Naval Base to Become Sound Stage
A multimillion-dollar project will bring employment and economic opportunities to Shelburne. The area's former naval base, CFS Shelburne, will become the home to a new state-of-the-art sound stage.
"This project will create quality sustainable jobs -- well over 100 once it's complete," said Clifford Huskilson, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, who announced the sound stage today on behalf of Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism.
"It gives Nova Scotian producers another asset for creating world-class television and film," said Mr. Huskilson. "What's more, it will be a lure to companies from outside the province. And remember, every dollar invested in the industry results in $10 spent in the local economy."
"The government of Canada is committed to the promotion of cultural industries," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia. "This world-class facility that we are announcing today will create a wide range of long-term sustainable employment for the Shelburne area."
The project will receive $1.95 million through the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. Through the Transitional Jobs Fund, Human Resources Development Canada will contribute $400,000. The Shelburne Business Development Corp. is providing funding of $150,000, and the South West Shore Development Authority is contributing $100,000, plus $800,000 in kind, to the project. The development authority will manage the project.
"This is an important project for this county," said Rod Rose, chair of the South West Shore Development Authority. "We think it will be a catalyst -- one of those keystone industries that we can build other complementary businesses around and really use the park."
The film industry in Nova Scotia grew to $127 million for 1998, from $7.5 million in 1992-93. Sound stage infrastructure is important to the continued growth of the industry, allowing local producers to be more efficient and making the province more attractive to offshore producers.
The economic diversification agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
This project supports the federal government's Jobs Strategy, which is based on strengthening economic fundamentals and establishing a favourable climate for job creation by making strategic investments in priority areas where the government can make a difference -- areas such as youth, trade, technology and infrastructure.
The Transitional Jobs Fund totals $300 million over three years and promotes economic growth and employment in areas of high unemployment. The fund was implemented at the same time as the employment insurance system on July 1, 1996, and assists regions throughout Canada to develop long-term sustainable employment in sectors that have good prospects for future growth.
The government of Canada has renewed its commitment to helping Canadians find jobs with the new Canada Jobs Fund, a permanent $110-million annual investment beginning April 1, 1999.
Both jobs funds are designed to encourage partnership initiatives with other levels of government, the private sector and community groups. Projects are subject to consultations with the government of the province or territory in which the activity takes place, regardless of its financial participation. Projects should also be consistent with regional economic development strategies.