Province Announces New Policy on Major Events

A new provincial policy will make it easier for Nova Scotia groups seeking government involvement in hosting or supporting major events.

A new event hosting policy approved on Wednesday, June 29, allows the province to make decisions, more quickly and transparently, about which major events to be involved in.

Groups expected to benefit are those involved in sports, culture, tourism, and community development, as well as municipalities.

"Hosting major events brings with it a myriad of benefits, from economic growth to healthy living to community and social development," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Major sporting events, for example, can encourage more physical activity among youth."

Mr. MacDonald said the new policy means that government can more strategically and effectively make decisions on the many requests that it receives each year. With the new policy, the provincial benefits of an event will be more easily assessed.

Previously, events were assessed on a case-by-case basis. The streamlined policy will ensure that bids make the best use of government's resources and that a clear and transparent approach to hosting and supporting major events in the province will be followed. The policy will enable the province to be an effective partner with other sectors in a bidding process, such as municipalities.

"This new policy means that we will maximize the return that events can bring to our province. We will be able to spend our time and resources considering events that are suitable for our support," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage.

The policy may soon be put into action as groups in Nova Scotia are debating whether to bid on the Commonwealth Games.

"The policy has come in perfect time," said Mr. MacDonald. "Nova Scotians can be assured that we'll take their best interest and the best interest of the future of our province into consideration as we participate in these discussions with our partners."

Before being finalized, the policy was shared with leaders in the tourism, business and sports communities, as well as municipalities.

The policy will be applied when the province is approached by a group considering a bidding or hosting opportunity. Groups seeking event support can view the policy online at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp