The Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce  submitted a letter to the URB on the issue of the Maritime Link, and application by NSP Maritime Link Inc.

This project proposes to route energy from Muskrat Falls through Newfoundland to Nova Scotia.   The Chamber raises points of concern relating to project cost, risk to ratepayers, and whether energy alternatives have been thoroughly explored.

Read the NS Chamber Commerce – submission to URB on Maritime Link (PDF).

Introduction of 10-digit dialing for local calls in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Starting August 23, 2014, residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will be required to dial 10 digits – the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number – for all local calls. The introduction of 10-digit dialing is the result of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and will pave the way for the addition of a new area code, 782, in November 2014, as the 902 area code reaches capacity.

To accommodate 10-digit dialing, various telephone functions and communications equipment will need to be reprogrammed to add the 902 area code to numbers stored in autodialing devices. Reprogramming can start now, since telephone service providers are all currently able to accommodate 10-digit local dialing. All adjustments should be completed before 10-digit local dialing comes into effect on August 23, 2014.

The Telecommunications Alliance – whose members include Bell Aliant, Bell, Rogers and Telus – was formed to spearhead a public information campaign to ensure a seamless transition to this new local dialing method.

For more information on how to get prepared, please consult the information document available on the Telecommunications Alliance website at www.dial10.ca.

The Acadia Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship (ACSBE) is partnering with the Government of Nova Scotia to offer a FREE, 40-hour Workplace Education Training Program to small businesses in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. This training program will focus on developing computer skills for small businesses.

Characteristics of Workplace Education:

• The focus is on developing the essential skills, computer skills in this case
• The content is tailored to the needs of the specific participants
• The program has clear, measurable goals
• The participants evaluate the process – both during and after the program
• Each person’s progress and results are confidential
• Classes are small, with 7-12 participants in each program
• The training is delivered by qualified and experienced instructors

The Benefits of Workplace Education:

• Build confidence and morale
• Increase productivity
• Improve communication and teamwork
• Reduce staff turnaround
• Manage change and help people to adapt

Specific Information About this FREE Training Opportunity

Topic: Computer Skills for Small Business
Program Description:

• This program will offer 40 hours of computer training customized to the needs of small business owners in Lunenburg and Queens County over an eight-week period. This will begin with basic computer skills and build on advanced skills throughout the program.
• Throughout this program we will use software, such as Excel and Simply Accounting, to target the development of financial skills for small business.

When: Wednesday evenings, 5:30pm – 9:30pm, May 8th – June 26th, 2013
Where: ACSBE Bridgewater (373 King Street, Bridgewater, NS
How to Apply:

• Fill out a quick survey, by clicking the link below!
  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MN5NQM9

Our instructor will contact you for a one-on-one meeting

We welcome you to contact us with your questions and concerns, or to get additional information regarding this opportunity. Please contact Michelle:

Michelle Byers
michelle.byers@acadiau.ca
1 (866) 654 – 4499
373 King Street, Bridgewater, NS
See more information about this FREE opportunity online at:  Workplace Education website.

Region of Queens issued a media release on the passing of this year’s budget. Excerpt below:

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Region of Queens Council passes Economic Development Budget

April 15, 2013 – Liverpool, NS – With a strategic focus on Economic Development, the Council of the Region of Queens Municipality unanimously passed a business-minded budget today. Despite a significant half a million dollar loss to the tax base with the closure of the Resolute Mill, Region Council and Staff sharpened their pencils in order to minimize the tax increase for 2013/2014.

“This budget is about rebuilding Queens,” stated Mayor Christopher Clarke, “and staff were directed to do all that they could to keep the Commercial rate steady.” While business properties outside the limits of the Liverpool will see their rates unchanged, those businesses within the Liverpool limits will actually enjoy a 2¢ decrease in their taxes due to a debt repayment, making it the third lowest rate in the Province. “Given the enormous challenge faced by staff, I am proud of the work of our team and the economic focus of our Region,” commented CAO Kathleen Rafuse.

Read the Full Release: Region Queens 2013-2014-Budget (PDF)