MLA pushes for economic assistance for Weymouth
Weymouth needs some of the federal government’s $1 billion community development trust fund says Digby-Annapolis MLA Harold Theriault.
During question period Wednesday in the provincial legislature, Theriault said the village of Weymouth has been ravaged by a mill closure and loss of industry, and said the federal trust fund was created to assist one-industry communities such as Weymouth that are facing major downturns.
“Weymouth and the surrounding communities rely on a few select industries,” said Theriault. “Losing the mill has left this village fighting for survival in dark economic times.”
His remarks were included in a news release distributed by the Liberal caucus.
Theriault asked how much Nova Scotia will receive from the billion-dollar fund and how Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac plans on spending the funding.
“There are communities in this province like Weymouth who desperately need this funding,” he said, and suggested the rising price of gas and the high Canadian dollar are reasons so many small communities like Weymouth are struggling economically.
“Businesses are shutting down and people are moving elsewhere to work. Many of our small towns are barely hanging on.”
The Liberal MLA added that the province should provide Weymouth and the surrounding communities with economic development assistance.
