Cabinet Office in Sydney

The provincial government will have a heightened, and regular, presence in industrial Cape Breton, Premier John Hamm said today as he announced establishment of a cabinet office in Sydney.

At least one member of the 11-person cabinet will be in the industrial area, and available at the cabinet office, one day every week.

"Now that we have formed a government, it is more important than ever that we stay connected with Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm. "That means getting out, listening and talking to people in every part of the province."

He repeated his assurance that the particular issues and concerns of industrial Cape Breton will be high on his government's agenda.

The government's commitment to a weekly visit by a cabinet minister is the minimum, the premier said. Regular government business in the industrial area will often result in more frequent visits to the area by the premier and his ministers.

The office is in the Provincial Building on Prince Street. Ministers will be available on a rotational basis, generally on Wednesdays.