Cape Breton Study Contract Awarded

A contract to conduct a socioeconomic study on the impact of the Sable Gas projects on the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has been awarded to Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists of Halifax, Premier Russell MacLellan announced today.

Premier MacLellan, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Petroleum Directorate, said the province and the regional municipality require information on how the Sable development will affect the area.

"On the basis of that information, policies can be developed to maximize the net benefits and/or mitigate any potential negative impacts associated with the Sable gas project," the Premier said.

The project will be managed by a committee consisting of two representatives from the province and two representatives from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

The objectives of the study are: to assess the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts on the study area; to assess the social effects; to identify industrial and business opportunities arising in the study area; and to recommend actions that might maximize positive, or mitigate negative, impacts taking into consideration the provincewide implications of such recommendations.

The study, which will begin immediately, is expected to cost about $90,000. The contract was awarded following an evaluation of proposals received through public tendering. The final report is expected to be completed by the end of 1998.