Digby Municipal Council Minutes

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe Council meeting was called to order with Warden Thurberin the chair at 6:41 p.m. AttendanceCouncillors present: Jim Thurber, Warden Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden Linda Gregory, Councillor Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryPrayerWarden Thurber welcomed everyone to the meeting, asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting and read theMunicipality’s mission statement. IntroductionsWarden Thurber asked Council and staff to introducethemselves before the meeting began.AgendaMOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved ascirculated.MOTION CARRIEDPresentationsNILMinutesMay 25, 2010It was mentioned that under New Business #3 - Meeting dates, it was the Warden and Councillor Gregory who were unable toattend the meeting originally scheduled for Culloden.MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council ofMay 25, 2010 be approved as amended.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising from MinutesDepartment of Energy Deputy Warden MacAlpine was unable to attend the meeting onJune 25, 2010 with the Department of Energy. Warden Thurber reported that there was a good turnout, better than the meetingthat was held in Yarmouth. They are willing to meet withCouncil as requested after their tour is done. Warden Thurberwill make the information received at the meeting available inthe Administration Department for Council to view. There isinformation available on their website as well.Old BusinessWarden ThurberNo Old Business.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia2Deputy Warden MacAlpineRoute 303 WideningPlanDeputy Warden MacAlpine asked for an update as to whether ameeting has been set with the engineer regarding the widening plan for Route 303. The CAO noted that this will be discussed later in the meeting.Councillor GregoryNo Old Business.Councillor AmeroNo Old Business.Councillor AdamsNo Old Business.New Business#1 Statement of Estimates 2010-2011Tax Rate Resolution 2010-2011 The CAO noted that the operating budget has beendeveloped by the management of the Municipality of theDistrict of Digby in consultation with the MunicipalCouncil. The budget is prepared based on the bestinformation available to date, and represents the goals andpriorities of the Municipality as a community and as acorporation. The budget is prepared with no changes to theresidential tax rate of $ 1.30 and commercial rate of $ 1.85.This year’s budget is proposing a less than 1% increase inrevenues over last year’s budget and basically no change in expenditures. MOVED and seconded that the Tax Rate Resolution 2010-2011 (attached) be approved as read. Deputy Warden MacAlpine wanted to note that he does notsupport the changes to the streetlight rates. He does supportthe budget.MOTION CARRIED#2 UNSM Resolutions – FallConference Warden Thurber asked for suggestions from Councilregarding any resolutions that should be forwarded toUNSM at the Fall Conference.  Grass burning was brought up at the Rural Caucus meeting.A few units are looking at a bylaw. The Rural Caucusdidn’t seem to be taking it further. It was suggested that itbe reviewed by Municipal Council between now and winter. It was also suggested that a resolution go forward foranother paid holiday. This had been taken to Rural Caucuspreviously, but was tied to a certain holiday. It wassuggested to take it again without attaching a certainholiday to it. MOVED and seconded that Council prepare a resolution to present to the Government requesting the addition of a paidholiday under the Labour code for Nova Scotia. It was suggested to tweak the resolution that had previouslybeen prepared. There was a discussion of the pros and cons to the addition
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia3of another paid holiday. It was mentioned that this areadoes not have the kind of money that they do out west.Small businesses have already taken a hit with the rise ofminimum wage and CPP costs. It was noted that otherProvinces such as NB and PEI have more paid holidaysthan NS. It was also pointed out that this had come up anumber of years ago and it was expected to impact smallbusinesses, which it didn’t. MOTION CARRIED1 OPPOSED- Councillor Amero#3 Digby Neck FireDepartment – FundingRequest The Digby Neck Fire Department requested assistance inthe purchase of a Jaws of Life system. There was a discussion regarding this request. It was noted by Council that there is capital money available to FireDepartments through their area rates. It is up to each firedepartment how they prioritize these funds. Departmentscan borrow up to ten years of their capital funds from theMunicipality which would enable the department topurchase the Jaws of Life system right away. A meeting will be arranged to communicate thisinformation to the Digby Neck Fire Department.#4 Municipality of District of Barrington – Request for support– Street Light Rates The Municipality of the District of Barrington would likeUNSM to approach NS Power to get a reduced rate forstreetlights. Deputy Warden MacAlpine reported that at the last UNSMboard meeting there was a presentation on LED lighting.The company who made the presentation produces LEDlighting in Nova Scotia. They would like to see allMunicipal Units in Nova Scotia have LED streetlights. They would also like Municipalities to own their own streetlights and put them on existing poles. It is estimatedthat it would cost approximately one half million in capitalcosts for this type of project. These costs would be paid back within five to seven years. This initiative was done inHalifax. UNSM is going to look further into it. MOVED and seconded that a letter be sent to theMunicipality of the District of Barrington acknowledgingthe letter that has been received and advising that Councildo support the initiative; however, Council would like to take it a step further and investigate alternative lighting opportunities to serve the community.MOTION CARRIED#5 Feedback on NovaScotia Coasts The feedback on Nova Scotia Coasts is due by June 30,2010. It was agreed that this is a very important topic forour Municipality and this initiative seems to be rushedalong in a period of six months where it took 10-15 years inNew Brunswick. It was agreed that each Councillor would provide theirfeedback and forward it to the CAO who would compile theresults to be discussed at another meeting. The deadline tosubmit comments to the CAO was set for July 6, 2010.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia4 It was agreed to send a letter stating that Council intends toprovide their feedback.AdministrationRequest for decision/directionNILCAO Report Weymouth LibraryMunicipal BuildingRenovations The CAO report for June 29, 2010 was included in themeeting package. A tentative date of July 29, 2010 has been set for the grandopening of the new Weymouth Library. It is scheduled for2:00 pm. The date will be confirmed next week. Tender closing has been extended to July 6, from June 28.PayablesMOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of$496,308.66 for the month of May 2010 be approved aspresented.MOTION CARRIEDFinancial Report The financial report will not be available until after thebudget is approved. CorrespondenceSouth West Health –Lyme Disease FactSheetIt was suggested that the information circulated from South West Health on Lyme Disease be put in the Coastline. Thiswould be good information to pass on to the public.Council CommitteesCommittee of theWholeNILBylaw & PolicyReviewNILAdvisory Committees#1 REMOManagement PlanningCommittee There was a REMO meeting last week. They are looking attrying to fill a position as alternate REMO coordinator.One application was submitted; however, based on theavailability of the applicant, the decision will be postponedfor 60 days.  The REMO Coordinator has been working on a plan in regards to the Wharf Rat Rally regarding situations thatcould arise with having a large amount of people together.This will be taken to the committee. #2 Heritage AdvisoryCommittee The Heritage Advisory Committee has not met since thelast Council meeting. Councillor Adams wanted to note theletter that was circulated in the correspondence from NSTourism, Culture and Heritage, regarding the review of theHeritage Property Act, was asking that this information be
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia5forwarded to stakeholders. It was suggested that it possiblybe included in the Coastline.#3 Planning AdvisoryCommittee The orientation of new members was held on May 27, 2010.#4 Police AdvisoryCommittee There has been no Police Advisory Committee meetingsince the last report. The next meeting is scheduled for July. #5 Tri CountyHousing Authority A report was circulated on May 25, 2010.Regional / Joint Committees#1 Airport WorkingGroup The Airport Working Group’s unapproved minutes for May5, 2010 was included in the meeting package. A Fly-In lunch is scheduled on August 21, 2010 from 10 amto 2 pm to unveil the new name. There will be freechowder, discount fuel for the pilots, and a tour of dispatch.Peter Burnie had a Fly-In breakfast recently and it was verywell received. #2 Annapolis Digby EconomicDevelopment Agency The ADEDA board minutes from May 5, 2010, as well asthe Managing Director’s Report for June 2010 wereincluded in the meeting package. The annual meeting was held last week. The auditor gavehis report and gave very positive feedback to working with the RDA. #3 Digby AnnapolisDevelopment Corp The DADC has a meeting scheduled for July 7, 2010. Theyhave not met since the last Council meeting. DADC needsto discuss the building that they operate from.#4 Digby AreaLearning Association DALA met on June 23, 2010. They are looking for a newExecutive Director.  Councillor Adams attended the adult learning graduation.She encouraged Council to attend if they could sometime.  An addition is being added on to Learning Grove. The afterschool program will be offered during the summer. Thereare several students from the adult learning school that arecurrently working on the construction site.#5 Digby AreaTourism Association  The Digby Area Tourism Association’s minutes from April7, 2010 were included in the meeting package. The nextmeeting is scheduled for September.#6 Digby AreaRecreation Committee The DARC minutes for March 17, 2010 were included inthe meeting package. The last meeting was held on June16, 2010 and the minutes have not yet been circulated.Highlights from this meeting include; the pool opened onJune 21, work on the Curling Club is ongoing, two staffmembers went on training courses, regular maintenance isbeing done by staff, work is commencing on the DESsoccer field, and they are currently looking at energy upgrades for arena.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia6 There is a Sports Fair scheduled for July 11, 2010. Therewill be activities available, as well there will be somecelebrities coming to talk to the kids and to sign autographson their way to the Digby Golf Classic. There was a discussion regarding the trail system. Therehave been complaints with motorized use of the rail beds inthe Smith’s Cove area. This will be taken back to DARC.  There was a discussion regarding the progress that is being made with the development of trails. The repairs to the Curling Club are on schedule in terms of what they have received funds for. They are waiting for more grant money.#7 Digby Harbour Port Association Port day was held on June 28, 2010 for the first time. Boththe Warden and Councillor Adams were in attendance. TheWarden brought greetings from the Municipality. Therewere speakers scheduled from 10 am to 1 pm A report was released today regarding the status of the ferryservice for Digby. It seems positive. The consultants haverecognized the value of the service. There was a discussionon what steps need to be taken now that the report has beenreleased. Council will have a better idea of what is includedin the consultant’s report by the next meeting, as they havenot had much time to review it since it was just released. It was noted that there are a lot of people using the ferry asa connection to get to Yarmouth now that the CAT is gone. There will be only one Digby Harbour Port Associationmeeting this summer and Councillor Gregory will report onit at that time.#8 Digby LibraryCommittee The Digby Library Committee meeting notes from July 29, 2008 were circulated in the meeting package. There was a meeting held on June 14, 2010, at which they discussedinstalling a light at the far end of the parking lot as it isquite dark. Repainting of the community room wasdiscussed as well. They are also investigating the cost of anadditional washroom as well as the installation of a benchand outdoor flowers. Also, they are looking at getting anew sign to be installed by the road so that people knowwhere the library is.#9 Fundyweb Broadband There has been no Fundyweb Broadband meeting since thelast Council meeting. It is hoped to schedule a meeting forthe near future. #10 IndustrialCommission The Industrial Commission minutes from February 23, 2010were circulated in the meeting package. There was ameeting on June 8, 2010. The Industrial Commission istrying to pursue opportunities of renewable energy. Theyare hoping to have RDA representatives come to the nextmeeting to discuss this.#11 Kings TransitAuthority The Kings Transit Authority June board package wasincluded in the meeting package. There was a meeting on June 25, 2010. The majority of themeeting was held in camera to discuss the new building. The first two months into this year, the ridership is down
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia7fifteen percent. Hants is the only county that is not seeingdecreases.  Deputy Warden MacAlpine wanted to pass along a concernthat it is hard for an elderly person to climb the stairs of thespare bus. There was a discussion regarding the maintenance costs forthe bus which came in $20,000 over budget. Apparentlybrake work that turned into a major job, as well other thingsattributed to this overage. #12 Senior SafetyCommittee The Senior Safety Committee minutes for May 2010 wereincluded in the meeting package. There was a Senior SafetyCommittee meeting on June 17, 2010. They had their annual general meeting. There is a senior safety two-daydriving course being held on July 8, 2010. #13 Tideview Terrace  Tideview Terrace met June 29, 2010. They had theirAnnual General meeting first. Councillor Gregory wasreelected as Chair, and Ben Cleveland was elected as Vice-Chair. The audited report is done and is available to anyCouncil member who would like to review it. CouncillorAdams congratulated Councillor Gregory on being electedChair. The facility is looking amazing and is on time and onbudget. #14 Waste Check There has been no Waste Check meeting. Waste Checkcompleted a strategic planning session with stakeholdergroups. They met with CAO’s as well. The CAO’s gavetheir input on where they would like to see Waste Check inthe upcoming years. The haulers gave their opinion onwhat could be improved. It was a very productive meeting. #15 Western CountiesRegional Library There has been no Western Counties Regional Library meeting since the last Council meeting. The buildingsteering committee for Weymouth Library met and had atour. It is a great facility. The shelving and furniture is tobe installed next week. The grand opening is scheduled for July 29, 2010.Council ReportsWarden Thurber Warden Thurber gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Deputy WardenMacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation toCouncil outlining the various meetings he has attendedduring the past month.Councillor Gregory Councillor Gregory gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month. Councillor Gregory mentioned that Haley Cromwell, daughter of Scott Cromwell, Dispatcher for theMunicipality, won the Option & Opportunity Programaward at the DRHS graduation ceremony.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia8 Councillor Gregory also wanted to recognize that former Town of Windsor Mayor, Anna Allen received FCM’s AnnMacLean Award for outstanding service by a woman inMunicipal Politics. Councillor Amero Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Councillor Adams Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month.Comments from thegallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions. There were no questions, but a resident of Bear Rivercommented that he found the meeting very informative and wished more people took advantage of the opportunity. AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 9.05PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJune 29, 2010Bear River, Nova Scotia9BE IT RESOLVED THAT pursuant to the authority contained in section 72 of the MunicipalGovernment Act, the Council of the Municipality of the District of Digby hereby adopts theStatement of Estimates in the amount of $ 6,660,805 as presented for the fiscal year endingMarch 31, 2011.FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that a commercial rate pursuant to section 72 (6) (a) of theMunicipal Government Act be established at $1.85 per $100 of assessment, a residential andresource rate pursuant to section 72 (6) (b) of the Municipal Government Act be established at$1.30 per 100 of assessment.AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the following area rates pursuant to section 75 (2) beestablished for the provision of fire protection, street lighting and sidewalk maintenance.Sidewalk MaintenanceCodesConway SidewalkCM4.5 cents per $100 of assessmentMount PleasantMM4.5 cents per $100 of assessmentStreet lightingWeymouth Falls Light Rate1010.00 cents per $100 of assessmentBear River Light Rate0111.00 cents per $100 of assessmentDigby Neck Light Rate0311.00 cents per $100 of assessmentBarton Light Rate0511.00 cents per $100 of assessment Culloden Light Rate079.50 cents per $100 of assessment Smith’s Cove Light Rate088.00 cents per $100 of assessmentWeymouth North0910.00 cents per $100 of assessmentFire ProtectionDigby Neck Fire District15.0 cents per $100 of assessmentSmiths’ Cove Fire District26.0 cents per $100 of assessmentFreeport Fire District35.0 cents per $100 of assessmentTiverton Fire District45.0 cents per $100 of assessmentWestport Fire District55.0 cents per $100 of assessmentBarton/Brighton Fire District65.0 cents per $100 of assessmentPlympton Fire District75.0 cents per $100 of assessmentWeymouth Fire District810.0 cents per $100 of assessmentBear River Fire District95.0 cents per $100 of assessmentDigby Fire District105.0 cents per $100 of assessmentSouthville/Danvers Fire District 1115.0 cents per $100 of assessmentFURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality will bill and collect on behalf of theCommissioners for the Village of Weymouth, Village of Tiverton, Village of Freeport and theVillage of Westport an amount as determined by each Commission at duly convened meetings.Pursuant to the authority granted by the Municipal Government Act and Policy # 2001 MunicipalTax Collection, the Municipal Council hereby sets the interest rate on overdue taxes at the rate of16 percent per annum, and an interest rate of 10 percent per annum be established foroverpayment on taxes due to assessment appeals.This is to certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopting the tax rates forthe Municipality of the District of Digby passed the 29thday of June, 2010.______________________________________Linda FraserChief Administrative OfficerMunicipal Clerk

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

Council AgendaMeeting DateAugust 23, 2010Meeting LocationCulloden Community HallCall to OrderWarden Jim ThurberPause to Seek GuidanceWarden Jim ThurberReading of Mission StatementWarden Jim ThurberDocumentsSubject AreaApproval ofthe AgendaAdditions/Deletions Council StaffSpecialPresentationsPresentations& Hearings Jonathan McClellan-West Nova Agro Commodities Ltd Dana Morin – Fundy Tidal MinutesApproval/AmendmentsJune 29, 2010
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Council AgendaBusinessArising fromMinutes/Old Business1.Organizational Review  Motion to accept proposal fromRamp Up Consulting to conductOrganizational Review2.Deputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsWarden ThurberNew Business# 1Association ofMunicipal Administrators2010 Fall Convention Municipal Sponsorship - $ 1,000# 2Deputy WardenJimmy MacAlpine Crosswalks on Highway 303# 3TLS Animal Shelter Funding Request- $ 12,000# 4Councillor Randall Amero Transportation Study-NS TransitResearch Incentive Program(TRIP) # 5Councillor LindaGregory Tax Reduction for PropertyDamage# 6UNSMCapped Assessment ProgramBriefing Session – September 9, 2010# 7Weymouth WaterfrontDevelopmentCommitteeTax Exemption Request
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Council Agenda#8Deputy WardenJimmy MacAlpine Highway 303 – Third LaneConstruction#9Emera Utility Services  Orderly & Peaceful ExemptionCAO ReportRequest for Decision orDirection Re-appointment of Glenn Dunn as citizen representative onADEDA Board Motion to appoint Hiltz & Seamone as Project Manager forAdministration Building Renovations Decision/DirectionMeeting Dates/Reminders Sept 13th- COTW @ 6:00 pmNorth Range Community Hall Sept 27th- Council @ 6:00 pmWeymouth Waterfront Library Oct 12th–(Note change fromthe 11th) COTW @ 6:00 pmDigby Neck Consolidated School Oct 25th– Council @ 6:00 pmSmith’s Cove Fire HallMeeting Action ItemUpdatesProject UpdatesPayables- June 2010 $ 660,589.77Financial Report June 30, 2010
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Council AgendaCorrespondence 1.County of Annapolis Copy of letter to Greg Kerr, MPregarding CCME Municipal WasteWater Management Strategy and Proposed Regulations under theFisheries Act2.Minister Jennex, SNSMR Approval of funding under PCAPof $ 124,0253.Minister Jennex, SNSMR 12 month notice letter to UNSM4.Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal Delayed construction of Highway101/Mary Jane Riley RoadInterchange5.6.7.8.CouncilCommittees1.COTW2.By-law &PolicyCapital Budget 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
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Council AgendaAdvisoryCommittees# 1 REMOManagementPlanning CommitteeWarden Thurber/Deputy WardenMacAlpine# 2 HeritageAdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams# 3 Planning AdvisoryCommitteeWarden ThurberDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor GregoryNo meeting since last report# 4 PoliceAdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsJuly meeting postponed until new citizen members appointed# 5 Tri CountyHousing AuthorityR FitzgeraldReported May 25thCouncil
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Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees# 1Airport Working GroupDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Adams Minutes May 5, 2010 Unapproved minutes July 21st Event to unveil new nameheld August 21st# 2Annapolis DigbyEconomicDevelopmentAgencyWarden Thurber  MD Report - July 2010 No Board meeting in July Next meeting Aug 26th#3Digby AnnapolisDevelopmentCorpWarden ThurberCouncillor AmeroNo meeting since last report#4Digby Area Learning AssociationCouncillor Adams#5Digby Area TourismAssociationCouncillor Gregory#6Digby Area RecreationCommitteeCouncillor GregoryCouncillor Amero Minutes May 19thand June16th Recreation Manager ReportJune & July Facility Supervisor ReportJune /July Active Living CoordinatorReport July Aquatic Report June/July#7Digby HarbourPort AssociationCouncillor Gregory#8Digby LibraryCommitteeDeputy WardenMacAlpine No meeting since last report#9FundywebBroadbandDeputy WardenMacAlpine CouncillorAmero No meeting since last report-# 10 IndustrialCommissionDeputy WardenMacAlpine Councillor AmeroNo meeting since last report# 11 Kings TransitAuthorityCouncillor Amero June Minutes July General Manager Report June Ridership Report
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Council AgendaRegional/JointCommittees (con’t)# 12 Senior SafetyCommitteeCouncillor AdamsCouncillor Gregory# 13 Tideview TerraceCouncillor GregoryWarden Thurber & Councillor Adams# 14 Waste CheckDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Gregory# 15 Western CountiesRegional LibraryDeputy WardenMacAlpine Minutes May 2010CouncilActivity Reports/OtherCommitteesWardenThurberDeputy WardenMacAlpine CouncillorGregoryTown of Digby SourceWater ProtectionAdvisory Committee Minutes: Mar 4th, Apr 8th, May 12, July 13thCouncillorAmeroCouncillorAdamsNotice ofMotionIn CameraAdjournment

On Line Gambling in N.S.?

NS: Nova Scotia might still take gamble on ALC proposal
By Alex Boutilier, Metro Halifax

Source: Metro Halifax, August 20, 2010

[HALIFAX, NS] — Nova Scotia will continue to consider running its own form of online gambling, despite comments by Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams.

Williams said he opposed the idea of setting up a provincial online gambling site, even though Atlantic Lottery Corporation estimates $50 million in revenue flows out of the province to international gaming companies.

He said Newfoundland doesn’t have to “scratch and claw” for money.

But Finance Minister Graham Steele said Nova Scotia doesn’t need approval from other provinces to go ahead with an online gaming initiative.

While he acknowledged gambling takes a social toll, he said the government has mechanisms for dealing with problem gambling.

“Gambling has a social cost, but then so does alcohol,” said Steele. “Just outright banning gambling doesn’t strike me in particular as the best approach.”

Editor’s Note: We want your opinion —