Sable Office in Northern N.S.

ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--Sable Office in Northern N.S.

Communities in northern Nova Scotia are joining forces to obtain the maximum benefits from the Sable gas project. Regional development authorities in Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland and Antigonish have hired an offshore projects consultant to help North Shore businesses secure Sable-related contracts.

"I'll be working with local companies to assist them in putting together competitive and professionally prepared responses to tender calls," said consultant Tim Crago. "I'll also help create a database that will enable the North Shore of the province to identify and track all tender calls, contracts and subcontracts."

Mr. Crago has worked extensively in the offshore oil industry in Calgary for well over 20 years. He established his own company and developed strong strategic partnerships in the United Kingdom, Sultanate of Oman, Australia, Turkey, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The project is receiving funding of $112,500 through the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The project was announced today by Pictou East MLA Wayne Fraser on behalf of Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and development officer Bill Smith, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

"This is one of the largest industrial areas east of Montreal," said Mr. Fraser. "These four regional development authorities are working together to get maximum benefit from this opportunity, and the province is pleased to be supporting these communities as they build on their strengths."

"Compiling a database to highlight local business assets and capabilities will position northern Nova Scotia companies for offshore contracts," said Mr. Smith. "As well, the establishment of the office will facilitate partnering and strategic alliances where circumstances warrant businesses coming together to competitively bid on projects."

Earlier this week, Guysborough County also received economic development assistance through the agreement related to the Sable gas project. These projects are part of the governments' commitment to building economic growth in rural Nova Scotia.

The economic diversification agreement is managed by ACOA and Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. on behalf of the federal government

and by Economic Development and Tourism on behalf of Nova Scotia.