Municipalities Form Eastern Strait Regional Enterprise Network

Municipal governments in the strait area and eastern mainland Nova Scotia are helping local businesses grow by forming the province's fifth regional enterprise network.

The towns of Antigonish and Port Hawkesbury, and the municipalities of Antigonish, Guysborough and St. Mary's signed an inter-municipal agreement today, April 8, in Antigonish. The signing of this agreement marks the formal establishment of the Eastern Strait Regional Enterprise Network.

"Signing this agreement is one step along the path to regional economic development. We look forward to working with our partners to see what can be accomplished together," said Russell Boucher, warden of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.

A partnership between the provincial government and municipalities, the network will take a regional approach to economic development by creating an economic strategy, co-ordinating efforts and focusing on helping businesses in the region grow.

A private-sector board of regional business leaders will be chosen to lead the network and set its strategic direction. The board will be appointed by a committee of municipal and provincial representatives.

"Congratulations to the municipalities for their leadership in taking this positive step forward for economic development in this region," said Michel Samson, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. "By working together and positioning the private sector to lead economic growth, communities in this region will help local businesses grow and build a stronger regional economy."

An inter-municipal agreement gives each partner rights and authority, and outlines the governance for the network.