Pact Benefits Acadian and Francophone Nova Scotians

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Pact Benefits Acadian and Francophone Nova Scotians

Rural development in Nova Scotia's Acadian and francophone communities is the focus of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in Halifax today.

The provincial government and Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDENE) will provide provincial, local and regional economic leadership. They will work together to improve communications on policies, programs, projects and services that encourage rural development, youth entrepreneurship, tourism and the promotion of a knowledge-based economy.

The agreement was signed by Louis Comeau, chairman of CDENE, Gordon Balser, Minister of Economic Development, and Neil LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs.

"Acadians have traditionally been a very enterprising people, with a high proportion of the population tied directly and indirectly to the fishery," said Mr. LeBlanc. "This agreement with the province solidifies the direction the community is taking to diversify our traditional economy."

"One of our department's key directions in encouraging economic growth in this province is to help grow rural communities, many of which are home to Acadian and francophone Nova Scotians," said Mr. Balser.

"We consider this formal commitment with the province to be of major importance for our Acadian regions," said Mr. Comeau. "Our partnership will go a long way towards helping further develop the economy and the capacity of our communities by providing a framework within which we can more effectively meet our mandates."

There are no funds attached to this agreement.

CDENE is a community-based not-for-profit organization promoting economic development and sustainable job creation for the Acadian and francophone communities of Nova Scotia. Its primary role is to further strengthen and diversify these regions economically and to help them benefit from the advantages associated with their unique linguistic duality.

Nova Scotia Economic Development drives the implementation of the province's economic growth strategy. The department aims to maximize industrial benefits for Nova Scotia at provincial, national and international levels, monitors Nova Scotia's business climate, manages long-term development projects, reports on key trade issues, and helps build capacity in rural areas of the province.