News Release - Temporary Physician Housing Pilot Project Announced
May 9, 2022
News release
TRURO – Two business-led organizations have launched a pilot project that will provide temporary
accommodations to support physician recruitment in the county.
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic
Prosperity have partnered to lease a fully furnished, two-bedroom apartment located close to the
Colchester East Hants Health Authority.
“This as a fantastic opportunity for two major business groups in Colchester County to come together and
partner with this project,” said Chamber President, Matthew Mossman. “To be able to create this
opportunity to help bring in physicians to our area by offering temporary housing is so beneficial to
recruitment efforts.”
The partnering organizations are members of a Community Physician Recruitment Committee for Truro
and Colchester, along with the three local municipalities and Millbrook First Nation. The group has been
working with the province for more than five years in an effort to recruit physicians to this region.
A lack of housing in the region is impacting the ability for employers to recruit new employees and
unfortunately this issue has also been identified as an ongoing barrier to physician recruitment.
The Partnership, partially funded by the business community, has a dedicated employee working handson with physician recruitment activities.
“Our objective with this project is to provide incoming doctors with a soft landing in the community”,
said Mark S. Wood, TCPEP Chair. “As opposed to having to scramble to find a place to live, a doctor
coming to our community can settle into a comfortable, ready-to-go space”. Wood added that TCPEP is
happy to be collaborating with the Chamber on this innovative new offering. “It is just another important
piece in our ongoing effort to attract family doctors to our area.”
An estimated 20 per cent of the population of Truro and Colchester is currently not assigned to a Family
Physician.
The Chamber and Partnership have combined funds to invest about $30,000 to support the pilot project
including the lease, insurance, cleaning and other associated costs. The project launches this month with
clients ready to move in on a short-term basis.
The apartment will be available for short-term accommodations for new physicians moving to the area,
those providing locum (temporary coverage for another in the region physician) or residents and medical
students needing accommodation as part of their education such as job shadowing or work terms in the
region.
The Chamber will manage the financial part of the project while the Partnership will co-ordinate with
physicians requiring accommodation support.
“I’m happy to see the Chamber, along with our partner, be a part of an idea and once again turning that
idea into solution-oriented action that will positively benefit our community,” said Mossman.
While the organizations are pleased to offer this support, they also recognize it is a temporary solution.
Wood added that, “while this pilot project is a big step forward in our effort, the important work to close
the physician gap continues”.
We will continue to do and try new things to ensure that doctors know they will be welcomed and valued
in Colchester County”.
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Media Contacts:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
J. David Phillips
CEO
Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity
902-222-8839
Dianne Kelderman to receive Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award
For immediate release
News release
April 5, 2022
Dianne Kelderman to receive Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award
TRURO – Well-known business woman Dianne Kelderman will be recognized this month for her life-long commitment to economic growth here and the province as a whole.
Kelderman, president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, will be presented with the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award on April 21, at the organization’s Annual Dinner Gala and Awards in Truro.
“Dianne is an inspiration to so many with her can-do attitude and out-of-the-box solutions to overcome social and economic challenges,” said Matthew Mossman, Chamber President.
“We are incredibly pleased to honour her, especially as a Past President of our Chamber, for her many contributions to the local community and helping drive economic development in the province.”
Through her leadership at the Council, Kelderman has spearheaded countless projects and initiatives to help businesses thrive while also supporting the diverse social needs of communities. She was also recently recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by Atlantic Business magazine.
This is the first time the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement award has been presented since 2015 and Kelderman is the first woman to receive it.
Along with the Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Patterson Law, two additional prestigious awards will be presented at the masquerade-themed evening gala. Developer, entrepreneur and community volunteer Joe Pinto will be honoured with a Business Person of the Year award, sponsored by BDC, for his efforts to increase mixed-housing units, repurpose historic buildings in Great Village and support for the Food Bank. Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Community Credit Union. Marking 25 years in operation in 2021, the popular attraction has been expanded and enhanced in the past year and offers countless spin-off benefits to several businesses as a key tourism destination.
The Chamber is pleased to bring back an in-person event after hosting a virtual gala and awards in 2021. Ian Munro, Chief Economist with the Halifax Partnership will be the guest speaker for the event discussing market trends. The President’s Social will kick off the evening’s festivities at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Glengarry followed by the gala dinner at 7 p.m. Seats must be reserved in advance by April 15 and cost $65 plus HST for members and $75 plus HST for future members. To book a seat contact the Chamber at 902-893-6328, email [email protected] or reserve online at www.trurocolchesterchamber.com by clicking on the event’s calendar.
The Chamber is a non-profit, membership-based organization representing more than 450 businesses and organizations in the Truro and Colchester region as the recognized voice of business.
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Media contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
Call for Nominations open for Gala & Awards
The call for nominations is now open for the BDC Business Person of the Year Award & the Business Excellence Award. Nominations will be received by the Chamber until April1st, 2022. Awards will be presented at the 2022 Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala & Awards taking place on April 21st at the Best Western Glengarry. The cost is $65 for members and $75 for future members. To reserve your seat, call (902) 895-6328, email [email protected] or visit the Events Calendar.
Nomination form for BDC Business Person of the Year Award
Nomination form for the Business Excellence Award
AGM announced for March
Join us as we welcome a new slate of officers, and to learn about Chamber activities.
March 9th
AGM at 11 am
Truro Legion - 42 Brunswick St, Truro
Luncheon at 12pm
$30 for Members and $35 for Non Members
Guest Speaker
Arnold Hagen
Owner of Harris Home Hardware (Truro & Bible Hill) and Truro Mall
Speaking on his Development Projects in the area
To register click HERE
Download our Health & Wellness Kit for Business today!
Health & Wellness Kit for Business
Health and Wellness programs support employee well-being
Designing and managing an employee wellness program is an important step in improving the health and productivity of employees and potentially improving the overall cost of employer-provided health care.
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Truro and Area Community Health Board Wellness Funds program, and several local groups to support the business community in establishing health and wellness programs for their staff.
Within this Workplace Health & Wellness kit, we have provided local and global resources to build a workplace wellness program, a sample plan and activities to inspire you to try new things while also offering challenges with incentives to boost participation.
Download the Health & Wellness Kit for Business HERE
Download the Health & Wellness Activity Kit HERE
Winter festival to include lightshow, night markets in Downtown Truro
Winter festival to include a light show, night markets in Downtown Truro
Downtown Truro will be glowing with community spirit next month when a light show transforms the Civic Square into a winter wonderland.
The light show is a new addition to the Truro Winter Long John Festival, made possible by funding from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and a three-way partnership of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Truro and the Downtown Truro Partnership.
“We’re thrilled about this project that celebrates the winter season in Downtown Truro. There are lots of opportunities to participate and enjoy the festival,” said Rochelle Roberts, Executive Director of Downtown Truro Partnership. “It’s so important to find ways to continue to support our local businesses and stay active this winter while following public health restrictions.”
More than 25,000 lights will be installed in trees in and around the square to create a magical atmosphere to attract visitors to the Town throughout the winter months. The Town is set to launch its Winter Long John Festival on February 3, and the display will remain in place throughout the month into mid-March. In addition, a light show projection will run from Feb. 3 - March 12 in the evenings at the square projected on the historic Colchester East Hants Public Library building creating a stunning backdrop for skaters and visitors alike. The show will run every 15 minutes from 5 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.
“We are thrilled to add to the Winter Long John Festival in a way that promotes getting outside during the winter,” said Mayor Bill Mills, Town of Truro. “We hope it will encourage visitors to enjoy the outdoor activities Truro has to offer this time of year.”
Businesses are encouraged to be involved in the festival by hosting a booth at one of the night markets being held in collaboration with the Truro Farmers’ Market. Market nights will be accompanied by live entertainment. In addition, businesses in Truro and the area will have an opportunity to sponsor hot chocolate for visitors, apply for funding to assist them in hiring live performers at their locations or offer specials to join in on the festival fun.
“The local business community needs as much support as possible right now. It has been an incredibly tough couple of years as the pandemic continues to impact shopping and entertainment trends,” said Sherry Martell, Chamber Executive Director. “We are so pleased to be a part of this beautiful project that will bring joy to our local residents and attract people to the community while we celebrate an iconic Truro product, Stanfield’s Long Johns.”
The project will have a lasting impact on the community with lights and equipment purchased that will be used for other events and promotions in future years.
The partners have received $50,000 in funding from ACOA to host the winter light show in Truro, along with additional local funding and in-kind contributions.
More information about the Truro Winter Long John Festival, the light show, and Winter Night Markets, can be found at www.trurolongjohn.ca.
ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY NEWS RELEASE:
Truro Winter Long John Festival Live Entertainment Fund
Live Entertainment Fund
Downtown Truro will be glowing with community spirit this winter when a light show transforms Civic Square into a winter wonderland. The light show is a new addition to the Truro Winter Long John Festival, made possible by funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and a three-way partnership between the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Truro, and the Downtown Truro Partnership.
As part of the celebration, businesses can apply for the Live Entertainment Fund. The funding program is open to venues that provide live music as part of their customer attraction strategy. This may include bars, cafes, restaurants, and other types of business.
To apply for this funding or for more information, click here.
Workplace rapid test screening program PAUSED
Nova Scotia's Workplace testing program is currently paused for new entry and orders.
Nova Scotia is currently in the midst of a significant COVID-19 outbreak. The level of viral spread has necessitated a change in the province’s testing strategy. Part of this change will include the redeployment of rapid antigen tests, in order to augment the health systems testing capacity and to meet high priority needs. Doing this will ensure Nova Scotians who need rapid COVID tests continue to have access to them.
As a result of this change, the Workplace Screening Program will be paused ( Dec. 11, 2021). All orders placed on or after December 13th will not be fulfilled. Organizations that fall under the following high-priority streams will continue to be supported, they include:
- Long-term care facilities
- Shelters and transition homes
- DCS funded homes and day programs
- First Nations communities
- African Nova Scotian communities
We apologize for the frustration this announcement will likely cause. Like you, we are committed to this program and have been humbled by the +2000 businesses and organizations, more than 120 in Colchester County, who have enrolled in the screening program in an effort to protect their employees and broader communities. Please know that these decisions have not been made lightly. The Workplace Screening Program team will continue to provide updates as we receive them from Public Health and the Department of Health and Wellness.
For more information please see the province’s COVID-19 website: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been a partner with the Department of Health and Wellness since June of 2021 to act as a depot for businesses to pick up tests ordered by local businesses and to provide information on how to sign up for the program. We do not stock tests onsite or facilitate entry into the program. We act as a safe point of contact for businesses to pick up shipments from the province once they have been ordered through the program.
We know there are many other businesses interested in getting into the program to access rapid tests to protect your staff. We continue to meet with Workplace testing co-ordinators and officials with the Department of Health and Wellness to advocate for the program to resume as soon as possible.
Updates will be shared here, on the chamber website, our social media and our weekly member newsletter.
COVID-19 Government Program Updates
COVID-19 Government Program Updates
NEW ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM
The new Atlantic Immigration Program will launch on January 1, 2022. The permanent program builds on the strengths of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program and retains the core objective of attracting skilled immigrants to Atlantic Canada to address demographic and economic needs, as well as to continue to increase retention in the region. Key features of the permanent program include:
• All employers designated under the pilot will be required to be re-designated under the permanent program.
• Under the permanent program, all designated employers are required to complete mandatory on-boarding training provided by the federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
• Mandatory inter-cultural competency training will also be required for all employers, prior to endorsement, unless the employer is deemed by the province to be exempt from the training.
Should you or any of your member businesses or organizations have questions about the new Atlantic Immigration Program and/or the use of other immigration programs to help meet labour needs, including the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, please reach out to our employer support team at [email protected].
Additional details about the AIP program are available at: Atlantic Immigration Program website.
ELIGIBILITY UPDATE TO THE SECTOR IMPACT SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Sector Impact Support Program will provide a one-time grant of up to $7,500 to help small business owners in industries such as restaurants, bars, gyms, live performing arts facilities and recreation facilities. Eligible applicants will now be able to choose a grant amount based on either the gross payroll cost or gross revenues of the business in November 2021.
The Program will open in early January 2022: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Sector Impact Support Program - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada
PAID SICK LEAVE RELAUNCHES TO SUPPORT NOVA SCOTIANS
Nova Scotians who have been impacted by the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic may qualify for up to four paid sick days with the relaunch of Nova Scotia's COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Program.
For more details: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20211222003
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TEMPORARILY EXPANDING TWO BILL C-2 PROGRAMS
The federal government announced its intention to temporarily expand eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program and Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit. This will help to ensure Canadians are protected and workers and businesses get the help they need to sustain them through new and necessary public health restrictions.
For more details: Temporarily Expanding Eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program and the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit - Canada.ca
Chamber policy Addressing Workplace Mental Health receives national acclaim
For immediate release
October 29, 2021
Chamber policy Addressing Workplace Mental Health receives national acclaim
TRURO – The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce’s lobby for more action by the federal government to address entrepreneur and workforce mental health recently received endorsement by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The local Chamber worked with health care professionals, consultants and mental health stakeholders to put forward a policy, Addressing Workplace Mental Health, at the national Chamber AGM and policy debates, held in a virtual forum, on October 28. The policy’s three key recommendations received 95 per cent of the national vote and will now be submitted to the Liberal government for action.
“This policy speaks to the dire need to support the mental health of our entrepreneurs and their employees,” said Sherry Martell, Chamber Executive Director. “As the voice of business, we are speaking up for the half of our population that is now struggling with mental health related issues, which are deeply impacting our workforce, and for our hard-working, dedicated entrepreneurs that are statistically more likely to experience mental illness and five times more likely to contemplate suicide.”
Martell said COVID-19 has gravely impacted the mental health of Canadians showing an increase from an estimated one in five people experiencing mental health issues to now one in every two people. However, she said, it is a challenge to actively gage the mental health impact of the pandemic without a focused effort on pan-Canadian data collection.
She added that pre-pandemic data on the mental health of Canadians as a whole and those actively participating in the workforce is dated, fragmented and inconsistent province to province and territories.
The policy, was also supported by the Canadian Chamber’s National Workforce Policy Committee, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and four Nova Scotia Chambers.
The first key recommendation asks the federal government to work with provinces and territories, municipalities, First Nations, business, labour, academia, health care leaders and individual citizens to update a national strategy on mental health, including best practices of current programs in an effort to improve the management of mental health in the workplace. This would include collection of pan-Canadian and international statistics to compare benchmarks, proven examples of prevention, early action to combat stress and early identification of problems focused on increasing worker productivity, along with support for entrepreneurs and employees while highlighting the impact of mental illness on the economy.
It also outlines the need to ensure funding committed to health in federal budgets continues to provide dedicated amounts for provincial/territorial plans to address mental health challenges within their health care systems.
Thirdly, it asks for a review of government benefits and compensation programs for individuals with mental health issues to ensure they are relevant to today’s needs and do not disproportionately place the cost burden on employers.
The policy was one of 69 submitted for debate by the Canadian Chamber network. The Truro & Colchester Chamber is one of more than 450 chambers in the national network actively advocating on issues impacting the business community. For more information about the local chamber, visit www.trurocolchesterchamber.com
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Media contact:
Sherry Martell
Executive Director
Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce
902-895-6328
[email protected]