STELLARTON – Premier Darrell Dexter was at the Holiday Inn in Stellarton this morning to address the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce about his government’s plans to foster economic growth in Nova Scotia.
Dexter spoke about what his government is doing to generate economic growth in the province and Pictou County. He said the ship building contract and development of the forestry industry will have economic benefits in Pictou County.
“Thousands of Nova Scotians across the province work in the forestry industry, including right here in Pictou County,” Dexter said. “These people and businesses contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to our economy.”
He said Pictou County’s economy will also benefit from the ship building contracts as local companies like MacGregor’s Custom Machining in New Glasgow have been named potential suppliers to the shipbuilding program.
He said businesses in Pictou County will also benefit from a long-term plan that’s underway for fair and stable power rates.
“To be frank, until 2010 there was very little change in the way governments of the day dealt with Nova Scotia’s energy situation. Because of that inaction, prices increased year after year. The power utility had to start importing coal after the mines in Cape Breton closed and Nova Scotia families continued to face double-digit rate increases,” he said. “Well, I can tell you that the days of double-digit rate increases are coming to an end.”
He said the NDP has a plan to ensure Nova Scotians have “the lowest and fairest, tax-free electricity rates,” based largely on the development of hydroelectricity out of Newfoundland and Labrador.
He said stable and low power rates are something that he knows is important for businesses to prosper.
Check back for more on this story.
Oh is that you Ross? or is it Charlie? or is it Clarie? One thing for sure it is not a bread winner or a ratepayer. I am afraid the vision is somewhat obscure for those who pay the bills, but then from the hip pocket the whole world looks rosy or should I say orange?