A Local Scoop
And speaking of community media coverage, congratulations are deserved this week for the Annapolis County Spectator, one of the community newspapers that serve Annapolis Digby so well. The Spectator was recently named top newspaper in its class by the Atlantic Community Newspapers Association at their awards ceremonies in Halifax. Those of us familiar with the diligent work, long hours and insightful weekly coverage provided by our local journalists aren’t surprised by this recognition. But, nonetheless, a well deserved “tip of the hat” (the one with the little “press” tag in the hatband) to the Spectator team for their excellent work.
Faithful Foundations
Also in progress while I was in Halifax was the national Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, held in Nova Scotia this year in part to mark the 300th anniversary of its presence in our province, beginning right here.
The first Anglican worship in Nova Scotia was a three-hour-long, Oct. 10, 1710, Thanksgiving service in Port Royal, celebrated by clergy of what was then known as the Church of England. The Church will hold a service at St. Luke’s Annapolis Royal, on that actual anniversary date. It will use the same liturgy as the original 1710 service. More information will be posted on our web site and in a future newsletter.
And the occasion serves to remind us of the many superb examples of church architecture, representing many denominations, which dot our region. It’s just another example of the incredibly rich history of structural design that “blesses” our communities.
Membertou 400 Coming Up
An even longer standing ceremony of faithful observance is scheduled for next week with the marking of the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou. Local ceremonies will be held at Port Royal National Historic Park on June24. Among the guests coming to Nova Scotia to mark this occasion is Archbishop Pedro Quintana, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada.
Building Our Marine Research Capacity
Following on last week’s focus on international Oceans Day and the importance of oceans management to our region, there was great news from Universite Sainte-Anne last week. The university officially opened its new marine research centre, adding to an already impressive marine learning agenda. The centre is designed to further assist local marine and aquaculture industries face new challenges and pursue new opportunities.
In a related side story, there was intriguing news from just down the road from the Université Sainte-Anne about a local company receiving a major award to assist with the development of a programmable bait saver for lobster traps. Good to see both our academic and private sector communities moving forward with new initiatives.
Port Day Coming Ashore
The heightened emphasis on local marine research adds to the impetus for a successful launch of the upcoming Digby Port Day. The first of what is planned to be an annual look at the growing potential of the Port of Digby is scheduled for June 28 at the Digby Heritage Centre, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Speakers and presenters will include Reg Hazelton, Digby Harbor Port Authority Chairman; Terri McCulloch, Manager of the Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership; Dan Bartlett, Vice President of Bay Ferries; John Woods, Vice President (Energy Development) Minas Basin Pulp and Power; Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland and Jim Thurber, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Digby.
Special keynote speaker will be Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova.
And there’ll be a special guest appearance by Bay of Fundy Tourism’s popular new “Whale Car”. For more information contact me at communications@annapolisdigby.com, and for plans to participate contact Terry Thibodeau at tthibodeau@annapolisdigby.com.
A “Relay” Great Show
On a note close to my heart, it was wonderful to see the contribution to cancer research raised by the enthusiastic and dedicated participants at this year’s Digby Relay for Life. Congratulations to all – especially the organizers – for raising awareness as well as making an astounding financial contribution.
While I have to admire the commitment of the Digby walkers, my focus of physical activity this week, aside from the regular market visits and acting as a reluctant gardening assistant, will be digital. By that I mean my fingers on frenetic channel changing. Yes, the Stanley Cup is over (Way to go ‘Hawks – what did I tell you!) – but let’s bring on the World Cup. My head says Argentina – but my heart’s with Mexico, even after the tie with South Africa (I just love to watch those Latin American teams – and the fans!). Ole! Ole! Amigos…
Till next week;
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
We invite you to visit us anytime at www
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Digby Neck
There are lots of reports coming in now of the inhabitants of the area who were here before we were, fleeing Rossway and Gulliver's Cove and Seawall in terror. Digby Neck is and maybe now WAS a pristine nature area, as seen by the rest of the world.
Labels:
Digby Neck NOva Scotia
Friday, June 11, 2010
Cruise Ship Industry
Atlantic Region: Feds invest in cruise industry
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 11, 2010
The Atlantic Canada cruise industry, which turned in another strong performance in 2009, is receiving renewed support from the Government of Canada to implement its ongoing international marketing strategy.
The federal government will invest $247,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to help the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association implement its marketing strategy over the next two years as it builds on the unique qualities and strengths of Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination. The association is a partnership between ports, tourism and cruise ship interests in each of the four Atlantic provinces, ACOA and Parks Canada.
In 2009, the ACCA reported 383 port of call visits in Atlantic Canada. This is an increase that tops the 320 ports of call visits in 2008 and the 296 visits in 2007. The ACCA estimates that the total economic impact of direct spending associated with the industry in 2009 is $80 million.
“The region can attribute much of its success to education and training programs, and marketing initiatives delivered by the association,” says Jackie Chow, ACCA chair. “A strong partnership between governments, ports and industry stakeholders has been instrumental in the overall success and growth of the cruise industry in the Atlantic region.”
The goal of ACCA’s extensive marketing plan is to position the Atlantic Canada as one of the top 10 cruise destinations in the world. The plan, amongst other things, calls for joint marketing initiatives with the cruise lines; continued focus on travel trade and travel media; support for industry education and training initiatives; familiarization tours for industry representatives; association website enhancements; integration of E-mercials and development of promotional materials, all focused on bringing cruise lines and passengers to Atlantic Canada tied to the industry theme of “Journey through Our Mystical Land.”
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 11, 2010
The Atlantic Canada cruise industry, which turned in another strong performance in 2009, is receiving renewed support from the Government of Canada to implement its ongoing international marketing strategy.
The federal government will invest $247,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to help the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association implement its marketing strategy over the next two years as it builds on the unique qualities and strengths of Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination. The association is a partnership between ports, tourism and cruise ship interests in each of the four Atlantic provinces, ACOA and Parks Canada.
In 2009, the ACCA reported 383 port of call visits in Atlantic Canada. This is an increase that tops the 320 ports of call visits in 2008 and the 296 visits in 2007. The ACCA estimates that the total economic impact of direct spending associated with the industry in 2009 is $80 million.
“The region can attribute much of its success to education and training programs, and marketing initiatives delivered by the association,” says Jackie Chow, ACCA chair. “A strong partnership between governments, ports and industry stakeholders has been instrumental in the overall success and growth of the cruise industry in the Atlantic region.”
The goal of ACCA’s extensive marketing plan is to position the Atlantic Canada as one of the top 10 cruise destinations in the world. The plan, amongst other things, calls for joint marketing initiatives with the cruise lines; continued focus on travel trade and travel media; support for industry education and training initiatives; familiarization tours for industry representatives; association website enhancements; integration of E-mercials and development of promotional materials, all focused on bringing cruise lines and passengers to Atlantic Canada tied to the industry theme of “Journey through Our Mystical Land.”
Labels:
cruise ships
Whale Killing- Avaaz
Whale Killing, Inc. Inbox
Ben Wikler - Avaaz.org Wed, Jun 9, 2010 at 2:42 PM
To: "kathleen1954@auracom.com"
Reply | Reply to all | Forward | Print | Delete | Show original
External images are not displayed.
Display images below - Always display images from avaaz@avaaz.org
Dear friends,
The international vote that could legalize commercial whale hunting is just weeks away. Let's run an ad campaign that governments won't miss, telling them the world won't accept a legal whale killing industry -- click to chip in:
In two weeks, the International Whaling Commission will hold its final vote on a proposal to legalize commercial whale hunting for the first time in a generation.
The outcome rests on whose voices are heard most clearly in the final hours: the pro-whaling lobby -- or the world's people?
We've signed the petitions -- now it's time to mount a massive final push to make our voices heard, and protect the whales. Avaaz has scoped out a giant billboard outside of Morocco's Agadir airport, a front-page advertisement in the newspapers given to attendees, street posters to line the walkways, and hand-bills to pass to delegates. From the moment they step off the plane in Agadir until they cast their deciding votes, delegates will be constantly reminded that the world won't accept legal whale slaughter.
Click here to see the impossible-to-ignore billboard, and donate to fuel this campaign... even $5 or $10 or euros makes a difference:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/whales_massive_push/?vl
Thanks to the outcry of 650,000 Avaaz members, along with partners everywhere, many governments have pledged to oppose the proposal. Each time the Avaaz whale petition added 100,000 signatures, it was sent again to the IWC and key governments -- and some, like New Zealand, thanked all of us who had signed on.
But pressure from the other side has been relentless -- and now other governments, especially in Europe and Latin America, may abstain... or even support the proposal. The vote could go either way.
Citizen pressure is our best hope. After all, it was an explosive worldwide social movement in the 1980s that led to the commercial whaling ban we're now trying to protect. When the International Whaling Commission meets in Morocco this June 22, let's make sure the world's voices are there to greet them:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/whales_massive_push/?vl
After the global ban was first implemented on commercial whaling, the number of whales killed each year plummeted from 38,000 per year to just a couple of thousand. It's a testament to the power of humanity to move forward. As we move to confront the other crises of the modern age, let's cherish this legacy of progress -- by joining together now to protect our majestic and intelligent neighbors on this fragile planet.
With hope,
Ben, Ben M, Maria Paz, Benjamin, David, Graziela, Iain, Luis, Ricken, and the whole Avaaz team
P.S.: Despite the ban, Japan, Norway, and Iceland have continued whaling -- and are now pushing to make the IWC proposal as lenient as possible. Expecting permission to catch more whales than ever, Japan is reportedly planning to buy its largest whaling ship yet. Click here to fund an advertising blitz and campaign at the IWC meeting to oppose commercial whaling.
Ben Wikler - Avaaz.org
To: "kathleen1954@auracom.com"
Reply | Reply to all | Forward | Print | Delete | Show original
External images are not displayed.
Display images below - Always display images from avaaz@avaaz.org
Dear friends,
The international vote that could legalize commercial whale hunting is just weeks away. Let's run an ad campaign that governments won't miss, telling them the world won't accept a legal whale killing industry -- click to chip in:
In two weeks, the International Whaling Commission will hold its final vote on a proposal to legalize commercial whale hunting for the first time in a generation.
The outcome rests on whose voices are heard most clearly in the final hours: the pro-whaling lobby -- or the world's people?
We've signed the petitions -- now it's time to mount a massive final push to make our voices heard, and protect the whales. Avaaz has scoped out a giant billboard outside of Morocco's Agadir airport, a front-page advertisement in the newspapers given to attendees, street posters to line the walkways, and hand-bills to pass to delegates. From the moment they step off the plane in Agadir until they cast their deciding votes, delegates will be constantly reminded that the world won't accept legal whale slaughter.
Click here to see the impossible-to-ignore billboard, and donate to fuel this campaign... even $5 or $10 or euros makes a difference:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/whales_massive_push/?vl
Thanks to the outcry of 650,000 Avaaz members, along with partners everywhere, many governments have pledged to oppose the proposal. Each time the Avaaz whale petition added 100,000 signatures, it was sent again to the IWC and key governments -- and some, like New Zealand, thanked all of us who had signed on.
But pressure from the other side has been relentless -- and now other governments, especially in Europe and Latin America, may abstain... or even support the proposal. The vote could go either way.
Citizen pressure is our best hope. After all, it was an explosive worldwide social movement in the 1980s that led to the commercial whaling ban we're now trying to protect. When the International Whaling Commission meets in Morocco this June 22, let's make sure the world's voices are there to greet them:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/whales_massive_push/?vl
After the global ban was first implemented on commercial whaling, the number of whales killed each year plummeted from 38,000 per year to just a couple of thousand. It's a testament to the power of humanity to move forward. As we move to confront the other crises of the modern age, let's cherish this legacy of progress -- by joining together now to protect our majestic and intelligent neighbors on this fragile planet.
With hope,
Ben, Ben M, Maria Paz, Benjamin, David, Graziela, Iain, Luis, Ricken, and the whole Avaaz team
P.S.: Despite the ban, Japan, Norway, and Iceland have continued whaling -- and are now pushing to make the IWC proposal as lenient as possible. Expecting permission to catch more whales than ever, Japan is reportedly planning to buy its largest whaling ship yet. Click here to fund an advertising blitz and campaign at the IWC meeting to oppose commercial whaling.
Labels:
whales
The End of SWSD
NS: SWSDA ceases operations
By Michael Gorman, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Yarmouth County Vanguard, June 11, 2010
[YARMOUTH, NS] — The era of the South West Shore Development Authority is over.
The group’s board of directors has just given word that SWSDA officially ceased operations as of yesterday at 5 p.m.
Phil LeBlanc, chairman of the board, said the CAOs and clerks of the nine member municipal units would work now to resolve any outstanding issues and begin laying the steps for a new regional development authority.
“The old SWSDA has to be wound down and then a new RDA will be started,” he said. LeBlanc said he doesn’t know what kind of timeline will be involved in such a process, but the board has requested the aid of the province’s Department of Economic and Rural Development in ensuring the proper steps are followed.
The shutdown means seven people, including SWSDA CEO Frank Anderson, are out of work. Both Premier Darrell Dexter and Percy Paris, minister of economic and rural development, have said recently that they aren’t interested in funding the local RDA if Anderson is involved.
SWSDA has been mired in controversy for some time and recent reports on the group have raised questions about the group’s lack of transparency and close ties to the Yarmouth and Area Industrial Commission, for which Anderson also serves as CEO.
Steps had been taken to create a new RDA, which would be known as the Southwest Regional Development Agency, however that group had yet to be incorporated by the province. Without that incorporation, the group is ineligible to receive funding, which means little can be done in the way of economic development.
LeBlanc said this is the first step is making the new RDA a reality and meeting the requirements of the provincial government.
“We definitely need the RDA back in operation as soon as possible with the economic situation that we have in this region.”
In the meantime, the business of economic development for the area will have to be left to other agencies such as the industrial commission, Team Southwest and Team West.
Asked what contact they’ve had with the province to this point, LeBlanc said the board forwarded the press release about the decision to the province to serve as notice that they are taking the situation seriously.
“It shows them what action has been taken,” he said. “It’s something they were looking for — to wind things up — as a condition to start the next (RDA) up.”
Meanwhile, the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission continues to operate from its headquarters at 233 Water Street in Yarmouth.
“The commission has no connection to the South West Shore Development Authority, other than a shared contract for the services of one individual,” commission chair Roger King said today in a news release. “The demise of SWSDA will have no impact on the ongoing initiatives and operations of the commission.”
The industrial commission is the owner/operator of the Port of Yarmouth, the medical clinics at Harbour South and Pubnico as well as several other properties in Yarmouth County.
“All of our operations are being looked after by dedicated and competent staff that has the full confidence of our member municipalities and the board of directors,” said King.
By Michael Gorman, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Yarmouth County Vanguard, June 11, 2010
[YARMOUTH, NS] — The era of the South West Shore Development Authority is over.
The group’s board of directors has just given word that SWSDA officially ceased operations as of yesterday at 5 p.m.
Phil LeBlanc, chairman of the board, said the CAOs and clerks of the nine member municipal units would work now to resolve any outstanding issues and begin laying the steps for a new regional development authority.
“The old SWSDA has to be wound down and then a new RDA will be started,” he said. LeBlanc said he doesn’t know what kind of timeline will be involved in such a process, but the board has requested the aid of the province’s Department of Economic and Rural Development in ensuring the proper steps are followed.
The shutdown means seven people, including SWSDA CEO Frank Anderson, are out of work. Both Premier Darrell Dexter and Percy Paris, minister of economic and rural development, have said recently that they aren’t interested in funding the local RDA if Anderson is involved.
SWSDA has been mired in controversy for some time and recent reports on the group have raised questions about the group’s lack of transparency and close ties to the Yarmouth and Area Industrial Commission, for which Anderson also serves as CEO.
Steps had been taken to create a new RDA, which would be known as the Southwest Regional Development Agency, however that group had yet to be incorporated by the province. Without that incorporation, the group is ineligible to receive funding, which means little can be done in the way of economic development.
LeBlanc said this is the first step is making the new RDA a reality and meeting the requirements of the provincial government.
“We definitely need the RDA back in operation as soon as possible with the economic situation that we have in this region.”
In the meantime, the business of economic development for the area will have to be left to other agencies such as the industrial commission, Team Southwest and Team West.
Asked what contact they’ve had with the province to this point, LeBlanc said the board forwarded the press release about the decision to the province to serve as notice that they are taking the situation seriously.
“It shows them what action has been taken,” he said. “It’s something they were looking for — to wind things up — as a condition to start the next (RDA) up.”
Meanwhile, the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission continues to operate from its headquarters at 233 Water Street in Yarmouth.
“The commission has no connection to the South West Shore Development Authority, other than a shared contract for the services of one individual,” commission chair Roger King said today in a news release. “The demise of SWSDA will have no impact on the ongoing initiatives and operations of the commission.”
The industrial commission is the owner/operator of the Port of Yarmouth, the medical clinics at Harbour South and Pubnico as well as several other properties in Yarmouth County.
“All of our operations are being looked after by dedicated and competent staff that has the full confidence of our member municipalities and the board of directors,” said King.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Saving Acadian Forests
A Pictou County group is determined save some 313 acres of rich Acadian Forest near Scotsburn, Nova Scotia. The group, known as the Friends of Redtail Society, has to raise $250,000 by December 10th to purchase the land from US based Wagner Forest Nova Scotia Ltd.
The Acadian Forest is considered among the most threatened forest systems in North America. The land in Pictou County is a prime example of this forest type, a mix of old growth forest stands and diverse tree species (of varying age) that support a cornucopia of wildlife habitats.
Recently, the profile of the Friends of Redtail Society received a much needed boost when Victoria, B.C. student, Ben Miller lent his support to the group. Ben and three other students began a cross-country bike tour in May to raise money for several charities. Ben chose the Redtail Society after attending a number of retreats and educational camps in the county. The Tandun Tour left Victoria on May 5th and is expected to arrive in Halifax in about 10 weeks. Ben Miller hopes to raise $5000 for the society land purchase.
Stonehame Chalets is supporting the Friends of Redtail Society in its efforts to purchase this important piece of forest heritage in the region. Manager Jeff Gunn says like many people in this area of the province, his family is proud of its rural roots. “Our family have farmed nearby land for five generations. We believe it is important that this piece of Acadian Forest is preserved and protected for all generations.”
Stonehame Lodge and Chalets would like encourage local residents and people across the province to contribute what they can to the cause, by donating directly to the society or by contacting the Tandum Tour. All donations are tax deductible and can be made through the society website.
The Acadian Forest is considered among the most threatened forest systems in North America. The land in Pictou County is a prime example of this forest type, a mix of old growth forest stands and diverse tree species (of varying age) that support a cornucopia of wildlife habitats.
Recently, the profile of the Friends of Redtail Society received a much needed boost when Victoria, B.C. student, Ben Miller lent his support to the group. Ben and three other students began a cross-country bike tour in May to raise money for several charities. Ben chose the Redtail Society after attending a number of retreats and educational camps in the county. The Tandun Tour left Victoria on May 5th and is expected to arrive in Halifax in about 10 weeks. Ben Miller hopes to raise $5000 for the society land purchase.
Stonehame Chalets is supporting the Friends of Redtail Society in its efforts to purchase this important piece of forest heritage in the region. Manager Jeff Gunn says like many people in this area of the province, his family is proud of its rural roots. “Our family have farmed nearby land for five generations. We believe it is important that this piece of Acadian Forest is preserved and protected for all generations.”
Stonehame Lodge and Chalets would like encourage local residents and people across the province to contribute what they can to the cause, by donating directly to the society or by contacting the Tandum Tour. All donations are tax deductible and can be made through the society website.
Labels:
forestry nova scotia acadians
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Canada Goes Backwards
Canada Lowers Carbon Emission Reduction Aims
Published on June 08, 2010 Comments (Be the first)
by Matthew Sullivan
(OfficialWire)
LONDON,ENGLAND
Environmental groups are angry that the Canadian government has announced plans to reduce its carbon emissions targets. This year the minority Conservative government in the country announced it would only reduce its carbon emissions by five million tonnes, slashing its previous target for 2010 by 90 per cent.
In a new report, entitled A Climate Change Plan for the Purposes of the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act, the government also lowered its CO2 emissions reduction targets for 2011 and 2012, down to eight and ten million tonnes each year respectively.
Over the past 15 years, Canada`s carbon emissions have risen by 32 per cent, according to Conference Board Canada. Last year, in the country`s annual greenhouse gas emissions report, the government predicted that it would cut carbon emissions by 52 million tonnes this year alone. Then, in 2011 and 2012 it would deliver CO2 emission savings of between 64 and 74 million tonnes.
Contact
Carbon Advice Group
Matthew Sullivan
msullivan@carbonplc.com
Tel: +44 02071274732
Published on June 08, 2010 Comments (Be the first)
by Matthew Sullivan
(OfficialWire)
LONDON,ENGLAND
Environmental groups are angry that the Canadian government has announced plans to reduce its carbon emissions targets. This year the minority Conservative government in the country announced it would only reduce its carbon emissions by five million tonnes, slashing its previous target for 2010 by 90 per cent.
In a new report, entitled A Climate Change Plan for the Purposes of the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act, the government also lowered its CO2 emissions reduction targets for 2011 and 2012, down to eight and ten million tonnes each year respectively.
Over the past 15 years, Canada`s carbon emissions have risen by 32 per cent, according to Conference Board Canada. Last year, in the country`s annual greenhouse gas emissions report, the government predicted that it would cut carbon emissions by 52 million tonnes this year alone. Then, in 2011 and 2012 it would deliver CO2 emission savings of between 64 and 74 million tonnes.
Contact
Carbon Advice Group
Matthew Sullivan
msullivan@carbonplc.com
Tel: +44 02071274732
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