---------- Original message ----------
From: "Higgs, Premier Blaine (PO/CPM)" <Blaine.Higgs@gnb.ca>
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2019 12:57:49 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks my blog and tweets should be able
to assist Megan Mitton and Susan Purdy in talking Robert Gauvin out of
50 Grand for the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre N'esy Pas Mr Higgs?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
[Le français suit.]
On behalf of Premier Blaine Higgs, I would like to acknowledge receipt
of your email.
Please note that your request will be processed as soon as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to write the Premier.
If this is a Media Request, please contact the Premier’s office at
(506) 453-2144
Thank you
------------------------------
Au nom du premier ministre Blaine Higgs, j’accuse réception de votre courriel.
Veuillez noter que votre demande sera traitée dans les plus brefs délais.
Je vous remercie d’avoir pris le temps d’écrire au premier ministre.
S’il s’agit d’une demande des médias, veuillez communiquer avec le
Cabinet du premier ministre au 506-453-2144.
Merci.
From: "Higgs, Premier Blaine (PO/CPM)" <Blaine.Higgs@gnb.ca>
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2019 12:57:49 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks my blog and tweets should be able
to assist Megan Mitton and Susan Purdy in talking Robert Gauvin out of
50 Grand for the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre N'esy Pas Mr Higgs?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
[Le français suit.]
On behalf of Premier Blaine Higgs, I would like to acknowledge receipt
of your email.
Please note that your request will be processed as soon as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to write the Premier.
If this is a Media Request, please contact the Premier’s office at
(506) 453-2144
Thank you
------------------------------
Au nom du premier ministre Blaine Higgs, j’accuse réception de votre courriel.
Veuillez noter que votre demande sera traitée dans les plus brefs délais.
Je vous remercie d’avoir pris le temps d’écrire au premier ministre.
S’il s’agit d’une demande des médias, veuillez communiquer avec le
Cabinet du premier ministre au 506-453-2144.
Merci.
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2019 08:50:25 -0400
Subject: Methinks my blog and tweets should be able to assist Megan Mitton and Susan Purdy in talking Robert Gauvin out of 50 Grand for the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre N'esy Pas Mr Higgs?
To: blaine.higgs@gnb.ca, operations@capejourimain.ca, operation@capejourimain.ca, admin@capejourimain.ca, robert.gauvin@gnb.ca, megan.mitton@gnb.ca,
Hon.Dominic.LeBlanc@canada.ca, Newsroom@globeandmail.com, news@kingscorecord.com, news@dailygleaner.com, steve.murphy@ctv.ca, sfine@globeandmail.com, David.Akin@globalnews.ca, Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca, Ross.Wetmore@gnb.ca, pm@pm.gc.ca,
Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca, pablo.rodriguez@parl.gc.ca, tantramarheritage@gmail.com
scott.doherty@
Cc:
david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
andrea.anderson-mason@gnb.ca,
https://davidraymondamos3.
Friday, 31 May 2019
Less than 3 weeks before opening, nature centre loses all of its
provincial funding
https://davidraymondamos3.
Friday, 31 May 2019
Less than 3 weeks before opening, nature centre loses all of its
provincial funding
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @Kathryn98967631 and 48 others
Methinks Susan Purdy and I should have a long talk about Blaine Higgs and Rob Moore ASAP N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/05/less-than-3-weeks-before-opening-nature.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/cape-jourmain-nature-centre-confederation-bridge-funding-1.5156187
Less than 3 weeks before opening, nature centre loses all of its provincial funding
72 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Methinks Susan Purdy and I should have a long talk about Blaine Higgs and Rob Moore ASAP N'esy Pas?
Shawn McShane
Would have had $13 million in the bank if NB Power CEO Gaëtan Thomas didn't give it to his Joi company in Florida. Need to stop him giving $100 million to the meter company as well.
David Amos
Reply to @Shawn McShane: What are you doing about it?
John Haigh
Interesting how Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is described as a tourist attraction even though it hasn't opened yet.
Dianne MacPherson
Reply to @John Haigh:
Tourism season starts typically when
school is finished.
David Amos
Reply to @John Haigh: It opened today
Jeremy McKinnon
Reply to @David Amos: terrible drive to the centre anyway
David Amos
Reply to @Jeremy
McKinnon: Methinks a great ride on my old bike to visit where my
Forefathers are buried and its no very far from where my grand children
live. Trust that I could care less if the Yankee tourists don't come but
the Kickham Clan on PEI and everybody else in the know understands why
I have taken my Yankee children there N'esy Pas?
That said do ya think Dominic Leblanc would ask The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to lend me the money to buy the provincial park? I bet I could make a profit but the restaurant would have to serve much different grub
That said do ya think Dominic Leblanc would ask The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to lend me the money to buy the provincial park? I bet I could make a profit but the restaurant would have to serve much different grub
Richard Riel
Liberals or conservatives you get hit both ways . System is rigged for Corporate purposes.
David Amos
Reply to @Richard Riel: BINGO
Richard Riel
Tories cuts services and keeps the taxes for themselves and their corporate friends. It's the conservative trademark.
Shawn McShane
Reply to @Richard Riel: Like Atcon?
David Amos
Reply to @Shawn McShane: Methinks we should not forget that the liberals run cover for the conservatives as well N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/shippagan-caisse-bailout-could-have-been-avoided-ag-1.941042
Shippagan caisse bailout could have been avoided: AG
CBC News · Posted: Jan 19, 2010
"New Brunswick's auditor-general has issued a damning report on the taxpayer-funded bailout of the Caisse populaire de Shippagan, blaming the former Progressive Conservative government for failing to properly regulate the northern financial institution.
Auditor General Mike Ferguson released the 53-page report on Tuesday that also said a handful of senior managers at the caisse populaire covered up financial problems.
The Liberal government bailed out the northern caisse populaire in 2007 with a $37-million grant and another $16.5-million in guarantees."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/shippagan-caisse-bailout-could-have-been-avoided-ag-1.941042
Shippagan caisse bailout could have been avoided: AG
CBC News · Posted: Jan 19, 2010
"New Brunswick's auditor-general has issued a damning report on the taxpayer-funded bailout of the Caisse populaire de Shippagan, blaming the former Progressive Conservative government for failing to properly regulate the northern financial institution.
Auditor General Mike Ferguson released the 53-page report on Tuesday that also said a handful of senior managers at the caisse populaire covered up financial problems.
The Liberal government bailed out the northern caisse populaire in 2007 with a $37-million grant and another $16.5-million in guarantees."
Colin Seeley
As a New Brunswicker I must pay a toll to get to Halifax or Charlottetown.
I also pay shadow tolls that apply to me but not to those drivers from NS or PEI. They get a free pass.
We need to toll our borders.
David Amos
Reply to @Colin Seeley: "We need to toll our borders. "
Methinks you know as well as I that your hero Mr Higgs and his minions called me crazy when I mentioned that N'esy Pas?
Jeremy McKinnon
Reply to @David Amos: if you ad a tole you would have to have acceptable roads not full of craters
Claude DeRoche
Why does the Irving Boy want to destroy the tourism industry in N.-B.?
Tourism needs more funds not less!
Nicolas Krinis
Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Thank the liberals that left the province in such a fiscal mess.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Nicolas Krinis: Didn't the CoRservatives run a 4 year deficit when Higgs was finance minister ?
Richard Riel
Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Irving need the tax money more than anyone.
Shawn McShane
Reply to @Marc Martin: How much did NB lose due to Atcon scandal.when Boudreau removed the provincial security?
Lou Bell
Reply to @Shawn McShane: And the Shippigan bailout to boot ! Tag it up to " unique society " !
David Amos
Reply to @Shawn
McShane: Methinks everybody knows that Mr Higgs' new Deputy Attorney
General, John Logan, Q.C.was the lawyer who advised Boudreau about
ATCON N'esy Pas?
N.B. owes bank $50 million for Atcon
CBC News · Posted: Mar 15, 2010 3:51 PM AT |
"A lawyer for the New Brunswick government says the province will have to pay Scotiabank $50 million and then seek repayment as a creditor of the Atcon group of companies.
Under the terms of a loan guarantee to Atcon, the government will pay the bank as early as this week, John Logan told the Court of Queen's Bench in Miramichi on Monday."
N.B. owes bank $50 million for Atcon
CBC News · Posted: Mar 15, 2010 3:51 PM AT |
"A lawyer for the New Brunswick government says the province will have to pay Scotiabank $50 million and then seek repayment as a creditor of the Atcon group of companies.
Under the terms of a loan guarantee to Atcon, the government will pay the bank as early as this week, John Logan told the Court of Queen's Bench in Miramichi on Monday."
Lewis Taylor
Reply to @Shawn McShane:
No like Orimulsion
Greg Smith
Reply to @David Amos:
Except with the conservatives, they champion smaller government so that
there are fewer mouths to feed, and more money in their pockets.
Joe Rootliek
New Brunswicks Debt Clock link:
http://www.debtclock.ca/provincial-debtclocks/new-brunswick/
Not saying they should have taken the funding away, just saying there are difficult choices to be made.
Maybe a toll could be placed ahead of the bridge, to provide the 50 000 dollars required. I am sure with the traffic from PEI to NB, ahead of the road, you would get a few hundred thousand cars in the summer, even if it was 50 Cents, you would get your money.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: A toll would defenitly be a solution, people who travel trough
NB to go to PEI or NS should pay a toll.
David Amos
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: Methinks everybody knows we already pay huge shadow tolls on
the Trans Canada thanks to Bernie Lord The least the government can do
is try to promote a little tourism without more tolls N'esy Pas?
Jeremy McKinnon
Reply to @Marc Martin: Would that mean the NB side roads would be fixed? only been 10yrs of potholes
Peter Shearer
Reply to @Marc Martin: people traveling thru the province make at least one stop for gas-then we get them at the pumps.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Peter
Shearer: People traveling trough the province are also responsible for
the road conditions, why do we have to pay tolls to enter PEI or NS ?
Peter
Shearer
Reply to @Marc
Martin: I don't pay any tolls in NS for the sake of a few minutes. The
ferries were not free so why should the bridge which is so much more
convenient. Anyway, isn't it going to be paid for in the next few years?
Shawn McShane
Reply to @Marc Martin: :You don't pay a toll to enter PEI, you pay $50 to leave.
Vernon McPhee
Reply to @Marc
Martin: First of all there is no toll to enter either PEI or NS. There
is a toll to leave PEI on the bridge. The toll portion of the TCH runs
through the middle of the province (more or less) just north of Truro
but can be avoided by adding 15 minutes or so by taking the old road
through Wentworth valley.
Jeff Smith
If it's a good idea then private industry should pick up the rest.
Clive Gibbons
Reply to @Jeff Smith:
Like hospitals, schools, and roads, right? Cons love this kind of thing.
Like hospitals, schools, and roads, right? Cons love this kind of thing.
David Amos
Reply to @Jeff Smith:
Remember the "Picture Province" ? Well I must ask have you looked
around lately or taken a Sunday drive down to Fundy Park from Sussex?
Methinks if you did then you would understand why the government must handle the tourism file because private industry has obviously destroyed this province with its assistance N'esy Pas?
Methinks if you did then you would understand why the government must handle the tourism file because private industry has obviously destroyed this province with its assistance N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
Ah well this is what you get when you elect an CoRservative government cuts cuts and cuts...More to come !!!
Greg Miller
Reply to @Marc Martin: Yes that right when they take over from a fiscally irresponsible LIBERAL GOVERNMENT!
Marc Martin
Reply to @Greg Miller: I see...Is that why the CoRservative ran a deficit for 4 full year when Higgs was finance minister ?
David Amos
Reply to @Marc Martin: Cry me a river
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Amos: Please give me another case number, I need to be bored today....
David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise I wonder if my cousin Megan Mitton even knows how close these spots are to Amos Point where my Forefather Adam Amos and his son Robert are buried.
Anyway whereas Madame Mitton never returned my calls or emails before the election and I doubt that she ever will methinks I have the right to say she can cry me a river now N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
Methinks Minister Mikey Holland's buddy Marc Belliveau within the
Department of Natural Resources must remember being in the news about
the area while I was preparing to run in the election of the 42nd
Parliament and filing a lawsuit against the Crown N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/cape-tormentine-residents-want-derelict-buildings-removed-1.3162988
"Marc Belliveau, with the Department of Natural Resources confirms his department owns the land. In an e-mail he wrote: "The buildings are in bad shape and unusable, but there has been some interest expressed in the property. It is too early to speak of definitive plans at this stage."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/cape-tormentine-residents-want-derelict-buildings-removed-1.3162988
"Marc Belliveau, with the Department of Natural Resources confirms his department owns the land. In an e-mail he wrote: "The buildings are in bad shape and unusable, but there has been some interest expressed in the property. It is too early to speak of definitive plans at this stage."
Vernon McPhee
Reply to @David Amos:
Nice to know that it is all about you, David. The people over in Cape
Tormentine - Bayfield will be very appreciative of your attitude.
David Amos
Reply to @Vernon
McPhee: i already talked to them and they thanked me for my empathy.
Methinks you should learn such things N'esy Pas?
Vernon McPhee
Reply to @David Amos: Both of your posts above still indicate your desire (obsession) with inserting yourself into this story as you appear to do on a regular basis.
David Amos
Reply to @Vernon McPhee: Who are you to judge me?
Less than 3 weeks before opening, nature centre loses all of its provincial funding
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre counted on $50,000 from province
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is the most recent tourist attraction along the southeastern edge of New Brunswick to face an uncertain future because of cuts to provincial funding.
The centre in Bayfield is the last stop in New Brunswick before the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island.
It was built, in part, with a stimulus package given to help the community after heavy job losses when the Marine Atlantic ferry crossing was closed and the bridge was opened in 1997.
"We received a letter on May 13 indicating to us that the province was no longer going to contribute $50,000 to our operating costs."
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is scheduled to open Friday.
Susan Purdy, chairman of the board of directors for the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, said they heard about the funding cut via a letter on May 13. (CBC)
"At this late date, it's difficult," said Purdy.
She said the centre plans to employ its regular 22 seasonal employees, but their hours may be less than expected, and the centre's restaurant will not open this year.
"At the moment we are doing what we can to plan ahead, but if we get halfway through the season and our books are not balancing, then we're going to have to look where we can save money."
CBC News
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is the last stop in New Brunswick before the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island.
On May 13, less than 3
weeks before opening, the centre received a letter indicating that the
province was no longer going to contribute $50,000 to their operating
costs. 0:54
"We're a non-profit, so we operate generally close to the zero line. Losing that amount from the province last-minute was a very critical thing for us," Prescott said.
He said they're just trying to survive now.
"I don't think we can survive if we don't get some more income."
Sally Smart, the operations manager, said the centre receives between 60,000 to 70,000 visitors between late May to early October.
Sally Smart, the operations manager for Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, said the provincial funding helped them stay open.
The $50,000 allowed them to stay open, and losing it means they'll have to find money elsewhere, she said.
"I just hope that everybody understands that we're going to make it through this budget cut and we're still here," Smart said.
Green Party MLA Megan Mitton told the legislature that the spending cut follows other blows to tourism in her riding.
"The people of this region are feeling abandoned."
Megan Mitton, the Green Party MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar, says the people of her riding feel abandoned after cuts to tourist destinations such as the information centre in Aulac this year. (CBC)
She said a plan to privatize the operation of Murray Beach Provincial Park has many residents in the area concerned, and the closest tourist information centre, which is in Aulac, was closed this year, she said.
"The past government shut down the tourist bureau there, and now [the centre's] funding has been cut, putting it at risk," said Mitton, who represents Memramcook-Tantramar.
But Purdy said the centre will put a push on for more donations.
"We've survived a lot of licks, we've decided to treat this one as another one."
The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture would not make anyone available for an interview.
The nature centre was established after the Confederation Bridge and the disappearance of the ferry service to P.E.I. put people out of work. (Gail Harding/CBC)
Less than 3 weeks before opening, nature centre loses all of its provincial funding
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre counted on $50,000 from province
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, the last stop before the Confederation Bridge, opens Friday. (Cape Jourimain Nature Centre )
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is the
most recent tourist attraction along the southeastern edge of New
Brunswick to face an uncertain future because of cuts to provincial
funding.
The centre in Bayfield is the last stop in New Brunswick before the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island.
It was built, in part, with a stimulus package given to help the community after heavy job losses when the Marine Atlantic ferry crossing was closed, and the bridge was opened in 1997.
Susan Purdy, the chair of the board of directors, said the centre only heard recently about the funding cut.
"We received a letter on May 13 indicating to us that the province was no longer going to contribute $50,000 to our operating costs."
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is scheduled to open Friday.
Megan Mitton, the Green Party MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar, says the people of her riding feel abandoned after cuts to tourist destinations such as the information centre in Aulac this year. (CBC)
"At this late date, it's difficult," said Purdy.
She said the centre plans to employ its regular 22 seasonal employees, but their hours may be less than expected, and the centre's restaurant will not open this year.
"At the moment we are doing what we can to plan ahead, but if we get halfway through the season and our books are not balancing, then we're going to have to look where we can save money."
Green Party MLA Megan Mitton told the legislature that the spending cut follows other blows to tourism in her riding.
"The people of this region are feeling abandoned."
She said a plan to privatize the operation of Murray Beach Provincial Park has many residents in the area concerned, and the closest tourist information centre, in Aulac, was closed this year, she said.
The nature centre was established after the Confederation Bridge and the disappearance of the ferry service to P.E.I. put people out of work. (Gail Harding/CBC)
"The past government shut down the tourist bureau there, and now [the centre's] funding has been cut, putting it at risk," said Mitton, who represents Memramcook-Tantramar.
But Susan Purdy said the centre will put a push on for more donations.
"We've survived a lot of licks, we've decided to treat this one as another one."
The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture would not make anyone available for an interview.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and PracticesThe centre in Bayfield is the last stop in New Brunswick before the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island.
It was built, in part, with a stimulus package given to help the community after heavy job losses when the Marine Atlantic ferry crossing was closed, and the bridge was opened in 1997.
"We received a letter on May 13 indicating to us that the province was no longer going to contribute $50,000 to our operating costs."
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is scheduled to open Friday.
Megan Mitton, the Green Party MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar, says the people of her riding feel abandoned after cuts to tourist destinations such as the information centre in Aulac this year. (CBC)
"At this late date, it's difficult," said Purdy.
She said the centre plans to employ its regular 22 seasonal employees, but their hours may be less than expected, and the centre's restaurant will not open this year.
"At the moment we are doing what we can to plan ahead, but if we get halfway through the season and our books are not balancing, then we're going to have to look where we can save money."
Green Party MLA Megan Mitton told the legislature that the spending cut follows other blows to tourism in her riding.
"The people of this region are feeling abandoned."
She said a plan to privatize the operation of Murray Beach Provincial Park has many residents in the area concerned, and the closest tourist information centre, in Aulac, was closed this year, she said.
The nature centre was established after the Confederation Bridge and the disappearance of the ferry service to P.E.I. put people out of work. (Gail Harding/CBC)
"The past government shut down the tourist bureau there, and now [the centre's] funding has been cut, putting it at risk," said Mitton, who represents Memramcook-Tantramar.
But Susan Purdy said the centre will put a push on for more donations.
"We've survived a lot of licks, we've decided to treat this one as another one."
The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture would not make anyone available for an interview.
Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick
MLA Bios - 59th Legislature
Hon.
Robert Gauvin
Deputy Premier Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister responsible for La Francophonie Robert Gauvin was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in the provincial election of September 24, 2018, to represent the riding of Shippagan-Lamèque-Miscou. He was appointed Deputy Premier, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, and Minister responsible for la Francophonie on November 9, 2018. Mr. Gauvin has worked in the theatre for over 25 years, including at Le Pays de la Sagouine, Le Théâtre populaire d’Acadie, and Le Théâtre l’Escaouette. An author, director, humorist, and actor, he has written over 50 plays and has written for television and acted in television series and in films. Mr. Gauvin has won several national and provincial awards, including the Masque award for the best production outside Quebec in 2003 for the play Univers. He has also taught drama and been involved in educational activities with Acadian youth throughout his career. From 2016 to 2018 he was responsible for economic development at Le Pays de la Sagouine. He is an ambassador of Acadian culture across Canada and an ardent defender of Francophones’ rights. The son of former MLA and minister Jean Gauvin, Robert was born in Caraquet in 1968 and grew up in Shippagan. In 2006, he married Émilie LaBranche, with whom he has two children, Charles and Alice. |
| Last updated : 2/14/2019 |
http://capejourimain.ca/en/board/
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is a charitable nonprofit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors who share a passion for wildlife and nature conservation.
2018 Board of Directors
- Susan Purdy – President
- Bill Prescott – Vice President
- John Baxter – Treasurer
- Suzanne Gaskin – Secretary
- Ed Allan
- Roz Anctil
- Mike Banks
- Paul Bogaard
- Meg Edwards
- Gary Gaskin
- Gay Hansen
- Melanie Jellett
- Pierre Pinet
- Carol Ann Rose
- Brenda Trafford
- Garry Donaldson – ex-officio
Sally Smart
Education & Outreach Manager
Daniel DeLong
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/eng/Agency/mediaroom/NewsReleases/Pages/3060.aspx
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN CAPE JOURIMAIN NATURE CENTRE
August 11, 2010 - Bayfield, New Brunswick
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre will soon offer improved
services to its visitors, thanks to an investment of more
than $48,000 from the Government of Canada. The Honourable
Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Senator for New Brunswick, on behalf
of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National
Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today
announced funding for the renovation and improvement
project.
“Through its Economic Action Plan, our Government is
investing in projects that will make a difference in
communities both today and in the future,” said Senator
Stewart Olsen. “This investment will help strengthen the
local tourism infrastructure, attract more visitors,
promote longer stays, and increase tourist generated
revenue in the region.”
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre Inc. (CJNC) is a non-
profit organization and key tourism attraction in the
province. The organization is dedicated to promoting and
interpreting nature and history, and to increasing overall
interest and understanding of the natural and cultural
heritage of the Cape Jourimain area of New Brunswick.
Located at the juncture of the Confederation Bridge linking
PEI to New Brunswick, the CJNC is built in an area
protected by the Canadian Wildlife Service.
"We greatly appreciate this opportunity to improve our
infrastructure with this funding," said William Prescott,
President of Cape Jourimain Nature Centre. "After 10 years
in operation, our facility needs some serious
infrastructure work, including trail upgrades and signage.
As a charitable organization, with very little capital
funds, the financial support from the federal government
helps us maintain and upgrade our facility as a first-class
tourism attraction."
The upgrades include improving the on-site marketing and
branding. The trails will be upgraded, and interpretation
panels and stations will be developed with a self-guiding
trail map to facilitate navigation for visitors. The
Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, will contribute $48,800 toward the
project under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) program,
and the CJNC is providing $25,200 toward the project.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion over two
years for the CAF, which will help create jobs and maintain
employment in communities affected by the economic
downturn. The CAF program is delivered in Atlantic Canada
by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please
visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre will soon offer improved
services to its visitors, thanks to an investment of more
than $48,000 from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Senator for New
Brunswick, today announced improvements to the walking
trails, signage, interpretation panels and a self-guiding
trail map.
- 30 -
services to its visitors, thanks to an investment of more
than $48,000 from the Government of Canada. The Honourable
Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Senator for New Brunswick, on behalf
of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National
Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today
announced funding for the renovation and improvement
project.
“Through its Economic Action Plan, our Government is
investing in projects that will make a difference in
communities both today and in the future,” said Senator
Stewart Olsen. “This investment will help strengthen the
local tourism infrastructure, attract more visitors,
promote longer stays, and increase tourist generated
revenue in the region.”
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre Inc. (CJNC) is a non-
profit organization and key tourism attraction in the
province. The organization is dedicated to promoting and
interpreting nature and history, and to increasing overall
interest and understanding of the natural and cultural
heritage of the Cape Jourimain area of New Brunswick.
Located at the juncture of the Confederation Bridge linking
PEI to New Brunswick, the CJNC is built in an area
protected by the Canadian Wildlife Service.
"We greatly appreciate this opportunity to improve our
infrastructure with this funding," said William Prescott,
President of Cape Jourimain Nature Centre. "After 10 years
in operation, our facility needs some serious
infrastructure work, including trail upgrades and signage.
As a charitable organization, with very little capital
funds, the financial support from the federal government
helps us maintain and upgrade our facility as a first-class
tourism attraction."
The upgrades include improving the on-site marketing and
branding. The trails will be upgraded, and interpretation
panels and stations will be developed with a self-guiding
trail map to facilitate navigation for visitors. The
Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, will contribute $48,800 toward the
project under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) program,
and the CJNC is providing $25,200 toward the project.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion over two
years for the CAF, which will help create jobs and maintain
employment in communities affected by the economic
downturn. The CAF program is delivered in Atlantic Canada
by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please
visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre will soon offer improved
services to its visitors, thanks to an investment of more
than $48,000 from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Senator for New
Brunswick, today announced improvements to the walking
trails, signage, interpretation panels and a self-guiding
trail map.
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Gisèle Savoie
Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-3341
Greg Fallon
Executive Director
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre Inc.
506-538-2220
http://www.bofep.org/SMaRTS.htm
Gisèle Savoie
Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-3341
Greg Fallon
Executive Director
Cape Jourimain Nature Centre Inc.
506-538-2220
http://www.bofep.org/SMaRTS.htm
BOFEP Working Group on Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems
(SMaRTS)
Minutes of 4th Meeting
February 6th, 2002, CWS Headquarters, Sackville, NB
Minutes of 4th Meeting
February 6th, 2002, CWS Headquarters, Sackville, NB
Present:
Jon Carr (Atlantic Salmon Federation)
Sue Bowes (Natural Resources and Energy)
Tony Bowron (Ecology Action Centre)
Hélène Dupuis (Fisheries and Oceans)
Denis Haché (Fisheries and Oceans)
Janice Harvey (Conservation Council)
Peter Hicklin (CWS, Environment Canada)
Mary Knockwood (Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Initiative)
Zsofi Koller (Conservation Council)
Daniel LeBlanc (Petitcodiac Riverkeepers)
Josette Maillet (Nature Conservancy)
Peter McLaughlin (Environment and Local Government)
Jeff Ollerhead (Mount Allison U.)
David Thompson (Conservation Council)
Peter Wells (Environment Canada)
Regrets: Sarah Townsend, Danika van Proosdij, Charles LeBlanc, Al Hanson, and Alison Evans.
Meeting Chair: Jeff Ollerhead
1. Welcome and introductions
Jeff Ollerhead opened the meeting and welcomed the group. A brief explanation of SMaRTS’ origins was given to newcomers.
New working group members: Mary Knockwood, Josette Maillet, and David Thompson.
2. Approval of minutes and agenda.
All present approved the minutes of the last (Oct. 11, 2001) meeting. Additions to the draft agenda included:
- DFO re-organization (before #3 Tidal Barriers Updates)
- Petitcodiac EIA and workshop (included in #8. New Business).
3. DFO Reorganization
Hélène Dupuis and Denis Haché reported that a reorganization in the DFO Moncton office will be effective after April 1st, 2002, with responsibilities extending to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence only. After this, neither Hélène nor Denis will be working on Bay of Fundy issues, except for the Petitcodiac River causeway. Responsibility for all other Bay of Fundy issues will likely reside in the Maritimes Region (Halifax). Hélène and Denis will refer the issue of DFO participation in BoFEP working groups to management of both Maritimes and Gulf Regions for their consideration. DFO representation on the SMaRTS working group may therefore change. Someone from DFO in Halifax will have to take over in the Bay of Fundy. DFO will decide who comes. Hélène and Denis will push DFO to assign someone to SMaRTS.
4. Tidal Barrier Audits Updates
a) New Brunswick Audit: Zsofi Koller
Zsofi passed out draft copies of her report for informal review. Please email or fax your comments to her no later than the end of February (email: zsofikoller@yahoo.ca fax: 506-458-1047).
Progress on the New Horton site was also reported. New Horton has a dyke that might be able to be removed to restore salt marsh. If the land with the dyke could be purchased, this could be a permanent site research/monitoring site, especially because the Nature Conservancy owns ~450 acres adjacent. The need for a long-term monitoring/research site in Atlantic Canada is high.
Land acquisition issues are complex. Due to activity in the area by Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, it was thought best not to directly contact landowners until other initiatives have been settled. There are also complications with respect to land assessment; there is conflicting information regarding land values and property development. It would be unwise to proceed until a clear picture of the situation unfolds through communications with Service New Brunswick and land assessors from the Moncton office (contact: Ken Arbeau).
Josette Maillet, a representative from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, explained the history of the land owned in the area by NC. Due to other funding commitments and priorities, the Nature Conservancy is unwilling to move forward on this issue at this point in time. She explained that while NCC in other regions does get involved in restoration projects, the Atlantic regional office has not yet taken anything like this on. It was suggested that possibly Canadian Wildlife Services could purchase this land. Pete Hicklin explained that land is only acquired by CWS once it has been decided to establish it as a federal sanctuary of some type. Colin MacKinnon is the Environment Canada contact for this site.
Mary Knockwood added that Fort Folly will begin an assessment and recovery of habitat in the upper Bay of Fundy, and will be looking for scientific support. Peter Hicklin noted that Environment Canada will provide support for First Nations.
b) Nova Scotia Tidal Barriers Audit: Tony Bowron
Tony gave a summary of his tidal barriers report. The report is published and available for distribution. For a copy of this report, contact Tony at: tbowron@is2.dal.ca. Tony is currently trying to get a commitment from NS Department of Transportation regarding restoration of his identified tidal barriers.
The fear that surrounds salt marsh restoration was discussed. It is necessary to acquire enough information to be able to proceed with confidence. This goal is not exclusive to the upper Bay of Fundy. The only way we can figure out what will happen during restoration is to do it. Site-specific problems will always arise; however, if hydrology is well-investigated, then a fairly good understanding of the situation should be drawn.
Ideally, a monitoring program should be set up two years before a barrier is taken out to fully understand the effects. Studying historical aerial photos, barriers that have been taken out naturally (eg. John Lusby Marsh), etc. are possible alternatives to long-term scientific monitoring programs, if such resources are not readily at hand.
Tony will pre-monitor his restoration site in the summer of 2002, and the barrier will likely be taken out in 2003. The restoration site will probably be Chevrie Creek, which has a broken-down, wooden culvert.
A good vehicle for networking and information exchange around tidal barriers removal and restoration is the Habitat Restoration Committee of the Gulf of Maine Council (GOMC). In the US, the Gulf of Maine Council is embarking on a major, multi-year habitat restoration program which will fund local projects. Currently, there are no funds to do the same in Canada. There is huge bank of expertise, however, on this committee, and it would be worthwhile to tap into this process. Susan Snow-Cotter (Gulf of Maine Council) or some other representative will be asked to give a presentation at the next SMaRTS meeting. {Note: the next GOMC Habitat Committee meeting will be held April 22-23, location not known.]
c) Research on the Windsor Salt Marsh–Tony Bowron, on behalf of Sarah Townsend
Ducks Unlimited has been very helpful in the current research on the Windsor salt marsh, and might provide funding for restoration sites in this area.
Tony reported that DOT is planning to twin Highway 101, which incorporates the Windsor Causeway. An entirely new 6-lane causeway is planned on the seaward side. A bridge will not be considered; because a causeway already exists: "the damage has already been done." The old Windsor Causeway will be kept as a maintenance road, so the existing tidal gates will remain functional. This project is planned to be completed in 7-8 years.
An EIA panel could review the impact of the new causeway. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Petitcodiac might change the thinking behind the Windsor Causeway decision before it goes through. If a full EIA process is not undertaken for the Windsor Causeway expansion, it will make a farce of the EIA process. SMaRTS should advocate for a full EIA of this development.
5. Terms of Reference
a) Distribution of Draft Terms of Reference–Janice Harvey
Janice circulated the Draft Terms of Reference (TOR), with the changes made that were proposed at the last meeting (see Oct.11/01 minutes).
TOR #3 was adapted to include a direct socio-economic reference. All present at the meeting agreed that these changes should mark the final draft of the Terms of Reference. A copy of the final TOR are attached to this document as Appendix 1. Zsofi will email the final TOR to Jon Percy to put up on the website.
b) Group Priorities: Economic Valuation–Denis Haché
Economic valuation was one of the priorities determined by SMaRTS members at the June 6th, 2001 meeting. Possible workshops on this issue have been proposed. Full-cost accounting should be encouraged to be incorporated in the Petitcodiac EIA process, the Windsor Causeway, and other restoration projects.
GPI Atlantic could discuss the issue of full-cost accounting and economic valuation at the BoFEP workshop. Janice will contact Ron Coleman from GPI Atlantic to do a seminar at the BoFEP workshop. This will be similar to what GPI did for the Premier’s Roundtable. They should have at least an hour time slot. If this doesn’t work out, then they should be invited to do a presentation at the next SMARTS working group meeting.
6. 5th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop (13-16th May, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS)
a) Workshop; general–Peter Wells
Peter gave a brief description of the workshop. A basic structure for the workshop is:
- Monday evening: introductory reception.
- Tuesday: concurrent paper sessions
- Wednesday and half of Thursday: Bay of Fundy Coastal Forum. This will be a discussion around a series of questions about the State of the Health of the Bay of Fundy, one of several coastal and watershed forums leading up to a Fall 2003 State of the Gulf of Maine Summit.
b) SMaRTS Poster–Zsofi Koller
Zsofi asked the group for suggestions regarding the SMaRTS’ poster content and style.
Suggested items for the poster included:
- TOR
- brief history
- affiliations of people in the Working Group
- examples of both research and physical work
- emphasize: this is not an educational poster, this is a scientific poster, to communicate with the other Working Groups
- a map to show tidal barriers and salt marshes in the BoF (perhaps as a watermark)
- 4-5 references to projects on display at the workshop OR reference to projects not represented on other posters.
- photos of both people and projects
- future plans and challenges
- website links
- note: no logos (except for BoFEP’s) will be put on the poster
Zsofi will send out a draft of the poster for approval to SMaRTS members.
7. Update on Actions Plans from Last Meeting (Oct. 11/01)
a) NSERC funding for a doctorate or post-doc student–Peter Wells
It was suggested at the last meeting (Oct 11/01) to find funding for a student to research how to model changes and cumulative effects in the Bay of Fundy as a result of tidal barriers. There has been no action taken on this issue yet. Peter will pursue this with Danika van Proosdij later.
b) New fact sheets on tidal barriers–Peter Wells
A new fact sheet on tidal barriers is needed, as the last updated one was Spring 1999. Jon Percy, author of the factsheets, is committed to writing three other factsheets in the upcoming year. SMaRTS will put in a request for a fact sheet, as there is enough material to warrant one. It was noted that a new barriers fact sheet need not repeat the basic information on the existing one, but focus instead on specific sites where either impacts are being assessed, or restoration is being undertaken. It could also cite the work of SMARTS members. Peter will add this to his list to take to the BoFEP Steering Committee. Other possible topics related the SMaRTS WG could be the socio-economic aspects of tidal barriers and salt marshes, and the "how" of community stewardship.
c) NB government restoration initiative--Peter McLaughlin
A collaborative of NB government departments is looking for opportunities to restore small-scale tidal systems. DOA has many aboiteaux which are not being used, and which could potentially be let go. Over the course of five weeks in the fall 2001, staff from the provincial departments of Environment and Local Government, Natural Resources and Energy, and the federal DFO examined every tidal crossing from the Petitcodiac causeway to the Nova Scotia Border. One site, the last stream before the border, had its culvert opened in August and it will remain open. The group has not yet taken the next step in the overall process, which is to develop a strategy for addressing the crossings. It was noted that the Dept. of Transportation did not send a representative to be a part of this initiative.
Zsofi Koller mentioned she had several meetings with DOT earlier in the fall regarding the CCNB tidal barriers audit. DOT was interested in the identification of restricted sites, but was reluctant to make any commitments, due to tight budgets and limited schedules. It was suggested this may be because DOT needs a process by which they can address environmental concerns, including a definition identifying concrete goals. A coordinator, or Director, in the department with responsibility for environment would greatly help in trying to get the department engaged in such projects. This process is more advanced in Nova Scotia, as the NS DOT has been quite open to the EAC audit. Tony made some good contacts at a DOT regional managers meeting.
It was decided that SMaRTS should urge the NB government to appoint a senior staff person responsible for environmental affairs. A letter will be drafted to the Deputy Minister of Transportation, with the two SMaRTS co-chairs signing the letter. Zsofi will also send a list of tidally restricted crossings to the Deputy Minister of Transportation, to increase communications.
d) Future of the tidal barriers audits–Janice Harvey
CCNB will continue the tidal barrier audit for a third, and final summer, to complete the audit on the New Brunswick shore of the Bay of Fundy. The 2002 field season will cover the area from Alma to the St.Croix River. The field season will be extended from previous years (probably 3 months) and the tidal barrier audit coordinator will have a field assistant for the duration of the field season. Money for this project still needs to be pulled together. Peter Wells has built a part of the coordinator’s salary into his budget, and Jeff Ollerhead is willing to donate equipment (tripod and automatic level) again. Upon completion, the study will need to be looked at as a whole, integrating the results of all three years. Also, revisiting several sites done in previous years will be necessary, to ensure results are consistent.
8. New Business
a) Petitcodiac EIA--Hélène Dupuis
On November 30th, 2001, the federal government announced that they would fund 2/3 of the EIA of the Petitcodiac causeway options. This process will cost approximately 3 million. This process will ensure public involvement, and will harmonize the requirements of provincial and federal EIA. Government agencies will be involved as a technical review panel. The public participation process will involve a mediator facilitator to oversee the process.
The Government is also hosting a scientific workshop (March 3, 4, 5, 2002) on modelling the Petitcodiac system. This workshop will not be part of the EIA, but will be for the EIA, to provide technical support. The basic question asked will be: "What will be the best way of seeing how the river will react to various opening options?" This will not be open to the public, but interested parties should ask for invitations by calling Charles LeBlanc, Environment Canada (506-851-7254). This workshop will examine modelling experiences, address surveying issues, and will involve a panel of international experts. It will be tape recorded. It is expected that 50-75 people will attend. Peter Wells requested a synopsis of the EIA science workshop at the BoFEP workshop. Denis will send a general abstract to the workshop.
Katy Haralampides from UNB civil engineering will provide a computer program to calculate the size of openings needed for a crossing. This could also be a tool for future work. Phil Hansen, from DOT, will also be involved with this project.
9. Next Meeting
The next meeting of SMaRTS will likely be during the BoFEP Science Workshop in May (Wolfville, NS). Zsofi will send minutes of today’s meeting to Jon Percy to put on the web.
No guarantee of funding for Cape Jourimain centre: N.B. spokesman
Funding
for the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre hadnever been planned to continue
indefinitely, says a spokesman for the New Brunswick government.
CBC News learned Tuesday that dwindling federal and provincial funding is forcing the centre on the New Brunswick side of the Confederation Bridge to close early for the season, about six weeks earlier than in past years.
Park officials said their annual funding hasshrunk from $160,000 to $40,000 in two years.
The province is having discussions with park officials, said Brendan Langille, but he's not making any promises.
"We're going to continue to try to find a solution, but the fact remains that at this point we don't have a budget base in order to pay for the expenses at Cape Jourimain," Langille said. "At this point it's really trying to work out a solution to get the finances in order at the nature centre."
Langille said it was expected the park would be financially independent by now, and the province came up with the $40,000 grant this year as a gesture of good faith.
The federal government was expected to match that amount, but park officials said they've received nothing from Ottawa.
Paul Bogaard, president of the centre's board of directors, said they've been working on a business plan, but he said funding cutbacks exceed any financial gains the park has made.
CBC News learned Tuesday that dwindling federal and provincial funding is forcing the centre on the New Brunswick side of the Confederation Bridge to close early for the season, about six weeks earlier than in past years.
Park officials said their annual funding hasshrunk from $160,000 to $40,000 in two years.
The province is having discussions with park officials, said Brendan Langille, but he's not making any promises.
"We're going to continue to try to find a solution, but the fact remains that at this point we don't have a budget base in order to pay for the expenses at Cape Jourimain," Langille said. "At this point it's really trying to work out a solution to get the finances in order at the nature centre."
Langille said it was expected the park would be financially independent by now, and the province came up with the $40,000 grant this year as a gesture of good faith.
The federal government was expected to match that amount, but park officials said they've received nothing from Ottawa.
Paul Bogaard, president of the centre's board of directors, said they've been working on a business plan, but he said funding cutbacks exceed any financial gains the park has made.
Agency working on long-term solutions for Cape Jourimain
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is committed to keeping the Cape Jourimain nature centre open, a spokeswoman says.
The board that runs the centre on the New Brunswick side of the Confederation Bridge saysit hasto close six weeks early this year because of a lack of government funding. Both the federal agency andthe provincial government have provided funding since the centre opened.
But Patricia Field oftheagencysaid it wasn't an indefinite arrangement.
"Our investment has been designed to provide the centre with the foundation and the capacity within the organization to help them move towards self-sufficiency."
The provincial government had a similar arrangement with the centre.
This year, it came up with $40,000 in emergency funding to get the centre through another season.
Officials have said their annual funding has shrunk from $160,000 to the $40,000 from the provincial government.
Field saidACOAis working with the board on some long-term solutions, but couldn't provide details.
The centre, located on an island in a 675-hectare national wildlife area, includes a visitor information centre, a boutique, shuttle service to P.E.I., a restaurant and an interpretative centre. It hosts more than 95,000 visitors a year.
The centre is set to close Aug. 26
.
The board that runs the centre on the New Brunswick side of the Confederation Bridge saysit hasto close six weeks early this year because of a lack of government funding. Both the federal agency andthe provincial government have provided funding since the centre opened.
But Patricia Field oftheagencysaid it wasn't an indefinite arrangement.
"Our investment has been designed to provide the centre with the foundation and the capacity within the organization to help them move towards self-sufficiency."
The provincial government had a similar arrangement with the centre.
This year, it came up with $40,000 in emergency funding to get the centre through another season.
Officials have said their annual funding has shrunk from $160,000 to the $40,000 from the provincial government.
Field saidACOAis working with the board on some long-term solutions, but couldn't provide details.
The centre, located on an island in a 675-hectare national wildlife area, includes a visitor information centre, a boutique, shuttle service to P.E.I., a restaurant and an interpretative centre. It hosts more than 95,000 visitors a year.
The centre is set to close Aug. 26
.
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