Nova Scotia Resource Issues on Way to Ottawa

January 19, 2009

MP Gerald Keddy and MP Mike Allen Hold Roundtable on Behalf of Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt

Western Shore, NS (January 19, 2009) - Nova Scotia MP Gerald Keddy welcomed Natural Resources Committee Member and Chair of the Conservative Party's Atlantic Caucus MP Mike Allen to the province this past Saturday to talk about how the Conservative Government can help those facing challenges in the natural resources sector.

The event builds on the Conservative Government's commitment to those Canadian workers, families and communities who are facing difficulties as a result of the global economic slowdown.

The event was one of five held in Atlantic Canada last week and was an opportunity for local residents to give their input on how the Conservative Government can help workers, families and communities in the upcoming Budget. The Honourable Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, new provincial Minister of Natural Resources was also in attendance.

"Natural resources are an important industry and source of jobs throughout my riding of South Shore - St. Margaret's and indeed throughout Nova Scotia," said Keddy. "We know that workers, families and communities are facing challenging times as a result of the global economic downturn. Our Government will stand with them as they deal with these challenges ."

On January 27, 2009 Canadians will be presented with a Budget designed to guide Canada through these uncertain times. The roundtable in Western Shore is part of a country-wide effort to hear from those Canadians who are feeling first-hand the effects of slowdowns in the forestry, mining and energy sectors and solicit their views on what they would like to see in the Budget.

"This meeting was a chance for local residents to share with us what we can do to help them in these challenging times," said Allen. "Our Government believes in our resource industries like forestry and knows that they will have a successful future. The input we received will help us realize that potential and ensure our workers, families and communities have the support they need through this downturn."