government of Canada funding provided to the Mouse Island Marine Centre in Petit-de-Grat, N.S. by Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

In an October 17 National Post article, allegations were made that funding to this project provided a direct benefit to a relative of the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Mr. Beaton asserts that such an allegation is incorrect and an attempt to undermine the community development efforts currently under way in Isle Madame, a rural community which has been devastated by the closure of the ground fishery.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a federal Crown corporation with a mandate to support economic development on Cape Breton Island. It also delivers the ACOA programs in the area. As a Crown corporation, ECBC’s power is vested in a Cape Breton-based Board of Directors which governs the Corporation. In the case of the Mouse Island Marine Centre, the Board decided to proceed with the project based on the due diligence evaluation of ECBC staff.

The Mouse Island Marine Centre was conceived by a local community development organization which has a strong track record of community-minded projects on Isle Madame. It was first identified as part of a five-year strategic plan for Isle Madame in 2001. The rationale for the project was to provide strategic infrastructure, a boat lift facility, which would enable the community to develop a boat servicing centre. The Mouse Island Marine Centre is located at the entrance to the world famous Bras d’Or Lakes. Hundreds of commercial and pleasure vessels ply the waters off Isle Madame every year. The community’s goal was to capitalize on this traffic by offering boat owners lift, launch and storage services. As a consequence, local trades people such as welders, carpenters, and electricians, would be employed to service the vessels using the Marine Centre. No individual or business will have exclusive access or preferential fees.

“ECBC’s funding to the Mouse Island Marine Centre was based on the viability of the business plan and the project’s direct and indirect job creation potential. This is clearly a community driven development initiative that was conceived, evaluated and approved right here on Cape Breton Island,” said Mr. Beaton. 

Mr. Beaton added, “Neither myself nor any member of the ECBC staff or Board of Directors had contact with Minister Thibault regarding this project prior to its approval here in Cape Breton.”

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



For further information, contact:

D.A. Landry
Communications
902-564-3617