Cape Breton Office Opens

African Nova Scotians in the Cape Breton region will now have easy access to the services and programs of the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

Today, April 26, Premier Rodney Macdonald and Barry Barnet, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, officially opened the regional office in Sydney. An open house marked the occasion and guests from government, community and the private sector attended.

"The government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to make sure the services and the work of the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs are available for all African Nova Scotians," said Premier MacDonald.

Four years ago government made a commitment to African Nova Scotians to establish a cabinet level office, with a minister, CEO and staff to provide a link between government and the community. In August 2005, the Halifax office was established and staff hired and in place in the fall of that year.

"Cape Breton was identified as the location for the first regional office because its region is the furthest away from the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs headquarters", said Mr. Barnet. "After more than a year of planning, we've opened our first. It's quite an achievement".

The regional office is located in Commerce Tower, 15 Dorchester St., Suite 501, in Sydney.

A community development officer, program administration officer and secretary make up the staff.

Preliminary discussions and planning around establishing additional regional satellite offices continue.

The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs is mandated to assist, support and enhance the provincial government's delivery of services to African Nova Scotians as well as be a partner in developing innovative solutions that lead to self-reliance and sustainability for African Nova Scotian communities.

For more information on the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa.