Opportunity for Public Input in September

Communities impacted by the permanent closure of Resolute-Bowater forest operations will have an opportunity to provide input into their economic future.

The advisory committee appointed to engage Nova Scotians in a discussion on potential economic opportunities for the region will be hosting two public, round-table discussions in September.

"These meetings are about engaging people in a dialogue around the opportunities in the region to create new jobs and grow the economy," said Ron Smith, chair of the transition advisory team.

Residents, businesses and other interested groups will be asked for their ideas on how to focus economic development in the region, and what steps can be taken to move toward a more diverse economy.

The public meetings will be held:

• Monday, Sept. 24, Best Western Hotel, 63 Queens Place Dr., Liverpool, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 27, Days Inn, 50 North St., Bridgewater, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to the initial meetings, the transition advisory committee plans to hold a number of focused public discussions across the region. These meetings will build on ideas raised in the initial public sessions and through written submissions, as well as on potential opportunities in specific sectors. Dates for those meetings will be announced later this fall.

A background document has been created to help residents and businesses understand the region's economic and demographic realities, and to highlight some of the opportunities already being explored by organizations and individuals to diversify the economy. The document is available online and at the Transition Advisory Team Office, 7 Henry Hensey Dr., Liverpool.

"People in this community are already doing some excellent work identifying some very interesting ideas and initiatives and potential areas to build on," said Mr. Smith.

Nova Scotians can share their ideas at any time through an online survey at http://novascotia.ca/bowatertransition . Survey submissions will be accepted until Oct. 15. Ideas and comments can also be shared via e-mail at [email protected], by calling 1-855-354-2612, or by writing the Transition Advisory Team Office at 7 Henry Hensey Dr., Liverpool, N.S., BOT 1K0.

The team expects to report back to the community in early December.

The transition advisory team, appointed by Premier Darrell Dexter in June, has also met with business, industry and community leaders, as well as workers and other stakeholders during the summer.