Minister warns woodlot owners
New management plans should rein in clearcutting, MacDonell says
By MARY ELLEN MacINTYRE Truro Bureau
Sun. Jun 6 - 5:18 AM
MacDonell
TRURO — Nova Scotia’s new natural resources strategy is not carved in stone, but the natural resources minister warned a gathering of woodlot owners here Saturday that things are definitely going to change.
John MacDonell appeared to be aware some of the 100 members at the annual meeting of the Federation of Nova Scotia Woodland Owners were not feeling positive toward an interim report delivered in May.
Proposed enforced management plans on woodlots and perceived interference by government weren’t sitting well with participants.
"One thing I do want to make clear — the status quo isn’t good enough, so if anybody’s thinking we’re backpedalling on the strategy, we’re not. We’re going to try to find the kind of common sense part of this, but there’s going to have to be some changes," said MacDonell.
"I see this specifically in clearcutting. There’s too much of it, and with all respect to the technicians and everybody, we harvest about 100,000 acres a year, and damn near all of it is clearcutting.
"There’s not enough people in this room to convince me that that’s appropriate for 100,000 acres."
MacDonell stressed the importance of a provincial strategy that would consider the health of waterways, wildlife and forestry in the future.
"Some tend to think there are woodlot owners, and then there’s the rest of Nova Scotia and politicians. But we’re all in this together, and there’s lots of woodlot owners who’ve not been too impressed with forestry practices in this province for a long time," he said.
Practices like whole tree harvesting, which consumes all parts of a tree, including limbs, tops and even twigs, will not have a place in this province, MacDonell said.
"Whole tree harvesting is a dead duck," he said.
"My God, after this much time in the 21st century, you’re going to tell me that this is what we’ve come to — we’re going to take the tops and the limbs and whatever is left of a tree."
Not likely, he said.
"Your land is your land, and I’m not trying to throw a monkey wrench into what you would like to do, but there are things that we’re going to say, ‘If you want to do this, you are going to do it this way.’ "
MacDonell said some are hoping the report, titled A Natural Balance, gets shelved.
"Well, not while I’m drawing a breath," he said.
One man in the audience told MacDonell it’s all well and good to put policies in place to help protect the environment, but woodlot owners will take the hit financially.
"We recognize that there’s a lot of intelligence, a lot of knowledge and commitment by people in the industry, and woodlot owners are the owners," MacDonell said.
"So we don’t want to do things that impact above and beyond. But we are going to impact what you do on your land, and if I told you something different then I’d be a liar."
( mmacintyre@herald.ca)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
It's In P.E.I, too
PE: Privacy commissioner declares PNP list to be private
By Teresa Wright, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Guardian, June 4, 2010
[CHARLOTTETOWN, PE] — The province’s acting privacy commissioner has ruled the list of businesses that benefitted from the Provincial Nominee Program will not be made public.
A number of media and members of the public requested the list of businesses that received PNP funds, called units, through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act.
Judy Haldemann, acting information and privacy commissioner, released her decision on these requests this morning. She received numerous submissions from businesses who said they made their applications under an expectation of confidentiality. They also argued they would suffer harm from the release of the information.
Haldemann said she agreed with this and concluded they should be protected.
“I am persuaded by the arguments of the third parties that the majority of (them) would suffer significant harm to their business if any information about their involvement in PNP were to be made public,” Haldemann wrote in her decision. “It became clear to me after reading these submissions that a large number of third parties were suffering from an entirely reasonable and foreseeable prospect of significant harm to their business if their participation in PNP was ‘found out’.
“In respect of damage to the business interests and reputations of Third Parties in the communities in which they do business, I find that the Third Parties’ arguments are cogent and compelling evidence of such harm under clause 14(1)(c) of the FOIPP Act.”
By Teresa Wright, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Guardian, June 4, 2010
[CHARLOTTETOWN, PE] — The province’s acting privacy commissioner has ruled the list of businesses that benefitted from the Provincial Nominee Program will not be made public.
A number of media and members of the public requested the list of businesses that received PNP funds, called units, through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act.
Judy Haldemann, acting information and privacy commissioner, released her decision on these requests this morning. She received numerous submissions from businesses who said they made their applications under an expectation of confidentiality. They also argued they would suffer harm from the release of the information.
Haldemann said she agreed with this and concluded they should be protected.
“I am persuaded by the arguments of the third parties that the majority of (them) would suffer significant harm to their business if any information about their involvement in PNP were to be made public,” Haldemann wrote in her decision. “It became clear to me after reading these submissions that a large number of third parties were suffering from an entirely reasonable and foreseeable prospect of significant harm to their business if their participation in PNP was ‘found out’.
“In respect of damage to the business interests and reputations of Third Parties in the communities in which they do business, I find that the Third Parties’ arguments are cogent and compelling evidence of such harm under clause 14(1)(c) of the FOIPP Act.”
All Things Girly....
Pretty Things Boutique will be holding it's first annual fashion show
"Feminine & Fabulous" (A Celebration of All Things Girly) on Saturday June
19th at the St. Antonio's Olympic Center (2304 Hunter Street Halifax, NS).
Tickets are $12 in advance at Pretty Things Boutique (5685 Cunard Street,
Halifax NS) or $15 at the door on the night of the event.
The event will be hosted by the wonderfully talented Candy Palmater (
http://www.thecandyshow.com/) with 100% of all profits from the night going
directly to the Adsum House for Women & Children (
http://www.adsumforwomen.org/). Adsum is a Halifax based not for profit
organization which assists over 12,000 youth and women (and their children)
each year through their programs.
The "Feminine & Fabulous Fashion Show" is striving to offer more than a
standard fashion show with the over all theme of the show being a fun filled
"night out with the girls". We are looking to create positive body images,
boost self esteem, and nuture a sense of community among attendees while
also networking with other locally owned businesses. Intended highlights for
the evening include:
♥ Fashion show featuring *petite to plus size* models
♥ Live dance and music performances between cat walk segments
♥ Cupcakes (by *Sweet & Savory Catering*) and Pink Champagne
♥ Glamor Shots On the "Pink Carpet" (by *Melanie Titus Photography*)
♥ Spa Demo Sessions (includes: massage/mani/pedi demos by *Jaspr Esthetics*)
♥ Mini Make-Up Sessions (by *Vicki Martin Makeup Artistry*)
♥ Post fashion show girly themed dance party
♥ Games and prize draws including the "*Dream Dress Draw*": every ticket
bought automatically enters the holder into a draw to receive a dress of
their choice from Pretty Things Boutique!
All services/games are on a donation basis, so please give generously, 100%
off all profits will go directly to Adsum House!
Hope to see you there!
Cadence Macmichael
Owner, Pretty Things Boutique
5685 Cunard St, Halifax NS, Canada B3K 1C7
https://www.prettythingsboutique.com
info@prettythingsboutique.com
Toll Free 1-877-784-3436
Local (902) 492-8329
"Feminine & Fabulous" (A Celebration of All Things Girly) on Saturday June
19th at the St. Antonio's Olympic Center (2304 Hunter Street Halifax, NS).
Tickets are $12 in advance at Pretty Things Boutique (5685 Cunard Street,
Halifax NS) or $15 at the door on the night of the event.
The event will be hosted by the wonderfully talented Candy Palmater (
http://www.thecandyshow.com/) with 100% of all profits from the night going
directly to the Adsum House for Women & Children (
http://www.adsumforwomen.org/). Adsum is a Halifax based not for profit
organization which assists over 12,000 youth and women (and their children)
each year through their programs.
The "Feminine & Fabulous Fashion Show" is striving to offer more than a
standard fashion show with the over all theme of the show being a fun filled
"night out with the girls". We are looking to create positive body images,
boost self esteem, and nuture a sense of community among attendees while
also networking with other locally owned businesses. Intended highlights for
the evening include:
♥ Fashion show featuring *petite to plus size* models
♥ Live dance and music performances between cat walk segments
♥ Cupcakes (by *Sweet & Savory Catering*) and Pink Champagne
♥ Glamor Shots On the "Pink Carpet" (by *Melanie Titus Photography*)
♥ Spa Demo Sessions (includes: massage/mani/pedi demos by *Jaspr Esthetics*)
♥ Mini Make-Up Sessions (by *Vicki Martin Makeup Artistry*)
♥ Post fashion show girly themed dance party
♥ Games and prize draws including the "*Dream Dress Draw*": every ticket
bought automatically enters the holder into a draw to receive a dress of
their choice from Pretty Things Boutique!
All services/games are on a donation basis, so please give generously, 100%
off all profits will go directly to Adsum House!
Hope to see you there!
Cadence Macmichael
Owner, Pretty Things Boutique
5685 Cunard St, Halifax NS, Canada B3K 1C7
https://www.prettythingsboutique.com
info@prettythingsboutique.com
Toll Free 1-877-784-3436
Local (902) 492-8329
Labels:
Halifax events
Destination SW Nova News
Destination Southwest Nova Association Newsletter
Your Connection to what's happening in the Tourism Industry
Charting our Course for the Future - online form, deadline for submissions June 11th
In This Issue:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DSWNA Special General Meeting - June 14th, 7pm, Digby
Follow up from DSWNA AGM & Conference May 12 & 13
Press Release: Charting a New Course for Tourism
Congratulations to award winners & Thank you to sponsors!
DSWNA Marketing & Media Plan 2010/2011, booking form
President's Report, General Manager's Report
Visit the DSWNA website for session presentation
Southwest Nova Familiarization Tour - Thank you!
Grand Opening of Town & County Welcome Centre
Workshops & Learning:
Training courses offered by DSWNA, contact abartram@dswna.com for more information or to register your staff
June 12 - SuperHost, Best Western Liverpool, 9am-5pm
June 13 - First Aid, Barrington VIC, 9am-5pm
June 15 - Service 1st, Oak Island Resort, 8:30am-12:30pm
July 3 - SuperHost, Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, 9am-5pm
July 7 - Service 1st, Old Orchard Inn, 8:30am-12:30pm
Emerit training - online learning for supervisors
Collaborative Strategies in Community Development
Product Development Day presentations
Brochure Distribution at regional/local visitor centres - deadline Mon June 7th
Provincial Visitor Information Centre Opening Dates
Upcoming Tourism Events:
June 7-13: Tourism Awareness Week, send your events to abartram@dswna.com
June 8: Tourism Cafe - Queens County
2010 Culinary Tourism Thought Leadership World Summit
Funding Programs:
Translation Assistance Program
Small Business Internship Program
Advertising Employment Opportunities on www.dswna.com
Festivals & Events Submissions
2010 Visitor Exit Survey
Resources
Experience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit
Congratulations are extended to:
Windbag Company who is being nominated for a Mobius Award!
Welcome to New Partners:
Turizm Inc.
Twin Cities Air Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DSWNA Special General Meeting - June 14th, 7pm, Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa
There will be a Special General Meeting for all DSWNA partners on Monday June 14th at 7:00pm at the Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa. As there was not a quorum of partners at the Annual General Meeting at White Point on May 13th this Special General Meeting has been arranged to conduct the usual AGM formalities, select a new DSWNA Board of Directors and approve changes to the DSWNA By-laws. Please RSVP to jbalser@dswna.com, (902) 645-2307 by Friday June 11th.
If you would like to book accommodations for the evening please contact Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa at 1-800-667-4637 and reference the DSWNA Special General Meeting, the industry rate is $95 + hst.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow up to DSWNA AGM & Conference, May 12 & 13
The Southwest Awards banquet on May 12th recognized several industry partners throughout the region. Congratulations are extended to: the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens who won the Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley Award, Wedgeport Sport Tuna Fishing Museum & Interpretive Centre winner of the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Award, and the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society winner of the South Shore Award. The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve won the Sustainable Tourism award and the Partnership Award was extended to the Municipality of Kings.
DSWNA would also like to thank all of the Sponsors, speakers and supporters of the AGM: Bay Ferries Limited, CAA/AAA, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Office of Acadian Affairs, Saltscapes Magazine, The Chronicle Herald, UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association, VERB Interactive, White Point Beach Resort, Annapolis Highland Vineyards, Bear River Vineyards, Domaine de Grand Pré, Gaspereau Vineyards, Jost Vineyards, Lunenburg County Winery, Muir Murray Estate Winery, Cynthia Bragg from Colour, Neal Alderson with Events Nova Scotia, Emily Haynes representing Taste of Nova Scotia, Maegan Power-Noble with UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, Chris Morrissey from Canada Games 2011, Stacey Jones-Oxner with Nova Scotia Come to Life, Michelle Sears and April Hannah from Nova Scotia Tourism Culture & Heritage and Fred Whalen with the Municipality of the County of Kings. Thank you all for making the event a success!
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Nova Familiarization Tour - June 15-17 - thank you!
On behalf of Bay Ferries and DSWNA, thank you to the many, many partners who have been working with Donna Hatt and Pam Wamback to prepare the itineraries and experiences for the upcoming Southwest Nova FAM Tours taking place June 15 - 17. There are 2 tour routes each of which showcase the unique experiences of our region. Invitations have been sent to media and freelance writers along with AAA/CAA agents in Atlantic Canada and New England as well as Call Centre staff for Bay Ferries. In the days leading up to, during and following there will be a media awareness campaign around the many experiences awaiting visitors within Southwest Nova Scotia. For more information, please contact the DSWNA office at info@dswna.com or (902) 634-8844.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brochure distribution at regional and local Visitor Information Centres
Current partners of DSWNA are able to have their brochures delivered to the 25 visitor information centres in the region. You'll notice on the partnership form that the deadline for the first distribution (June) is Monday June 7th so please arrange to have your brochures at the Kentville VIC/DSWNA satellite office (341 Main St. Kentville) or at the Lunenburg office (18 Dufferin St) by this date. The second distribution deadline is Tuesday July 20th. The cost for partners is $25. Please contact abartram@dswna.com or call (902) 678-1728 if you have any questions.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provincial Visitor Information Centres - Opening Dates
Halifax Stanfield International Airport - Open Year Round / 7 days a week
Amherst VIC - Open Year Round / 7 days a week with a 24 hours self serve area
Digby VIC - Opens May 9 / 7 days a week
Halifax Waterfront VIC - Open Year Round / 7 days a week
Peggy's Cove VIC - Opens May 9 / 7 days a week
Pictou VIC - Opened May 2 / 7 days a week
Port Hastings VIC - Opened May 2 / 7 days a week
Yarmouth VIC. - Opens May 17 / 7 days a week
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising Employment Opportunities on DSWNA website
Destination Southwest Nova Association would like to help you advertise your employment opportunities, email abartram@dswna.com to have your job ads posted on the Employment Opportunities page on DSWNA.com.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Festivals & Events Submissions
Destination Southwest Nova Association showcases the unique and exciting Festivals & Events the area offers to visitors. Promote your festival or event by filling out this online form! Please call: (902) 645-2307 or jbalser@dswna.com if you have any questions.
Also put your Festival or Event on novascotia.com, click here for their tutorial.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 Visitor Exit Survey
The Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage has conducted Visitor Exit Surveys in Nova Scotia since 1966. These studies provide key information essential to the measurement of tourism activity to the province, such as economic impact, activities participated in, trip purpose, and community visits. In 2010, travellers exiting Nova Scotia are provided with cards inviting them to participate in the survey online or by phone when they return home. For the first time, the Visitor Exit Survey will be in field for 12 months of the year, providing information for the non-peak traffic seasons.
If you have any questions about the 2010 Visitor Exit Survey, please contact the Tourism Research Section at 424-7299.
Your Connection to what's happening in the Tourism Industry
Charting our Course for the Future - online form, deadline for submissions June 11th
In This Issue:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DSWNA Special General Meeting - June 14th, 7pm, Digby
Follow up from DSWNA AGM & Conference May 12 & 13
Press Release: Charting a New Course for Tourism
Congratulations to award winners & Thank you to sponsors!
DSWNA Marketing & Media Plan 2010/2011, booking form
President's Report, General Manager's Report
Visit the DSWNA website for session presentation
Southwest Nova Familiarization Tour - Thank you!
Grand Opening of Town & County Welcome Centre
Workshops & Learning:
Training courses offered by DSWNA, contact abartram@dswna.com for more information or to register your staff
June 12 - SuperHost, Best Western Liverpool, 9am-5pm
June 13 - First Aid, Barrington VIC, 9am-5pm
June 15 - Service 1st, Oak Island Resort, 8:30am-12:30pm
July 3 - SuperHost, Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, 9am-5pm
July 7 - Service 1st, Old Orchard Inn, 8:30am-12:30pm
Emerit training - online learning for supervisors
Collaborative Strategies in Community Development
Product Development Day presentations
Brochure Distribution at regional/local visitor centres - deadline Mon June 7th
Provincial Visitor Information Centre Opening Dates
Upcoming Tourism Events:
June 7-13: Tourism Awareness Week, send your events to abartram@dswna.com
June 8: Tourism Cafe - Queens County
2010 Culinary Tourism Thought Leadership World Summit
Funding Programs:
Translation Assistance Program
Small Business Internship Program
Advertising Employment Opportunities on www.dswna.com
Festivals & Events Submissions
2010 Visitor Exit Survey
Resources
Experience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit
Congratulations are extended to:
Windbag Company who is being nominated for a Mobius Award!
Welcome to New Partners:
Turizm Inc.
Twin Cities Air Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DSWNA Special General Meeting - June 14th, 7pm, Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa
There will be a Special General Meeting for all DSWNA partners on Monday June 14th at 7:00pm at the Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa. As there was not a quorum of partners at the Annual General Meeting at White Point on May 13th this Special General Meeting has been arranged to conduct the usual AGM formalities, select a new DSWNA Board of Directors and approve changes to the DSWNA By-laws. Please RSVP to jbalser@dswna.com, (902) 645-2307 by Friday June 11th.
If you would like to book accommodations for the evening please contact Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa at 1-800-667-4637 and reference the DSWNA Special General Meeting, the industry rate is $95 + hst.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow up to DSWNA AGM & Conference, May 12 & 13
The Southwest Awards banquet on May 12th recognized several industry partners throughout the region. Congratulations are extended to: the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens who won the Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley Award, Wedgeport Sport Tuna Fishing Museum & Interpretive Centre winner of the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Award, and the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society winner of the South Shore Award. The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve won the Sustainable Tourism award and the Partnership Award was extended to the Municipality of Kings.
DSWNA would also like to thank all of the Sponsors, speakers and supporters of the AGM: Bay Ferries Limited, CAA/AAA, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Office of Acadian Affairs, Saltscapes Magazine, The Chronicle Herald, UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association, VERB Interactive, White Point Beach Resort, Annapolis Highland Vineyards, Bear River Vineyards, Domaine de Grand Pré, Gaspereau Vineyards, Jost Vineyards, Lunenburg County Winery, Muir Murray Estate Winery, Cynthia Bragg from Colour, Neal Alderson with Events Nova Scotia, Emily Haynes representing Taste of Nova Scotia, Maegan Power-Noble with UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, Chris Morrissey from Canada Games 2011, Stacey Jones-Oxner with Nova Scotia Come to Life, Michelle Sears and April Hannah from Nova Scotia Tourism Culture & Heritage and Fred Whalen with the Municipality of the County of Kings. Thank you all for making the event a success!
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Nova Familiarization Tour - June 15-17 - thank you!
On behalf of Bay Ferries and DSWNA, thank you to the many, many partners who have been working with Donna Hatt and Pam Wamback to prepare the itineraries and experiences for the upcoming Southwest Nova FAM Tours taking place June 15 - 17. There are 2 tour routes each of which showcase the unique experiences of our region. Invitations have been sent to media and freelance writers along with AAA/CAA agents in Atlantic Canada and New England as well as Call Centre staff for Bay Ferries. In the days leading up to, during and following there will be a media awareness campaign around the many experiences awaiting visitors within Southwest Nova Scotia. For more information, please contact the DSWNA office at info@dswna.com or (902) 634-8844.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brochure distribution at regional and local Visitor Information Centres
Current partners of DSWNA are able to have their brochures delivered to the 25 visitor information centres in the region. You'll notice on the partnership form that the deadline for the first distribution (June) is Monday June 7th so please arrange to have your brochures at the Kentville VIC/DSWNA satellite office (341 Main St. Kentville) or at the Lunenburg office (18 Dufferin St) by this date. The second distribution deadline is Tuesday July 20th. The cost for partners is $25. Please contact abartram@dswna.com or call (902) 678-1728 if you have any questions.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provincial Visitor Information Centres - Opening Dates
Halifax Stanfield International Airport - Open Year Round / 7 days a week
Amherst VIC - Open Year Round / 7 days a week with a 24 hours self serve area
Digby VIC - Opens May 9 / 7 days a week
Halifax Waterfront VIC - Open Year Round / 7 days a week
Peggy's Cove VIC - Opens May 9 / 7 days a week
Pictou VIC - Opened May 2 / 7 days a week
Port Hastings VIC - Opened May 2 / 7 days a week
Yarmouth VIC. - Opens May 17 / 7 days a week
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising Employment Opportunities on DSWNA website
Destination Southwest Nova Association would like to help you advertise your employment opportunities, email abartram@dswna.com to have your job ads posted on the Employment Opportunities page on DSWNA.com.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Festivals & Events Submissions
Destination Southwest Nova Association showcases the unique and exciting Festivals & Events the area offers to visitors. Promote your festival or event by filling out this online form! Please call: (902) 645-2307 or jbalser@dswna.com if you have any questions.
Also put your Festival or Event on novascotia.com, click here for their tutorial.
Top of page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 Visitor Exit Survey
The Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage has conducted Visitor Exit Surveys in Nova Scotia since 1966. These studies provide key information essential to the measurement of tourism activity to the province, such as economic impact, activities participated in, trip purpose, and community visits. In 2010, travellers exiting Nova Scotia are provided with cards inviting them to participate in the survey online or by phone when they return home. For the first time, the Visitor Exit Survey will be in field for 12 months of the year, providing information for the non-peak traffic seasons.
If you have any questions about the 2010 Visitor Exit Survey, please contact the Tourism Research Section at 424-7299.
Labels:
DSWNA southwest nova scotia news
Bear River Music
Music Event June 13th at the Rebekah Music Hall
Listen to the Hupman Bros. at : http://www.myspace.com/thehupmanbrothers
Listen to Ari Hest at: http://www.myspace.com/arihest
Now! Come out and listen to their live music at the Rebekeh Music Hall
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm and is filed under Bear Rhythm Music Society, Bear River, Rebekah Music Hall, community event, music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Listen to the Hupman Bros. at : http://www.myspace.com/thehupmanbrothers
Listen to Ari Hest at: http://www.myspace.com/arihest
Now! Come out and listen to their live music at the Rebekeh Music Hall
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm and is filed under Bear Rhythm Music Society, Bear River, Rebekah Music Hall, community event, music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Labels:
Bear River events
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Auditor General #2
NS: Auditor blasts government for deficiencies, policy of secrecy
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 2, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — Today, auditor general Jacques Lapointe released a five-chapter report covering audits completed in the fall of 2009 and winter 2010. In it, he cited some serious deficiencies in the operations of government, but his harshest criticism was directed at what he called “government’s pervasive policy of secrecy — consistently hiding information from the Office of the Auditor General.”
The government withheld more than 200 documents related to business loans and other financial assistance provided through Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) and the Industrial Expansion Fund (IEF), citing cabinet confidentiality and solicitor-client privilege.
In response, Lapointe denied an opinion on his audit of the operations of NSBI and the IEF, and pointed out that denial of an audit opinion is the most severe audit sanction available to him.
“We have no way of knowing whether these two financial entities — responsible for the distribution of millions of dollars of loans and other financial aid and incentives — have appropriate financial or program controls in place to protect the public funds they disburse or are operating in compliance with legislation, regulations and policies.”
A second audit covered in the report was hampered by the same restrictions on information, Lapointe said. The Department of Health, under instruction from the Executive Council Office, refused to provide information on budget requests related to mental health services.
The auditor general also said the Health Department is failing its legislative responsibility to monitor and evaluate the quality of mental health services across the province and has no plan to achieve compliance with its own mental health service standards.
His report concludes that the lack of effective oversight and the failure to comply with standards significantly increase the risk of creating a disjointed mental health care system that fails the people who need it most.
The Department of Health accepted all 19 recommendations the auditor general made to improve mental health care services. However, Lapointe said the government has a poor record in implementing his recommendations.
Of 82 recommended efficiencies and service improvements the auditor general made in his June 2007 report, the government has implemented just 27 per cent.
“This is the worst performance since we began tracking government response to our recommendations in 2002.”
The Department of Health figured prominently in that June 2007 report and was the subject of 48 recommendations of which 13 have been implemented, leaving 34, or 71 per cent, outstanding.
The June 2010 report included the results of an audit of the Environment Department’s management of contaminated sites across the province, and concluded that the risks associated with these sites are not being adequately managed to protect the public interest.
“The department is aware of sites that may pose a risk, but has taken no action to deal with them and it is aware of sites that have not been cleaned up that may pose an unacceptable risk to third parties, health or the environment. We made 17 recommendations to correct flaws and improve the management of environmental and health risks.”
The complete report and related documents are available online at www.oag-ns.ca .
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 2, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — Today, auditor general Jacques Lapointe released a five-chapter report covering audits completed in the fall of 2009 and winter 2010. In it, he cited some serious deficiencies in the operations of government, but his harshest criticism was directed at what he called “government’s pervasive policy of secrecy — consistently hiding information from the Office of the Auditor General.”
The government withheld more than 200 documents related to business loans and other financial assistance provided through Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) and the Industrial Expansion Fund (IEF), citing cabinet confidentiality and solicitor-client privilege.
In response, Lapointe denied an opinion on his audit of the operations of NSBI and the IEF, and pointed out that denial of an audit opinion is the most severe audit sanction available to him.
“We have no way of knowing whether these two financial entities — responsible for the distribution of millions of dollars of loans and other financial aid and incentives — have appropriate financial or program controls in place to protect the public funds they disburse or are operating in compliance with legislation, regulations and policies.”
A second audit covered in the report was hampered by the same restrictions on information, Lapointe said. The Department of Health, under instruction from the Executive Council Office, refused to provide information on budget requests related to mental health services.
The auditor general also said the Health Department is failing its legislative responsibility to monitor and evaluate the quality of mental health services across the province and has no plan to achieve compliance with its own mental health service standards.
His report concludes that the lack of effective oversight and the failure to comply with standards significantly increase the risk of creating a disjointed mental health care system that fails the people who need it most.
The Department of Health accepted all 19 recommendations the auditor general made to improve mental health care services. However, Lapointe said the government has a poor record in implementing his recommendations.
Of 82 recommended efficiencies and service improvements the auditor general made in his June 2007 report, the government has implemented just 27 per cent.
“This is the worst performance since we began tracking government response to our recommendations in 2002.”
The Department of Health figured prominently in that June 2007 report and was the subject of 48 recommendations of which 13 have been implemented, leaving 34, or 71 per cent, outstanding.
The June 2010 report included the results of an audit of the Environment Department’s management of contaminated sites across the province, and concluded that the risks associated with these sites are not being adequately managed to protect the public interest.
“The department is aware of sites that may pose a risk, but has taken no action to deal with them and it is aware of sites that have not been cleaned up that may pose an unacceptable risk to third parties, health or the environment. We made 17 recommendations to correct flaws and improve the management of environmental and health risks.”
The complete report and related documents are available online at www.oag-ns.ca .
Auditor General #1
NS: Province agrees to give auditor general more access
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 2, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — In response to the auditor general’s report released today, Finance Minister Graham Steele says the province plans to introduce legislation this fall that will provide the auditor general with more access to government documents protected by cabinet and solicitor-client privilege.
“Clearly, the government and the auditor general both want the same thing,” said Steele. “This is a complex issue that will take time to resolve. Discussions with the auditor general will continue this summer with the goal of introducing legislation in the fall. That legislation will allow the auditor general to access the documents he requires to complete his audits.”
Steele said the government wants to provide the access sought by the auditor general while, at the same time, putting in place protections that ensure the auditor general cannot be compelled to release cabinet documents and information protected by solicitor-client privilege to outside parties.
“We will ensure that the auditor general can effectively and efficiently carry out his duties under the act while at the same time protecting the ability of cabinet, departments and government agencies, boards and commissions to receive the best advice.”
The government plans to adopt a similar approach to other jurisdictions to ensure the auditor general has access to information. This will be accomplished through a limited waiver that extends cabinet and solicitor client privilege to the auditor general. This approach will ensure the auditor general is not compelled to release privileged documents.
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 2, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — In response to the auditor general’s report released today, Finance Minister Graham Steele says the province plans to introduce legislation this fall that will provide the auditor general with more access to government documents protected by cabinet and solicitor-client privilege.
“Clearly, the government and the auditor general both want the same thing,” said Steele. “This is a complex issue that will take time to resolve. Discussions with the auditor general will continue this summer with the goal of introducing legislation in the fall. That legislation will allow the auditor general to access the documents he requires to complete his audits.”
Steele said the government wants to provide the access sought by the auditor general while, at the same time, putting in place protections that ensure the auditor general cannot be compelled to release cabinet documents and information protected by solicitor-client privilege to outside parties.
“We will ensure that the auditor general can effectively and efficiently carry out his duties under the act while at the same time protecting the ability of cabinet, departments and government agencies, boards and commissions to receive the best advice.”
The government plans to adopt a similar approach to other jurisdictions to ensure the auditor general has access to information. This will be accomplished through a limited waiver that extends cabinet and solicitor client privilege to the auditor general. This approach will ensure the auditor general is not compelled to release privileged documents.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
