Committed to growing opportunity

Central Nova Report - Nova Scotia is a place where the beauty of its scenery is only matched by the hard work of its people. Your federal government is committed to making important investments so that all Nova Scotians can access opportunities and turn those opportunities into sustainable livelihoods.

We are doing that by giving Nova Scotians what it is rightly owed to them and delivering on a commitment to find a resolution on the long-awaited results of the Crown Share.

This portion of Nova Scotia's offshore resources amounts to $870 million. This money will go a long way toward ensuring the economic stability of our province and our future.

We are also acting on our commitment by investing in organizations that pursue opportunities. Just last month, I announced $1.93 million in ACOA funding for the 13 Regional Economic Development Authorities throughout the province.

These organizations do a fantastic job at identifying and pursuing growth opportunities by stimulating economic development throughout each respective region. By being tapped into the pulse of the community, RDAs can best meet the needs of the communities and the clients they serve. These organizations support projects in the community for continued economic growth and your government supports them.

We are also working to ensure that low income seniors keep more of their hard-earned money without a reduction in benefits.

With recently announced changes to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), an additional $1.8 million in GIS payments will be provided to over 3,000 working seniors in Nova Scotia. This will give low income seniors more financial flexibility - whether they choose or need to continue working.

There are also other investments that we are making to ensure the growth of opportunity throughout our communities. Investments like:

$93,015 for Chisholm Park and a walking trail master plan for downtown Antigonish;

$62,800 to Summer Street Industries' information technology infrastructure in New Glasgow; and

$46,775 toward the restoration of the Eastern Shore Wildlife Associations' lodge.

These investments pay dividends throughout our community because the people who live here use these facilities to further our community.

Through investing in our province, communities, people and projects, our government is showing it knows where funding is needed and where it will be put to good use - because we are listening to you.

I look forward to making more announcements in our area soon.

Peter MacKay is MP for Central Nova, Minister of Defence and Minister responsible for ACOA