News Release

For immediate release 
April 7, 2003

Oil & Gas Office Set for Point Tupper with Government of Canada Assistance

Point Tupper, N.S. – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State responsible for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding, under the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) in the Bras d’Or-Cape Breton riding of Member of Parliament, Rodger Cuzner.

The SCIF funding will be used to establish an oil and gas office in the Point Tupper area of Richmond County. The new office will be strategically located to draw attention to the Point Tupper Heavy Industrial Park and to work cooperatively with other municipalities and corporations in the quad counties surrounding the Strait of Canso.

The mandate of the oil and gas office, over the next three years, will be to facilitate planning and infrastructure development. In addition to marketing to potential investors and developing a network of government and private sector contacts, the office will participate with community agencies and groups in the Strait of Canso area. It is expected that the new office will play a proactive role in projects proposed for the Point Tupper/Bear Head area including oil and gas, petroleum, heavy manufacturing, energy, etc. 

“The oil and gas sector in Nova Scotia is one of the largest economic development opportunities to impact Nova Scotia. The Strait area is well positioned to benefit through increased industrial and economic development,” says Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “The activities of this new oil and gas office will bolster confidence in the community, increase investment and facilitate new infrastructure development initiatives.” 

“The Richmond County oil and gas office will move us into a new stage of development activity that will ensure the region capitalizes on energy opportunities,” says Gail Johnson, Warden for the Municipality of the County of Richmond. “With this Government of Canada assistance, we can better promote our strategic location and skilled workforce.” 

The total estimated cost of the project is over $900,000. The Government of Canada, through ECBC, will provide a non-repayable contribution of $450,000 via the Strategic Community Investment Fund. 

Richmond County established its Economic Development Department in March 1999. Its present mandate is to promote and encourage the economic development of Point Tupper and Bear Head. Targeted industries include petroleum, fabrication and an offshore supply base. 

The Strategic Community Investment Fund provides $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages and enhances economic development.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan 
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of State
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP
Bras d’Or-Cape Breton 
Tel: (902) 842-9763
Fax: (902) 842-9025

Mary Ann MacCormick 
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7269 

Louis Digout, CAO
Municipality of the County of Richmond
Tel : (902) 226-3970
Fax : (902)226-1510