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Finding The Way Across A River Of Concern and Mistrust How Community And Government Worked Together To Save The LaHave Ferry. When rumours started circulating around the small south shore communities of Riverport and LaHave that their cable ferry service was to be shut down, residents couldn't believe what they were hearing. For almost 200 years there had been a ferry crossing the LaHave River in Lunenburg County. Government subsidies to support that ferry service started in the early 1800's. Provincial road maps noted the LaHave ferry as far back as 1924. In 1995 over 75,000 vehicles had used the LaHave Ferry. Don Zwicker, a municipal councillor with the District of Lunenburg, and a resident of East LaHave, was one of the first to hear the rumours. Zwicker says, "I started getting phone calls. People were concerned and wanted to know what could be done to stop the closure." In this age of government cut backs and reductions in many services it seemed that the LaHave Ferry would be one more victim. The LaHave ferry is one of a network of seven ferries operated by the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Communications. Four of those are like the LaHave ferry and are operated on cables. They are located at Country Harbour, Englishtown, and Little Narrows. The other three are self propelled, free floating boats and they operate at Petite Passage, Grand Passage and Tancook. Zwicker explains, "Reports were circulating that the ferry service at LaHave was losing $500,000. per year. We were being told that money could be better spent on road repairs elsewhere." Sandra Himmelman, who lives on the western side of the river, in LaHave, was also getting phone calls. She says, " I was hearing rumours that by April 1 the ferry was to be closed. I knew we had to find out the whole story, the truth." If anyone had any doubt about how important this ferry service was to these river communities it was put to rest by the reaction that followed the rumoured closures. The rumours were soon confirmed when some community members became aware of a confidential report prepared by Department of Transportation officials and discussed on February 12 and 13 at a meeting in Bridgewater. Himmelman says, " I made some phone calls and soon learned it wasn't just a rumour we were dealing with. There was a report recommending the closure of the LaHave ferry." That report recommended closing down the LaHave ferry and modifying and reducing services at the other ferry locations. Increases in fares for the remaining ferries was also part of the overall plan. Sandra Himmelman comments, " It was at this point that we knew if we wanted to save the ferry we had to get the community involved." Vic Coldwell, District Director, for the Department of Transportation, explains that although a report did exist it was only an internal document and there was never any intention to implement the recommendations contained in it by April 1, 1996 without prior consultation with the affected communities. He says, " I regret the manner in which the proposal was presented to the community. It was more of an internal document. We really wanted to explain it to the local community. We wanted to inform the community." On February 28th, an impromptu community meeting was held in LaHave. About 60 people showed up and immediately struck a citizens committee to talk with the Department of Transportation. That committee consisted of local residents, Don Zwicker, Sandra Himmelman, Sarah Pelley, Matt Durnford, Gerry Fultz and Edward Gardner. The committee quickly organized another meeting for March 6. By that time concern over the proposed closure was growing greater and 320 people jammed the LaHave fire hall to express their displeasure. It was clear the community wanted to keep its ferry service. Residents considered the service to be an integral part of community development along the lower portion of the LaHave River. Don Zwicker comments, "For many removing this service could be seen as nothing less than removing the soul from the community." Removal of the service would also mean an extra 40 kilometres of driving for those used to a quick five minute ferry crossing. Residents were not only concerned about the time and cost involved with the extra driving but also expressed a list of other reasons why the service was so important. For generations people had developed relationship with neighbours across the river. This historical link between the two communities grew because of the ferry. The service also allowed the two communities to share services like, music teachers, community choirs, sea cadets, scouting groups and churches. Other services like local fire departments also shared equipment and volunteers by simply crossing the river. Many residents also feared that tourism and business in the area would be hurt with the closure. Don Zwicker points out, "The ferry is a tourist attraction. Removing this would be a real blow to the social charm of the coastal area of our province." The extra driving distance for local fish plants, ice trucks, boat builders and fishermen, who would have to drive to Bridgewater to cross the river was also pointed out as a hardship not required during tough economic times. The Department of Transportation and Communications then made the decision to hold a public meeting of their own on March 20 to hear what area residents had to say. That meeting held at the Community College in Bridgewater attracted over 800 people. Once again residents relayed their concerns and made clear what the impact of the closure would mean. But what could be done to save the LaHave ferry? Would protests be required? Was there really anything the local communities could do to make a difference? So often, government decisions seem to be irreversible. Was this decision a done deal or was there a real chance to alter it? Vic Coldwell, who attended the meeting on behalf of the Department of Transportation believes that March 20 meeting went a long way in helping department officials understand the community's views. He says, " We heard from the community. We learned about the impact of the ferry." Following the strong opposition expressed at the March 20 meeting, Department of Transportation officials agreed to meet with the citizens committee to discuss alternatives to closure. Over the next few weeks the citizens committee, working in cooperation with officials from the Department of Transportation, sat down and talked about ways to keep the ferry operating. " It was truly a joint effort," says Vic Coldwell. Citizens organized a yellow ribbon campaign and also circulated a petition. They gathered 1400 names in support of the ferry. That petition was tabled in the Nova Scotia Legislature by local MLA, Don Downe, on April 9. Eventually a proposal designed to save the ferry service, cut the costs of operation and adjust fares was worked out. On April 10, that proposal was presented at community meetings held in the LaHave and Riverport fire halls. Don Zwicker explains, "We asked the local residents how they felt about this proposal. We got good feedback." He goes on to say, "Some good points were raised and some changes were made in the final proposal." The final proposal called for fares to be increased from fifty cents (or twenty cents with pre-purchased tickets) for a one way crossing to $2.00 (or $1.00 with pre-purchased tickets). Trucks would pay $5.00 plus another $1.00 per axle on trailers. The proposal also calls for scheduled ferry crossings every 15 minutes rather than every 30 minutes, better promotion of the ferry system with signage and brochures, and the reduction of some expenses. One of the biggest expense reductions will come from reducing the crew from 2 persons to 1 during the 11pm to 7am shift. The proposal recognized the need for change if the service was to survive but also ensured the long term relevance and importance of the service. With community support for the proposal the citizens committee and Department of Transportation staff sat down on April 16 and put their signatures to it. Now that a proposal has been completed Don Zwicker is encouraged by the way the Community rallied. "Had we laid back and said, oh well, its a done deal, it would have been. I look back on how quickly, really only two months, this was put together and resolved and I believe it demonstrates that there are alternatives to confrontation and mistrust between communities and government. Lets give communities a chance to work with government." Vic Coldwell agrees. He says, "We are particularly pleased with the way the committee came up with a solution. There was excellent cooperation on all parts." Coldwell is also encouraged about future efforts to utilize community feedback and groups to review future operations. He says, " I can see us looking to the same committee for future re-examination of the ferry service." Sandra Himmelman was also pleased with the final outcome. She says, " They were more receptive to our suggestions than we anticipated. Each side bent a little and we came up with a solution." The appreciation that Department of Transportation officials now have for the consultative process has also grown as a result of this undertaking. When speaking of the future Vic Coldwell comments, "It is something that we have to do. We can't sit in our ivory tower and make decisions in isolation from those directly affected." It appears that working together may have found a mutually acceptable solution to this problem. It remains to be seen what the final outcome will be. The Department of Transportation must now deal with the rest of the communities in Nova Scotia with ferry services and come up with an overall provincial plan for all of them. The LaHave ferry situation may be a good example of how to work together and reach consensus. back to top Cooperation And Planning Spell Success For Cheticamp This Acadian Region Is Planning And Building Their Own Community And Economic Development Opportunities. During the past few months Coastal Communities News has taken time to profile some of Nova Scotia's unique coastal communities. We have focused on the challenges they face to restructure their economies and the positive initiatives that are underway to develop opportunities for survival and growth. We have discovered that the communities achieving the biggest successes are those who have developed a coordinated and cooperative approach to community economic development. This month we take time to visit the Cape Breton community of Cheticamp and the surrounding Acadian region. An area of Nova Scotia that has a long history of community cooperation and action on issues of economic and social development. A history that provides a positive example of what can be accomplished when citizens take responsibility for planning and building their own community and economic development opportunities. This Acadian region of Cape Breton Island is located in northern Inverness County on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The population of the area is about 5,000. Over 90% of the residents of this region are of French-Acadian descent and French is still the main language of work within the community. The first settlers arrived in 1785. This original group of fourteen families (les Quatorze Vieux) were survivors of the deportation of 1755, returning from exile in the American colonies, France, England and other areas of Nova Scotia. The company, Robin, Jones and Whitman, from the Channel Island of Jersey, had a fishing establishment at La Pointe on Cheticamp Island since 1766. This company is still in existence today, which makes it the oldest incorporated company in Canada. Those earlier settlers depended on fishing for their survival and despite a ready supply of fish in the waters, most remained very poor. As a history of the Cheticamp area, prepared by the Cheticamp Development Commission, details: They felt exploited by "strangers" to whom they were forced to sell their fish and who did not reimburse them fairly. It was in the early 1900's that a group of Acadians turned towards the cooperative movement with the hope that by doing so, they would gain some control over their lives. In 1915, the first fish co-op in North America was formed in Cheticamp and over the years that followed at least 16 co-ops have been formed. This spirit of cooperation has been expressed in other ways. Groups like La Societe St.Pierre, La Federation Acadienne de la NE and the Cheticamp Development Commission were formed to address community needs. Cooperativism is part and parcel of every day life in this Acadian community. It is this commitment to community governance that has given the Acadian region of Cheticamp credibility in the field of rural economic and social development. Cooperation is alive and well in this corner of Acadia! In an area where traditionally 90% of the workforce has been employed in either the fishery or tourism it is not hard to imagine the concerns and problems the recent quota reductions for groundfish has caused for the area. The Cheticamp Development Commission reports that the fishing industry has been the main activity in this area for more than 200 years. It seems that the best fishing grounds in the Gulf of St.Lawrence are found less than 20 nautical miles from the Cheticamp Harbour. Historically, the community has been the base for a large fleet of in-shore and off-shore fishing boats. In addition to the resident fleet, this harbour is used by a number of vessels from other small harbours along the northwest coast of Cape Breton. Up until 1992, the Groundfish Industry (mostly cod) was the main economic activity in the local fisheries. That year 17 million pounds of Cod was landed in Cheticamp Harbour. The local fishing industry employed between 550-600 people in 1992. In 1993, less than 5 million pounds were landed with a drastic drop in employment figures in the local fish plants. From 1993 onwards, the local fishing industry has depended primarily on the lobster and snow crab catches to survive. Both these industries are still very lucrative and have created a balancing effect in the local economy. Before the crisis there were 600 people directly employed in the fishing industry (plant workers, fishers, unloaders, buyers, truckers etc.), close to 250 might still be displaced. Besides lobster and crab, mackerel, herring, grey sole, flounder and silver hake is being harvested and/or processed in the community. While the crisis in the groundfish industry has been devastating to the community, the restructuring strategies of the stakeholders has resulted in a global sales figure of approximately $15 million. Despite the bright spots in some fisheries unemployment in the area has averaged 26% and those that are finding work are working fewer and fewer hours each year. These have not been encouraging times but there are efforts underway to find alternative opportunities for new business and new jobs. Leading the way in this search is the Cheticamp Development Commission (CDC). The CDC is the umbrella economic development agency serving the Acadian region of Inverness North. It helps to coordinate strategic planning and economic development. First organized in 1983 the CDC has had a lot of experience developing programs and projects to help with the economic renewal of the community. Its success is undoubtedly due to in part to Cheticamp's long history of community development. At the present time the CDC is putting the finishing touches on a new 3 year action plan called "Vision 1997". It will guide and address the development needs of area communities. Leonard Buckles is the coordinator of the CDC and he explains, "We are at a stage of rethinking our long term strategy. The last plan was done in1989 when the fishery was strong. There are new realities now." One of those new realities, in addition to the fishery problems, is the reduced funding available from all levels of government to support the work of community development groups like the CDC. But in the spirit of cooperation that is so prevalent in this region the CDC and 10 other community based organizations from the area have come together to discuss how they can work even more closely together, share resources and raise much needed funds. Buckles says, "We are asking the questions. How do we restructure? What are our human resources? How are we spending our finances? How do we use them better in the future?" Gerard Boudreau, President of the CDC, also sees the threat that a lack of funding will have on efforts to build a stronger local economy. Boudreau says, "It is getting harder to get the money we need." But it appears that the spirit of cooperation that has for decades been the cornerstone of life in this region is as strong as ever. Boudreau explains, "We decided to hold a public meeting and put it to the people of Cheticamp. We said "Its up to you. The response has been good. We had a full house and most have offered to give their time to help us." The task ahead of the CDC is not a small one. They want to raise $160,000. to fund the CDC's Activities for 1996-97. Boudreau is optimistic and says, "It can be accomplished. The work being done is too important, it has got to continue." And the support being shown by local business and citizens seems to be the key. "It was encouraging. We are going to continue," says Boudreau who knows the local economy well. For 35 years he operated a welding and machine shop in Cheticamp. The CDC has an ambitious list of projects to help diversify the local economy and create new job opportunities. Based on the CDC's Vision 1997 document, the following activities and projects will be developed over the next three years: 1. Tourism Infrastructure: Waterfront Development Project to include boardwalk extension to the Government Wharf (southern extension from the Quai Mathieu) and boardwalk extension with mini-marina and small parking space past the Harbour Restaurant (northern extension from the Quai Mathieu); Basque Interpretive Complex between Chez Luce General Store and the Co-op Fish Plant, to include a 17th Century Basque Whaling Ship that will take daily trips to Pleasant Bay and special island wide two day trips to visit Louisbourg and other attractions. Magdalen Islands/Quebec - Cheticamp Passenger Ferry Service: A seasonal tourism venture to develop a new tourism market in the Acadian region. Building of an 18 hole golf course and club house in Cheticamp; Designing and building of a Visitor's Service Centre at Joe's Scarecrows to introduce tourists to the Acadian region. Strategic Plan for Grand Etang Harbour; Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay. 2. Fisheries Infrastructure and Projects: Travel Lift Site: Construction of finger piers and upgrading of boat storage site; Strategic Plan for Grand Etang Harbour Experimental fisheries to look at Groundfish biomass and underutilized species such as Northern Stone Crab, Herring and Seaweed; Composting of fish waste to develop an organic fertilizer; Support Services to displaced fishers and plant workers impacted by the crisis in the Groundfish Industry; 3. Support to the Business Community: In collaboration with the College de l'Acadie develop entrepreneurship courses and specialized courses for various aspects of the local economy; Work with InRich Business Development Centre and the Strait Area Development Commission to provide assistance to existing and new business ventures in developing business and marketing plans; Work with local businesses in accessing venture capital from government and private sources;But just how does the CDC raise the hundreds of thousands of dollars it needs to operate and invest in community projects like those in the Vision 1997 document? As it turns out the answer is 'a lot of hard work.' As a community based development agency, the CDC receives its' operational funding from a series of sources, mostly through community contributions, contracts and project administration fees. With a membership of over 400 local residents and/or businesses, the CDC is under the direction of a Board of Directors composed of 21 people. Membership fees are based on $10.00 for individuals and between $25. to $100. for businesses, depending on their ability to pay. The community kicks in with about $60,000. per year. Lottery ticket sales earn another $30,000. or so. Community T.V. bingos help to raise $100,000. Local fire fighters, businesses, concerts and special events are all held to support the work of the CDC. This is one way in which Cheticamp and area differs greatly from most other communities. While many communities raise funds, very few direct the proceeds to community economic development projects. Fund raising to create jobs and a brighter future is a unique aspect of this community. Cheticamp and area represents a unique example of how community cooperation can generate ideas and bring development opportunities to life. In an area hit hard by the groundfish crisis this region exemplifies the true spirit of togetherness and community. It is not possible to duplicate or transplant the unique historical, cultural and economic circumstances that lead this community to develop a strong and well organized local development effort to other communities. It is possible though for many other communities to learn some important lessons about community building and economic development from this Acadian region. back to top COPS Demonstrate Volunteer Spirit In Isle Madame Former Fisheries Workers Making A Contribution To The Community By Sheila Hearn An elderly woman is sitting by the window in her rocking chair. It's 6:30 pm on a dreary winter evening. The house is warm and cosy and she has a dog for company, but the evening still stretches out long and lonely. Her caregiver had to go into town to do some Christmas shopping and she is on her own. The dog starts to bark, his tail wags. There are car lights coming up the driveway. It is the COPS. A disabled man in D'Escousse, an Isle Madame coastal fishing village, cannot close his back door. The frost has shifted the frame. A storm is forecast for tonight and all his family that may have been able to help have "gone down the road" in the constant search for work and prosperity that is so familiar in Cape Breton. He calls the COPS! The COPS. The Community Opportunities component of the Atlantic Groundfish Strategy in Isle Madame translates into a volunteer assistance program for the elderly and the disabled. Perhaps particularly intriguing is the fact that a group of people who have themselves experienced job loss and the ensuing financial and social challenges have chosen to work these issues through by contributing to another person in need in their own community. All across Isle Madame, green T-shirt clad volunteers are fanning out, spreading good will, mowing lawns, cleaning, doing carpenter work and most of all providing company and cheer among people who often have too little of both. Soon the elderly woman is sharing a cup of tea and chatting happily with her visitor. The man is supervising with a practised eye to make sure that the "young fellow" readjusts the door properly into its casing. The COPS program is co-ordinated by Yvette Samson. In between caring for her elderly father, attending College de l' Acadie and walking 5 miles a day, Yvette is yet one more example of the tireless energy and strong work ethic held by the former fisheries workers on Isle Madame. With a friendly smile and a reassuring word, they deliver meals on wheels, walk dogs, share tea and spread hope and cheer in a community that is becoming noted more for its resiliency than its prosperity. Their T-shirts are emblazoned with the message "Our Island, Our Future". But judging by the smile on the faces of the people they help, its their Present too! Helping Job Seekers Broaden Their Search For Work During The Fall Of 1995 A Project To Find Jobs For Nova Scotians In London, Ontario Received A Lot Of Publicity. Now That 8 Months Have Passed We Look At Why It Was Done And What The Results Were. When the closure of the east coast fisheries sent ripples of economic distress through many Atlantic communities, few citizens in the rest of the country were pressed to give it much thought. But for those faced with a future that threatened to be jobless the anxiety and concern was very real. For many people the alter natives for new employment looked bleak. A welcome life raft for some was the opportunity to retrain and receive active support in their job search. North Sydney's Human Resources Development manager, Alice Almond went one step further in a pilot project called Mobility Assistance, one element of the Atlantic Groundfish Strategy (TAGS). Almond initiated a project that would encourage and support job hunters to expand their search to other regions of Canada. The project which was funded by TAGS quickly received a lot of publicity. Television and newspapers covered the story daily detailing those opposed and those in favour of the initiative. Fifteen skills-trained men from Almond's region were selected and then trained by Magi Corporation in job hunting skills. The skills of those selected to take part in the project ranged from carpentry and plumbing, to computer programmers and a stationary engineer. The next step was sending them on a coordinated job search to London, Ontario. Almond picked London because of its low unemployment rate, roughly 6 per cent, the number of Maritimers already living in London, and the fact that new industries were setting up there and some existing businesses were expanding. London city officials were not happy about the project and London area M.P.s were quick to complain to then Minister of Human Resources Development, Lloyd Axeworthy. Residents of North Sydney and elsewhere in Nova Scotia also criticized the project. Many felt that the money being spent was encouraging the younger generation to abandon their home and leaving the local community worse off. Some of those opposed wanted to see money spent locally to train people and create jobs. They felt it was more important to develop local skills and jobs rather than exporting them to other areas of the country. There were also those who questioned the amount of money being spent to send the 15 to London, $44,000. Alice almond says, " It became controversial because people looked at the cost and not the investment in people and the reduction in the burden on the taxpayer. We have taken people and given them training and skills to make them self-sufficient." World Ocean's Day... June 8 Communities Are Encouraged To Participate In This Unique Event Which Has A Special Tie To Nova Scotia. Every year, June 8th is World Ocean's Day. First celebrated in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, its aim is to raise awareness about the world's oceans and their importance for all life on earth. Plans are now getting underway to celebrate Ocean's Day 1996 here in Nova Scotia. Ocean's Day events were numerous in Nova Scotia last year and organizers are encouraging groups and communities to plan special activities and ceremonies again for 1996. Nancy Lewis, of the National Research Council, is Coordinator of Ocean's Day activities in Nova Scotia. When explaining the importance of this event, she says, "Whether we live in coastal or inland communities, what happens in the marine environment affects us all." Oceans cover more than 71% of the earth's surface and provide as much as 97.5% of the earth's water. The area of the Pacific Ocean alone exceeds all the land area in the world. Oceans regulate the climate by absorbing heat in summer and releasing it in winter. Plants in the ocean, especially tiny phytoplankton, supply 30 to 50 percent of the earth's oxygen -- possibly more than the world's rain forests. The oceans are home to a wide diversity of animal and plant life and are the largest source of protein in the world. The world's oceans have reached a crisis point through poor management and neglect. Overfishing has diminished stocks of fish to such an extent that 15 of the 17 largest fisheries throughout the world are in economic trouble. We have used the ocean as a huge garbage dump with little thought to the consequences. Through depletion and habitat destruction many marine species have become endangered or extinct. It was in 1992 when the first Ocean's Day was hastily put together in Rio de Janeiro for the Earth Summit, by the Oceans Institute of Canada. Judith Swan, a Halifax resident, was Director of the Ocean's Institute at that time. Because of her close involvement with organizing that first event, Canada and Nova Scotia are credited with leading the way in Ocean's Day planning and activities. That first event, in 1992, brought together representatives of many nations to discuss topics like High Seas Fishing, Coastal Zone Management and Land Based Pollution. Following their meetings, Judith Swan was approached by Brazilian delegates who encouraged the continuation of Ocean's Day as an annual event. Swan explains that many attending the Rio meeting pointed out that we have an Earth Day but nobody pays attention to the oceans. Ocean's Day 1996 organizers invite you to use your imagination and come up with activities to help celebrate. Nancy Lewis says, "Many things can be arranged to celebrate Ocean's Day. Local libraries, schools and day cares can include stories about the ocean in their reading periods. Perhaps you could persuade a local fisher or aquaculturist to talk to your group about his or her work. Maybe you could find a marine biologist to explain more about plant and animal life in the oceans. Or, just enjoy a walk along the beach." Lewis also points out that education packages have been prepared and will be distributed to schools throughout the province by the Department of Education and Culture. While Canada has taken the lead in organizing World Ocean's Day events, others are also getting on the bandwagon. Last year for example, United States conservation groups concerned about ocean issues especially fisheries, celebrated World Oceans' Day with a gala event at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. There, they launched the Ocean Wildlife Campaign which brings six American environmental groups together to promote the conservation of large pelagic fish such as tunas, sharks and bill fishes - some of the most threatened fish in the sea. There is growing recognition in Canada and the U.S. that unsustainable fishing leads to the collapse not only of fisheries and the marine ecosystems they depend upon, but also the coastal communities that have relied for generations on healthy fisheries. As support and interest in Oceans' Day spreads around the globe, it has created an international effort to organize a foundation that will promote and sustain the celebration of the annual event. Judith Swan is one of those helping to organize the Foundation for the World's Oceans. It will encourage growth of Oceans' Day activities world wide and provide oceans education and information. Swan expects this new foundation to be organized before this years Ocean's Day. Judith Swan, stresses the importance of this event especially for Nova Scotians. "No one in Nova Scotia lives more than an hours drive from the sea, but many of us still take our marine environment for granted." Reports explaining the purpose of Oceans' Day point out that there are many aims to the event including: Expanding public understanding about the importance of oceans and coastal ecosystems for all life on the planet, including those living far inland; Inspiring action and cooperation to improve the health of the oceans environment, through endeavours which are educational, spiritual, athletic, artistic and cultural; Informing the public about opportunities for learning and doing which will lead to a world of oceans caretakers. Already there are dozens of events planned for this years Ocean's Day. Organizers encourage everyone to get involved by either organizing local activities or taking part in some of the events. A few of the events already being planned include: 1. The Halifax City Regional Library plans an extensive children's program consisting of nine sessions focusing on the ocean. Guest speakers include marine biologist Paul Brodie and photographer Mary Primrose. 2. A WEB site is being set up on the Chebucto Community Net. This will be used to promote the objectives of the Foundation for the World's Oceans, exchange information, and to promote events here in Nova Scotia. 3. The Canadian Wildlife Federation will make education packages and posters available this year. 4. Education packages have also been prepared locally and will be distributed to schools around the province though the Department of Education. These will include information about Ocean's Day, addresses for resource packages, related books and videos for teachers, and suggested activities for the classroom. This resource package aimed at educators will be available on the world wide web at: http://www.ccn.dal.ca/~an893/ocean.html 5. Dot Duhan is producing an educational children's film for Access Television. 6. Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography are planning to hold a poster contest for high school students again this year. 7. The Mi'Kmaq Fish and Wildlife Commission are planning a poster contest similar to last year, but this year it will be province wide. 8. Beach sweeps and underwater clean ups are being organized through Clean Nova Scotia Foundation and with the cooperation of local dive shops. 9. The Maritime Ship Modeller's Guild will organize a regatta at Sullivan's Pond for the afternoon of June 8. 10. The City of Halifax will officially declare June 8 World Ocean's Day. 11. Recreational facilities like the Cole Harbour Recreation Centre and the Dartmouth Sportsplex are planning family related activities including Red Cross swimming competitions. 12. The N.S. Restaurant Association is considering a culinary competition and has suggested to its members that they have special menus on that day. 13. The National Film Board is interested in presenting films related to the ocean possibly including the premiere of their new film on the Northern Cod that was filmed in Norway. Events in Halifax will be centred around the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. There will be games and music for children, public tours of military and scientific vessels and music by Blue Thunder among others. At 7:00 pm there will be an art auction with proceeds going to the Foundation For The World's Oceans. Dalhousie University will hold an open house for the general public in the Biology Department / Life Sciences Centre from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Judith Swan is very encouraged by the number of events being planned but she wants to see even more groups get involved. " I am really excited when I see school children, scout troops and community groups get involved." Swan goes on to say, "Canada is fortunate to have the longest coastline in the world as well as an abundant supply of freshwater in our lakes and rivers. We in Nova Scotia, "Canada's Ocean Playground", are particularly blessed to live in a province almost entirely surrounded by water. There is a lot of stress being put on our oceans. It is important to know about the world around us. What connection we have to the ocean. If we are aware we can affect how governments deal with the oceans." If you or your organization want to get involved in Ocean's Day 1996 by planning an event, contact: Nancy Lewis, National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biosciences, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, N.S. B3H 3Z1 Fax: (902) 426-9413 or the Internet: lewisn@imb.lan.nrc.ca or Dot Duhan, 200 Micmac Blvd, #216, Dartmouth, N.S. B3A 4L5, Phone: (902) 463-1240 Improving Communication Between DFO And Inshore Fishermen Secretariat Office To Communicate and Coordinate In response to what many perceived as increasingly poor communication between DFO and inshore fishermen the Scotia-Fundy Communications Council (SFCC), a group of inshore fishermen's organizations in Scotia-Fundy, has set up a Secretariat Office in the Maritime Centre in Halifax. The project is sponsored by the Eastern Fishermen's Federation and the Maritime Fishermen's Union. The Council 's mandate is to help improve communication between fishing organizations, fishermen and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Norma Richardson, the Eastern Shore representative and chairman of the Council says, "Fishermen have often felt frustrated when trying to get timely and useful information on fisheries management and other related areas from DFO. We are trying to do something about that." The Council received its mandate from a workshop held in January, 1995 on communication and co-management attended by fishermen from major organizations. Workshop participants felt that better communication could help lead to co-management. At a second workshop held on April 12 and 13, 1996 the Council was expanded to 14 members who represent all of the Scotia Fundy Region. The 25 fishermen's groups attending this workshop saw the whole effort to improve communication as a worthwhile effort and wanted to see it continue. DFO also recognized the need for this service and provided funding to set it up as a six month pilot project. Dave Swetnam, Information Management Branch, of DFO is one of those who is enthusiastic about the project. He says, "We see this as a way for groups of fishermen to have an avenue for communication within DFO. We wanted it to be driven by fishermen's organizations. It allows them to tell us what information they need, rather than us trying to guess what they want." Since being established in November of 1995 a number of innovative projects have been undertaken. The first project undertaken by the Secretariat was to set-up a calendar service listing upcoming fisheries meetings. The dates and locations of all management meetings can now be obtained from one location. It is faxed to over 70 fishermen's groups. Mark Butler, who was hired to staff the Secretariat office says, "The scheduling of meetings was a problem. Some meetings were being held too quickly and with very little notice to fishermen. There were conflicts with season openings." He goes on to say, "This new calender makes everyone stop and think about the scheduling of meetings so as not to cause conflict." The Secretariat has also looked at how agendas are set and minutes taken for advisory committee meetings. A manual of recommended committee procedures has been produced and distributed following consultation with the advisory committees. Butler says , "It describes and recommends standard meeting procedures." To make information more readily available a fax on demand system has also been set up by the Secretariat. It allows anyone to phone 24 hours per day and have documents like advisory committee minutes and DFO reports automatically faxed directly to their home or office. Mark Butler explains, "There were long term complaints that minutes weren't always being taken or distributed. And if they were it took forever to get them." With this new system documents are available all over the Maritimes with a simple phone call. The Secretariat has also been busy putting together a directory of fishermen's organizations and key people within DFO. Both projects are designed to improve communication between DFO and fishermen's organizations. Even though Mark Butler wraps up his role as communications officer on May 31, plans are already underway to hire another staff person to run the Secretariat office. Looking back at what has been accomplished to date Butler says, "The Secretariat has been worthwhile. It hasn't been a waste of time or money. We are starting to see some changes within DFO. The senior bureaucracy is beginning to recognize how big a problem communication is." John Decker, a fisherman from Shelburne County and a member of the SFCC summed up the importance of this project when he said, "I think we have all learned that it is a long way from the 18th floor of an office building in Halifax (DFO headquarters at the Maritime Centre) to the end of a wharf in Shelburne County. For more information on the Council and Secretariat contact steering committee members: Norma Richardson at (902) 889-4060 or Graeme Gawn at (902) 645-3371 The Secretariat is located on the 18th floor of the Maritime Centre, Halifax. Tel: (902) 426-6409 Fax: (902) 426-3118. The e-mail address is: FGCN.Fisher.dfosf@sfnet.dfo.ca. back to top The Birth Of A Community Group A Personal View Of How One Group Responded To Threats To Their Community A Letter From Carol Davis It was December in Yarmouth, and I was sitting across the table from my husband. I had just turned the radio on and the newscaster was talking about the licensing fee increases that Brian Tobin was going to impose on the fishermen. This tax as it was better known, would take two million dollars from our already hurting communities. I looked at my husband and he took a deep breath in disgust. I said why can't someone do something? He said, "Why don't you do something?" I sat for awhile after he left for work, thinking. The more I thought the more I was convinced to try to do something. I decided to call an old friend, Bev Gallagher, to ask her to help me with some ideas. I knew that she had had lots of experience and would know just where to start. We started with a letter writing campaign. We wrote letters to our local Chamber of Commerce and to the editor of our local newspaper, asking people to write letters to Brian Tobin to tell him that our town and the surrounding areas could not afford to lose this money to the black hole in Ottawa. We also sent a letter to the Yarmouth Town Council asking them to write a letter of support for the fishermen. I'm afraid we didn't get very good results. Bev and I kept right on trying. We decided to start letter writing on behalf of the fishermen. We took letters to our local fish buyers and we faxed letters to the buyers who were further away. In our fax we asked the buyers to have the fishermen sign the letters. We had letters in our local malls, in hardware stores, in offices in town, and our local I.M.P. fishing supplier. In the end we mailed at least one thousand letters. I guess when the letters arrived in Ottawa to Brian Tobin's office, it must have been given to blind eyes because as far as I know, we had no response, and the licence fee increase had been passed for 1996. We were both disappointed, but in our hearts we knew that we had at least tried to do something. In January, Don Cunningham (West Nova Fishermen's Coalition) and spokesperson for the Alliance of Inshore Fishermen's Groups called me and asked me to attend a meeting at the Yarmouth Fire Hall. I went to the meeting with my husband. Don had told me that there would be other ladies attending this meeting. There were two other ladies at the meeting and 299 men. It was at this meeting that a local fisherman stood up and said that he would like to see more ladies getting involved with the fisheries to help support the fishermen. I was also surprised to see most of the fishermen agree. A few days after the meeting, Don called me and gave me a date for our first official ladies meeting at the Yarmouth Fire Hall. I called as many ladies as I possibly could. I asked each lady to call a friend and tell them about the meeting. The meeting went very well and a few days later the name Survival of Fisher's Family & Friends Association (SOFFA) was formed. SOFFA was created to support the crisis in the fisheries in January 1996. I was asked to help organize and chair the first meeting. The 300 women that attended wanted to become involved, to be educated in all areas of the fisheries, to support fishermen in searching for an equitable, environmentally safe fishery. At this first meeting telephone trees were set up, a letter campaign to the Minister of fisheries protesting the licensing fee increase, and Bills 98 and 115 was initiated. Area representatives were chosen and many discussions on what to do next. One very strong point made at our meetings was that we would support the fishers as long as no violence was involved. So the wearing of the orange fluorescent ribbons meaning became clear 'survival with no violence'. Our area reps met with our MLAs, MP, Reform Party, and everyone else that would talk to us. Members of SOFFA went to all the local businesses asking for their support. An 'End of the Rope' march in Yarmouth was our first attempt in obtaining support through our telephone tree. It worked great. The march brought the crisis in the fisheries to the public, and it generated the support we needed from the public, business and local politicians. Another march in Barrington called to support the occupiers and the crisis, then the huge march in Halifax where fishers, supporters, politicians and businesses showed all of Canada that the proposed DFO policies would affect everyone, and that there was something wrong with the way that this was being done. We hold our general meetings on the last Sunday of each month and have decided to meet in different areas. Our reps also meet once a month with the DFO's area manager, Tim Surette , to learn about any changes, to ask questions and to get the facts. If not for the enthusiasm, talent and cooperation of all our members none of this would be possible. We urge you to become involved. We can make a difference in the future. To contact SOFFA call Carol Davis at: (902) 742-9879 back to top Celebrating 50 Years Of Fisheries Education In Nova Scotia Looking Back At A Long History And Looking Ahead To A Changing Future At The Nova Scotia School Of Fisheries. In 1946 the Governments of Nova Scotia and Canada cooperated to sponsor the first fisheries training courses in Nova Scotia. Those first courses, in marine engines and navigation, were held on a rotating basis in Canso and Petit de Grat over a one month period during the cold, grey days of the winter of 1946. Those courses were taught by Mr. L.C. Boehner of Pictou and Captain H.M. MacKay. It was from those simple beginnings that the Nova Scotia School of Fisheries was born. A government study conducted in 1945, called the Dawson Report, recognized the need for fisheries education in Nova Scotia. It concluded that three types of education should be attempted. 1. The development of men of research stature to furnish the industry and scientific laboratories with leaders in the field of research. 2. To develop students with fishing background to enter the first class. 3. To assist the fishermen to an appreciation of the more modern methods of ships operation, fish catching, handling and preparation. Today, 50 years later, the Nova Scotia School of Fisheries has evolved into a major centre for fisheries education and training. With a central school and campus in Pictou and extension courses offered throughout the province in 16 different sites, over 1100 students attend courses each year. The school offers courses in dozens of topics including aquaculture, entrepreneurship, fishing technology, marine engineering, navigation and safety. The school has also established a strong regional and international reputation and is called upon to deliver programs in Northern Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. But in 1947, the second year of operation, things were a bit simpler. In that year there were schools run in Cheticamp, Canso and Petit de Grat with a total enrolment of 72 students. In no time, word of the schools spread and their popularity sparked demand from other communities. In those days, as today, fishermen quite often had to turn to petitions and protests to get demands met. And so it was with fishermen in Louisbourg who organized a petition demanding that courses be offered in their community. It worked. In 1948 Louisbourg was added as a schooling site. These early schools were held in parish halls, garages, old stores and boat building sheds. Nova Scotia was a pioneer in fishermen's schools. Other provinces and other countries watched the result with interest. Several publications from "The Fishermen's News" to the "Toronto Saturday Night" published articles of praise for the effort. The Nova Scotia School of Fisheries, as it is now known, has been accomplishing its purpose of providing marine training for fifty years now. There are facilities for meals and accommodation for out-of-town students right at the campus and when weather permits the training moves out into the Pictou Harbour. Outports programs have carried marine training to all parts of the province and beyond, to various provincial institutions, and to special on-site programs such as the port monitor training. Under CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) and ICOD(International Conference on Ocean Development) programs the school has been providing specialized training for Central American and Caribbean students since 1978. There is also a training program for Inuit fishermen, both at the school and in the Northwest Territories and Northern Quebec. The past 50 years have shown that as times have changed so has the Nova Scotia School of Fisheries. Guiding the school through today's changes is Director, Barbara Riley. Riley sees the role of the school continuing to evolve despite the fact that funding to support operations has greatly decreased. Three years ago when direct federal funding ended, the school was told to become operational on a cost recovery basis. This has meant that individuals attending classes must bear the cost of the service. The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries still funds the maintenance of the facility. New technologies and a changing fishery have also meant that the school has had to be innovative and come up with new course offerings that reflect today's fishery. Allen Tobey has been an instructor with the school for 17 years. He says, "For mariners to stay with it they have to keep up with the advances and leaps in technology." He points out that the bridge of a ship is becoming more and more advanced and upgrading has to come much more quickly than before. Riley says, "We recognize that fishery training is the heart of what we do. We also know that we have to keep up with what is happening in coastal communities. As the fishery is forced to diversify and communities start looking at other ways of earning a living from the sea, we have to be there to respond." Riley cites things like eco-tourism, aquaculture, and computerization as changes that were not part of the picture just a decade ago. Riley goes on to say, "We have tried to add courses that would support new endeavours. Today we look at the types of fisheries that are emerging, and the new income generators. We also have to respond to changing regulations." For example, Riley points out that rules have changed for certain sized boats and operators now need upgraded navigational training. The number of things a fisherman is required to do to day has also grown says Riley. "As the fishery became a family business we put more focus on the entrepreneurial side of things." Today, even though there is a central school in Pictou, about 80% of training is still done in small communities throughout the province. Church halls, fire stations and community centres are still used much like 50 years ago. The school also still offers the bulk of courses during those months of the year when fishermen have more free time. Some might predict that with all of the bad news surrounding the fishery in the past few years the role of a fishery school in Nova Scotia would be in decline. Not so says Riley. She is quick to point out that a new push towards professionalization of the fishery, quickly changing technology and the challenges faced by coastal communities mean the need for the courses and services of the school are going to be more important than ever. Barbara Riley is optimistic. "Nova Scotia still has a strong and innovative fishing industry. While ground fish may not be as important as before things like lobster, scallops, sea urchins, and aquaculture are picking up the slack." She goes on to say, "Today, despite the collapse of groundfish stocks, our fishery in Nova Scotia still has the same landed value. We are fortunate to have alternatives." For her part Riley recognizes that these are not easy times for Nova Scotia's coastal communities. "Communities are bearing more and more of the load. We see it as our role to help coastal communities to remain healthy. We can do this by offering practical training that leads to people gaining greater control over their future." Faced with declining funding to support training, quickly changing technologies, a fishery that has faced some bad years and coastal communities recognizing the need for change to support their growth and development the challenges for the Nova Scotia School of Fisheries are not small. Barbara Riley says, "We all have challenges ahead of us. The fishery, coastal communities and this school." In spite of that she sees a bright future and is looking forward to planning 50th anniversary celebrations for the Nova Scotia School of Fisheries. As for the next 50 years, Riley concludes, "We will be keeping an eye on coastal communities and lending a hand where needed. We will change as they change." Brief History of the Nova Scotia School of Fisheries 1945 - Dawson Report recommends that fisheries education should be introduced to Nova Scotia. 1946 - First fisheries training courses held in Canso and Petit de Grat. 1947 - 72 students enrol in the second year of classes. 1949 - Classes expand and are held from January through May for the first time. The first summer school night classes are held. 1951 - Lunenburg chosen as the permanent site of the fisheries school. It is called the Fisherman's Navigation School. 1955 - Lunenburg school closed due to declining enrolment. 1957 - First steps taken towards establishing a new permanent school at Pictou. A >vacant building is converted and eventually becomes the Nova Scotia Fisheries Training Centre of today. 1962 - The first major addition is built at the Pictou school. 1978 - School starts providing specialized training for Central American and Caribbean students. 1980 - Fisheries Training Pool and Marine Training Simulator built at the Pictou school. Today - A central school operates in Pictou with extension courses offered throughout the province in 16 sites. Over 1100 students attend the school every year. To contact the Nova Scotia School Of Fisheries: Phone: (902) 485-8031 Fax: (902) 485-4014 Or Write: PO Box 700 Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 Volunteers Wonder About The Future Of Regional Industrial Training Committees (RITC) A Look At The Cape Breton RITC As It Ponders The Role Of Communities And Volunteers In The Midst Of Reduced Support For Training A lot of communities throughout Nova Scotia are struggling to find ways to ensure that the training needs of their local labour force is being met. One successful way that local employers and employees have found to accomplish this is through the establishment of volunteer committees that bring together a wide cross section of community interests. Those committees, which are known as Regional Industrial Training Committees (RITC), have been at work since 1989 in Nova Scotia. They work in cooperation and with financial support from Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC). But the future of these committees and the role of volunteer community groups in training delivery is growing more uncertain. A review of the role of RITCs and other programs is currently underway by HRDC. Eileen MacNeil is a volunteer board member of the Cape Breton RITC (CBRITC) and is concerned that a lack of federal support may spell the end to community direction and development of local training. MacNeil says, "RITC has proven itself to be an effective way to meet the training needs of employers and employees. The community is well served by this program. It is truly a community driven approach to training because it is local businesses and employees who decide what type of training is in their best interest." Ken Bickerton, Training Co-ordinator with CBRITC agrees and says, "Training ideas come from the employers and employees themselves. We're not just offering a bunch of generic courses that have no relevance to the local marketplace." Bickerton goes on to say, "When a business buys a new piece of equipment they need employees trained on it. RITC can provide that customized training." Despite the uncertainties surrounding the future of Regional Industrial Training Committees in Nova Scotia, the 11 committees that do exist are still working to ensure that the training needs of communities and industry groups are being met. RITC's are bodies of volunteers from communities and business that develop and provide financial assistance for training programs for individuals. With funding from Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC) RITC's identify training needs and persons or businesses that require upgrading and then purchase training on their behalf. Ken Bickerton explains that CBRITC is known as a geographic RITC as it looks at training needs for all types of workers and businesses on Cape Breton Island. This differs from other RITC's which deal with the training needs of specific businesses within Nova Scotia (ie: tourism, fishery, etc). These are known as sectoral RITC's. At present there are 8 sectoral and 3 geographic RITC's at work in Nova Scotia. The trend in recent years has been to do away with geographic RITC's in favour of sectoral groups. The very future of CBRITC itself is not at all clear. "We are very much in the dark right now", says Ken Bickerton. With the support of the local Canada Employment Centre CBRITC has received funding for a while yet though. Funding has been extended until the end of July. "We were very fortunate to get temporary funding," says Bickerton. Harry Soontiens, Programs Consultant, of Human Resource Development Canada explains that government downsizing and funding cuts have made it necessary to look at ways to involve more funding from industry to help pay for training initiatives like RITC. Soontiens says, " If these programs are going to continue industry will probably have to pick up part of the costs." Soontiens believes that based upon past experience sectoral RITCs tend to be more focused and have a better chance of becoming self sustaining. He states that local Canada Employment Centres will probably have to decide what the future will be for geographic RITCs. Soontiens states that HRDC is going through a tremendous transition. " Downsizing probably means that training identification and funding for it will have to become more the responsibility of industry." But Soontiens is very encouraged by what RITC has been able to accomplish. He says, "RITCs have been a very positive program that have a future in the new vision of doing things. Government and industry have to work together." Ken Bickerton says, "I believe the work being done by CBRITC and other RITC's around Nova Scotia is essential. We have received very positive feedback from local Canada Employment Centres." CBRITC has also received a lot of letters of support from small businesses who have used the program. Local politicians and economic development groups have also provided positive feedback. Bickerton explains, "We can respond quickly to training needs. People know we are here and we are easy to access." Bickerton stresses, "RITC does not do training. We purchase local training and provide it to businesses, unions, community groups, whoever has a real training need." "We do training in any sector", says Bickerton. He goes on to give examples of past projects. "Institutional home care was a field that needed workers trained. We do a lot of work with small business in fields like customer service and computer training. We have even been involved with cultural activities like dinner theatres." CBRITC has developed a new strategy that focuses on delivering training to specific sectors that have been identified as growth areas in Cape Breton. They include; culture and entertainment, environment, small business and healthcare. Even with their future up in the air, Ken Bickerton remains positive about the work and necessity of these community based training bodies. He says, "Our past results clearly show the benefits of having local people identify and develop training needs in their own communities. When we surveyed the 325 people we trained last year we learned that the training being delivered really was useful in helping people retain jobs and open up opportunities for better incomes and more stable employment. 92% of the participants reported that they were utilizing the training received." Harry Soontiens of HRDC says, "We are very encouraged by the role that industry has played in identifying training needs. It is a good example of how we can work together to ensure a qualified labour force." Soontiens concedes though that the funding needed to continue these programs in the same manner as in the past is just not there. " Things are being downsized and cut back and we will have to find innovative ways to maintain this effective government and private sector partnership." Working as a partner with local Canada Employment Centres, CBRITC has developed a strong foundation. What will happen to this program and the others around Nova Scotia is not yet resolved. Ken Bickerton says, "No matter what is decided the training arm is really needed in communities and we will have to find a way to continue that." back to top Coastal Communities News Acknowledgements Coastal Communities News is published bi-monthly by the Coastal Communities Network, a non-profit society registered in the province of Nova Scotia. Coastal Communities News is made possible by the generous efforts of many volunteers, and by financial contributions from Human Resources Development Canada, and by donations and in-kind contributions from the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Culture, as well as from member groups and organizations. We welcome all articles and submissions, from individuals and groups, with content in keeping with the role and nature of this magazine. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Except where additional credit has been given, all articles are prepared by the Editor and Editorial Board. Join the Coastal Communities Network Our Mission Statement The Coastal Communities Network is a volunteer association of organizations whose mission is to provide a forum to encourage dialogue, share information, and create strategies and actions that promote the survival and development of Nova Scotia's coastal and rural communities. "A Large Voice for Small Communities" CCN is made up of organizations rooted in Nova Scotia's coastal and rural communities, and it is the diversity of its membership that gives it strength. Your organization, and your community, can help CCN determine its direction and strengthen its voice still further. Join the Coastal Communities Network today. How to Become Involved in the Coastal Communities Network CCN's strength lies in its membership, which is made up of organizations rooted in Nova Scotia's coastal communities. The range of member organizations is very broad, including churches, fish harvester groups, municipalities, community and regional economic development agencies, unions, universities, and local community groups. CCN welcomes the participation of any organization that represents the interests of a coastal community or issue and is interested in working together with similar groups across the province. Your organization can become involved in a number of ways: — by participating in regular monthly meetings of the CCN membership. These are held in Truro (usually on the first Tuesday of each month), and allow representatives from member organizations to review what is happening in coastal communities across the province, plan actions on issues of common concern, and review progress on CCN-sponsored projects; — by getting on our mailing list to receive regular copies of Coastal Communities News. Send us your name and address by mail or fax, or call us directly; — by contributing written articles to Coastal Communities News, and so letting everyone know what's happening in your community; — by taking part in CCN workshops and information sessions. Special events like this are held on topics of importance to coastal communities (for example, community economic development, co- management in the fishery, etc); — by inquiring about CCN's resource library, which includes information, reports, and studies on topics that affect the future and sustainability of coastal communities. You may contact us at: CCN Coordinator: PO Box 1613 Pictou, N.S. B0K 1H0 Phone:(902)485-4754 Fax:(902)445-7134 e-mail:coastalnet@ns.sympatico.ca CCN Communications Office: Phone: (902) 445-7168 Fax: (902) 445-7134 e-mail:ccnews@ns.sympatico.ca back to top All rights reserved by The Coastal Communities Network © 1997-2002. PO Box 1613 Pictou, N.S. B0K 1H0 Phone:(902)485-4754 Fax:(902)445-7134 E-Mail coastalnet@ns.sympatico.ca