Biodiversity Act has potential to impact landowner's rights
UPDATED MARCH 26, 2021
Letter-Premier-Bill 4-follow up-032621
March 15, 2021
In recent weeks, we have had discussions with members, neighbouring Chambers of Commerce and other organizations expressing concerns about a proposed Biodiversity Act, Bill No. 4, that has received First and Second Reading in the Nova Scotia Legislature.
Letter-Premier Rankin-March15-21-Biodiversity
Read the Proposed Biodiversity Act, Bill 4, Here:
Nova Scotia Legislature - Bill 4 - Biodiversity Act (nslegislature.ca)
https://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/63rd_3rd/1st_read/b004.htm
Some have expressed serious concern that the proposed Act poses a threat to private-landowner rights by granting the Minister broad and unprecedented authority over activities that can be carried out on privately owned land.
Resources:
The Concerned Private Landowners Coalition now has a website and twitter feed:
https://www.facebook.com/CPLCNS
See fact sheet from the Cumberland Forestry Advisory Committee
NS Biodiversity Act Summary (004)
We encourage members to reach out to Sherry Martell, [email protected] to share their thoughts on the proposed Act or to express their concerns in writing to the Premier, the Minister of Lands and Forestry and their local MLAs.
Download a Template Letter to Personalize to Submit your Concerns to government
TEMPLATE LETTER RE. BIODIVERSITY
Template letter -Biodiversity-March 15
Truro -Colchester Government Contacts
Queens-Shelburn MLA Kim Masland speaks about the Bill during the second reading in the legislature on March 13th expressing concerns about the broad authority and unprecedented power that the Bill will give the Minister and the Government
2021-03-12_masland-biodiversity.mp4 - 031221_masland-biodiversity.mp4 - Frame.io
https://app.frame.io/reviews/3c9c90a7-c55a-47e0-ae70-6dfcb8bdc5a1/09189d1a-4d63-4f13-ad69-6ed16df0671c
“The Biodiversity Act as it has been introduced will give the Minister the power to potentially stop and restrict management on land that is privately owned,” Kim Masland, Queens-Shelburn MLA
Stories about the ACT in the News:
March 11, 2021, Chronicle Herald
Nova Scotia government brings back Biodiversity Act, CBC
March 11, 2021
CTV, March 11, 2021
Nova Scotia tables revised biodiversity bill, modifications to Crown Lands Act | CTV News
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/nova-scotia-tables-revised-biodiversity-bill-modifications-to-crown-lands-act-1.5343786
Chamber spearheads new regional tourism initiative
Published by Saltwire media:
New website helps travellers and locals explore central Nova Scotia
Richard MacKenzie
Saltwire Media
TRURO, N.S. —
Groups coming together to maximize tourism opportunities in the region have a new tool in the toolbox through the website, Explore Central (explorecentral.ns).
“A landing site for anyone looking for information about what to see and do in our area,” explained Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce executive director Sherry Martell.
The chamber spearheaded the project in partnership with the Downtown Truro Partnership, the towns of Truro and Stewiacke, the Municipality of Colchester County and the Millbrook First Nation Heritage and Cultural Centre.
“We’ve included items from all over the Truro-Colchester region as well as those on the periphery,” Martell said. “When you’re talking about tourism, you can’t see boundaries. For instance, Ski Wentworth is in Cumberland County, but it’s important we promote that as a tourism driver here. Jost Vineyards is in Cumberland County, it’s a tourism driver. There are other places, such as Burntcoat Head Park, which is in East Hants. We have to promote those as reasons people may come to Truro and Colchester.”
Martell said it’s important to take advantage of one of Truro’s biggest advantages as a central location to the many attractions the province offers.
“People can stay here, as a home base per se,” she said. “If they were planning to stay a few days, within an hour or two-hour drive there is a multitude of activities they can take in. And it’s wide ranging."
Martell said there are many opportunities for adventure, for outdoor enthusiasts and family activities.
"We have a wide range of things people can see and do. Particularly during the pandemic time, people want to be outside, they want to be in nature and spend time with their families, enjoying all of that in a very comfortable way.”
She said the pandemic actually played a role in funding the new website.
“In the early months of the pandemic, Tourism Nova Scotia put out a call for applications to tap into a program for regional tourism marketing. It was a one-time program being funded through funds diverted from Destination Canada’s International Travel attraction program," she said.
“They took dollars they would have been using for international campaigns, trying to attract those travelers, and spread it among the provinces, who then reached out to the regional destination marketing organizations or other business organizations, which were supporting tourism, to assist with tourism in a really bad year.”
Martell said with this area having no formalized regional destination marketing organization, the chamber - as a business organization - asked its partners and other stakeholders to come together to apply for some of the funds to assist the local tourism sector.
“Within Truro and Colchester, we know, pre-COVID, there were more than 2,500 jobs directly tied to the tourism sector. And then there were thousands of jobs indirectly related to tourism. Tourism itself is a huge economic driver for this region and our chamber has always been a major player in trying to promote the region to tourists.”
Chamber hosting AGM March 24
The 131st Annual General Meeting of the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce will be held virtually on Zoom on March 24th, at 12 p.m.
Join us to as we welcome a new slate of officers and to learn about the many initiatives and activities of the Chamber which are benefiting the business community.
To register for the meeting click HERE
Job losses will have significant impact on Truro and Colchester economy
Updated March 11, 2021
March 1, 2021
NEWS RELEASE
Job losses will have significant impact on Truro and Colchester economy
TRURO – The loss of more than 200 jobs related to federal contracts in Truro in recent weeks will have a major impact on the local economy says the head of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber President Ron Smith said he is extremely disappointed one of the area’s largest manufacturers was forced to lay off about 150 employees last week after it was unsuccessful in its bid for a federal contract to produce medical isolation gowns. This loss, combined with about 55 additional job losses in this region as the RCMP Communication Centre moved from Truro to Dartmouth, is making the Chamber question the federal government’s position on supporting rural communities.
“It is certainly disappointing when Stanfield’s Ltd. was there, the first at the door to offer help in a crisis when the country needed supplies immediately,” said Smith. “We understand government has procurement policies and selection procedures in place, however, we expect accountability from the federal government to immediately disclose who received contracts in the tender award that Stanfield’s Ltd. was shut out from participation.”
He added that throughout the pandemic the federal government took several opportunities to publicly praise Stanfield’s Ltd., a five-generation family-owned business, for its ability to quickly pivot operations early in the pandemic to provide Personal Protective Equipment to frontline health care workers in Canada and questions why they are holding back the names of the newly awarded contract recipients.
“Stanfield’s Ltd. invested more than $1.5 million in new equipment and were well-positioned with local material suppliers and human resources to continue to provide much-needed quality medical gowns and masks,” said Smith. “We need those jobs in this region to contribute to a strong economy.”
Smith is deeply concerned about the 150 people who have had their world turned upside down by this news. “These are not just employment statistics, these are moms and dads, families rooted in this community being impacted.”
“We expect our government to demonstrate leadership to support business proactively in ensuring our region and our province is an attractive place to start or grow a business,” said Smith. “Shutting Stanfield’s Ltd. out of this new contract after they have given so much back to their country during really tough times demonstrates a lack of understanding by the federal government on rural economies and the value those 150 jobs have in a small area such as Truro.”
Smith further said that it is unfortunate that the federal procurement decision will force 150 hard-working people, ready to support their country’s frontline workers, to apply for Employment Insurance benefits or CRB (Canada Recovery Benefits) to support their families.
“This is surely not the most efficient use of tax dollars or its intent when a portion of that contract would have helped keep them employed supporting our rural economy,” said Smith
The Chamber is also concerned about the potential of further job losses in the region as the supplier of some material used at the Stanfield’s Ltd. facility in the production of the medical gowns was also manufactured in Truro.
“We have reached out to management at Intertape Polymer in Truro in an effort to better understand the impact of the loss of the federal contract to that organization, if any, and we will be further educating politicians at all levels of government on the importance of support for rural economies and how their procurement policies should better consider that issue.”
The Chamber is urging Colchester-Cumberland MP Lenore Zann to provide answers to the actions of her government that has affected so many of her constituents.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for businesses in the Truro & Colchester region and across the province. As the recognized voice of business, the Chamber has provided ongoing support to the business community during these difficult times. Smith said the Chamber will continue its efforts to meet business needs as the pandemic stretches through 2021 and beyond.
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About Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce represents more than 450 members and has been the recognized voice of business in this region for 130 years on economic, political and social matters impacting business. Learn more at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
New location for Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
January 19, 2021
NEWS RELEASE
New office location for Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
Collaboration space available for business
TRURO – Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the New Year by opening its doors at a new location in downtown Truro in an effort to better serve the business community.
The Chamber, a business advocacy and support organization, has moved its offices to 105 Suite B, Walker Street, Truro, after 14 years at its previous location on Prince Street.
“While the concept of moving the office had been discussed by the board since the fall of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst to creating a much-needed collaboration space for business as part of the relocation process,” said Chamber President Ron Smith. “During the pandemic many work locations were closed to the public and employees moved to remote locations. Our office has received numerous calls from business people now working remotely looking for a space where they could meet a client, conduct job interviews in a private environment or carry out training in small groups.”
In addition to staff headquarters, the newly renovated, bright location features a boardroom and private office with high-speed internet access. Smith is pleased to share that the use of the Chamber Collaboration Centre will be available to members at no charge in 2021 thanks to a sponsorship by Wilsons Heating.
“Wilsons Heating has always found it important to support the business community as they have always supported us through our many decades in business,” Doug MacInnis, Regional Sales Manager/ Truro Branch Manager, Wilsons Heating.
“This initiative is an excellent way for us to give back to the community and we are hopeful that business people will use the space that we have provided in partnership with the Chamber to benefit them.”
The room is dedicated in memory of Past President George Wilson (1948-1949) and Truro business man and Chamber director David Wilson.
Staff have completed training on best practices for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing, a COVID-19 safety plan is in place and public health protocols are adhered to.
The Chamber received tremendous support to renovate its new location from the local community and is especially appreciative of support from Grant Thornton, Puroclean Restoration and the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce for their contributions of key furnishings.
Smith said the new office also provides increased workspace for staff to promote physical distancing and heightens the Chamber’s brand identity in the community.
“The Chamber offers many resources and benefits for business and the board felt a greater visual presence would guide people to our organization for assistance in finding the help they need to grow and thrive,” said the President.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for businesses in the Truro & Colchester region and across the province. As the recognized voice of business, the Chamber has provided ongoing support to the business community during these difficult times such as providing consistent safety signage and complimentary masks, working one-on-one with business to navigate government support, offering training and providing support for E-Commerce. Smith said the Chamber will continue its efforts to meet business needs as the pandemic stretches through 2021 and beyond.
For more information on booking the collaboration space, or details about Chamber programs and services, contact the Chamber office by phone, 902-895-6328, email [email protected] or visit their website www.trurocolchesterchamber.com
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About Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce represents more than 450 members and has been the recognized voice of business in this region for 130 years on economic, political and social matters impacting business. Learn more at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Happy Halloween from the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
Download your colouring page by clicking here:
Page 1 - witches
Page 2- Cat
Page 3- Cauldron
Page 4 - Pumpkin
Does your business need masks? We've got you covered!
Does your business need masks? We've got you covered!
Come to the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce (605 Prince St, Truro) to pick up a FREE 20 pack of disposable masks! Call 902-895-6328, email [email protected] or message us to make arrangements for pick up. These masks are being made available through the generous support of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Truro, Municipality of the County of Colchester and the Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity.
#CanadaUnited to promote shop local
The #CanadaUnited campaign is a nationwide small and local business campaign encouraging Canadians to buy local.
RBC, ‘Corporate Canada’, Business Associations and Major Media Partners have teamed up to start a movement, Canada United™, where everyday Canadians and large businesses come together in support of small and local businesses. The movement will start with a #CanadaUnited campaign where Canadians are asked to complete ‘micro-actions’ (likes, views, etc.) in support of small and local businesses on social media. In short, Canada United encourages action from everyday Canadians and Corporate Canada and kickstarts the recovery of local economies and small businesses.
Learn more at GoCanadaUnited.ca
Canada United is offering small business relief grants of up to $5,000 to help small Canadian businesses with recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19. The grant funds will grow over the next several weeks as every video watched and social post liked from Canada United will result in a 5¢ contribution from RBC. Funds can be used for PPE, renovations, or e-commerce capabilities.
To determine if you’re eligible to apply for a relief grant or learn more about this program, visit https://occ.ca/canadaunited-ns
Conditions apply.
Free Re-open kits for business
May 29, 2020
News release
Local support offered as more businesses set to reopen
May 29, 2020
News release
Local support offered as more businesses set to reopen
TRURO – Two local organizations are teaming up to provide support for businesses preparing to reopen or expand services, supported by municipalities and other partners.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Truro Partnership (DTP) are preparing packages free of charge for businesses in Truro and Colchester that will include front of store signage, a physical distancing floor decal, resources to find appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) encouraging support of local providers and resources and tips for developing COVID-19 Workplace Prevention Plans.
“The province has been clear with its message that businesses need to have a plan in place to demonstrate safe operation of their locations to customers,” said Sherry Martell, Chamber Executive Director. “As businesses in Truro, and throughout Colchester County, get ready to reopen and expand operations, we want to support them to ensure customers see consistent safety messages to reduce fear while boosting confidence that it is safe to come out and support our local economy,”
The Chamber and Partnership combined resources to organize the business reopen packages, which are also financially supported by the Town of Truro, The Municipality of the County of Colchester, Village of Bible Hill and Town of Stewiacke.
“We hope that these reopening packages ease a little bit of stress for business owners as they prepare to reopen their doors. We are doing our best to listen to businesses and support their needs as we all transition into the next phase.” said Jenn Mantin, Downtown Truro Partnership Executive Director. “The next steps will be ensuring that there is consistent messaging so customers feel safe and also understand the importance of supporting local at this time.”
The Partnership and Chamber hosted a series of three information sessions to help businesses prepare for reopening following a more than 70 day-long State of Emergency order in the province of Nova Scotia. The province announced on Wednesday that many businesses previously mandated to close could reopen as of June 5 if they have a Workplace Prevention Plan in place.
“The Chamber and Partnership want businesses to know we are here to help them during these challenging times that are overwhelming for so many people,” said Martell. “Our organizations offer support in a variety of ways and connect businesses with the resources they need to comply with new guidelines for operating with the increased risk of COVID-19 in our workplaces.”
The partners anticipate packages will be ready for distribution to businesses during the first week of June. More details on how to receive packages will be available on the Chamber and Partnership’s websites and social media channels. Businesses that would like to be added to a distribution list to receive a package are asked to email [email protected] or [email protected] .
For more information on this project visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com or downtowntruro.ca/ .
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Media Contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Jenn Mantin
Executive Director
Downtown Truro Partnership
(902) 223-6768
Information for business on COVID-19
Click this link for more information about COVID-19 information for business
https://www.trurocolchesterchamber.com/covid-19-business-resources/
Please remember that up to date information regarding COVID-19 can also be found from the Nova Scotia Government at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus