'Lights in the Forest’ pays homage to remarkable story
Community effort helps bring local history to life
Article online since February 16th 2010, 8:00
In the early scenes of Hal Theriault’s play ‘Lights in the Forest’, Marie Therese Stehelin (Louise Mullen) reads a letter from their son, Jean Jacques, who is in the wilds of Nova Scotia, to her husband Emile Charles Stehelin (Andrew Maves) at their home in Gisors France. Karla Kelly photo View all pictures 'Lights in the Forest’ pays homage to remarkable story
Community effort helps bring local history to life
By Karla Kelly
FOR THE DIGBY COURIER
NovaNewsNow.com
The last curtain call has been made, the stage lights extinguished and the echoes of applause have faded now that the opening chapters of the compelling Stehelin story, ‘Lights in the Forest’, have been played out in the Marc Lescarbot Theatre at Universite Sainte-Anne.
Actors, crew and playwright received standing ovations and many words of congratulations for a job well done from the sold out audiences after each of the three performances Feb. 12 and 13.
Comments such as “excellent play, stellar performances, intriguing story retold where it all began, fabulous, just the right touch of humour, so happy the story’s been told” and the promising, “I’ll be here for the second part of the story, can’t wait.”
Hal Theriault’s ‘Lights in the Forest’ presented the background to, and beginnings of the Stehelin experience in coming to Nova Scotia from France in the last decade of the 1900’s and paid homage to one of the region’s most remarkable stories.
Playwright Hal Theriault spoke enthusiastically about the play and the actors’ performances.
“Everyone did a wonderful job, I am proud of them all,” said Theriault. “The cast, many of them novices, worked very hard at doing something so unique to what they were use to.”
“It was just the right mix with 25 actors ranging in age from 12 to 70 and everyone worked so well together. The end result was born from a huge community effort with contributions from local Acadian, Black and English actors,” he said.
The response from the audience was also tremendous and very much appreciated added Theriault who treated them to his special brand of humour throughout scenes in the play.
Andrew Maves in his lead role as Emile Charles Stehelin, the family patriarch, said he considers Theriault to be one of this area’s treasures and working with Hal and the cast has been incredible.
“Neither my wife, Allyson, who worked long hours helping me practice, nor I had ever known the story of ‘New France’ and the Stehelins but Hal’s craft brought it to life,” said Maves. “I have yet to visit the ‘Electric Forest’ but the play has made it a priority to me.”
The way Theriault is helping to preserve the history of our area is remarkable added Maves.
Weymouth native, Louise Mullen, who took on the role as the matriarch, Marie Therese Stehelin, late last summer, said she has childhood memories of New France through picnics at the site and history lessons.
“I knew the story well from my growing up years and it was passed on to my children as we were constantly camping at Langford Lake,” said Mullen. “With the publication of Paul Stehelin’s ‘The Electric City’ in 1983, it renewed an interest in New France and now with the play it’s nice to see the history right in our own backyard brought to life.”
Mullen added that she loved every minute of being in the play and the audience response was great.
“Their involvement, especially with the laughter made me feel that the play was going well.”
Local businessman and pharmacist Rod Lefort said playing the role of Roland was an incredible experience for him.
“I had a wonderful time being involved in the production but it was amazing the amount of work and dedication that was needed to pull it off,” said Lefort. “I hope that for a lot of these actors the laughter will be a narcotic that will encourage them to continue on in their acting careers.”
A unique part of the production was the involvement of two sets of families consisting of five members each.
One family group was made up of Weymouth residents Don McNeil (Pere Blanche) who was joined by his nephew, Dean Jones (Jean Jacques Stehelin), niece Julie Ford (Germaine Stehelin) and two of her sons, Mackenzie Ford (Maurice Stehelin) and Daniel Ford (Bernard Stehelin).
“To be part of such a wonderful cast and crew was a privilege,” said Julie Ford. “Hal’s patience with us novice actors was endless.”
Ford said it was a blessing to stand next to her children and watch her brother and uncle on stage.
“Our family has lived in this area for many generations and my grandmother knew one of the Stehelin sisters.”
“Gram passed on the love of story telling and laughter to all of us and like me, she would have been so proud,” she said. “It was a lot of hard work, a lot of fun and now the boys are just waiting for the second part of the play.”
Theriault said he is hoping to present the second half of the Stehelin story this fall or early next spring.
‘Lights in the Forest’ was presented by the Weymouth Waterfront Development Committee and Sissiboo Landing and as Louise Mullen pointed out, the play was a highlight for Weymouth and area and the village is proud.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
News from 1900
Blogger's Note: I particulary enjoyed the report (within) saying "It is rumored taht Cupid is still busy in Freeport"
Digby Courier April 1900
http://www.municipalities.com/digby/articleapril1900.htm (1 of 3)4/8/2008 12:02:41 AM
APRIL 1900:
Digby Courier April 1900
LET THE GOOD WORK CONTINUE
A Freeport correspondent writes as follows: - The work of grace is still going on in Freeport. Forty three have
united with the church, and others are awaiting baptism. The young men are holding cottage meetings with good
results. The pastor is now in Tiverton engaged in special services, while the young men are holding their meetings
in Freeport and Central Grove.
Westport:
-D. McClain is in town with a stock of jewelry.
-Dr. Morgan was at the Central House last week.
-Schooner Freddie G. sailed for St. John for bait Tuesday night.
-Schooner W. K. Smith was towed to Plympton by steamer Westport.
-Schooner Minerva sailed on Monday for Brown's Bank on a halibut trip.
-John A. Ewing, under writer's agent from St. John, is at the Central.
-Schooner Hattie, Thompson, arrived from St. John on Sunday with general cargo.
-Schooner L'Etoile, Titus, arrived from Grand Manan with smoked fish for Halifax.
-Mr. Charles Suthern arrived on Monday from Yarmouth to pay a short visit to this town.
-Schooner Sovereign arrived this morning from Grand Manan with lobster bait for Yarmouth.
-Saturday night's storm was the worst we have had since the first of January, also more snow.
PASSED BRIER ISLAND:
The signal agent reports that a full rigged ship passed there yesterday morning at 7:00, bound up the Bay, and that
at 8:00 the tug Flushing passed inward.
The Flushing was at Barrington Wednesday with the ship Canara in tow, bound from Shelburne to Saint John. The
Canara was on a voyage from New York to Germany, and had put in to the former port with 4 feet of water in her
hold.
It is possible that the Flushing had dropped her tow in order to call at Yarmouth and has again joined the ship.
Freeport:
-It is rumored that Cupid is still busy in Freeport.
-J. M. Roy M.D. and family have moved to Tiverton.
-George Morrell goes as steward of the schooner Nina Blanche.
-We regret to hear that Mr. Asaph Moore is seriously ill.
-Shooners Nina Blanche and Mayflower are being painted and renovated for sea.
-Rev. E. H. Howe is still holding meetings in Tiverton. He was unable to fill his appointment with us last Sunday on
account of trouble with his throat.
-We notice several of the boys home again; among them are Al Lewis and Arch Thurber. They have returned home
as full as enthusiasm as they were when they went away.
-Dr. W. A. Morgan is expected daily. He did a rushing business while here and this second visit is to finish pieces of
work left over for lack of time and material.
-Mr. L. B. Chipman, our genial jeweler, leaves today for up the valley. There is a suspicion that he has done a good
Digby Courier April 1900
http://www.municipalities.com/digby/articleapril1900.htm (2 of 3)4/8/2008 12:02:41 AM
stroke of business here. Only one event transpired to mar the even tenor of his way, but he found the splinter and
things are running smoothly again.
Westport:
-Saturday and Sunday were the most like winter weather of any days this season. We had a gale of wind and
blinding snow storm.
-At the home of the groom's parents, April 5th, Mr. Barlow Suthern was married to Miss Bessie Phillps, of
Yarmouth County. Rev. P. S. McGreggor performed the marriage ceremony.
-Steamer Westport arrived from St. John Saturday with a full freight for Bay ports. Mrs. E. C. Bowers, Miss Nellie
Denton and Mr. Rupert Peters were passengers to Westport with their spring supply of goods.
-At the home of the groom's parents, April 4th, Mr. Robert Lafoley was united in marriage to Miss Edith Florence;
only daughter of George Bunker, of Little River, Digby County. The ceremony was performed by Rev. P. S.
MacGreggor.
-Mrs. Phoebe Suthern, widow of the late Joshua Suthern, passed away at 1:00 Sunday afternoon, aged 67. She was
the daughter of Deacon Franklin Potter. She leaves 3 sons and 1 daughter to mourn their loss, also one half-sister,
Mrs. Cynthia Suthern.
A WELL WRITTEN ARTICLE:
R. G. D. Richardson, B. A., principal of Westport school, had a scholarly three column article in the issue of April
6th, of the Middleton Outlook. Subject "The aims and history of the Institute". As Secretary Treasurer of that
body, he was well fitted for the task, and during the recent sessions it was very favorably discussed by the
Superintendent of Education and other prominent educationists. In the last issue of the same paper, among the
sketches of a half dozen prominent teachers of the district, is a cut and an article on his life and work in his
profession. Mr. Richardson reported the Institute for one of the Halifax papers.
VESSEL'S NAME CHANGED:
The name of the schooner Mary A. Taylor, of Westport has, by order in council, been changed to "Mildred M."
and a new register issued. The above vessel was built in the United States many years ago and has been owned since
1897 by Messrs. Morris D. Peters and Collin Titus of Westport. She is 63 feet long, 19 feet beam, 7 feet deep and is
52 tons register.
HARBOR MASTER AT TIVERTON:
By a recent order in council Tiverton is now a public harbor. Mr. Joel Blackford has been appointed Harbor
Master. This has been a long felt want and we congratulate the enterprising village in their upward march.
Westport:
-There is quite a number of our fishing boats ready for the fishing business.
-The boats are all out on the fishing grounds this morning. It looks like spring. Dandelions are in blossom.
-Schooner Hattie arrived today from Meteghan River, with timber and lumber for the enlargement of E. C.
Bowers' residence.
-The Guano factory is going on very rapidly, so I think there is no doubt but we will have a clean shore this
summer, when the tourists arrive.
-Capt. Denis Sullivan arrived today on his first ferry trip for this season. He intends making his weekly trips as
usual. He is looking as well as he did 50 years ago.
TIVERTON:
-Mr. Edward Blackford is getting ready to build a new house.
-Mr. Jacob P. Wyman has painted Mr. Joel Blackford's house.
-Schooner Alfred, Capt. F. P. Small, is ready for the freighting business.
-We have now a public harbor, with Mr. Joel Blackford as Harbor Master.
-We are anxiously looking for the commencement of our much needed breakwater.
-L. S. Morse, Esq., Inspector of Public Schools, passed through to Westport on the 20th.
-A large amount of halibut have been caught by our fishermen this spring, some as heavy as 300 pounds.
-Capt. John Sollows has been doing considerable painting, and white-washing about his residence.
-Mr. Freeman Small, who has been laid up so long with a lame arm, we are glad to say is getting better.
-Another store is about to be built by Mr. Howard Ossinger, which will make 10 stores in number for Tiverton.
-Schooner Annie and Lizzie, Capt. Handford Outhouse, has sailed for Halifax with a cargo of smoked herring and
dry fish.
Digby Courier April 1900
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-We are having some very fine spring weather. The fields are looking very green. Tiverton is a busy place at present.
-Capt. John Mckay has bought the schooner Restless from Centreville parties. He has 3 loads of coal engaged for
different ports.
-David Loomer, Esq., of St. John, who is running a general store and factory in this place, came to town by steamer
Westport Saturday night.
-Rev. E. H. Howe, pastor of the Baptist church, is holding special meetings in Tiverton and East Ferry. Quite a
number, we understand, are to be baptised on Sunday 29th.
-Mr. George Hegan has accepted a fine position as night watchman in one of the large factories in the U.S. we are
glad of this good position for "George". He is also very much improved in health.
-Another fishing vessel has been added to the fleet - the schooner Minnie C., bought by Mr. Lyman H. Outhouse
from Capt. Charles Bailey, of Westport, and commanded by Capt. George Sollows, of this town.
-William Kay, Esq., of Leonardsville, D. I., who has been visiting his sister, Mrs. Alpheus Handspiker, has returned
home very much pleased with the place and people. He also made very many friends while in this town.
-The schooner A. B. Parker, owned by Capt. Holland Outhouse, is at Meteghan, being very extensively repaired. A
new stern is being put in and other necessary work done. They say she will be a very handsome vessel when she
returns from the blocks. Capt. John Clifford takes charge of her this season.
FREEPORT:
-Rev. E. H. Howe baptized 4 candidates on Sunday afternoon.
-In spite of the rainy evening our "Ice Cream" social was quite a success. About $10 was realized.
-La Grippe is the fashionable malady just now. There are several cases, but quite mild in character.
-Capt. Ernest Lewis formerly mate of the S. S. Westport, leaves soon to take command of a tug up the Bay of Fundy.
-Mr. Ralph Morrell left for French shore yesterday at 1:00 p.m. returning at 5:00 p.m.. Not so bad for the new
boat. The boat was built by Mr. Wallace Haines of this place.
-We are happy to hear that Miss Lizzie Lewis is rapidly recovering from injuries received in a bicycle tumble. Also
that Mrs. E. Haines who met with quite a severe accident is around again.
WESTPORT:
-Schooner Dominion is here discharging a load of soft coal for E. C. Bowers.
-Schooner Gertie is here from Parrsboro, landing a cargo of coal for the Insular S. S. Company.
-We had quite an exciting boat race on the harbor Saturday, Capt. Cousins' new boat "Moose", carried away her
spar and had to be towed home.
-Capt. Charles Bailey finished his boat, the Addie B., and will launch her out of the shop about the first day of May.
She will be rigged Irish style. Her dimensions are length over all, 40 feet, length of keel, 25 feet, breadth of beam, 13
feet, depth of hole, 6 feet. I think she is the finest boat of the kind that is at present in Westport.
-Miss Florence Cowie of Westport is a pupil at the Halifax School for the Blind.
-Welch - Born at Westport, on the 19th to Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Welch a son.
(April 30th): The new boat was launched from Capt. Bailey's wharf Monday. She makes a fine appearance on the
water.
-Mr. James Strickland has sold the S. S. Gem to parties up St. John river. She steamed over last Sunday, making a
quick run across the Bay.
Death's
Died at Boston: Miss Maggie Cutten, sister of Mrs. Ralph Eldridge, died at Boston on Saturday last. The remains
will arrive by steamer Yarmouth tomorrow morning, and will be forwarded to her former home, Freeport for
burial.
-We are sorry to have to report the death of Mrs. Letitia Welch. She passed away on the 24th at 5 p.m. She leaves 3
children, 24 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.
Digby Courier April 1900
http://www.municipalities.com/digby/articleapril1900.htm (1 of 3)4/8/2008 12:02:41 AM
APRIL 1900:
Digby Courier April 1900
LET THE GOOD WORK CONTINUE
A Freeport correspondent writes as follows: - The work of grace is still going on in Freeport. Forty three have
united with the church, and others are awaiting baptism. The young men are holding cottage meetings with good
results. The pastor is now in Tiverton engaged in special services, while the young men are holding their meetings
in Freeport and Central Grove.
Westport:
-D. McClain is in town with a stock of jewelry.
-Dr. Morgan was at the Central House last week.
-Schooner Freddie G. sailed for St. John for bait Tuesday night.
-Schooner W. K. Smith was towed to Plympton by steamer Westport.
-Schooner Minerva sailed on Monday for Brown's Bank on a halibut trip.
-John A. Ewing, under writer's agent from St. John, is at the Central.
-Schooner Hattie, Thompson, arrived from St. John on Sunday with general cargo.
-Schooner L'Etoile, Titus, arrived from Grand Manan with smoked fish for Halifax.
-Mr. Charles Suthern arrived on Monday from Yarmouth to pay a short visit to this town.
-Schooner Sovereign arrived this morning from Grand Manan with lobster bait for Yarmouth.
-Saturday night's storm was the worst we have had since the first of January, also more snow.
PASSED BRIER ISLAND:
The signal agent reports that a full rigged ship passed there yesterday morning at 7:00, bound up the Bay, and that
at 8:00 the tug Flushing passed inward.
The Flushing was at Barrington Wednesday with the ship Canara in tow, bound from Shelburne to Saint John. The
Canara was on a voyage from New York to Germany, and had put in to the former port with 4 feet of water in her
hold.
It is possible that the Flushing had dropped her tow in order to call at Yarmouth and has again joined the ship.
Freeport:
-It is rumored that Cupid is still busy in Freeport.
-J. M. Roy M.D. and family have moved to Tiverton.
-George Morrell goes as steward of the schooner Nina Blanche.
-We regret to hear that Mr. Asaph Moore is seriously ill.
-Shooners Nina Blanche and Mayflower are being painted and renovated for sea.
-Rev. E. H. Howe is still holding meetings in Tiverton. He was unable to fill his appointment with us last Sunday on
account of trouble with his throat.
-We notice several of the boys home again; among them are Al Lewis and Arch Thurber. They have returned home
as full as enthusiasm as they were when they went away.
-Dr. W. A. Morgan is expected daily. He did a rushing business while here and this second visit is to finish pieces of
work left over for lack of time and material.
-Mr. L. B. Chipman, our genial jeweler, leaves today for up the valley. There is a suspicion that he has done a good
Digby Courier April 1900
http://www.municipalities.com/digby/articleapril1900.htm (2 of 3)4/8/2008 12:02:41 AM
stroke of business here. Only one event transpired to mar the even tenor of his way, but he found the splinter and
things are running smoothly again.
Westport:
-Saturday and Sunday were the most like winter weather of any days this season. We had a gale of wind and
blinding snow storm.
-At the home of the groom's parents, April 5th, Mr. Barlow Suthern was married to Miss Bessie Phillps, of
Yarmouth County. Rev. P. S. McGreggor performed the marriage ceremony.
-Steamer Westport arrived from St. John Saturday with a full freight for Bay ports. Mrs. E. C. Bowers, Miss Nellie
Denton and Mr. Rupert Peters were passengers to Westport with their spring supply of goods.
-At the home of the groom's parents, April 4th, Mr. Robert Lafoley was united in marriage to Miss Edith Florence;
only daughter of George Bunker, of Little River, Digby County. The ceremony was performed by Rev. P. S.
MacGreggor.
-Mrs. Phoebe Suthern, widow of the late Joshua Suthern, passed away at 1:00 Sunday afternoon, aged 67. She was
the daughter of Deacon Franklin Potter. She leaves 3 sons and 1 daughter to mourn their loss, also one half-sister,
Mrs. Cynthia Suthern.
A WELL WRITTEN ARTICLE:
R. G. D. Richardson, B. A., principal of Westport school, had a scholarly three column article in the issue of April
6th, of the Middleton Outlook. Subject "The aims and history of the Institute". As Secretary Treasurer of that
body, he was well fitted for the task, and during the recent sessions it was very favorably discussed by the
Superintendent of Education and other prominent educationists. In the last issue of the same paper, among the
sketches of a half dozen prominent teachers of the district, is a cut and an article on his life and work in his
profession. Mr. Richardson reported the Institute for one of the Halifax papers.
VESSEL'S NAME CHANGED:
The name of the schooner Mary A. Taylor, of Westport has, by order in council, been changed to "Mildred M."
and a new register issued. The above vessel was built in the United States many years ago and has been owned since
1897 by Messrs. Morris D. Peters and Collin Titus of Westport. She is 63 feet long, 19 feet beam, 7 feet deep and is
52 tons register.
HARBOR MASTER AT TIVERTON:
By a recent order in council Tiverton is now a public harbor. Mr. Joel Blackford has been appointed Harbor
Master. This has been a long felt want and we congratulate the enterprising village in their upward march.
Westport:
-There is quite a number of our fishing boats ready for the fishing business.
-The boats are all out on the fishing grounds this morning. It looks like spring. Dandelions are in blossom.
-Schooner Hattie arrived today from Meteghan River, with timber and lumber for the enlargement of E. C.
Bowers' residence.
-The Guano factory is going on very rapidly, so I think there is no doubt but we will have a clean shore this
summer, when the tourists arrive.
-Capt. Denis Sullivan arrived today on his first ferry trip for this season. He intends making his weekly trips as
usual. He is looking as well as he did 50 years ago.
TIVERTON:
-Mr. Edward Blackford is getting ready to build a new house.
-Mr. Jacob P. Wyman has painted Mr. Joel Blackford's house.
-Schooner Alfred, Capt. F. P. Small, is ready for the freighting business.
-We have now a public harbor, with Mr. Joel Blackford as Harbor Master.
-We are anxiously looking for the commencement of our much needed breakwater.
-L. S. Morse, Esq., Inspector of Public Schools, passed through to Westport on the 20th.
-A large amount of halibut have been caught by our fishermen this spring, some as heavy as 300 pounds.
-Capt. John Sollows has been doing considerable painting, and white-washing about his residence.
-Mr. Freeman Small, who has been laid up so long with a lame arm, we are glad to say is getting better.
-Another store is about to be built by Mr. Howard Ossinger, which will make 10 stores in number for Tiverton.
-Schooner Annie and Lizzie, Capt. Handford Outhouse, has sailed for Halifax with a cargo of smoked herring and
dry fish.
Digby Courier April 1900
http://www.municipalities.com/digby/articleapril1900.htm (3 of 3)4/8/2008 12:02:41 AM
-We are having some very fine spring weather. The fields are looking very green. Tiverton is a busy place at present.
-Capt. John Mckay has bought the schooner Restless from Centreville parties. He has 3 loads of coal engaged for
different ports.
-David Loomer, Esq., of St. John, who is running a general store and factory in this place, came to town by steamer
Westport Saturday night.
-Rev. E. H. Howe, pastor of the Baptist church, is holding special meetings in Tiverton and East Ferry. Quite a
number, we understand, are to be baptised on Sunday 29th.
-Mr. George Hegan has accepted a fine position as night watchman in one of the large factories in the U.S. we are
glad of this good position for "George". He is also very much improved in health.
-Another fishing vessel has been added to the fleet - the schooner Minnie C., bought by Mr. Lyman H. Outhouse
from Capt. Charles Bailey, of Westport, and commanded by Capt. George Sollows, of this town.
-William Kay, Esq., of Leonardsville, D. I., who has been visiting his sister, Mrs. Alpheus Handspiker, has returned
home very much pleased with the place and people. He also made very many friends while in this town.
-The schooner A. B. Parker, owned by Capt. Holland Outhouse, is at Meteghan, being very extensively repaired. A
new stern is being put in and other necessary work done. They say she will be a very handsome vessel when she
returns from the blocks. Capt. John Clifford takes charge of her this season.
FREEPORT:
-Rev. E. H. Howe baptized 4 candidates on Sunday afternoon.
-In spite of the rainy evening our "Ice Cream" social was quite a success. About $10 was realized.
-La Grippe is the fashionable malady just now. There are several cases, but quite mild in character.
-Capt. Ernest Lewis formerly mate of the S. S. Westport, leaves soon to take command of a tug up the Bay of Fundy.
-Mr. Ralph Morrell left for French shore yesterday at 1:00 p.m. returning at 5:00 p.m.. Not so bad for the new
boat. The boat was built by Mr. Wallace Haines of this place.
-We are happy to hear that Miss Lizzie Lewis is rapidly recovering from injuries received in a bicycle tumble. Also
that Mrs. E. Haines who met with quite a severe accident is around again.
WESTPORT:
-Schooner Dominion is here discharging a load of soft coal for E. C. Bowers.
-Schooner Gertie is here from Parrsboro, landing a cargo of coal for the Insular S. S. Company.
-We had quite an exciting boat race on the harbor Saturday, Capt. Cousins' new boat "Moose", carried away her
spar and had to be towed home.
-Capt. Charles Bailey finished his boat, the Addie B., and will launch her out of the shop about the first day of May.
She will be rigged Irish style. Her dimensions are length over all, 40 feet, length of keel, 25 feet, breadth of beam, 13
feet, depth of hole, 6 feet. I think she is the finest boat of the kind that is at present in Westport.
-Miss Florence Cowie of Westport is a pupil at the Halifax School for the Blind.
-Welch - Born at Westport, on the 19th to Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Welch a son.
(April 30th): The new boat was launched from Capt. Bailey's wharf Monday. She makes a fine appearance on the
water.
-Mr. James Strickland has sold the S. S. Gem to parties up St. John river. She steamed over last Sunday, making a
quick run across the Bay.
Death's
Died at Boston: Miss Maggie Cutten, sister of Mrs. Ralph Eldridge, died at Boston on Saturday last. The remains
will arrive by steamer Yarmouth tomorrow morning, and will be forwarded to her former home, Freeport for
burial.
-We are sorry to have to report the death of Mrs. Letitia Welch. She passed away on the 24th at 5 p.m. She leaves 3
children, 24 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.
Labels:
Nova Scotia Digby County history
NS Contemplates Tax Hike
NS: Chamber requests study to judge impact of tax increase
By Darrell Cole, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Amherst Daily News, Feb. 16, 2010
[AMHERST, NS] — The president of the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce is urging the province to tread carefully before it considers increasing the HST by two per cent.
“It would be very unfortunate for business in this part of Nova Scotia to have another two per cent added to the HST because it’s going impact their competitiveness and give people another reason to cross the border to New Brunswick,” chamber president Randy Smith said.
While the province has yet to raise the HST, Finance Minister Graham Steele has been giving strong hints that could happen when he brings down his government’s budget in the spring.
Steele is in the middle of a cross-province tour gathering input from Nova Scotians on how best to fight the deficit and one of the things he has been hearing is people are open to an increase in the HST.
Smith, on the other hand, is supporting a call by Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott to have government conduct a study of cross-border shopping habits and whether creating a two per cent difference in tax will drive more people to stores in New Brunswick.
“It’s going to be a huge problem in our area,” said Smith, who recently appeared before the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board when that organization held hearings in Amherst on gas prices between the two provinces. “People will drive to Sackville and Moncton to save that money, especially on the big ticket items. It’s already happening, this is going to make it worse.”
If the tax is increased, he said, people are going to have to lower their prices to compete and if they don’t get the mark-up they need to survive, many of them are simply going to go out of business.
Steele said he is very aware of the situation being faced by storeowners in the Amherst area, but he’s not sure what the answer is. Still, he’s willing to consider it before moving ahead.
“Any time you raise or lower tax, one of the essential elements you look at is how you stack up to neighbouring provinces and any province we’re competing with,” Steele said. “We’ll look at the impact it’s going to have.”
Steele said this issue is a not a new one and is faced in other jurisdictions.
Recently, convenience store opener Tony Hubert said he is closing his business because he can’t compete with New Brunswick retailers, who can sell tobacco and milk at lower prices.
With gas four to seven cents a litre cheaper, Hubert said people are going to Aulac and Sackville to buy cigarettes and milk and are purchasing gasoline and other staples while they’re there.
Smith said he plans to talk to the finance minister when he’s in town next week.
By Darrell Cole, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Amherst Daily News, Feb. 16, 2010
[AMHERST, NS] — The president of the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce is urging the province to tread carefully before it considers increasing the HST by two per cent.
“It would be very unfortunate for business in this part of Nova Scotia to have another two per cent added to the HST because it’s going impact their competitiveness and give people another reason to cross the border to New Brunswick,” chamber president Randy Smith said.
While the province has yet to raise the HST, Finance Minister Graham Steele has been giving strong hints that could happen when he brings down his government’s budget in the spring.
Steele is in the middle of a cross-province tour gathering input from Nova Scotians on how best to fight the deficit and one of the things he has been hearing is people are open to an increase in the HST.
Smith, on the other hand, is supporting a call by Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott to have government conduct a study of cross-border shopping habits and whether creating a two per cent difference in tax will drive more people to stores in New Brunswick.
“It’s going to be a huge problem in our area,” said Smith, who recently appeared before the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board when that organization held hearings in Amherst on gas prices between the two provinces. “People will drive to Sackville and Moncton to save that money, especially on the big ticket items. It’s already happening, this is going to make it worse.”
If the tax is increased, he said, people are going to have to lower their prices to compete and if they don’t get the mark-up they need to survive, many of them are simply going to go out of business.
Steele said he is very aware of the situation being faced by storeowners in the Amherst area, but he’s not sure what the answer is. Still, he’s willing to consider it before moving ahead.
“Any time you raise or lower tax, one of the essential elements you look at is how you stack up to neighbouring provinces and any province we’re competing with,” Steele said. “We’ll look at the impact it’s going to have.”
Steele said this issue is a not a new one and is faced in other jurisdictions.
Recently, convenience store opener Tony Hubert said he is closing his business because he can’t compete with New Brunswick retailers, who can sell tobacco and milk at lower prices.
With gas four to seven cents a litre cheaper, Hubert said people are going to Aulac and Sackville to buy cigarettes and milk and are purchasing gasoline and other staples while they’re there.
Smith said he plans to talk to the finance minister when he’s in town next week.
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