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Can Nova Scotia Profit From Community Investment Companies?Is It Possible For Communities To Finance Their Own Economic Growth? One Nova Scotia Group Says The Answer Is Yes.Every year millions of dollars flow out of Nova Scotia and are invested in business projects elsewhere in Canada and around the world. Those businesses create jobs and new opportunities. A Cape Breton organization, BCA Holdings Ltd., believes it is time to keep some of those millions here and create jobs for Nova Scotians instead. BCA, which stands for Banking Community Assets, is a community venture finance company. It brings together local people and local money to help the community. By raising money from both individuals and institutions, BCA assists small businesses with the aim of job creation and keeping ownership in the hands of local people. BCA has had great success with businesses that would have been passed over for loans from more tradition banks. BCA was the creation of Father Greg MacLeod. A long time activist in the community economic field in Cape Breton, he believes communities can do more for themselves. Hector DiPersio, General Manager of BCA Holdings, believes community finance is the way of the future and wants to see other communities get involved. DiPersio says, "Communities have become more self reliant. The days of government assistance to business have gone. If there is going to be any economic growth it has to be through the communities themselves." BCA is something like a banker. It lends money to businesses that require help or provides financing to start new businesses. Since incorporation in 1989, BCA has grown and now has assets over $1 million. An important boost for BCA was a $500,000 interest free loan negotiated with Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation. Other than the loan BCA has not received any government grants. The company owes its financial success to good business practice and to the guidance and expertise of its Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of some of the most experienced and successful business people in Cape Breton. Hector DiPersio points out that traditional sources of financing are not readily available in rural areas. "Outside the cities banks have always restricted money to business. They are not too willing to lend." DiPersio explains that is the reason there was a need for a community bank like BCA. "Regular sources of financing were not responding. The idea was to get local people to invest in BCA. This money would be put into business ventures that would create employment." BCA attracts people and institutions to invest by offering a competitive return on their money. Plus it allows people to see something positive happening with their money within their own community. Although BCA is a not for profit organization that depends on volunteers for its existence, the companies it invests in have to make a profit. Hector DiPersio says, "We have to be convinced it will go well." Profits from one year are reinvested in another local company. To date BCA's investments have generated strong community support and have generated or saved about 100 jobs in Cape Breton. Some of BCA's successful investment projects include: East Coast Rope: When a government-subsidized rope company went bankrupt, workers and community members protested to stop a Louisiana group from purchasing the machinery. BCA helped organize a new company, East Coast Rope, which acquired the machinery and now employs 30 people in a successful operation. Tompkins Development: When a small credit union was faced with closure because they couldn't afford to build a new building BCA financed a community-owned commercial centre which houses the credit union and supporting tenants, Tim Hortons's and the public library. Bras d'Or Lakes Inn: BCA purchased this bankrupt hotel to keep the ownership local. It is hoped that a joint venture for eco-tourism will be arranged with an adjacent Mi'kmaq community. Bras d'Or Broadcasting: When the local radio station CHER went bankrupt, BCA bid for the assets against a New Brunswick media conglomerate which already owns two radio stations in Sydney. Community groups supported BCA's successful opposition to what would have amounted to a radio monopoly in Sydney. East Coast Rope is one of BCA's highest profile successes. Partly because of the publicity which surrounded the closing of the plant and the refusal of local residents to see machinery removed and sent to the United States. But also because the plant is now highly successful. Gary Jessome, Sales Agent for East Coast Rope says, "I never thought we could produce and sell so much rope." Today, 80% of the rope produced is sold in Canada but new markets are being explored elsewhere, like the United States. "We are always looking for new niches in the market," say Jessome . The rope is used primarily by fishermen and is gaining popularity because of its long life and the fact that it is easy on hands, unlike other ropes. Only one other firm in North America makes the same type of rope. By using a unique sales strategy that gave samples of the rope to fishermen sales have doubled over the past two years. Jessome says, "We gave 100 feet of rope to every boat owner we could find in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick." BCA is proud of its involvement with East Coast Rope. BCA is unique in Canada in combining community purposes with corporate business methods. Hector DiPersio says, "I think any community could do it if they had the people who were willing to invest their time and effort." BCA is the leader in the field of community banking and offers its expertise to communities throughout Nova Scotia. "Less government investment in business means more community economic development will have to be done by the communities themselves," says DiPersio. "This is going to be the way of the future. Sooner or later communities will have to get into it." BCA offers its services as a banker for other communities. By cooperating and networking and sharing the experience already gained BCA believes it can help other communities succeed in community banking. Stopping the flow of investment money out of Nova Scotia and keeping it here for use by local businesses is central to BCA's mission. The signs are already there that the strategy is working in Cape Breton. Father Greg MacLeod, originator of the BCA concept says, "We invite all Atlantic Canadians to step into the 1990's with a new plan for economic development with BCA." Leonard MacNeil, an accountant with Doane Raymond estimates that is just 3 or 4 percent of the money that leaves Cape Breton every year for investment elsewhere could be kept at home and invested in business projects a tremendous boost would be given to the local economy. "The activity that could result would be amazing," he says. BCA has produced a video and a book explaining its community banking concept. You can contact BCA by calling:
After 400 Years Where Does Canso Go From Here?
No Community In Nova Scotia Has Been Any More Dependent On The Fishery. What Is Being Done To Plan For The Future?For over 400 years Canso has been at the heart of the North Atlantic fishery. This month we take a look at the struggle going on in Canso today to revive its economy and chart a course that will see this small isolated coastal community survive for another 400 years. Despite the recent troubles in the fishery it is the one industry that has sustained Canso for centuries. And as out visit to Canso shows, fish are still at the core of the local economy. The Town of Canso, located in Guysborough County, on the eastern most tip of Nova Scotia's mainland has watched its fortunes rise and fall over the centuries. As early as 1504 European fishermen were visiting Canso. Due to its sheltered harbour and close location to the rich fishing banks off North America's east coast, Canso proved to be an ideal base for the European fishing fleet. The French were the first to settle the area and established a permanent settlement at Grassy Island, just off-shore from today's Canso Town. The French existed relatively undisturbed until the early 18th century. As the New England colonies grew, the battle for control over North America, between England and France also expanded. After several battles with the French and the destruction of their settlement at Grass Island in 1774, the British seized control of the area. Grassy Island was then used as the preparation site for the first successful attack on the Fortress of Louisbourg, further up the coast of Cape Breton Island. Once they had taken control of the area the British encouraged settlement of the mainland. This settlement gave birth to Canso which overlooks historic Grassy Island. Today Grassy Island is a national park. By the 1800's Canso's fortunes were soaring as it grew to establish itself as the centre of the Atlantic fishery. Thanks to the enterprise of a local entrepreneur, Abram Whitman, Canso grew and prospered. It was Whitman who established one of the earliest fish plants in Atlantic Canada at Canso. But fish was not the only thing driving Canso's economy during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Canso boomed with the arrival of two transatlantic cable companies. The Western Union Company and the Commercial Cable Company quickly transformed Canso into a centre of world communications. The cable companies brought cultural and technological advancement to Canso. The companies lasted well into the 20th century. As technology changed and new methods of communication displaced the old cable companies they eventually left Canso. After the demise of the Trans Atlantic cable service Canso's economy was once again dependent on the fishery. From the early 1900's most of the labour force continued to work in area fish plants and on the fleets that brought the fish ashore. In 1962 Canso's reputation as a centre of the fishery was once again re-established with the construction by Acadia Fisheries, of a large modern fish plant. Today that plant continues to operate as Seafreez Foods, a state of the art fish processing facility. Perhaps no community in Nova Scotia has been more dependent on the fishery for its birth and continued survival than Canso. Today with a population of 1230 people Canso is well known throughout Atlantic Canada. And although it has seen its share of ups and downs, for the most of its history the faith in the fishery was steadfast. But by 1990 the impact of declining fish stocks was threatening to devastate Canso's economy. The virtual closure of the Atlantic Ground-fish fishery threatened the town's economic lifeline. The town's largest employer, National Sea Products, which was then operating the Seafreez Foods plant, closed its doors leaving hundreds out of work. The future looked bleak. A buyer was eventually found to take over the fish plant, but with the unstable state of the fishery the prospects for large numbers of jobs being created was slim. For the past five years Canso has been searching for ways to diversify and create new economic opportunity. The job has not been an easy one. An economic analysis of Guysborough County, where Canso is located, shows that the manufacturing base is low with only 1.4% of Nova Scotia manufacturing activity. It also has the lowest number of manufacturing and retail business in Nova Scotia and the lowest income level of all tax filers in Nova Scotia. Only about 13% of Guysborough County residents make over $30,000 per year. And since 1988 Canso's Social Assistance costs have risen by 362% as able bodied people become unemployed. Statistics like these mean economic opportunities are low and as a result Guysborough County has one of the highest rates of people moving away in Canada. But there is optimism and a real determination by local citizens to build a brighter future and a better economy. As Scott Conrod, the Town Clerk and Treasurer of Canso points out "Canso has a tremendous human resource. People want to stay and work here." But what can really be done to turn the areas fortunes around? Thanks to a big community effort Canso has been working hard for the past five years to develop new strategies for growth. By utilizing government programs the community has been able to make a start on diversification. In 1991, a $6 million Community Development Fund was set up for Canso by the government of Canada. It was put in place to help Canso with the transition required after the collapse of Ground-fish stocks. That fund, designed as a funder of last resort was administered by a committee of local citizens. It provided financial support for business and community projects. A Community Futures Program, another initiative of the Government of Canada was also set up to prepare a strategic plan for community economic development. This program enabled a volunteer committee of local citizens to consult widely with the community and develop a five year strategy and action plan for community economic development in the area. Although the Community Futures Program has now expired in Canso the strategic plan that was prepared has been given to the Guysborough County Regional Development Authority. With the demise of government funding to support Community Futures and other community based initiatives citizens felt it was important that a local community economic development agency be created. They wanted an agency that would concentrate its efforts on eastern Guysborough County. The Eastern Guysborough Development Association (EGCDA) was created. It is made up of community representatives from each of the small communities in the Canso area. Scott Conrod says, "It was felt that there needed to be an organization that focused on the unique needs of eastern Guysborough County. Conrod points out that this new organization is not a Regional Development Authority. "It serves eastern Guysborough County only. It cooperates and works closely with the local Regional Development Authority though." The EGCDA has only been up and running for a few months but it is already clear that it already has plans to do whatever it can to kickstart the local economy with the maximum participation of the private sector. Joe Walsh, A Canso Town Councillor and member of the Coastal Communities Network explains, "This is an organization that is not relying on government programs. It will not rely on government money to try and attract business to the area. It wants to use private money and private sector resources to get things happening here. There are well defined term of reference for the EGCDA. When it came time to hire a Director for the organization we knew we needed a doing person. Someone to beat the bushes and open doors. This is a somewhat different approach than had been tried in the past". Shawn McGroarty is that 'doing person'. He has been hired as Chief Executive Officer of EGCDA. His initial mandate is to attract companies into the area. McGroarty says, "Instead of the community going to government we will be using the private sector." In an area with 16% unemployment McGroarty knows he has a big job ahead of him. He says, "It is going to be difficult but definitely interesting." And although he is new to the area McGroarty already like what he sees in Canso. "There is a lot of potential. There is a strong workforce that is ready and able." And where does he see opportunities for new business? He answers, "Light manufacturing, the computer industries, wood products and tourism." Already there has been some success. The EGCDA has announced that Nova Art Framing House will set up a new manufacturing subsidiary in Canso. The company is internationally renowned for its reprints of major artists like Sherman Hines, Ben Stahl and Horst Guilhauman. Production is scheduled to begin in February. There are plans to employ 20 people in the first year of operation. The EGCDA is not the only development group dedicated to creating new opportunities in Canso. Two and a half years ago the Town formed a Waterfront Development Corporation (CWADC). They hired a manager, Becky Mason, and set up a Board of Directors. The CWADC mandate involves the building of a spectacular park called, Sailor Rest, in the middle of town, a waterfront promenade and the refurbishment of the old Past Office. Scott Conrod points out, "There were very few tourists coming to town. And those that were coming were only spending a few hours. These projects are designed to attract and keep tourists here longer." Tourism has been identified as a growth area for Canso and increasing the number of tourists is an important goal for the CWADC. With its unique local geology and unspoiled habitat, Canso is a prime destination for eco-tourism buffs. Already there is growth in the local tourism market. There have been 5 or 6 new tourist businesses open up; bed and breakfasts, charter businesses. It looks like there is a future in tourism. The EGCDA is also working on other projects including a proposed ferry service between Canso and Isle Madame. It could help triple the present number of tourists visiting the area. McGroarty says, "We have to put together a proposal for this service that is appealing to the private sector." The EGCDA is also sponsoring a project that will bring Internet services to the area. With the assistance of Industry, Trade and Technology Canada a Point of Presence will be set up to allow local businesses and citizens affordable subscription and call rates to access the Internet. McGroarty emphasizes that the EGCDA approach to attracting new investment to Canso is based on the community. "Canso and the area people are teaming up in this new approach and are getting a better handle on their own destiny. Its got to come from the communities themselves. Rather than a single effort to go to government and get money it will take a lead effort by the community to put something together that would be appealing to the private sector and then you present that to government for support." On November 24, 1995, Seafreez Foods announced that it was planning a major expansion of its seafood processing plant in Canso. The expansion will include an increase in Herring processing capacity, the installation of a Surimi processing line and a Snow Crab processing line. The expansion will result in $2 million of investment and result in the creation of more than 100 full and part-time jobs. Bill Barry, President of Seafreez Foods said at the time of the announcement, "Twenty years ago Canso was one of the largest herring processing plants in Atlantic Canada and we are well on our way to re-establishing the plant to this position of prominence." The announced expansion was met with enthusiasm in Canso and had a real uplifting effect says Joe Walsh. "Everybody said 'At least we are going to be around'. People are looking at is as a diversification within the fishing industry." Canso was hit hard by the collapse of ground fish stocks off the Atlantic Coast. For over four centuries no one questioned the continuing supply of fish. In 1990 all of that changed and a great challenge was thrown at the people of Canso. After five years of hard work there are some encouraging signs for Canso. There is a real community drive to develop new economic opportunities and local citizens are leading the way. Without question Canso's past and future are both tied to the sea. But citizens of this small coastal town are striving to develop a community that can look to other economic opportunities to create jobs and secure their future.
Helping Fishers Find Viable Employment Future.Tags Employment Officers Opening Doors To New Job Opportunities.By Trudy Fong When the livelihoods of many Atlantic coast fishing communities were disrupted by the closure of much of the fishery, many fishers and fish plant workers were faced with a wrenching dilemma. Antigonish-based Human Resources employment officer Janet Tremblay explains: "It's not easy to drop what you are doing and start something new after so many years. It's a hard go." While some fishers may be willing to relocate for the sake of work, for others it means leaving behind a house that they have spent years paying for and cannot sell. A lot depends on the age of the fishers, how close they were to retirement, and how much money they have tied up in their homes. For those who are not willing to place all their bets on the recovery of the fish stocks, the Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, or TAGS, and TAGS employment officers like Tremblay, have been opening doors to new job opportunities. It's a job that requires an understanding of her clients' strengths and weaknesses and a strong streak of entrepreneurial spirit. As part of a recent initiative, Tremblay arranged for several recruitment sessions with the City of Toronto fire fighters, positions that start at $37,000 a year. "Rather than send ten or fifteen TAGS clients out there for just one interview, which would cost a lot of money, it was cheaper for us to bring them in and I can get fifty clients seen," explains Tremblay. With three sessions slated for the clients of Antigonish/Guysborough and Cape Breton, and another two sessions scheduled for Halifax and the fishers of the South Shore, it adds up to a lot of exposure for the investment. Initiatives like this benefit not just those men hired by recruiters. "If we get one or two placements out of it that's nice, but it opens up the doors for them, to let them think about other types of work out there, good paying jobs, "notes Tremblay. Four of the participants who attended the sessions are seriously pursuing a position with the Toronto Fire Department. Tremblay points out that TAGS is an "exit out" program, which enables displaced fishermen and fish plant workers to find viable alternatives for the future. With 746 TAGS clients in the Antigonish/Guysborough area alone, she emphasizes that "Now is the time to take advantage of what we've got." At this stage, fishers are helped into new lines of work with wage subsidies, people who help them seek work, and training programs. While some fishers may have so much time and money invested in the fishery that they are reluctant to move into another field, Tremblay underscores their dilemma. "This program is not going to be around forever. So when it's gone and they don't even have that behind them, they're out in the cold, just depending on the fishery. Tremblay points to the successful transition some of her clients have already made. One fish plant worker, Paul Jackson, from Halfway Cove, in Guysborough County, worked in the industry for thirty years before switching to a job with Silver and Hanifan Plumbing and Heating in Antigonish. Jackson, 45, experienced only a week of adjustment before he felt he fit into his new line of work. "It just came naturally to me," notes Jackson, who was trained as a steam pipefitter. "When this job came up I jumped at it." Jackson reasoned that it was a better option than placing his bets on the uncertain future in the fisheries. Added to that, was the limited amount of time that the TAGS program will be in place before the funding runs out. "I'd rather make a move before this happens."
Nova Scotia Women's FishNet Examines Changes To Unemployment InsuranceBy Mary DesRoches and Ishbel Munro The following information is an overview of the new employment system (EI). It was discussed at a Nova Scotia Women's FishNet workshop held in Bedford Nova Scotia on January 13 and 14. The Fish Harvester Unemployment Insurance has a separate policy that is now being developed. It may or may not be the same as EI. The workshop was led by a Canada Employment Centre staff member. The information presented here has been submitted by Nova Scotia Women's FishNet. Calculating Hours Worked Instead Of Weeks Worked Current System: An insurable week is a minimum of 15 hours or $163. A part-time worker would have to work 12 to 20 weeks depending on local unemployment rate to qualify for UI. New System: As of January 1, 1997 qualifying for EI means workers must accumulate a minimum of 35 hours of work for each insurable week of earnings. Same worker above must now work 490 hours. At 15 hours a week this worker needs 33 weeks of work to qualify for EI. Hours can be accumulated from week to week and from several jobs. Number of Weeks To Qualify Current System: Depending on local unemployment rate a worker may need 12 to 20 weeks of insurable earnings. New entrant needs a minimum of 20 weeks. New System: As of June 30, 1996 workers will need a minimum of 14 weeks to qualify for EI up from 12 in the high unemployment areas (over 12%). A minimum of hours worked ranges from 420 to 700 hours depending on local unemployment rate. New entrant will now need to work a minimum of 26 weeks as of July 1996 and on January 1, 1997 new entrants will need 910 hours which is equivalent to 26 weeks at 35 hours each week worked. Fixed Period The fixed period for calculating employment earnings in high employment earnings in high unemployment regions will rise to 16 weeks. Intention to have a uniform national 20 week averaging period (qualifying period). Part-Time Workers An additional 500,000 part-time workers will be paying EI with no hopes of qualifying for EI unless they hold down two or more part-time jobs. Those who earn $2,000. or less in a year will have the EI premiums paid refunded. Current System: Workers need 15 hours or $163. of earnings to be insured. Workers in Halifax now need 17 insurable weeks to qualify for UI, in Cape Breton 12 weeks are needed. New System: Workers pay premiums on the first hour worked. In a low unemployment area such as Halifax workers will need 595 hours of work to qualify for EI and after June 30, 1996 this same worker will need 630 hours to qualify. A part-time worker working 15 hours a week will need almost 40 weeks of work to qualify for EI and after June 30 it will take the same worker 42 weeks to qualify. Another increase in the qualifying period occurs after January 1, 1997 with the goal in mind that everyone will eventually need 20 weeks of insurance earnings to qualify for EI. As of June 30, 1996 workers in Cape Breton will need 14 weeks or 490 hours of work to qualify for EI. Eligible weeks must fall within the 52 weeks preceding the application for benefits.
Calculating Your Benefit RateCurrent System:The unemployment rate is established on the workers last 20 insurable weeks of work or any number of weeks one has so long as it is enough to qualify. These weeks could have taken the workers 52 weeks to accumulate or since the start of their last claim- which ever is the shorter period of time. Example: 14 weeks at $300 a week ( $300 X 55% =$165.)
New System:
The workers rate of benefit will be established based on the last co
Eligible weeks for qualifying for EI is still based on the last 52 weeks prior to application but benefit rate is based on the fixed period of consecutive weeks immediately preceding application.
Example: If in Cape Breton a worker has accumulated 14 weeks of insurable earnings in the past 52 weeks but only 6 will fall within the 14 consecutive weeks prior to application the benefit rate would be calculated as follows- ( example of a worker earning $300 per week- $300 X 6 = $1800. divided by 14 = $128 X 55% = $70.) The worker now would receive $70 of benefits collected last year. The worker has lost $95 off the weekly rate.
Benefit rate is established using only the insurable weeks that fall within the last 14 weeks before application even if only one week fell in the 14 week period prior to application for benefits.
Example given at workshop: An even worse case is a fisherperson whose livelihood is from lobsters. The season is open from April 15 to July 15 during which period of time they may be able to acquire 13 insured weeks. They also hold a ground-fish license with which they are able to get an additional 6 insured weeks during August and September. They cannot file claim until October 28, 1996. During this period of time the fisherperson has only six insured weeks from small ground-fish catches. The large lobster sales are of no use to him in the calculation of his benefit rate. His six small ground-fish stamps will be averaged over 14 weeks and he may end up with a benefit rate of $50. Or if he was unfortunate enough to only have made two insurable weeks from his groundfish sales he would be unfortunate enough to receive $10, per week in unemployment benefits.
Potential weeks of duration drops from 50 to 45 weeks. Based on number of weeks worked.
UI insures up to $815 of weekly earnings or up to $42, 380 per year.
Reduced to $750 per week or $39, 00. per year in 1996 and frozen until the year 200.
Under the new rules the basic 55% benefit rate will remain. The new intensity rule reduces benefits to those who have collected more then 20 weeks of benefits during the past five years. Repeat users of EI will have their benefit rate reduced by 1% each year they make application until it reaches a maximum level of 5% or their benefit rate is calculated at 50% earnings.
Clawback is directed at those individuals with an income tax time 30% of every dollar made over the $63,570 is taken back.
Income rate for clawback starts at $48, 750. for the 30% clawback.
Depending on the number of weeks a worker has drawn UI in the last 5 years this percent could increase.
For example, if your income is more than $39,000. and in the past 5 years you have drawn at least 100 weeks of UI you would be required to pay back 80% of the monies you draw on UI for that year.
This program begins in July 1996 and workers start with a clean slate in that year but will be penalized every year after if they draw EI and earn $39,000 gross income. Gross income includes wages and UI.
The Northside area of Cape Breton is gaining a growing reputation for fostering unique and productive ways to help young adults stay in class and get the education they need. In May of 1991 a Learning Center was opened in Sydney Mines, as a pilot project, to provide a comprehensive range of literacy, social and employable skills. The Center and its programs were set up to deal with young adults, 16 years of age and up, who had dropped put of the regular school system, or those who were at- risk. The Center teaches essential skills; both academic and personal, necessary for employment and life.
Even though it was started as a pilot project, sponsored by the local Northside/Victoria District School Board and Human Resources Development Canada, the program has achieved dramatic results. The Center is so successful that at any given time there is usually a waiting list of 200 students. About 30 students are enrolled in the Centers programs at any one time.
Candace Sarty, a Counsellor at the Center explains, "Typically our students are junior and high school students. They are struggling in their regular school system. They are usually referred to us by Guidance Counsellors. We also have some older students who come here to upgrade for vocational training or to write GED's."(Graduate Equivalency Diploma)
Under the direction of former North Sydney Mayor, David MacDonald, the Center has introduced unique methods of motivating and encouraging at risk students. To create an environment that will help keep students in class the Center stresses mutual respect and responsibility between staff and students.
Sarty says, "We are trying to build self esteem in students who have been flattened by the system." And as the Center staff have learned, many students who weren't doing well in regular classrooms at junior and senior high schools, flourished in the environment created at the Learning Center.
John MacInnis, a teacher at the Center says, "Students are an integral part in the decision making process. Each person agrees to live by certain guidelines. If they slip they also agree to be confronted. We call it care-fronted." And comments from the students at the Center indicate that they are also pleased with the results being achieved. B.J. Holland, a 17 year old from North Sydney says, "You get respect as soon as you come through the door." And it appears that feeling of respect has made a difference for B.J.. He goes on to say, "All I did when I was in regular school was fight. Its different here."
The different atmosphere, the smaller classes and the emphasis on responsibility seem to make a difference for most students at the Center.
Carrie Sutherland, a 17 year old from North Sydney comments, "You're not just a number here. I had problems in school since grade 8. I finally quit in grade 9. My brother went through this Center. It worked for him. I feel like I fit right in here."
Tanya Capstick, another student at the Center was referred by her Guidance Counsellor. She says, "I know people who have gone through this and are now in college. I found there was too much pressure in regular school." The sense of caring promoted at the Center is also encouraging to Tanya. "The one on one attention is great. Advisors and teachers are more like friends and family."
Students at the school follow a curriculum that combines traditional core academic curriculum, Adult Basic Upgrading, correspondence courses, individual teaching and tutoring. Students also use state of the art computer programs like the Plato System, which uses interactive computer technology to teach academics at basic, intermediate and advanced levels, life skills, job search and effective parenting .
Just how successful has this pilot project been? If you talk to the students they give it top marks. Many students have left the Center to go on to college, university, and other programs. Some leave and find work. But as Rod Grant, a Center teacher says, "There is no easy measure of success. For us it is a matter of goal setting. Every student has different goals. Successes aren't the kids who go on to university or go back to regular school." Some reports from the school show students two to five grade levels in as little as 16 weeks. But staff are just as interested in personal gains made by students in both pride and self worth.
The Learning Center in Sydney Mines provides a second chance for students who cannot succeed in a regular classroom. Rod Grant says, "Regular classes work fine for the people it works for, but there is a huge number of people it doesn't work for."
Doug Magee, Editor of the Cape Breton Post wrote about the success of the Center in May of 1994 and said, "The Center is justified by the fact that it's getting results. Drop-outs and at-risk students are being pulled back into learning, away from chronically marginal existence that awaits the under educated young in Cape Breton. Welcomed with concern, understanding and patience, young people who had given up on school are finding new confidence and motivation."
The Center is sponsored by Human Resources Development Canada, Northside-Victoria District School Board and the Department of Education and Culture.
The best testimony about how effective this Center is comes from the students themselves. Carrie Sutherland says, "After the Center I want to go to college, get a job and make money."
The Eastern Learning Centre, located in Sheet Harbour on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore works with residents who require training and educational upgrading. The Centre works with TAGS clients specifically and others, of all ages, from the community who are seeking to further their education.
Mary Jean Perkins and Elizabeth Barnard, Coordinators of the Eastern Learning Centre, work with local residents to arrange a customized schedule of education or training. As Elizabeth Barnard explains, "Some people require tutors to upgrade their skills. We can make those arrangements. Some students want to get into university courses. We help people tap into whatever is out there."
Specifically the Learning Centre targets people who have been out of school for a year or two and want to upgrade their education.
Mary Jean Perkins says, "We look at all learning needs; literacy, social issues, whatever." One of the initiatives the Learning Centre is presently working on is matching training programs to real needs in the community. For example, they are targeting groups that need training for certain types of certification. Groups like ambulance attendants and homecare workers. The Centre works in cooperation with all education partners in the area including the Dartmouth Canada Employment Centre, Fisheries Resource Coordinator, Eastern Shore Regional Industrial Training Committee, Halifax District School Board and the Department of Education.
One of the programs the Centre coordinates helps students who are at risk of not finishing school get a second chance. Students are now able to get back into the classroom thanks to today's latest technology. Duncan MacMillan High School in Sheet Harbour is one of a handful of sites around Nova Scotia that are offering classes over a computer hook-up. In fact, Duncan MacMillan is the only school in Halifax County offering this new technology.
The computer system means students can continue to take courses leading to high school completion without attending regular class sessions. Or for students who have already finished high school they can enroll in university courses using the same system. The computer hook up allows an instructor in one site to teach students at several different schools at the same time. For example, a high school teacher in Guysborough can link up, via the computer network, to students at four or five schools in Nova Scotia at once. Or a university professor at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax can offer courses to dozens of sites around the province at the same time.
This is exactly what 15 Duncan MacMillan students started doing in September of 1995. A few adults have also signed up to take university courses offered by Mount Saint Vincent and Acadia Universities.
The students attend classes at Duncan MacMillan High School but their teachers are in sites elsewhere in Nova Scotia. A special room has been set aside at the high school to house the specialized computer equipment.
The system allows students and teachers to talk to one another and a computer screen displays the course work, much like a black board used to do. Students mail and fax assignments to their teachers. Kevin MacMillan, Vice Principal at Duncan MacMillan High School is excited about this new technology. He credits it with encouraging some students to come back and finish their education.
"It has given opportunities to students that normally would not have a chance to finish Grade 12. He goes on to say, "It has expanded opportunities for kids in smaller high schools. It is a real asset to rural schools. Traditionally rural students were restricted because of the number of course offerings." He explains that many students who drop out do so because they are not comfortable in the normal classroom setting. MacMillan also credits this new system with allowing his school to catch up in the technology field. "We have been a little bit behind technologically because we are in a rural area."
Students also seem to be impressed by the new system. Mark Walsh, a student from Sheet Harbour is one of those taking a credit course in Art over the system. He says, "Learning is different when you do it over the computer." Mark attends class one hour per day, five days a week. His classmates who range in age from 16-24 years are also eager to continue learning with the computer system. David Hubley, a student from Mushaboom says, "We get to be classmates with students at other schools."
There are some limitations to the system. There is no face to face interaction between student and teacher. And because there is no teacher in the room, students have to self discipline themselves. Vice Principal MacMillan says, "By and large, the kids are independent." To date the results being achieved are impressive and MacMillan says, "We are really pleased."
High School credit courses are offered in Business, Math and Art. University level courses are offered in dozens of topics from Tourism and Hospitality to Accounting. Students who attend the evening courses attend for 90 minutes per week. Elizabeth Barnard, a Learning Centre Coordinator says, "I wish more people would take advantage of the university course offerings. The technology is here. We have to use it."
Robert MacEachern left school in Grade 8 back in 1972 but today he has rediscovered a love for learning. He is enrolled in Adult Basic Upgrading at Sydney Academy. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, for 2 hours, Robert attends classes, learning math, reading, writing and spelling. October 1995 marked the start of his third year in these classes.
Robert's dedication to learning has been the key to taking control of his life and building his self confidence. As Robert tells it, "I knew how to read but I didn't understand what I was reading."
Robert, who has worked at Sydney's Coast Guard College for the past 20 years as a Cleaner, had lived his entire life at home with his mother.
When she passed away three years ago, Robert was on his own for the first time in his life. Suddenly Robert was forced to make big changes in his life. He knew his lack of education was a problem and was making his life difficult.
He was convinced he needed to learn how to read and write. He got started when a friend made a phone call and found
a tutor who could work with him. Lloyd Eddy, was Robert's first tutor. After a year of two hours a week of tutoring Robert was ready to move on to night classes. "I was scared. I started slowly and gradually. I knew I wanted to do something in my life. This is what I wanted to do."
Now after three years Robert's education is paying off. He is happier than ever and has moved into an apartment of his own in Sydney. He says, "I had always hoped that I would some day have a place of my own in Sydney."
The program that Robert is enrolled in now, Adult Basic Upgrading is a joint project of the Department of Education and Culture and the Literacy Network. The goal of the program is to increase each students written and basic english skills along with math. Robert now reads with confidence and has even written a few short stories. "I don't care how long it takes I want to learn," he says.
Today at 42 years of age Robert has become somewhat of a role model. He regularly encourages people to get involved in tutoring and upgrading programs. He has even spoken at literacy conferences, relaying his experiences to others. "I would love to see more students in the class," he says. Robert is very eager to spread the good news about learning to read and write. "My goal is to get on ATV and tell people. Get me an interview with Nancy Regan, so I could tell everyone, and I would be so happy."
Basic things like reading a newspaper and writing a letter are now easy for Robert thanks to his tutors and Adult Basic Upgrading. Robert offers this advice, "It's up to you. If you want to make it happen you can."
After almost 2 years of preparation and debate mandatory dues legislation is now almost law in Nova Scotia. The legislation will allow fishermen to decide if they want payment of dues to accredited fisher organizations to be mandatory.
On January 11, an Act of the Nova Scotia Legislation called Bill 30 - An Act To Provide Support For Accredited Fisheries Organization - received Royal Assent. The Act is still not yet law and is subject to proclamation at a future date.
Currently the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries is consulting with representatives of the fishing industry about the regulations which will accompany the Act. Once those consultations are complete the regulations must receive approval from the Government in Council (the Nova Scotia Cabinet). When the regulations are approved it will be up to eligible fishermen to vote on whether or not they want mandatory dues in their particular region of Nova Scotia. If licensed fishermen vote in favour of mandatory membership all license holders will be required to pay annual dues to an accredited fishery organization in their region.
Explaining the need for this legislation Jim Barkhouse, Minister of Fisheries, says, "There is growing concern from industry and fishing communities that their interests be adequately represented in decisions affecting their livelihood." He goes on to say, "Strong organizations will ensure that these concerns, needs and interests are heard and understood by the provincial and federal governments."
In order for a regional vote to be binding at least 60% of eligible voters in a region must turn out to vote and a majority of those that do turn out must vote in favour.
Although groups like the Maritime Fishermen's Union have been seeking legislation like this for almost 20 years the process to bring about mandatory dues legislation really got started in February of 1994. It was then that Jim Barkhouse pledged to look at the issue and if it was supported by fishermen put forward legislation.
In October of 1994 a meeting of representatives of almost all of Nova Scotia's fishery organizations was held at the Airport Hotel. They voted in favour, 73 votes to 2, to support mandatory dues legislation.
In January of 1995 the Department of Fisheries started consultations around the province on the topic of mandatory dues. Once again an overwhelming number of fishermen attending a series of seven consultation meeting spoke out in favour of mandatory dues.
In March of 1995 the Nova Scotia Roundtable on the Fishery discussed and supported moving ahead with draft legislation as soon as possible.
By mid May of 1995, 52 of 53 fishery organizations had indicated their support for mandatory dues legislation.
In October of 1995 the final Act, Bill30, was introduced into the Nova Scotia Legislation and was passed on January 11,1996.
The next big hurdle for the implementation of mandatory dues will be holding votes in each region. The province has been divided into six regions. The regions are:
The Fisheries Department will conduct the vote each region. "These votes and the 60 percent participation requirement will ensure adequate participation from industry, and that an affirmative vote indeed reflects the wishes of the majority," says Jim Barkhouse.
Following an affirmative vote, associations accredited by the Minister can then proceed with steps to recruit membership. In accordance with the Act, members will be required to pay a minimum of $100 a year in dues; however, associations may decide to levy a higher fee.
Organizations will be required to meet a number of criteria factors in order to receive accredited status. These are being discussed now and will be formalized after more input.
To learn more about Mandatory Dues call the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries
at: (902) 424-4650.
One week after the opening of the second round of bids to retire groundfish licenses, under the voluntary Groundfish License Retirement Program, this region's Harvesting Adjustment Board (HAB), had already received 50 applications. John Mullally, chairperson of the Scotia Fundy Region's HAB, says that some applicants were fishermen who had unsuccessful bids for the sale of their licenses in the first round.
"There is a good deal of interest and we may receive a substantial number of bids."
The buy-back is a competitive "reverse auction" process, and its objective is to retire the maximum amount of harvesting capacity at the lowest cost. "The theory is that in subsequent bids the bidders become a little more competitive and the bids get a bit lower."
One of province's 38 successful bidders from the first round is East Jeddore's Randy Baker, now a consultant with several fisheries based organizations. He expects this round to see many repeat applicants. As well, he says, "You may end up with more realistic numbers."
Baker, who with his partners owned a 42-foot vessel, put considerable forethought into the sale of the license which was in his name.
He had been seriously considering getting out of the fishery before the buy-back was announced and had already started on a new career. He says that several of the people he knew also had other jobs they could go to, or they planned to retire. Since selling the license means walking away from work on boats, single license holders are in a different position than multiple license holders. before selling the groundfish license, Baker and his partners disposed of other licenses and sold their boat. He had also come an the agreement with his partners since the license was in his name.
Once sold, Baker would have to surrender his Personal Fishing Registration (PFR) and could no longer work as crew on any fishing boat for the rest of his life.
The clause is one of the big barriers to selling off a license, according to HAB board member Gary Dedrick.
Because of it, mostly older fishermen are interested in retiring their licenses says Dedrick, president of the Eastern Fishermen's Federation and the executive director of the Southwest Nova Fixed Gear Association. Young men are reluctant to walk away forever from work which used to bring a good way of life.
Dedrick acknowledges that fishermen who retired their licenses under this program could have sold their right to fish to young men who could have remained in the industry for many years.
Another dilemma is faced by the owner of multiple licenses. Dedrick points out that having several licenses means that a considerable amount of money is tied up in specialized gear for each type of fishery. This type of fishermen may own more than one boat, depending on what he is fishing. Before these fishermen would want to leave the fishery, they would have to know they could sell their boat and gear and recover their investment. "But you don't want to sell your boat until your license is bought."
At this point, he says, "You can't move it, because everybody is overloaded with gear."Dedrick expects in this round there will be a number of serious bids for the sale of licenses., "Now that they know the playing rules." Many of the original bidders will be returning for this round. In particular, he anticipates bids from single-license holders who have not been able to fish for some time and who cannot afford the gear and license needed to get into another species.
Greg Organ, president of the North of Smokey Fishermen's Association, in Neil's Harbour Cape Breton admits that he might have been tempted to sell his own license, if he had been allowed to crew on other boats.
Many fishermen in his area are multiple license holders, says Organ, who has seven licenses. "There's no future if you don't have a lobster or crab license."
Organ feels the buy-back program is a good way out of the industry for people with only groundfish licenses. These are also the best candidates for a license buy-back.
For more information on the Groundfish License Retirement Program call: (902)
426 6425 or Fax: (902) 426 3161.
Dear Cod,
As the wife of an inshore fisherman, and the owner/operator of a fishing supplies business, there is something I wish to point out regarding the newly introduced quota system for gill-netters in South Western Nova Scotia.
My husband has been fishing inshore for 12 years now, and as any hard-working inshore fisherman will tell you, between the actual fishing and all the preparation time, there is not much time left for leisure. That is, until this year. We have enjoyed one of the best summers in many years, thanks to the new quota system. Although my husband only got to fish for two weeks of the Jan. to Apr. quota, that was more than some who hadn't yet set a net. The May to Aug. quota lasted into July, and once the gear was in, repaired and prepared for the Sept. 1st. opening for the next quota, we had at last, some time to spend together with family and friends in the warm summer sunshine. We had previously planned a vacation to Newfoundland, but decided instead to remain home and enjoy the beauty and the many events going on in our local area.
Instead of piling the "Geordy B" high with nets, moorings, and anchors, we loaded her with lawn chairs, sleeping bags, and lots of friends and spent long days lazing in the sun and enjoying clams and mussels cooked oven an open fire on the beach at La Have Islands. We "camped" in our longliner at the Mahone Bay Wooden Boat Festival and the Fisherman's Exhibition in Lunenburg. We spent many enjoyable afternoons cruising the beautiful La Have River and the coastal areas nearby. We sailed along with the famous "Tall Ships" as they majestically made their way into Lunenburg harbour. It was a sight to behold! Many a late summer evening was spent out on deck, just relaxing and enjoying the beauty around us and not having to think about having to get up at 2 a.m. and head for the fishing banks.
The life of a successful inshore fisherman is a hard one, filled with long hours of back-breaking work and not much time for socializing. Even though no one liked to have gov't regulations tell them they couldn't go fishing, it did give my family a well deserved break, and one of the best summer vacations we have had in many years.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Bennett
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