Good morning everyone.

It’s great to see this event getting bigger every year, with even more experts taking part.

It’s exciting to think that some of the world’s most talented and skilled people working in the energy sector are right here in this room.

Our province, like all of you, believes that good ideas and good plans come from good research.

The forum’s theme — Closing the Gaps: Collaborating, Inspiring and Leading — echoes what’s happening in this province.

jobsHere, Nova Scotia’s plan to grow the economy, focuses on learning, innovation and competitiveness.

Research and development are central to that plan.

That’s why Nova Scotia is promoting commercialization of basic research… investing in innovative companies… offering productivity incentives… and encouraging universities, businesses, community colleges and unions to work in partnerships like the successful Ships Start Here campaign.

Research and development is also instrumental in shaping and transforming our energy sector.

It is front and centre in helping achieve our objectives in everything from oil and gas exploration to developing renewable energy from the wind, tides and waves.

Nova Scotia has an abundance of energy resources.

Together, research and development provide the key to removing the barriers to a prosperous future… to helping diversify our energy landscape… and to bringing security and stability to energy sources and costs.

This is what Nova Scotia’s Renewable Electricity Plan is all about.

Over the long-term, the plan will address the effects that volatile fossil fuel prices have on electricity prices.

Nova Scotia has some of the most aggressive legislated renewable electricity targets in the world — 25 per cent renewable electricity by 2015, and 40 per cent by 2020.

The province has already reduced its reliance on coal by 27 per cent, with further reductions expected this year.

Over the next two days you’ll hear a lot about two key initiatives that have positioned Nova Scotia as a leader in energy innovation.

Both have grown out of strong, comprehensive research.

They are the Play Fairway Analysis… and the Marine Renewable Energy Strategy, launched earlier this week.

First, let me speak about the province’s investment in the Play Fairway Analysis … a project that recently received the 2012 Innovation in Practice Award in the Productivity and Competitiveness Category.

The Play Fairway Analysis is, in the purest sense, a research project.

As Nova Scotia’s offshore was largely unexplored, much of its geology was uncertain.

Since 1967, only 207 wells were drilled off Nova Scotia’s coast.

Compare that to more than 50,000 in the Gulf of Mexico.

The wells drilled around Nova Scotia contained important information.

It was like a jigsaw puzzle — you know there’s a picture there if you just put the pieces into the proper place.

Department staff worked with world-class experts to gather that information.

They looked at it through new eyes… developed new theories… and came up with a strong case for why Nova Scotia has great energy potential.

Results indicate that our province has 120 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and eight billion barrels of oil in its offshore.

The province shared these results with the world — and the response has far exceeded our expectations.

Earlier this year, Shell Canada announced its commitment to invest $970 million over a six-year period exploring Nova Scotia’s offshore.

This is incredible news for Nova Scotia… and there’s still more to come.

Earlier this month the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board announced another call for bids, the largest in Nova Scotia’s history.

A total of 11 offshore parcels are up for auction, with six of them identified by industry.

Bids close this November, and I’m looking forward to the results.

Now, I mentioned earlier the province’s new Marine Renewable Energy Strategy.

This is a plan to harness some of the most powerful tides in the world in order to produce safe… clean… local renewable energy for Nova Scotia.

It will help us develop the expertise, experience and infrastructure to ensure Nova Scotia is a centre of excellence for tidal energy projects.

The power of tidal currents has fascinated researchers here for decades.

In fact, Acadia University recently celebrated 100 years of research on the Bay of Fundy, which as you all know is home to the highest tides in the world.

Nova Scotia has more people with PhDs… more research… and more technology companies focused on the ocean than any other area in North America, and we continue to build on this.

This province has a well-developed and diverse marine industry, with strong research capability.

In fact, many of the world’s leading technology developers already have a presence in Nova Scotia.

Tapping into this expertise gives our province a competitive advantage when developing new technologies.

Our focus is not just about putting a project in the waters of the Bay of Fundy.

The province is setting the stage to develop a commercial tidal industry here in Nova Scotia — one that will see export opportunities for intellectual property across the globe.

Since 2007, the province and the Government of Canada have invested millions in tidal energy research.

Much of the funding has gone to the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy.

FORCE is our tidal demonstration project in the Bay of Fundy.

It brings together developers, regulators, scientists and academics to study the performance and interaction of tidal energy turbines in the world’s highest and most powerful tides.

The province has also invested strongly in understanding the impact of those tides on the environment.

Much of the work has been done through the organization we now know as the Offshore Energy Research Association of Nova Scotia — the same organizing mind behind this Forum and the province’s partner in supporting focused, practical research.

Looking to the future, the province has three major projects underway that will help transform the energy landscape in this region.

With super-major exploration interest returning to Nova Scotia, the offshore is poised to join the Lower Churchill project and the federal shipbuilding contract as game-changing opportunities.

These three mega-projects will create thousands of jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic spinoffs.

Nova Scotia’s future is bright.

And make no mistake, research and development will play an important role in each of these opportunities.

Together, we can ensure the future starts here.

Thank you, and please enjoy your stay in our beautiful province.

I want to thank Armour Group and RBC for the chance to join you today for this great announcement.

This is an exciting time for the Halifax waterfront, and all of downtown.

Development is planned or underway everywhere you look.

In preparation for the work that will come with the federal shipbuilding contract, the Halifax Shipyard is expanding and upgrading its facilities on Barrington Street…

Renovations are underway at the historic building that houses the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia…

Soon we’ll see improvements along George and Prince streets, two important corridors connecting downtown to the waterfront…

There’s the planned development at Queen’s Landing, another great Armour Group project…

And of course there’s the new convention centre, which will help draw even more events and visitors to our province.

Today’s announcement builds on this momentum.

I want to welcome RBC to what will be its new Atlantic headquarters.

This beautiful LEED Gold certified building will contribute significantly to the vitality of downtown Halifax, while helping RBC increase its presence in the region’s capital.

For almost 150 years RBC has been a valued member of the business community, both here in Halifax and across the province.

The company provides a valued service to the people of this province and gives back to its customers through initiatives like investing millions in programs that support emerging Nova Scotia artists.

I can’t think of a better company to be the first tenant in this incredible new development.

This is about building the downtown core… about encouraging more companies and businesses to expand their operations and set up shop along the waterfront and surrounding streets.

When people visit Halifax, they inevitably visit downtown.

Tourists flock here to see the Buskers… to watch the Tall Ships sail past… and to learn more about the rich history of our province and the waters that surround it.

Locals stroll along the waterfront on their lunch break… they meet to discuss business… and they gather to unwind after work.

The downtown is where business and pleasure come together.

A stronger downtown means a stronger Halifax… and a stronger Halifax will see benefits right across the province and the region.

Our government is committed to working with the municipality, businesses and organizations throughout metro to ensure a strong and vibrant downtown core.

I’m pleased to see other partners doing their part to help Downtown Halifax live up to its true potential.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to speak today and on behalf of the Province, congratulations on the beginning of what promises to be a great new addition to the downtown area.

I want to thank all of you for being here to mark this very important day.

And thank you to the United Steelworkers for the opportunity to speak.

Minister More…

Members of the Executive Council…

My colleagues in the legislature…

Municipal and union leaders…

Members of the United Steelworkers, who do so much to honour the memory of the Westray tragedy…

I would particularly like to recognize those surviving employees of Westray, as well as the family members and friends who lost a loved one 20 years ago today.

This is indeed a solemn occasion in our province’s history.

Even decades later that dark morning remains forever etched in Nova Scotia’s collective memory.

Westray was one of the deadliest mining disasters in this country’s history — a tragic event that resulted in an improved approach to the protection of Nova Scotians’ health and safety and greater awareness of safety issues.

At 5:18 a.m. on May 9^th, 1992, people miles away from the mine felt the ground shake under their feet.

Windows shattered and houses trembled from the force of the explosion.

Then we all heard the terrible news.

Many Nova Scotians still remember exactly where they were at that moment.

I know I’ll never forget.

This devastating disaster has left a scar on our province… on this community… and on so many Nova Scotia workers and their families.

Like so many other Canadians, I remember watching anxiously in the days after the explosion as rescue crews worked desperately to find someone alive.

We lost 26 good men that day — one of the single most deadly workplace accidents in Nova Scotia’s history.

The incredible response and support for the rescue teams and the local community was evidence of the deep feelings about the Westray disaster.

Although 20 years has gone by, those men are most certainly not forgotten.

Since that fateful day, successive governments have made significant changes to improve workplace health and safety — particularly in the mining industry — and to make sure that the full force of the law is felt in support of this national goal.

Today, we gather to remember those lost.

I know not a single day has gone by where this community… and this province haven’t felt the weight of this incredible loss.

Nova Scotians remember that day, and together we have made a commitment.

We will ensure that Westray is never forgotten… and together, we will stay vigilant to make sure that something like this never happens again.

Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility.

It must be made a priority in all workplaces, across Nova Scotia.

We have made progress but that doesn’t mean we are done.

Employers and employees cannot be complacent — workplace health and safety is something you need to work hard to achieve, every day.

During this — the North American Occupational Health and Safety Week — we owe it to the brave, hard-working men who were killed on this day, 20 years ago.

In fact, we owe it to all the men, women and young people who have been hurt, gotten sick or died on the job in this province.

Even one incident is too many.

We cannot undo the past, but we can certainly learn from it.

To the people of Plymouth… across Pictou County… the surviving workers… and especially the families and friends of those who were lost.

Our thoughts are with you on this, and every day.

Nova Scotia will never forget.

Thank you.

I’m pleased to be back in Yarmouth to make this important announcement.

I would like to thank Keith Condon and everyone here at Tri-Star Industries, for hosting us today.

Nova Scotia’s Emergency Health System is world-renowned.

In fact, our province has the best ground-ambulance service in North America.

Nova Scotia is also fortunate to have highly trained and highly skilled paramedics that save lives every day.

The province trusts Tri-Star Industries to not only keep our paramedics safe on the road, but to help the EHS team deliver better care sooner to all Nova Scotians — from Digby all the way to Sydney.

For more than 10 years, the Department of Health and Wellness has trusted Tri-Star to build and maintain its fleet of emergency vehicles.

This speaks to the stellar reputation that Tri-Star has as a builder — you help ensure that when our paramedics are needed, they are there.

And that’s not just true for Nova Scotia.

More than 40 countries around the world trust Tri-Star to manufacture these life-saving and highly advanced ambulances.

This is a prime example of how Nova Scotia can, and is capitalizing on growing global markets and exporting its products internationally.

Tri-Star shows us that some of the world’s most innovative ideas are unfolding right here in Nova Scotia… and how sometimes all a business needs to turn ideas into reality, is access to capital.

That’s why today I am pleased to announce that the province is investing $2.4 million to help Tri-Star expand its Yarmouth facility.

This investment will not only foster the growth of Tri-Star, it will ensure that Nova Scotians receive quality emergency care whenever and wherever they need it.

It allows the company to increase its capacity, and make improvements to prepare for future orders.

It maintains more than 60 good jobs in southwest Nova Scotia, and creates up to 16 new jobs.

And it will strengthen Tri-Star’s reputation as a world-leading manufacturer of some of the most advanced ambulance systems on the continent.

This 10-year investment comes from the Nova Scotia Jobs Fund.

Through this fund, the province is maximizes its ability to grow the economy and create good jobs in all regions.

Making smart, strategic investments is an important part of the jobsHere plan to grow the economy.

I know that businesses here in southwest Nova Scotia, and across the province can be competitive with the best from around the world.

Nova Scotia has the essentials… the strengths… and the advantages to succeed and prosper in the global marketplace, and the province is proud to support growing businesses like Tri-Star.

Thank you.

And thank you all for having me here today.

This is a room of activists who work hard to improve their workplaces and communities.

I know you’re all very aware of the tragic death last week of another activist, Raymond Taavel.

Ray lived the kind of life that brought people together.

One co-worker referred to him as “a compassionate activist, without anger.”

That is a description of a fine person, by anyone’s measure.

Nova Scotians suffered a significant loss last Tuesday when Raymond was brutally killed.

We lost an activist who devoted his life to fighting discrimination, violence and intolerance, a cause I know is important to all of you.

We can learn a lot from the way Ray lived his life.

He believed in understanding… in building bridges… reaching out… and educating — all things that help build strong relationships.

Now, governments and unions sometimes find themselves in disagreement.

That is especially true in these difficult economic times.

Across the country and around North America governments are freezing wages and rolling back pensions and other benefits.

But things are different here in Nova Scotia.

This province has a government that understands and respects the very important role that unions like CUPE play in the lives of its members.

In this province, government values its relationship with the representatives of public sector workers, even when it is difficult.

Here in Nova Scotia, our plan to create good jobs, grow the economy and get back to balance is based on the fundamental NDP principle that this is the surest way to protect the important public services that we all rely on.

Services like health care, education and community services need solid, sustainable funding that comes from the province living within its means and generating new revenues by investing in economic growth.

Some have said that is what Conservative and other right-wing governments do.

But they are wrong.

One needn’t look any further than three years ago when the previous Conservative government spent like there was no tomorrow.

It wasted $300 million a year in unbudgeted spending.

That government had this province on a path to a $1.4 billion annual deficit.

That government and that deficit risked the quality of our health care, education and other important services.

That was yesterday.

Today, our government has made significant progress.

Nova Scotia didn’t just survive one of the world’s worst economic recessions, in many ways it has thrived compared to other areas.

Tomorrow, Nova Scotia will be on sound footing with balanced budgets and strong, sustainable public services.

Yesterday, although they knew it would increase costs, government sold off much of the province’s road-building capacity, including all chip-seal and asphalt plants.

Today, Nova Scotians are paying less and paving more because creation of a chip-seal crew saved $2 million during its very first year.

In our tomorrow, the provincial government’s asphalt plant operates, saves money and paves more, and government will listen to CUPE highway workers and other public sector employees with good ideas for better service.

Yesterday, despite wide public support for a move away from fossil fuels, renewable energy development was stalled, with no solution in sight.

There was a terrible sense of failure in Nova Scotia as coal prices climbed 75 per cent.

Electricity from Newfoundland and Labrador was a distant hope.

Today, Nova Scotia has set, and is meeting, the most aggressive renewable energy targets in North America, creating hundreds of new jobs… massive new investment… and a major reduction in greenhouse gases.

We are finally getting our families off the roller-coaster of fossil fuel prices that drive the cost of electricity.

The Lower Churchill project undertaken by Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, with the federal guarantee, is the linchpin for a new era of regional progress.

Tomorrow, Nova Scotia will be able to offer the stable electricity pricing that is a major asset for any one enterprise that wants to avoid unpleasant surprises, and any family that wants a better household budget.

Yesterday, Nova Scotia was one of very few provinces where home heating and all other home energy was taxed by the province.

Today, there is no provincial tax on home energy — a necessity of life that takes a big bite out of most family budgets.

Tomorrow, Nova Scotia will work even harder to help people reduce their energy use and heat their homes more efficiently.

Yesterday, seniors who needed long-term care were driven into poverty by a government that made them sell the family home and everything else to pay for a spot in a nursing home.

Today, promised caregiver support is available, and growing.

Seniors are able to stay in their homes and communities longer, living their lives with dignity and respect.

Tomorrow, we have to focus on better ways to help seniors stay healthy and independent.

Yesterday, emergency room closures were constant and rural Nova Scotians wondered how far they’d have to drive to find a hospital that was open.

Today, Canada’s first two collaborative emergency centres are providing 24/7 access, with same-day or next-day appointments to see a health professional.

More centres are getting ready to open, and Nova Scotia is implementing Canada’s first emergency care standards.

Tomorrow, that same collaborative approach will mean fewer and fewer Nova Scotians wait days to see a doctor

They will get the care they need, when and where they need it.

Yesterday, Nova Scotia students carried the biggest student debt load in Canada, and they also paid the highest fees.

Today, Nova Scotia reduced maximum student debt by more than $16,000 as part of the single biggest investment ever made in student assistance.

And tuition fees have been kept lower than the national average.

Tomorrow, Nova Scotia must open training and higher education opportunities to our fellow citizens who are not part of the workforce and not yet ready to apply for the jobs that are opening up.

Yesterday, Nova Scotians living in poverty were told that the most they could expect was a few dollars extra each month.

Today, the province made the largest investment in those living in poverty in our history including the creation of the Affordable Living and Poverty Reduction tax credits.

There are new incentives to work and start breaking the cycle of poverty.

Nova Scotia is catching up on long neglected support for foster families at the very same time that the small business tax rate is being reduced — for the third year in a row.

Tomorrow, we can adopt a housing strategy and employment support that create new opportunities for Nova Scotians to pull themselves out of poverty and into a better life.

Yesterday, Nova Scotia was in a rut, turning in the worst economic performance in the country for the past 20 years.

Today, thanks to dedicated labour, business and community leaders, Nova Scotia is pursuing the jobsHere strategy, focused on training, innovation and competitiveness.

That smart strategy has already invested in creating and saving thousands of good unionized jobs at Bowater, the Port Hawkesbury Mill and as part of the $25-billion, 30-year shipbuilding contract.

Thousands of families benefit from those jobs.

They are helping rebuild the economy as the world emerges from the recession.

And they also provide the solid tax revenue to that allow the province us to invest in key public services.

Tomorrow, this province can start to see the rewards of high productivity, an even stronger workforce and new frontiers of innovation like the world-leading Marine Research Institute.

Yesterday, governments failed to respect unions, or the collective bargaining process.

Today, thanks to legislation from the NDP, this province has mechanism in place to deal with first contract disputes — legislation Stephen McNeil and the Liberals said they would like to see just “disappear.”

Bill 102 protects productivity by avoiding damaging, prolonged strikes or lockouts.

That means workers keep getting paid and employers enjoy continued productivity — an attractive asset to people wanting to invest or expand their business in Nova Scotia.

Yesterday, although this was already one of the most heavily indebted provincial governments, a billion dollars was added to the provincial debt without legislative approval.

Today, I can say that this is perhaps the only new government in Nova Scotia history that reduced the provincial debt during its first full year in office.

We ended the March madness spending spree.

Tomorrow, we can ensure that the provincial government regularly lives within its means instead of falling back into the old habit of creating debt for the next generation.

This government has a plan to make life better for Nova Scotians and their families.

We are sticking with that plan because that plan is working.

Even now we are starting to see some of the benefits of a province that spends wisely on economic growth… that lives within its means… and comes up with innovative solutions to problems that have long plagued Nova Scotia.

Government has to keep generating opportunities for economic growth and continue building a strong economic basis for the public services that CUPE members and others like them provide.

Because this is a government that respects and appreciates the important role public sector workers and their unions play in this province.

It may not always be a smooth path but this NDP government is always looking to build on the already strong relationship we have with your members.

I don’t expect everyone to support everything our government does.

You are activists.

It is your job to push governments… businesses… and communities to do better… to do more.

I do thank the many people who understand that in these economic times, progress must be incremental.

And I also thank the many people who recognize all we have accomplished today and all we can accomplish together tomorrow.

Thank you.

I want to thank the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to speak with you.

And thank you to the staff here at Marco’s for hosting and providing that wonderful meal.

Some of you may have heard me tell this story before but I’d like to share it again because I think it really speaks to what is going on in the province right now.

When I was in South Korea a couple of years ago, I saw a billboard with just four words on it.

It said:  No change no future.

That’s all: no change… no future.

For me that message hit home.

It speaks to every challenge we face together as Nova Scotians:

In the management of the province’s finances;

In the delivery of health care and other public programs and services;

In building our economy;

And in spreading economic opportunity across the province.

No change… no future.

Nova Scotia is at a turning point right now.

We are on the cusp of some of the biggest economic opportunities in the province’s history.

The Lower Churchill project… construction of the Maritime Link… and Shell Canada’s commitment to spend hundreds of millions of dollars exploring Nova Scotia’s offshore are just some of the game-changers on the horizon.

And of course there’s the $25-billion federal shipbuilding contract.

That project alone will generate millions of dollars in economic spinoffs for the Atlantic region, and create more than 11,000 jobs during peak production.

Electricians… metal fabricators… sheet metal workers… and many other skilled tradespeople will be needed, not to mention the engineers… business leaders… and innovators necessary to turn contracts and concepts into finished products.

Every community in southwest Nova Scotia should be preparing for this great opportunity.

This region is home to the innovative A.F. Theriault and Son shipyard, with decades of shipbuilding expertise.

Not to mention the 400 years of knowledge and experience that can be found in the fishing industry.

And the province’s investment of $8.8 million to re-open Shelburne Ship Repair will help better position that yard to do work associated with the shipbuilding contract.

There is absolutely no reason companies in this region cannot compete to win work tied to any of the projects I’ve mentioned.

Our government authorized up to $304 million in loans to support Irving Shipbuilding’s bid, to make sure that we did everything possible to score an historic win for you here in this room, and all Nova Scotians.

This work is ecpected to result in $2.8 billion in additional revenue to the province over the next 19 years.

This is about investing millions to earn billions.

Most business people would say that’s an easy sell.

I think Nova Scotians agree.

Winning this contract is changing the attitude of people across the province — I have seen it myself.

Nova Scotians are optimistic… they are confident… and they are proud.

Our province has proved it can compete… that its companies and workers are as good, if not better than the best in the world.

I’m proud to say that Ships Start Here.

This is Nova Scotia’s opportunity to turn the corner on 20 years of the worst economic performance of anywhere in Canada.

It may sound simple but the right attitude can go a long way.

Challenges are everywhere — but so are opportunities.

The province needs to focus on its strengths rather than its shortfalls, and the same could be said of this region.

Hard work… focus… and collaboration is the only way forward.

I’m pleased to say that this region is starting to take ownership of its future.

I understand the new regional economic council is holding its first meeting later today.

This talented group of business and community leaders will work to attract, expand and retain companies in southwestern Nova Scotia.

I believe we have several of the council members here with us today; thank you for joining us.

I look forward to working with the council to strengthen the economy throughout this region, and to establish a new regional development agency.

Cooperation will be key in order to move this province toward a more prosperous future for all regions.

I and my colleagues know that communities here in southwest Nova Scotia want to see a ferry return.

So does the province.

However, our goal is determining a ferry service that will work in the future — not one that worked in the past.

Economic conditions have changed.

The past is not the future.

That is why today I am pleased to announce that the province is mandating an arms-length panel of experts to review the best available data and consult with key business and community leaders to clearly define the requirements for a viable ferry service between here and the United States.

This panel of tourism, marine transportation and business experts will review previous studies and tourist visitation trends, and provide the province with an objective and definitive recommendation on a ferry service.

The bottom line is any service would have to be economically viable in the long term.

Companies need to be profitable both for themselves, and the province.

Increasing fuel costs and declining ridership contributed greatly to the CAT’s demise.

Past governments simply threw money at the problem, but where did that get us?

From 2006 to 2009, the province provided more than $21 million to maintain the struggling service.

Over the same period, the overall number of Americans visiting Nova Scotia dropped by 43,000 and the number of US tourists entering through Yarmouth remained stagnant.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks… high fuel costs… a thriving Canadian dollar… highly competitive air fares… and significant highway improvements in jurisdictions leading to Amherst…

All of these things and more played a role in the decline in ferry passengers, and were much the same issues that shut down the Scotian Prince in 2006.

Those factors also mean Nova Scotia now attracts a different kind of visitor, and must tailor the product to meet the market.

Finding a long-term solution will require all partners to be at the table, including the federal government.

My commitment to you is the same it has always been — that if a clear business case for a viable ferry service can be developed then the province will do its part to bring that service here.

This government knows the economy has to grow, and it is willing to make the public investments that foster a stronger, more vibrant economy.

In fact, the province has already made strategic investments that are making life better for families here in southwest Nova Scotia.

Since 2009, more than $11.4 million has helped upgrade roads and infrastructure throughout the Yarmouth area.

And those investments don’t include the $12 million announced last year to replace Indian Sluice Bridge.

One million dollars for the Rodd Grand and $500,000 for the Yarmouth Mariners Centre are investments that protect jobs, upgrade key pieces of infrastructure and will help enhance Yarmouth’s profile as an event host.

And later today, I’ll be joining Keith Condon at Tri-Star Industries to announce a significant investment to help this important employer grow its business and be more globally competitive.

Our government also supports the fishery, which I know many families in this region depend on.

For generations Nova Scotians and their families have made a living fishing the waters along our coast.

It’s gruelling work with long hours and dangerous conditions.

And it’s clear from speaking with fishermen in this area that soon it could be even more difficult for them to do their job.

For more than 30 years the federal owner-operator and fleet separation policies have been the cornerstone of the Nova Scotia fishery.

By protecting the independence of our inshore fleets, these policies have helped create and maintain good jobs in coastal communities across the province.

A recent federal discussion paper on the future of Canada’s commercial fishery failed to mention these two important policies.

This causes our government great concern.

You’ve heard from my colleague, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, who has asked Minister Ashfield to clarify his position on these policies.

He’s also asked the federal government for more time to consult with fishermen and others who would be affected.

I want to assure the families who rely on this vital industry that they can count on the province’s continued support on this issue.

My government understands that a strong and vibrant economy does not rely on any one industry or opportunity.

The shipbuilding contract is the province’s golden egg right now but we can’t rely solely on that project to help us turn the corner on this dismal economic era in the province’s history.

That’s why the situation Nova Scotia finds itself in right now is so unique.

We have an opportunity to make significant changes that will ensure the people and businesses across this province make the most of what’s before us.

The province’s plan to get back to balance is working.

We are on track to a balanced budget in 2013-2014, about the same time that many of these game-changing opportunities will be starting to hit their stride.

Every region of the province needs to be ready.

I don’t think there’s anyone in this room who wants to see our province go backward.

This is about ensuring the future starts here.

I know that together, we can make that happen.

Again, thank you to the Chamber for the opportunity to speak today, and I’ll see some of you later this afternoon at Tri-Star.

Thank you.

It’s my pleasure to be here with you this afternoon to share in the launch of this important framework that will help create good jobs and grow the economy of Cape Breton.

Nova Scotia is facing a time of change.

But with that change comes opportunity.

In fact, Nova Scotia is on the cusp of some of the biggest economic opportunities in the province’s history.

The Lower Churchill project… construction of the Maritime Link… and Shell Canada’s commitment to spend hundreds of millions of dollars exploring Nova Scotia’s offshore are just some of the game-changers on the horizon.

Here in Cape Breton there is the Donkin Mine and the anticipated development in the Port of Sydney to look forward to as well.

And of course there’s the $25-billion federal shipbuilding contract.

That alone will generate millions of dollars in economic spinoffs for the Atlantic region, and create more than 11,000 jobs during peak production.

Electricians, metal fabricators, sheet metal workers and many other skilled tradespeople will be needed, not to mention the engineers, business leaders and innovators necessary to turn contracts and concepts into finished products.

The development of this strategic framework will help ensure the Cape Breton region is ready for all of these opportunities.

Cape Bretoners are talented, hard-working people who deserve the same opportunities as all Nova Scotians.

There is absolutely no reason Cape Breton cannot compete to win work associated with these projects.

For 20 years Nova Scotia had the worst economic growth of anywhere in Canada.

It was clear that it was time to do things differently.

That’s what brings us all here today.

The launch of the Cape Breton Strategic Framework Advancement Project will help guide and coordinate economic development activities over the next three years here in Cape Breton.

I’m proud to announce today that the province is investing $198,000 toward this important project.

I want to congratulate the members of the Cape Breton Partnership for the hard work they’ve done over these past 18 months.

You have developed a shared vision and a solid plan for Cape Breton and Mulgrave.

Now, with this framework in place, you can continue working with the community and businesses to guide and coordinate the region’s economic development.

This framework aligns with jobsHere, the province’s plan to grow the economy.

Through this plan, the province is making strategic investments in every region of Nova Scotia — including right here in Cape Breton — to create the conditions for job creation and economic growth.

jobsHere focuses on three key priorities:

• learning the right skills for good jobs
• growing the economy through innovation
• and helping businesses compete globally

This framework helps deliver on those priorities.

jobsHere is already developing opportunities in this region.

The province understands that it’s more important than ever for businesses and workers to continuously upgrade their skills and keep on top of new technologies.

That’s why in the past year the province has invested more than $1.8 million dollars in 29 companies throughout Cape Breton through the Productivity Investment Program.

Companies like Health Outcomes Worldwide in New Waterford, which received $89,000 to purchase the rights and ownership of software essential to its operation.

These are businesses that now have the support they need to ensure they are in the best possible position to compete.

The province is also investing to help companies become more globally competitive and expand their exports worldwide.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Billdidit, a company based right here in Sydney.

The business develops its own line of unique music accessories for drummers.

And with $300,000 through the Nova Scotia Jobs Fund, Billdidit was able to acquire important prototyping equipment and upgrade its efficiency.

Our government understands the value of small businesses and their importance to the economy.

That’s why we expanded initiatives like the Credit Union Small Business Loan Program.

Or why we invested more than $143,000 in 22 small businesses throughout Cape Breton through the Business Development Program.

jobsHere and this new Strategic Framework have common goals: to create more jobs and develop a vibrant local economy.

Again, I want to congratulate and thank the Cape Breton Partnership for its work on the framework.

You are helping propel Cape Breton’s economy toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

I would also like to recognize the federal government’s significant support for this project through the Enterprise Capre Breton Corporation.

And finally, I would like to thank Deputy Premier Frank Corbett, who you all know works tirelessly to ensure Cape Bretoners are able to live and work in the place that they call home.

Together, we are ensuring that our province makes the most of the opportunities before us.

Thank you.

Good morning everyone.

I’d like to thank the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce for once again inviting me to speak.

I want to share with you a quick story about a group of young people I had the pleasure of meeting earlier this week — 30 bright, enthusiastic kids from aboriginal communities across the province who have a passion for business and a desire to see Nova Scotia succeed.

It was at a dinner in honour of the mentorship program at Cape Breton University, which provides positive role models and a support system for aboriginal students.

I tell you, the excitement in that room was infectious.

I spoke to several young men and women and was so impressed with their attitude and outlook for the future.

It’s important that the province supports these, and all young Nova Scotians, to ensure they are prepared for that future.

These are the leaders of tomorrow, the budding entrepreneurs who could one day build successful businesses in industries like energy, transportation and shipping, and information technology — the very industries that will support the great opportunities on the horizon for our province, and our region.

There’s a similar energy each time I meet with a chamber.

It’s an eagerness to explore every new idea for its potential to better prepare workers and businesses for what’s in store in Nova Scotia.

Our province is heading into an era of what promises to be great prosperity… a time when good jobs are the norm — not an anomaly… a time when our young people who left the province looking for work can come home and build a life here in Nova Scotia.

I’m talking, of course, about the federal shipbuilding contract — $25 billion of work for Irving Shipbuilding and untold opportunity for its Nova Scotia suppliers.

I’m talking about the Lower Churchill hydroelectricity project… about construction of the Maritime Link… the dredging of Sydney Harbour and development in the Port of Sydney … and the hundreds of millions of dollars Shell Canada has committed to explore Nova Scotia’s offshore.

These are game-changers, and never before has this province had so many on the horizon at one time.

Earlier this week I spoke with Lorraine Mitchelmore, president of Shell Canada.

I wanted to welcome Shell back to Nova Scotia and make sure the company realizes the impact its commitment is already having on businesses across the province.

Opportunities like this are lifting the spirits of Nova Scotians… giving businesses confidence… and helping turn the corner on decades of the worst economic performance in the country.

We cannot change our past.

But we can learn from it to ensure we make the most of the opportunities before us.

The shipbuilding contract alone will generate millions of dollars in economic spinoffs for the region, and create more than 11,000 good jobs during peak production — a situation many companies are already planning for.

Our government will step up support for this opportunity in the months to come… to ensure our young people are able to benefit, and to ensure it means as much to Nova Scotia as it should.

The province, through the Ships Start Here partnership, has already taken significant steps to help prepare businesses for when these projects hit their stride.

Last September, Shelburne Ship Repair reopened with the help of an $8.8-million provincial investment.

A new skilled trades centre opened at Eastern Shore district high school in February, the ninth such centre in the province.

As part of the new Kids and Learning First plan, the number of schools offering skilled trades will double over the next four years to 18 and a new manufacturing course, linked to shipbuilding, will be introduced in September 2013.

These courses link classroom learning to real-life jobs and help get our young people thinking early on about the opportunities out there and how they can get involved.

Thanks to a $190,000 investment by the province, high school graduates interested in shipbuilding can now enroll in a new metal fabrication program at the Nova Scotia Community College.

The province’s new workforce strategy is helping Nova Scotians acquire the right skills for good jobs and targets groups that are under-represented in the workforce.

Just this week I announced as part of that strategy $640,000 for workforce training programs offered through the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office in Membertou.

The investment will help increase the number of Mi’kmaq ready to go to work in industries that need workers.

Mi’kmaw workers are an untapped resource that can help the province strengthen its economy and better prepare for the future.

Similarly, immigrants are another resource that the province can look to for help meeting industry demands.

Welcome Home to Nova Scotia, the province’s new immigration strategy, is among the most comprehensive in Canada.

It complements the workforce strategy and our jobsHere plan by targeting international workers with the technical skills and global contacts the province needs to become more innovative, productive and competitive.

A year after launching the jobsHere plan, the province has already supported the startup and growth of hundreds of companies in all regions.

We lowered the small business tax two years in a row, creating the lowest, most competitive tax environment for businesses in Nova Scotia in decades.

The expanded Credit Union Small Business Loan Program ensures small businesses have access to larger loans with more time to pay them back.

Simply put, I believe that the best the province can do for all businesses in Nova Scotia is to focus on the pillars of success: learning, innovation and competitiveness.

By creating the conditions for a more productive economy, with good jobs and better growth… by seizing the opportunities in keystone industries with companies like Irving Shipbuilding, Bowater Mersey and DSTN… the province is fostering a better business climate for enterprises of all sizes, in every part of Nova Scotia.

I want to close with a quote from a blog I read recently by Fred Morley.

It talks about Nova Scotia fairly winning the right to build Canada’s next fleet of combat ships, and the success of the Ships Start Here campaign.

Mr. Morley points out that “As character-building as finishing last all the time was in the old days, I really don’t want to go back there.”

I don’t think anyone in this room wants to go backwards.

I know I certainly don’t.

My colleagues and I want to see this province not just survive, but thrive, and we will do everything we can to see that happen.

Part of my job as Premier is to seek out and make the most of the opportunities available to our province — to sell Nova Scotia to the world.

I will not stand idly by and allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated.

Previous governments squandered the few big opportunities that came Nova Scotia’s way.

Not this time.

There’s a reason I say the future starts here.

Today is the beginning of a better tomorrow for our province… a brighter, more confident Nova Scotia for all.

Thank you.

Good evening.

Deputy Premier Corbett… MLA Gordie Gosse… Chief Paul… Mr. Christmas… Mr. Harker… Dr. Brown… Mr. Shannon… and all of our young guests, thank you for being here.

It’s a pleasure to be able to join you tonight, and an honour to be included in this celebration of our young Nova Scotians.

People always say that the youth are our future, and it’s true.

It is also true that the adults around them — their parents, their teachers, their communities and mentors like some of you — play a key role in helping them choose the right path.

Educators, like those at Cape Breton University… supporting organizations, like the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office… and business partners, like many of you here tonight help our young people to be better prepared for that future.

I applaud Cape Breton University on the creation of the Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies and I want to recognize all the young men and women who will be participating in the Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Program.

The province is happy to support this important work and to partner with all those involved.

This program and others like it provide access to what other successful people have learned and shared… they help young people see what the standards are and to work toward them… and they build skills, confidence and networks, which are vital to a successful business.

Today, perhaps more than ever, it is important to have strong business leaders, people like Chief Paul and Purdy Crawford.

The community of Membertou, where Chief Paul has been the leader for 28 years, is an excellent example of how a strong leader can help a community thrive.

Each and every one of the young people in the room tonight has the potential to be a leader.

The skills you will learn while participating in this program… your ideas, innovations and your dreams will help to shape tomorrow.

You will help to bring competitiveness to the business community… and you will help to bring about change, innovation, fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking.

You will become the business leaders and entrepreneurs who will help create job opportunities and allow our communities to thrive.

Our government is committed to creating good jobs and growing the economy through our jobsHere plan.

A key component of that commitment is to ensure that businesses have access to a well-educated and well-trained workforce.

Earlier today, I announced more than $600,000 over two years for the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office.

The funding will help the office work with their partners to help Mi’kmaq in seven communities across Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia to prepare for good jobs that will help them take control of their futures.

Trade and industry specific training will give participants access to jobs with Unama’ki’s existing partners.

It will also help them to prepare for the good jobs that will come with the game-changing opportunities on the horizon for this province, like the shipbuilding contract and construction of the Maritime Link for the Lower Churchill project.

Perhaps some of you will build successful businesses in industries like energy, transportation and shipping, or communications and information technology, and play a role in these important projects.

The province continues to work hard on its commitment to create good jobs and grow the economy.

Government is grateful to have excellent partners in our universities… our businesses and business organizations… and in the aboriginal community.

I want to thank you for working with the province to help build a stronger and healthier future for all Nova Scotians.

To the 30 young men and women in this room tonight: yesterday, you were dreaming about the great things you are all capable of… today, you are receiving the support you need to achieve those goals… and tomorrow, you will become the leaders and mentors for the generation after you.

Standing up here tonight, I feel as though I’m looking into the face of our future — that future is young… it’s well-educated… and it’s enthusiastic.

That’s a winning combination.

I’m proud to have been invited to be part of this important evening, and I wish you every success in your future endeavors.

Welalin.

Thank you, Frank.

Chief Paul… MLA Gordie Gosse… Mr. Christmas… Mr. Hasham… thanks for joining us.

You all know that our government is committed to creating good jobs and growing the economy, right across Nova Scotia.

An important part of that is ensuring Nova Scotians have the opportunities and training to be prepared for the jobs opening up.

Today, I am pleased to announce that the province is making a significant investment in jobs and training for Mi’kmaq communities here in Cape Breton.

This funding, more than $600,000 over two years, will help increase the number of Mi’kmaq who are ready to go to work in industries that need workers.

The province’s investment of $300,000 this year, and $340,000 next year, will help an important Mi’kmaw organization to bring aboriginal people and Nova Scotia employers together.

This funding will help the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office provide training for more than 400 people and will lead to employment for more than 200 Mi’kmaq in seven First Nations communities — Membertou, Eskasoni, Wagmatcook, Waycobah, Chapel Island, Paq’tnkek [BUK-IN-KEG] and Pictou Landing.

The project aims to prepare aboriginals for jobs with its many industry partners, and for major projects about to roll out in our region — significant, long-term projects like the shipbuilding contract… the Lower Churchill project… the Donkin Mine and development anticipated in the Port of Sydney.

Participants will receive trade and industry specific training and academic upgrading.

Pre-employment skill development will better prepare them for success.

I’d like to talk for a minute about why the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office is such a great partner.

You hear it all the time — it’s people who make the difference.

People like Chief Terry Paul, who chairs the Board of Directors, and Dan Christmas and Tavey Menge, who co-chair the community steering committee that provides direction to the Unama’ki office.

Along with Executive Director Owen Fitzgerald and Training Director Alex Paul and the rest of the staff, they are making a big difference in people’s lives.

The Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office translates good intentions into business reality.

Like in 2008, when the Benefits Office secured an agreement totalling over $19 million for the first Nova Scotia Aboriginal set-aside.

This was for work on the Sydney Tar Ponds Cleanup project, which led to Mi’kmaq businesses being able to compete successfully for an additional $37 million in non-set aside contracts for the cleanup.

The province is committed to working with chiefs to improve the economic situation in Mi’kmaw communities.

Communities that are economically self-sufficient have citizens who enjoy better health, better education, and better lives.

And strong Mi’kmaq communities are essential to the well-being of our whole province.

Just as investing in Mi’kmaq economic development is an investment in the entire province, it’s also true that an investment in the communities of Unama’ki is an investment in Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia.

With more than half of the Mi’kmaw population in Nova Scotia under 25 years of age, we need to work together to help ensure we reach and connect with aboriginal youth.

With the proper training, the youth of Unamak’i will help meet the shortage of skilled tradespeople on the Island.

The province is working hard to ensure there are opportunities for people to learn valued skills for good jobs, while building a stronger, more diverse workforce.

Mi’kmaw workers are an untapped resource that can help us strengthen our economy and prepare for the future.

Through the province’s jobsHere plan, which focuses on training… the new workforce strategy… and investments like the one today, we are keeping our commitment to create good jobs, grow the economy and make life better for Nova Scotians.

You’ve heard me say it before — the future starts here, and in every other part of Nova Scotia.

The goal and the plan are to ensure that opportunities are available throughout the province, and that people are seizing those opportunities.

Today’s announcement is another step toward making that plan a reality… to ensure that the future starts here.

Thanks to Chief Paul, the other chiefs that are part of this Unama’ki initiative and to Dan Christmas and the staff at Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office for your partnership on this important initiative.

Welalin.