Surplus Property Assists Non-Profit, Community Groups

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Surplus Property Assists Non-Profit, Community Groups

Schools, community groups and non-profit organizations across the province continue to benefit from Nova Scotia's surplus Crown property disposal initiative.

Computer equipment, as well as replacement tools for a Habitat for Humanity housing project were among the thousands of items distributed last fiscal year.

Public safety was also enhanced with the redistribution of very high frequency (VHF) radios to volunteer fire fighters, ground search and rescue personnel, and municipal emergency measures organizations.

"It is important that we continue to support community groups and the non-profit sectors in our province, as well as schools," said Michael Baker, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "The program is assisting 175 non-profit groups across the province by providing material that otherwise needs to be purchased."

The Computer for Schools program will see 4,322 pieces of computer equipment -- computers, laptops, monitors, keyboards, and printers -- provided to schools in Nova Scotia.

"Technology continues to enhance the learning experience of our students," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "Through technology recycling, and our investments in new computers, we're getting much closer to our target of one computer for every five students by 2005-06."

Marvin Turner, executive director of Hope Farm Society, a long- term rehabilitation centre for people with drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, said the surplus items -- including chairs, tables and mattresses -- help keep his organization functioning.

"The help has been above and beyond the call of duty," said Mr. Turner. "It allows the society to keep functioning. We're a non- profit organization and anything donated through surplus allows us to continue the program and help those in need."

The province also assisted various Computer Access Program (C@P) Society centres by providing office furniture.

Surplus items are distributed under the authority of the Surplus Crown Property Disposal Act. Mr. Baker tabled the province's Surplus Crown Property Disposal Report in the legislature today, May 8.

The report lists:

• disposed real property, land and/or buildings;
• VHF asset disposal initiative;
• items sold at auction;
• items tendered for purchase and removal;
• items donated to non-profit, non-government agencies;
• material deemed to be of little or no value and disposed of or recycled;
• computer equipment destined for the Computer for Schools program;
• scrap waste; and
• disposal of surplus land or highway right-of-way.