Francophone Economic Development Council Opens

The province of Nova Scotia today confirmed its partnership in and contribution to the operations of the newly created Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse. The council is a non-profit organization formed to promote economic development and create sustainable jobs for Acadians and francophones in Nova Scotia.

As part of an agreement with the council, the province will make annual in-kind contributions for the duration of the three year agreement. To this end, the province will second the services of Joseph D. Cottreau as executive director to the council. In addition, the province will provide services and office space.

Albert Bohemier, Halifax entrepreneur and economic council president, said, "The province's contribution is greatly appreciated. The council can now proceed to secure some $2 million in federal funding, over three years, to promote economic development of francophones in Nova Scotia."

"The province is pleased that Acadians and francophones in Nova Scotia, like those in all other regions of Canada, will now be able to access the federal funds designed to directly stimulate business start-ups and create sustainable jobs in Acadian and francophone regions," said Neil LeBlanc, minister responsible for Acadian Affairs.

Federal government funding to the council will be allocated primarily to strategic planning and technical support offered to entrepreneurs who wish to start businesses in Nova Scotia. Such businesses must result in the creation of sustainable jobs in the areas of knowledge technology, integration of youth in entrepreneurship, tourism and regional development.

In opting for the secondment of Mr. Cottreau, Mr. LeBlanc said the province recognized his extensive background and considerable previous contributions to the Acadian community and the province.

A native of Wedgeport, Yarmouth Co., Mr. Cottreau returned to Nova Scotia in 1994 to work for the provincial government after about 30 years in other parts of Canada. Throughout his career Mr. Cottreau has held senior positions with Gulf Canada, the Manitoba Business Corporation and the Manitoba Workers Compensation Board.

In addition to his work in economic development and tourism in Nova Scotia, Mr. Cottreau was most recently director of the Nova Scotia Francophonie Project, with a goal of maximizing the province's exposure to the Moncton Francophonie Summit.

Joseph D. Cottreau Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse
902-424-3970 E-mail: [email protected]

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