From Client to Citizen

Ombudsman Act

2009-12-10T05:25:00.000-04:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

CONCERNED CITIZENS PETITION WORKS!

It took a while but the petition from Concerned Citizens of Shelburne appears to have worked. Congratulations to the more than 500 who signed on!

Want to know more about keeping government agencies honest, read the Act here.

Ombudsman Act

CHAPTER 327 OF THE REVISED STATUTES, 1989

amended 2004, c. 6, ss. 25, 26

An Act to Establish the Office of the Ombudsman

Short title

1 This Act may be cited as the Ombudsman Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 1.

Interpretation

2 In this Act,
(a) "agency" means an agency, board, commission, foundation or corporation established under an enactment that
(i) is appointed or has a majority of its members appointed by the Governor in Council, a member of the Executive Council or the Province, or
(ii) is supported by or directs the expenditure of public funds of the Province and is designated by the Governor in Council;
(b) "chief officer" includes a deputy minister, the head or chief executive officer of an agency, the mayor of a city or incorporated town, the warden of a municipality to which the Municipal Act applies and the head or chief executive officer of a municipal agency;
(c) "department" means a department of the Government of Nova Scotia and includes an agency
(d) "House" means the House of Assembly;
(e) "minister" means the member of the Executive Council who presides over a department or who is in charge of or responsible for an agency;
(f) "municipal agency" means an agency, board, school board, commission, foundation, corporation, hospital or a welfare, penal or other institution established by or on behalf of or controlled by a municipal unit or two or more municipal units;
(g) "municipal unit" means a municipality to which the Municipal Act applies, a city or an incorporated town, and includes a municipal agency;
(h) "officer" means any official, employee or member of a department or a municipal unit;
(i) "Ombudsman" means the Ombudsman appointed under this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 2; 2004, c. 6, s. 25.

Ombudsman
3 (1) There is hereby established, as an officer of the House, a commissioner for investigations to be called the Ombudsman.
(2) The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the Governor in Council.
(3) The Ombudsman may not be a member of the House and shall not hold any office of trust or profit, other than his office as Ombudsman, or engage in any occupation for reward outside the duties of his office without prior approval in each particular case by the House or by the Governor in Council when the House is not in session.
(4) The Ombudsman shall be paid such salary as is determined from time to time by the Governor in Council.
(5) Before entering upon the exercise of the duties of his office the Ombudsman shall take an oath that he will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of his office and will not divulge any information received by him under this Act except for the purpose of giving effect to this Act.
(6) The Speaker or the Chief Clerk of the House shall administer the oath referred to in subsection (5).
(7) The costs and expenses incurred by the Ombudsman or in the administration of the Act may be paid from the Consolidated Fund of the Province. R.S., c. 327, s. 3.

Term of office
4 (1) Unless his office sooner becomes vacant, the Ombudsman is to hold office for five years from the date of his appointment under Section 3 and, if otherwise qualified, is eligible to be re-appointed.
(2) The Ombudsman may resign his office by notice in writing addressed to the Speaker of the House or, if there is no Speaker or if the Speaker is absent from the Province, to the Chief Clerk of the House. R.S., c. 327, s. 4.

Removal or suspension
5 (1) On the recommendation of the House, the Governor in Council may remove or suspend the Ombudsman from his office for cause or incapacity.
(2) When the House is not in session, a judge of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court may suspend the Ombudsman from his office for cause or incapacity upon an application by the Governor in Council.
(3) Where the Governor in Council makes an application under subsection (2), the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court shall apply mutatis mutandis to the application.
(4) Where a judge of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court suspends the Ombudsman under subsection (2) that judge shall
(a) request the Governor in Council to appoint a person as an acting Ombudsman to hold office until the suspension has been dealt with by the House; and
(b) table a report of the suspension within ten days following the commencement of the next ensuing session of the House.
(5) A suspension under subsection (2) is not to continue beyond the end of the next ensuing session of the House. R.S., c. 327, s. 5.

Extent of disclosure in report of Ombudsman
6 Notwithstanding subsection (5) of Section 3, the Ombudsman may disclose in a report made by him under this Act any matters which, in his opinion, are necessary to disclose in order to establish grounds for his conclusions and recommendations. R.S., c. 327, s. 6.

Personnel
7 (1) The Ombudsman may, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, appoint such assistants and employees as he deems necessary for the efficient carrying out of his functions under this Act.
(2) Before performing any official duty under this Act a person appointed under subsection (1) shall take an oath, to be administered by the Ombudsman, that he will not divulge any information received by him under this Act, except for the purpose of giving effect to this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 7.

Delegation of powers
8 (1) The Ombudsman, by writing under his signature, may delegate to a person appointed an assistant under subsection (1) of Section 7 any of his powers under this Act except the power of delegation and the power to make a report under this Act.
(2) A person purporting to exercise power of the Ombudsman by virtue of a delegation under subsection (1) shall produce evidence of his authority to exercise that power when required to do so. R.S., c. 327, s. 8.

Ombudsman as commissioner
9 For the purposes of this Act, the Ombudsman is a commissioner under the Public Inquires Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 9.

Act does not apply
10 This Act does not apply
(a) to judges and justices or to the functions of any court of the Province; and
(b) to deliberations and proceedings of the Executive Council or any committee thereof. R.S., c. 327, s. 10.

Investigation
11 (1) Subject to subsection (2), where any person is aggrieved or, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, may be aggrieved, the Ombudsman, on the written complaint of or on behalf of the person aggrieved or on his own motion, may investigate the administration
(a) by a department or an officer thereof, of any law of the Province;
(b) by a municipal unit or an officer thereof, of any law of the municipal unit or any law of the Province that applies to the municipal unit.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Ombudsman shall not investigate
(a) any decision, recommendation, act or omission in respect of which there is under any Act a right of appeal or objection or a right to apply for a review on the merits of the case to any court or to any tribunal constituted by or under any Act, whether or not that right of appeal or objection or application has been exercised in the particular case and whether or not any time prescribed for the exercise of that right has expired; or
(b) any decision, recommendation, act or omission of any person acting as a solicitor or prosecuting officer for the Crown or acting as council for the Crown in relation to any proceeding.
(3) Where a question arises as to the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman to investigate a grievance under this Act, he may apply to the Appeal Division of the Supreme Court for a determination of the question of his jurisdiction. R.S., c. 327, s. 11.

Complaint, referral of petition or letter from inmate or patient
12 (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person may apply by written complaint to the Ombudsman to investigate a grievance.
(2) Notwithstanding Sections 14, 20 and 21, a committee of the House may refer any petition that is before the committee for consideration or any matter relating to such petition to the Ombudsman for investigation and report.
(3) Notwithstanding Sections 14, 20 and 21, where a matter has been referred to the Ombudsman under subsection (2), the Ombudsman, subject to any special directions of the committee, shall investigate the matter as far as it is within his jurisdiction and shall make such report to the committee as he thinks fit.
(4) Notwithstanding any Act, where a letter written by a person in custody on a charge or after conviction of any offence or by any inmate or patient of any sanatorium or mental hospital is addressed to the Ombudsman, it shall be forwarded immediately, unopened, to the Ombudsman by the person for the time being in charge of the place or institution where the writer of the letter is detained or of which he is an inmate or patient. R.S., c. 327, s. 12.

Statutory prohibitions inapplicable
13 Notwithstanding any other Act providing that a decision, recommendation, act or omission is final or that no appeal lies in respect thereof or that no proceeding, decision, recommendation, act or omission of a department or municipal unit or officer thereof is to be challenged, reviewed, quashed or called in question, the Ombudsman may exercise the powers under this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 13.

Refusal or cessation of investigation
14 (1) The Ombudsman, in his discretion, may refuse to investigate or may cease to investigate a grievance if
(a) an adequate remedy or right of appeal already exists whether or not the complainant has availed himself of the remedy or right of appeal;
(b) the grievance is trivial, frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith;
(c) having regard to all the circumstances of the case, further investigation is unnecessary;
(d) the grievance relates to any decision, recommendation, act or omission of which the complainant has had knowledge for more than one year before complaining;
(e) the complainant does not have a sufficient personal interest in the subject-matter of the grievance; or
(f) upon a balance of convenience between the public interest and the person aggrieved the Ombudsman is of the opinion that the grievance should not be investigated.
(2) Where the Ombudsman decides not to investigate or to cease to investigate a grievance he shall inform the complainant and any other interested person of his decision and may state his reasons therefor. R.S., c. 327, s. 14.

Notification of investigation
15 Where the Ombudsman intends to investigate a grievance under this Act, he shall
(a) in the case of a grievance relating to a department, notify the minister and the chief officer of the department;
(b) in the case of a grievance relating to a municipal unit, notify the chief officer of the municipal unit. R.S., c. 327, s. 15.

Nature of investigation
16 (1) Every investigation under this Act is to be conducted in private.
(2) Subject to this Act, the Ombudsman may hear or obtain information from any person and may make inquiries.
(3) The Ombudsman may hold hearings under this Act but, subject to subsections (4) and (5), no person is entitled as of right to be heard by the Ombudsman.
(4) Where during an investigation the Ombudsman is satisfied that there is prima facie evidence that
(a) a department or officer thereof administered a law of the Province;
(b) a municipal unit or officer thereof administered a law of the municipal unit or any law of the Province that applies to the municipal unit, so as to cause a grievance or to give cause for a grievance, he shall so advise the minister and the chief officer of the department or the chief officer of the municipal unit, as the case may be, and the officer causing the grievance and give each an opportunity to be heard.
(5) Where a minister, a chief officer or officer thereof appears at a hearing under subsection (4), the minister, chief officer or officer, as the case may be, is entitled to counsel.
(6) The Ombudsman may at any time during or after an investigation consult a minister or chief officer of a department or a municipal unit concerned in the matter of the investigation.
(7) Before forming a final opinion on any matter referred to in subsection (1) of Section 20, the Ombudsman shall consult with
(a) the minister, when the investigation relates to a department, a recommendation to the minister or when the minister requests; or
(b) the chief officer of the municipal unit when the investigation relates to a municipal unit.
(8) Where during or after an investigation the Ombudsman is of the opinion that there is evidence of a breach of duty or misconduct by a department or municipal unit or officer thereof, he shall refer the matter to the minister and chief officer of the department or the chief officer of the municipal unit.
(9) Subject to this Act and any rules made under Section 25, the Ombudsman may regulate his procedure. R.S., c. 327, s. 16.

Furnishing of information
17 (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) and Section 18, where the Ombudsman requests a person who, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is able to furnish information relating to a matter being investigated by the Ombudsman to furnish such information, that person shall furnish that information and produce any documents or papers that, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, relate to the matter and that may be in the possession or under the control of that person whether or not that person is an officer of a department or municipal unit, and whether or not the documents and papers are in the custody or under the control of that department or municipal unit.
(2) The Ombudsman may summon before him and examine on oath
(a) any officer of a department or municipal unit who, in his opinion, is able to give any information referred to in subsection (1);
(b) any complainant; and
(c) with the approval of the Attorney General, any other person who, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is able to give any information referred to in subsection (1).
(3) The oath referred to in subsection (2) is to be administered by the Ombudsman.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), where a person is bound by any law or by an enactment to maintain secrecy in relation to, or not to disclose any matter, the Ombudsman shall not require that person to supply any information or to answer any question in relation to that matter or to produce any document or paper relating to the matter which would be in breach of the obligation of secrecy or non-disclosure.
(5) With the prior consent in writing of the complainant the Ombudsman may require a person to whom subsection (4) applies to supply information or answer questions or produce documents or papers relating only to the complainant and that person shall do so.
(6) The rules for taking evidence in the Supreme Court apply to evidence given by a person required to give information, answer questions and produce documents or papers under this Act.
(7) Any person required to attend a hearing under this Act is entitled to the same fees, allowance and expenses as if he were a witness in the Supreme Court.
(8) Except on the trial of a person for perjury, evidence given by any person in proceedings before the Ombudsman and evidence of any proceeding before the Ombudsman is not admissible against any person in any court or in any proceedings of a judicial nature.
(9) No person is liable for an offence against any Act by reason of his compliance with any requirement of the Ombudsman under this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 17.

Limitations on provision of information
18 (1) Where the Attorney General certifies that the giving of any information or the answering of any question or the production of any document or paper may disclose
(a) deliberations of the Executive Council; or
(b) activities of the Executive Council or any member of the Executive Council relating to matters of a secret or confidential nature and would be injurious to the public interest, the Ombudsman shall not require the information or answer to be given or the document or paper produced.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), a rule of law that authorizes or requires the withholding of any document, paper or thing, or the refusal to answer any question on the ground that the disclosure of the document, paper or thing, or the answering of the question would be injurious to the public interest, does not apply in respect of any investigation by or proceedings before the Ombudsman. R.S., c. 327, s. 18.

Right of entry and investigation
19 (1) For the purposes of this Act, the Ombudsman may enter upon any premises occupied by any department or municipal unit and, subject to Sections 17 and 18, carry out any investigation within his jurisdiction.
(2) Before entering any premises under subsection (1) the Ombudsman shall notify the chief officer of the department or municipal unit of his intention to enter the premises. R.S., c. 327, s. 19.

Report of Ombudsman if grievance established
20 (1) Where upon investigation the Ombudsman is of the opinion that a grievance exists or may exist because a department or municipal unit or officer thereof administered or is administering a law of the Province or a law of the municipal unit or a law of the Province that applies to the municipal unit
(a) unreasonably, unjustly, oppressively or in a discriminatory manner, or pursuant to a rule of law, enactment or practice that so results;
(b) under mistake of law or fact, in whole or in part;
(c) wrongly;
(d) contrary to law; or
(e) by using a discretionary power for an improper purpose, or on irrelevant grounds, or by taking irrelevant considerations into account, or by failing to give reasons for the use of a discretionary power when reasons should have been given, and if the Ombudsman is of the opinion that
(f) the grievance should be referred to the department or municipal unit or officer thereof for further consideration;
(g) an omission should be rectified;
(h) a decision should be cancelled or rectified;
(i) a practice by reason of which the grievance arose or may arise should be altered;
(j) a law by reason of which the grievance arose or may arise should be reconsidered;
(k) reasons should be given for the use of a discretionary power; or
(l) other steps should be taken as he may advise, the Ombudsman shall report his opinion, his reasons therefor and any recommendation to the minister and the chief officer of the department or the chief officer of the municipal unit concerned.
(2) Where the Ombudsman makes a recommendation under subsection (1) he may request the department or municipal unit to notify him within a specified time of the steps it proposes to take to give effect to his recommendations.
(3) Where, after the time stated under subsection (2), the department or municipal unit does not act upon the recommendation of the Ombudsman, refuses to act thereon or acts in a manner unsatisfactory to the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman may send a copy of his report and recommendation to the Governor in Council, in the case of a department, or the council of the municipal unit, in the case of a municipal unit, and may thereafter make a report to the House.
(4) The Ombudsman shall include with any report made under subsection (3) a copy of any comment made by the department or municipal unit upon his opinion or recommendation.
(5) In any report made by him under this Act the Ombudsman shall not make any finding or comment that is adverse to any person unless he gives that person an opportunity to be heard. R.S., c. 327, s. 20.

Duty to inform complainant
21 (1) Where the Ombudsman makes a recommendation under subsection (1) of Section 20 and the department or municipal unit does not act upon such recommendation to his satisfaction, the Ombudsman shall inform the complainant of his recommendation and may add any comment.
(2) The Ombudsman shall in any case inform the complainant in the manner and time he deems proper of the result of the investigation. R.S., c. 327, s. 21.

Review of decision of Ombudsman
22 No proceeding of the Ombudsman is void for want of form and, except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction, no proceedings or decisions of the Ombudsman are to be challenged, reviewed, quashed or called in question in any court. R.S., c. 327, s. 22.

No liability or compellability of Ombudsman or personnel
23 (1) No proceedings lie against the Ombudsman or against any person holding any office or appointment under the Ombudsman for any thing he may do or report or say in the course of the exercise or intended exercise of his functions under this Act, unless it is shown he acted in bad faith.

(2) The Ombudsman and any person holding any office or appointment under the Ombudsman shall not be called to give evidence in any court or in any proceedings of a judicial nature in respect of any thing coming to his knowledge in the exercise of his functions under this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 23.
Reports

24 (1) The Ombudsman shall report annually to the House on the exercise of his functions under this Act.
(2) The Ombudsman, in the public interest or in the interests of a person, department or municipal unit, may publish reports relating generally to the exercise of his functions under this Act or to any particular case investigated by him, whether or not the matters to be dealt with in the report have been the subject of a report made to the House under this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 24.

General rules
25 The House may make general rules for the guidance of the Ombudsman in the exercise of his functions under this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 25.

Offences and penalties
26 Every person who
(a) without lawful justification or excuse wilfully obstructs, hinders or resists the Ombudsman or any other person in the exercise of his functions under this Act;
(b) without lawful justification or excuse refuses or wilfully fails to comply with any lawful requirements of the Ombudsman or any other person under this Act;
(c) wilfully makes any false statement to or misleads or attempts to mislead the Ombudsman or any other person in the exercise of his functions under this Act; or
(d) refuses or wilfully fails to comply with subsection (4) of Section 12, is guilty of an offence and on summary conviction is liable to a penalty not exceeding five hundred dollars. R.S., c. 327, s. 26.

Existing right or remedy preserved
27 This Act does not affect, abrogate, abridge or infringe or authorize the abrogation, abridgement or infringement of any substantive or procedural right or remedy existing elsewhere or otherwise than in this Act. R.S., c. 327, s. 27.

Regulations
28 (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations designating an agency, board, commission, foundation or corporation for the purpose of clause (a) of Section 2.
(2) The exercise by the Governor in Council of the authority contained in subsection (1) is regulations within the meaning of the Regulations Act. 2004, c. 6, s. 26.

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This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2005 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created April 4, 2005. Send comments to legc.office@gov.ns.ca.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME!

2009-11-29T01:50:00.001-04:00

THANK YOU FOR SHARING

YOUR THOUGHTS

Shelburne County's natural, built and human resources provide a promising base for planning and launching development plans and initiatives. Combined with our unique cultural, geographic, environmental and socio-political attributes we see fertile ground for visualizing a bright new future for our communities as well as future generations.

Your comments in support of this effort are welcome. Off topic comments will be rejected.

Thoughts on Civic Activism....

2009-11-10T02:53:00.001-04:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

Dear Reader: I recently had a discussion with a friend about the sometimes frustrating loneliness of civic activisim as well as the exhileration felt when the lethargy of government and bureacracy is overcome and movement in the right direction takes place. It reminded me of my philosophical grounding and the underlying motivation that prompts people in free societies to challenge the status quo.

As you probably know by now dear reader, I believe that individually none of us is large enough to take on the establishment by ourselves. Nonetheless, acting individually as citizens I know we can have an impact by pushing, prodding and at times annoying the establishement into do the right thing.... and motivating others to join us.

Our efforts can result in changes ... as support grows for the obvious solutions needed - however long and labourious the journey might be, if we all act .....

That starting point is at the heart of this tiny blog..... I draw for this reasoning from my reading of history and philosophy ... and the development of modern thought respecting organized society.

Plato's account of the famous Greek philosopher Socrates' trial is the first and most famous illustration of this essential concept behind the working of democratic societies and the key role of citizens and an unfettered press in a free society.

SOCRATES

One of the most famous trials in history ocurred in 399 BC. Socrates was tried and convicted by the courts of democratic Athens on a charge of corrupting the youth and disbelieving in the ancestral gods (challenging conventional wisdom). Reading the history of the day it is clear that Socrates was seen as one who challenged the political establishment throughout his life.

Plato, his erstwhile follower describes how Socrates at trial defended himself as a small irritating, persistent gnat determined to move a large lazy horse. During his defense when on trial for his life, Socrates, according to Plato's writings, pointed out that dissent, like the tiny (relative to the size of a horse) gadfly, was easy to swat, but the cost to society of silencing individuals who were irritating could be very high. "If you kill a man like me, you will injure yourselves more than you will injure me," because he claimed his self-proclaimed role was that of a gadfly, "to sting people and whip them into a fury, all in the service of truth."

"Gadfly" is a term used to describe people (our social consience) who upset the status quo by posing irritating, upsetting or novel questions. In modern and local politics, gadfly is a term used to describe individuals who persistently challenge people in positions of power, the status quo or a popular position. The word today is sometimes used in a pejorative sense, but the historical use over the centuries by people like Benjamin Franklin was as a descriptor of honourable work or performance of civic duty.

Today, as local politicians are jockeying to re-define (or not) the development agencies in our region, it is time for all of us to become gadflies, pushing, prodding and directing politicians and civil servants to do the right thing.... nipping at their heals and rumps so to speak!

My two cents....

Back to blogging!

2009-11-08T15:18:00.000-04:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

Dear Readers,

As you may or may not know ..... I recently started a business and economic development consulting company here in Shelburne called Strategic Perspectives Consulting Associates and its been busy since last January.
In addition .... I am a Director and agent for a Nova Scotia company called International Resource Development Corporation with its office here in Shelburne and its headquarters in Montreal. Last January the President of IRDC and I put together an international consortium with companies in England, Denmark and Holland and bid on a major standing offer contract with the government of Canada ..... we've just been advised that we were successful and been selected to sign a multi-year contract with the Canadian International Development Agency. This morning I finished the draft operational contract for our consortium and its now on its way to our partners. We expect work under the contract to start early in the new year.

And... I am President of an internet radio station in Alberta that my son Kirk and his wife now operate as Leduc County's Home Radio Station...you can listen at http://www.leducradio.com/ . Last week we celebrated our first year of operation.

Finally.... Ocean Produce International is in the last stages of preperation for our lawsuit against SWSDA. This litigation has been going on for ten years and trial is scheduled to begin January 18th, 2010 for four weeks in Halifax. As you can imagine Willa and I've been intimately involved on a daily basis with trial preperation and will be for the next few months.

All this to explain why I haven't been posting as much as some of you would like!! I promise to make an effort to post at least once a week until we get to trial... but I expect posts will be short. ... Your patience in the interim is greatly appreciated.

Ed

To Ward or not To Ward!

2009-10-13T06:48:00.001-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

THAT IS THE QUESTION!!

Thank you Anon 3:40 for your thoughtful comment and reply at 11:42 PM. Here's my reasoning and its based in part on my present observation of the last quarter century.... I may be wrong in my assessment .... but I doubt it.... (;-)

A quick review of our present array of Councillors and Mayor and where they live will show that the majority .... are concentrated in one-third of the geographic area covered by the town. None live in the less affluent areas of our community. In fact, that is a pattern of political representation that has dominated local politics for more than a quarter of a century in our community.

A ward system would force a change in this pattern and would provide an opportunity for folks from all geographic areas of Shelburne to elect representatives to sit at the Council table and represent their priorities and needs. When was the last time someone from the south end of Shelburne got elected? And, if an issue had a deleterious impact on a less affluent section of our community, who could be counted on today to make the case to representatives from other parts of town?

We presently have six councillors and I would propose six districts or wards for our community - one for the south-east side of King Street, one for the north-east side of King Street, two for the centre of town, one for the north and north-west end of town and one for the historic district and proximate areas.

As for running for Mayor, I believe there are many young, capable and intelligent folks in our community who would be much better suited to fill that post than me. Actually, I would like to see a better age distribution in council with more twenty, thirty and forty year-olds and I would like to see more debate during elections about priorities in each of the districts I've already mentioned. I am happy to help and be an active citizen as I think we should all do and make my political contribution by voting for the best candidates that are presented.

Thank you Anon 3:42 .... I think this is an important issue and understand your concerns in this matter....as I hope you understand my views on the issue..... even if you don't agree... (;-)

Question For Anonymous 3:40 PM Today

2009-10-12T16:35:00.000-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

Dear Anonymous 3:40 PM:

Interesting comments. Am puzzled by your rejection of wards to elect councillors. That is because I think electing councillors to represent a specific constituency would make them more accountable to their electors. I'd be interested in your reasons for rejecting election by wards or districts and any ideas you might have to make elected municipal politicians more accountable to the electors.

I'd also welcome any suggestions or comments from others on this question.

Keep the Picture!

2009-10-11T12:03:00.002-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

THAT'S ALL THAT'S LEFT!

For those of you who went to Council on Wednesday or watched it on Eastlink on Thursday, you will have heard our local politicians skating around the issues related to the Moby Dick church. It was interesting to watch and those I've spoken with have all had their own take on the public airing of the views of local politicians on the issue.

I honestly had mixed views on whether we should keep the church or not or how we should dispose of it if we chose not to keep it. I could have lived comfortably with either decision. What I was looking for was a more public process for dealing with public issues.... and I did get a bit more.... not much... but a bit!

I agree that once elected politicians are mandated to deal with public issues as they arise. In normal political systems, politicians are rewarded or punished for the manner in which they deal with public issues by their constituents at election time. Unfortunately, our municipal system in the Town of Shelburne does not facilitate that method of accountability because of the system we have for electing our councillors at large. This way, no one gets credit and no one gets blamed.... great for politicians... lousy for democracy.

Want to have local politicians more accountable? Change our present system for electing councillors and you'll see a dramatic change in local politics. Councllors elected by geographic areas (wards or districts) know who they are accountable to, while those elected at large do as they please most of the time (until election time nears) and have no real obligation to consult the electorate.

That's my view anyway.....

BTW.... I also believe that crushing the church and hauling it off to a landfill was a waste of resources that might have been used by others.... and the worst solution from an environmental perspective.... what a waste of lumber!

GIVE VOTERS A CHANCE!!

2009-10-04T15:47:00.001-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

SHOULD SHELBURNE TOWN COUNCIL SEEK PUBLIC INPUT?

Since its construction, the little church built on the waterfront for the Moby Dick movie appears to have caught the public fancy with many expressing the view that it would be nice to leave it exactly where it is after the movie. Some have suggested that the Town should not be in such an all-fired hurry to impose the wishes of a few council members on the population at large without first consulting extensively with taxpayers.

Unfortunately, the die appears to have been cast at last week's Council meeting and if the present decision of Council is left to stand, the little church will soon be gone.

QUESTIONS:

1. Do you think Council should consult with the public and re-consider their decision?

2. Is this one of those occassions when the public should be invited to vote on the issue?

3. How would the public be consulted if one wanted to?

4. Would a public referendum work to provide guidance to elected officials?

5. Would the movie company be prepared to delay removal of the little church until the public has been consulted?

6. Do you think Council should consider a motion to discuss delaying the removal of the little church with the movie producers until the town has had a chance to consult with voters?

If you think they should, call the Town Office (875-2991 or fax at 875-3932 on Monday and leave a message asking Council to consult with the public before proceeding with the removal of the little church. Alternatively, call Councillors and the Mayor or send an email to shelburnetown@ns.aliantzinc.ca

Timing is critical so do it now and write or call friends to have them contribute their two cents!

BELIEVING FALSE PREMISES - THE ROAD TO FAILURE!

2009-09-29T18:31:00.007-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

NEW YORK CITY'S RATE OF INCREASE

IN HORSE POPULATION IN 1850 !!

Dear Reader,

Did you know that horse populations in the mid-eighteen hundreds in New York City were increasing at more than 12% per year?

At that rate, and making allowances for seepage into the Hudson after heavy rains and the sale of New York born and raised horses to non-residents of 2.5% per year, a decreasing horse-fecundity rate prompted by New Jersey-bred mares and a preference amongst New Yorkers for beef and pork over horse meat, one could conclude that by 1879, the first 9 stories of the Empire State Building would be buried in horse-manure! Of course, if one had reached that conclusion..... one would have been WRONG!! And, investments in window washing services based on these projections would have failed....

.....ALERT.....

ONE NEEDS TO BE EVER VIGILANT OF

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE THAT IS BASED ON

FALSE PREMISES AND FAULTY ASSUMPTIONS!

Considering socio-economic options based on a past where the glass is half empty often will lead us to base our options and plans on what we didn't have and/or couldn't get in the past....drawing the wrong lessons from the experience ..... and not focusing on what our true options or challenges are for the future! The same is true of chosing options based on a strategy that demands we put all of our eggs in one basket.

DID YOU KNOW THAT ... from April 1860 to October 1861.... the pony express really provided a revolutionary and previously unimagined rapid postal service across the United States. Folks saw it as transformational! It was expected to lead the way to an opening up of more timely communications across all of North America, requiring fast ponies strategically located across the country to service the new mail system. Investors (except those who new better) eagerly lined up and began cancelling plans for alternative communications networks and local investments......... ill-informed opportunists were certain that demand for fast horses and young, agile riders were the key to profitability and better local service

..... and then..... and then..... along came the telegraph .... and within months.... the quick demise of the pony express. A concentration of investments in ponies and facilities for fast horses and riders during the 18 months that the pony express operated would have been a poor investment based on inadequate intelligence respecting technological development.

This little bit of history highlights the importance of considering all options when planning for the future and considering the experiences and actions of others. Drawing on our own resources and competitive advantage to plan for our future investments is the critical lesson to be drawn from this history.

What happened with Clare's efforts to become energy self-sufficient may be interesting but not necessaily informative if it was done badly .... and for the wrong reasons ......by folks who didn't know what they were doing. Rather, one should draw lessons.... if any are to be drawn.... from the Austrian community the Clare junket visited with SWSDA. A visit to the Austrian web site is very informative and frankly was all that was necessary to learn from their community's experience!

And so.... let me give you my take on energy and the future role it should play in our community, given our half-filled glass.

First..... while predictions of global warming may provide some impetus for looking at alternative energy sources, it would not be the primary force leading me to invest in energy in Shelburne County. In fact, while I would use public pressure and concern about global warning to get favourable consideration of Shelburne County energy self-sufficiency efforts, it would be the only use I think I would attach to global warming fears.

In part, I believe the best we can hope for within our county is that we can reduce our dependency on others for energy, become self-sufficient and/or produce enough energy for ourselves and some immediate neighbours, improve the competitive position of our own industries and create new jobs we would not otherwise have within the county.

So..... here are my reasons for attaching importance to energy self-sufficiency within the county.....

i.) to the extent that we produce our own energy we may enhance our competitive position and ability to produce goods and services at a lower cost - that's because NSPI's cost of generating power in Halifax and transmission to Shelburne County is the highest in the Province;
ii.) producing our own energy may create local energy production jobs that are now performed in Halifax by folks who don't live and/or spend their earnings in our communities;
iii.) generating energy in Shelburne County based on new technologies may provide us with an opportunity to become a centre for energy production and lead to the export of energy-based manufactures and services from the county;
iv.) energy demonstration projects showcasing new energy technology reflects an image of the county that is positive and can generate a "can do" attitude within and about Shelburne County;
v.) new technology developments in Shelburne County may encourage investors to look at Shelburne as a good place to pursue innovative technologies.

So, dear readers.... I humbly submit my two cents... for your consideration ....

From Energy Dependent to Self-Sufficient

2009-09-21T06:16:00.000-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION

Well dear readers.... its been interesting and the kind of preliminary probing discussion you've engaged in has been stimulating. It's the way the democratic process most effectively begins to weave its magic of thoughtful consideration, analysis, discussion (and sometimes debate and informed civil discourse) on its way to creative community decision-making in healthy and economically competitive social environments.

Now, we need to move on to the next stage...... the organization of data, analysis of options and development of strategies to support constructive action. Here are the bare bones draft specifications for analysis of our energy options and development of a Strategic Plan for Energy self-sufficiency in Shelburne County. These would of course have to be fleshed out and have timelines added to them but I believe they give us a start.

DRAFT

SHELBURNE COUNTY

ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY STRATEGY (SCESS)

Scope of Work

Reporting to the community group charged with the conduct of this development Strategy the team will assume responsibility for the gathering of information about energy needs and technology options and opportunities in Shelburne County, risk associated with various options, costs, benefits, financing options potential spin-off benefits, possible associations and structures for managing the development and long-term management of energy facilities in Shelburne County.

Terms of Reference

More specifically, the Team will:

a. gather information about present energy consumption in the County and develop a low-growth, medium growth and high growth projection of energy needs within the County (highlighting the projected needs of the towns of Lockeport, Shelburne and Clarks Harbour and the Municipalities of Barrington and Shelburne) over the next 25 years;

b. gather information about technology options and potential opportunities for hydro, wind, wave, tidal, biomass and geo-thermal;

c. identify specific projects dealing with each of the potential energy options identified above;

d. undertake SWOT Analysis of each of the options identified and reviewed above;

e. complete preliminary cost/benefit analysis of the options being considered with the attendant sensitivity analysis of the three most important variables for each;

f. identify potential financing options for each possible energy development and detail the strengths, weaknesses and risks associated with each;

g. identify, describe, qualify and quantify potential industrial and other spin-off benefits associated with possible implementation of each option; and

h. propose potential organizational and corporate structure options for management of the development and management of the strategy and resulting facilities.

And so we start the process of organized consideration of Shelburne County's Energy Options given our location and other natural and demographic attributes.

As some of us/you embark on that journey I want to talk to you about other journies we might take associated with our location on the South Shore of Nova Scotia..... BUT THAT'S FOR NEXT TIME!

In the meantime, vote on the new survey question, submit your questions and comments, suggestions and criticisms and identify what you think we should do next to become energy self-sufficient and.... who should do it... private citizens.... municipal governments on their own or as Team Shelburne, our new RDA.... old RDA?

More Good News About Our Location

2009-09-08T02:05:00.005-03:00

OCEAN-BASED ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

I believe our location and proximity to the oceans provides Shelburne County with an enormous energy self-sufficiency advantage over in-land locations.

This should not be surprising..... In most societies, location is a major determinant of energy options. In the past, traditional sources of energy such as fossil fuels provided the most advantage to societies that either had the fossil fuel nearby and/or societies close to suitable harbours for importing energy. Proximity to hydro sources provided an alternative traditional source of energy.

In the 50s, 60s and 70s, the economics of nuclear power plants drove developers to focus on facilities that could serve relatively large markets that were close by. They were more successful in some locations than others.... The proposed size of nuclear facilities and NIMBY tensions were and continue to be the primary deterents to nuclear power development.

The relatively recent push to develop sustainable energy sources has seen the re-development of hydro sources of energy .... as well as increasng efforts to develop wind, tidal, wave and biogas sources of energy.

* And.... in my view .... Shelburne County's future energy develoment needs may be met by.... near-shore wind and wave sources...... as is now occurring in Denmark, the UK, Portugal and other locations ... (See http://www.pelamiswave.com/ for more on commercial wave energy and a site in portugal.)

For more information about ocean locations and energy development from the ocean.... take a look at: http://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/index.php/Tidal-Energy/What-is-Ocean-Energy.html . I think the Ocean Energy Council's review of the costs of ocean-based energy development options and their comparison of costs for land-based energy alternatives is a compelling argument for ocean-based energy options.

While the bay of fundy may have tidal power potential..... my review indicates that in Shelburne County, wave power may be the answer.. and ..... the prospects for more immediate results are better. (There may also be some potential for biogas and better management of hydro power potential in Shelburne County.)

Moreover, given our location and present ship and boat building/repair facilities and expertise, the prospect for manufacturing jobs associated with the construction of wave machines and windmills throughout the County looks promising too.

Did you know that the present cost to NSPI of producing and transmitting power to Shelburne County is amongst the highest in the Province?

Folks, did you know that the production costs per kwh of existing wave machines appear to already be competitive.....?

AND .... did you realize that the shape of Shelburne County and the location of its populations along the coast would appear to provide numerous options in Shelburne for the future deployment of wave machines near-shore in Shelburne County.

And so dear reader..... location appears to favour us again.... providing Shelburne County with what appears to be a perfect location for near-shore wave and wind energy systems... as well as the perfect location for manufacturing the energy sytems of the future for shipment to other markets around the world!

A PERFECT COMPLEMENT .... to our marine industry base!

Gee folks.... looks like our glass isn't half full.... our cup verily runneth over .... already......!!

MORE ABOUT OUR LOCATION COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

2009-09-04T11:04:00.002-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

... THE DIALOGUE BEGINS ...

For those of you just waking up, one of our readers was busy last night... Thoughtful and thought-provoking contribution to the dialogue from Anon 10:56 PM. I urge readers to take a look and wade in with your thoughts or comments. In the meantime let me add some thoughts to my earlier comments and those of Anon 10:56PM.

Shelburne's coastal location and other attributes can provide Shelburne County with a comparative advantage because of its proximity to a significant segment of the world's consumer and industrial markets. However .... to take advantage of it requires looking at the glass from a different angle than we have traditionally.

YES ... our location can be helpful in terms of providing a gateway for others to ship through. And, yes as pointed out by Anon 10:56, our lack of good land transportation systems reduces the advantages we might derive as a shipping gateway.

HOWEVER ... our real advantage might be as a place to import materials for fabrication and manufacturing for export to other markets or to service proximate markets. Anon 10:56 alludes to that application when he/she refers to servicing the offshore development that is expected in the coming years. Anon 10:56 also suggests "green ship demolition and decommissioning" as another application of our advantage that our harbour provides.

History shows ... industries can develop using raw materials from other locations if they can be imported easily and if your location provides an advantage in both importing raw materials and exporting finished products to likely markets. The world is replete with examples of this successful model. Holland does not grow cocoa beans but everyone has heard of dutch chocolate. Nor is it the original home of tulips. And yet , Holland is now known as the home of the flower first introduced during the Ottoman Empire in the mid-1500s. Moreover, it is now recognized world-wide as the commercial centre for the production, research, development and introduction of tulips. In like manner, Antwerp has developed as the world centre for diamond cutting, polishing and related trades and industries. Belgium has no diamonds but the Belgian Congo did. Importing the diamonds to Belgium for finishing served the colonial interests of the day for adding value to raw materials found in distant lands. And, it didn't hurt that Belgium was close to its most likely consumer and industrial markets. Antwerp continues to be one of the primary diamond centres of the world. I mention these simply as examples.... there are thousands more that you may think of yourselves dear readers. In our own back yard, ambulances shipped all over the world but manufactured in Yarmouth!

Sooo.... I think Anon 10:56 has a point when pointing out the disadvantage imposed on our communities because of the under-investment in land transportation in our area. On the other hand, if we focus on developing container traffic to provide materials for manufacturing and assembly businesses in Shelburne County and for exporting products assembled and manufactured here .... maybe there is a more localized container opportunity that would also support the development of new local industries.

And.... if we can bring containers here to support local manufacturing, and we have the ship-buildng and offshore supply businesses going, maybe we could even start a container manufacturing, repair and/or servicing facility to complement our other efforts in this area.

NOW... if you can add to that model the introduction of value-added industries that we might grow from our own natural resources.... you might have the makings of a diversified economy that would not only sustain the communities in Shelburne County but might actually prompt vigorous socio-economic development ... and we've only started the discussion!

For Example ... someone recently wrote about the possibility of manufacturing the massive windmills that are key to the development of renewable energy around the world, here in Shelburne. Given their size, delivery of these windmills lend themselves to ocean transport over land transport as does the importation of raw materials and manufactured components for their assembly. When added to the Black Bull raw materials that can be used to manufacture solar panels, a whole new group of green industries might not only lend themselves to our County's industrial base... but may even help us increase our own energy self-sufficiency, while making Black Bullmore competitive and viable while reducing the environmental impact of shipping large volumes of raw materials down Water Street in Shelburne.

Anyway dear reader and especially Anon 10:56... that's the way I see it this morning. Remember, Plato taught his students that reality was in many ways dependent on perspective .... the harbour you see is different than the one I see although it is the same harbour..... and both perceptions of its reality are legitimate and worthy of consideration when looking for opportunities!

PS.... If you don't mind, I am saving my comments re Education, Tourism and Service industries for a later blog...... You'd be surprised how they might be linked to the present discussion!

Today's Featured Resource

2009-09-03T09:01:00.000-03:00

***** IDENTIFYING OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES******

Every day I hear or read about the problems facing our communities in Shelburne County. The decline of the fishery, closure of military bases, boys school and other federal and provincial facilities, the drift of younger populations to larger urban centres and other areas of the country the reduced activity at our community college, closure of hospital facilities and services and declining tourism are good examples.

This litany of depressing developments is true. Denying them solves no problems. Neither does focusing on them and ignoring the opportunities presented by the things we do have and the new opportunities that arrive daily.

This morning I want to re-launch this blog in a new direction..... I want to start discussing the half of the glass that is full!

And soooo.... let's start with Shelburne's natural geographic phenomena and the resultant advantages I can name .... right off the top of my head.....

And dear reader, I would ask you to join me as we begin this exciting journey to explore the natural advantages we have in Shelburne County.

OVERVIEW OF LOCATION ADVANTAGES

1. Location - Our geographic location places us on the edge of the North American seaboard with close proximity to the United States and its market of some 360 million people. It also places us closer to the Caribbean and the Atlantic Side of Central and South America than any other jurisdiction in Canada. Our location also favours us as a shipping centre for cargo destined for Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East.

Our weather patterns are milder in Winter than most of Canada and our location results in diminished threats from hurricanes. Eastern Shelburne County has one of the highest winter solar irradiance levels in North America and the entire county benefits from ice free conditions in most of our harbours. For all intents and purposes our location far from the mid-atlantic ridge and relatively low incidence of earthquakes also means that our risk from tsunamis is low.

Our proximity to the natural gas and oil deposits off the east coast of Nova Scotia gives us a preferred position to service that industrial development and our location next to George's Bank and the Bay of Fundy generate significant fisheries opportunities.

In like manner, our proximity to a population base of some 50 million within 500 miles of Shelburne County favours us as a natural area for development of our tourism indusry.

Got any additional suggestions as to why our physical location favours Shelburne County? Send them in as comments and I will add them to our inventory of the things that make our glass half full.

Additions to blog.

2009-09-01T11:18:00.000-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

Dear Reader,

You may have noticed some additions to this blog today. On the left hand side of the blog there is now a clickable link to two other blogs (one is a new blog called Shelburne Development that I am launching today ) and Timothy Gillespie's ever- popular and recently resuscitated Shelburne County Today. Adding this makes it easier for readers to move from one to the other.
I have also added a survey question tool that you can monitor as folks vote.... should be interesting.
Hope you enjoy it.

Ed

Proposed RDA Workshop

2009-08-31T12:05:00.003-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

QUESTIONS ... QUESTIONS ... AND MORE QUESTIONS

Mayor Delaney, Warden Embree and others at the meeting on Friday with the two Ministers had lots of questions for the new Minister of Economic Development and Rural Development.

* Mayor Delaney suggested that the Minister's department participate in a workshop here in September to respond to questions about a new RDA, and Warden Embree wanted to know what the Government's views were on a new RDA. Both reasonable questions and suggestions and I hope the answers are eventually forthcoming.....

* Personally, I would like folks in our community to have a substantive discussion about the manner in which we want to manage our future development. The meeting should talk about what organizations or personnel we should have in place to assist us here, in Halifax or elsewhere.... before we have more discussions ... with either the Provincial Government or the folks from Yarmouth and Clare.

* In the mid-90s the new Savage government was told by people across Nova Scotia that they wanted a local pool of talent to provide technical assistance and training to local populations so we could manage our own socio-economic development. That's what RDAs were supposed to provide.

Instead ..... RDAs hijacked the portfolio (and the project money) and became development czars, dictating to local populations what was going to get done and what wasn't....

*interjecting themselves between citizens and their elected officials and civil servants....

* conducting business in secret and encouraging municipal officials to do the same thing......

* and in so doing... reducing the ability of local populations to manage their own priorities, intervene with government agencies directly and get things done by ensuring those elected and hired to work for us were accountable.

1. Moreover, RDAs who were supposed to be managed by representatives from the community with a minority of seats reserved for municipal officials, were permitted to operate as Societies thereby letting municipal governments usurp the role of representatives from the general population ... stacking the Board of RDAs with politicians.

2. Compounding this problem, Municipalities who were told specifically under the MGA that they were not to divest themselves of land by giving it to RDAs, "because RDAs are not allowed to own land..."... got around the rule by operating as Societies.

3. Municipalities were further complicit in corrupting the intended role of RDAs by handing over land to groups who claimed to be RDAs but who were incorporated under the Societies Act and therefore not bound by the RDA Act. The Provincial Government did the same unloading land they owned and making municipalities responsible for the new burden ... by handing it to the SWSDAs of this world.

4. Municipal officials who enjoyed the confidentiality coverage of these societies resisted becoming RDAs under the appropriate Act because it meant they could do things in secret that the MGA and FOIPOP would not permit them to engage in ..... keep the public in the dark.

In my opinion, I think the public was right in the mid-90s.

Had their demands been answered and not corrupted by municipal and provincial governments with the complicit support of ACOA, local communities and their populations would not only have experienced more socio-economic growth.... but also would have increased their capacity to partner with government agencies to get things done.

I think our workshop on RDAs should help us clarify the role that RDAs should play in our community and who should run them.

What do you think?

Note About Meeting....

2009-08-26T21:05:00.002-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

Readers have been asking about the format of Friday's meeting between the new Ministers and Shelburne County Municipal politicians and staff.....

The public should be aware that this is a chance for municipal politicians and staff to meet and get to know these two Ministers with six portfolios that are important for the future of our communities. Let's hope participants and public observers find this to be a positive event...

My hope is that it generates more frequent and increasing opportunities for productive dialogue in the future. The opportunity for the public to observe and listen to the exchanges during this initial contact is an important breakthrough for the public and hopefully a positive sign of things to come.....

SHELBURNE COUNTY RDAs

2009-08-26T09:38:00.002-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

This morning I want to engage you in the beginning dialogue... that I believe is necessary if we are going to create the organizational structure we need to better promote the socio-economic development of our communities in Shelburne County.

As you may have noted from a review of the comments provided by readers, a number of readers have identified their preference regarding the geographic coverage of our new RDA.... One thing is clear..... no one voted for the continued participation of Shelburne municipalities in an RDA that covers Shelburne, Yarmouth and Clare.

Some voted for two RDAs.... one for Eastern Shelburne County and one for Western Shelburne County. Some suggested RDAs for each municipality..... while others suggested we didn't need an RDA ..... and that municipalities should simply deal with provincial and federal governments directly.

All of the options voted for have some merit.

Below I have briefly outlined my take on each of these options and my preference.

Option 1 - No RDA.

The primary problem with this option is that RDA's were originally established to provide technical support and training to local populations at large and municipal governments generally by providing assistance to the community in the implementation of annual strategic plans.

The view then was that RDAs could help private citizens by supporting their efforts to create and/or build businesses, RDAs would also be a local resource to help municipal governments, NGOs and others to develop the skills to manage or put together proposals for socio-economic and business development in our communities. Passing this responsibility to municipal governments would require significant budgets and the recruitment and administration of a staff complement that would be prohibitive for each community.

Option 2 - Separate RDAs for Eastern and Western Shelburne County

The primary problem with this alternative is that some of the natural advantages dictated by geography, built infrastructure, natural resources, heritage and size are lost to the separation of communities at the Clyde. As a result, I rank this option as my second choice. That said, there is not doubt that the municipalities on either side of the Clyde could effectively make use of an RDA devoted to their socio-economic development. However, it would be a more expensive solution and some common strategies for development would be more difficult to embrace and develop.

Option 3 - A Shelburne County RDA

While this option makes the most sense, it is plagued by historical tension between residents on either side of the Clyde. Creating a viable RDA without aggravating these tensions would require that the RDA stick to its technical support mandate. Not an impossible task ..... but one that would require the role of the RDA to change from the all-powerful dictator of development efforts we have experienced over the past 13 years.

In a new world, a new RDA that was devoted to supporting residents, local organizations, businesses and municipal governments achieve their development objectives instead of being a political power broker, could work well and serve all of Shelburne County. That would mean that the new RDA was not dominated by politicians or organizations but rather people who were selected by their communities for their skills and knowledge... and commitment to the development of Shelburne County. This new innovative organization would require folks to think about what they wanted the RDA to do and who might best help achieve this objective.... Takes work but I think it could be a productive effort....

For what its worth..... that's my take on it........ What is yours?

Ed

PUBLIC IS INVITED TO OBSERVE!

2009-08-25T16:09:00.005-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

THE GOOD NEWS IS......

YOUR ARE INVITED TO OBSERVE

THE MEETING OF MINISTERS PARIS AND BELLIVEAU

WITH SHELBURNE COUNTY

MUNICIPAL POLITICIANS & OFFICIALS

AUGUST 28, 10:30 A.M.

KING STREET COMMUNITY CENTRE

(FIRE HALL)

OPPS!

2009-08-24T15:20:00.005-03:00

Dear Reader,

It appears I have made a mistake and my mother used to say if you do..... the best thing is to apologize quickly.

I made a mistake and want to apologize to Sterling Belliveau and Percy Paris for any inconvenience caused by my premature announcement of a public meeting with the Minister this coming Friday. This confusion is my fault and I am sorry.

Unfortunately, I was in error announcing a public meeting at this time....for that, I also want to apologize to my readers.

Sincerely,

Ed Cayer

Psst.... Want to Know a Secret?

2009-08-18T10:19:00.002-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

SECRET MEETING ARRANGED & CANCELLED

Just got a copy ..... and wanted to share......

----- Original Message -----
From: Frank Anderson
Cc: Frank Anderson ; Dave Warner
Sent : Thursday, June 25, 2009 3:38 PM

Subject: Invitation
Please advise your alternate of this meeting.

To all board members:

We have been able to organize a meeting with senior representatives of the Department of Economic and Rural Development (Neal Conrad) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Mel Coombs) for Thursday, August 13 at 2:00pm. They will be able to provide some knowledge of the important role that municipalities play in the regional development authority process and how the authority will operate under the Regional Community Development Act of 1996. When the South West Shore Development Authority was established in 1995 as a not-for-profit society, it determined its structure, its operational plan, its priorities and its marketing strategy. Over the years, the authority has continued to provide support for all municipal units and many community groups and carried out their mandate to develop a strategic plan and implement the plan to create economic stability in the region. In preparation for this meeting, they have asked that we put together a list of questions so that they can be prepared with some answers. The session will be held in the boardroom of the South West Authority in Yarmouth. If there is sufficient interest expressed by municipal councils to have other councillors to attend, we will identify a more appropriate location for the meeting. Please mark this in your calendar and provide some of your questions that will help you to understand the process and the Regional Community Development Act.

Frank Anderson
Chief Executive Officer

Then on Wednesday August 12 the following message was sent out......

The meeting in Yarmouth tomorrow with Neal Conrad, Economic Development, and Mel Coombs, ACOA, Re: Reincorporation of S.W.S.D.A., has been cancelled until further notice.

When asked about the cancellation some Board members indicated ..... that Halifax cancelled the meeting because they were still preparing written answers to the questions asked by members and councilors.....

Thought you should know....

TIME TO ACT!

2009-08-14T14:32:00.003-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

BEFORE ..... OUR COLLECTIVE COUNCILS HOLD SECRET MEETINGS! BEFORE ..... WARDENS AND COUNCILLORS MAKE DECISIONS WITHOUT PUBLIC INPUT!
BEFORE .... ELECTED OFFICIALS MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THINGS THEY HAVEN'T THOUGHT THROUGH!
BEFORE .... MEMBERS OF SWSDA'S BOARD MAKE DECISIONS THAT WE CITIZENS WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH!
BEFORE... ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ACOA AND SWSDA ENGAGE IN SECRET NEGOTIATIONS!
BEFORE.... OTHERS WITH VESTED INTERESTS IN OUR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ARE DISENFRANCHISED!

INVITE CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INFORMED PUBLIC DIALOGUE ABOUT OUR FUTURE RDA OR RDAs.....!!!!

Join the Concerned Citizens Committee of Shelburne County and demand a meeting with councils and officals from Economic Development. To join just send me an email indicating you want to participate in the dialogue to create a new RDA for Shelburne County. Write to aacayer@gmail.com and I will add you to our mailing list and give you an opportunity to sign petitions to get your council to engage in public dialogue.

Today's Chronicle Herald Coverage of MOS Budget

2009-08-09T01:23:00.005-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

GEE... ARE WE SEEING SIGNS OF PROGRESS?

MAYBE........ This story provides some insight into what the municipality is/has been doing and fertile ground for further discussion..... http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1136490.html

We'll be doing that right here in the coming weeks as we discuss development strategies and approaches in Shelburne County.....

All ..... so that informed citizens .... can have meaningful input into the formulation of development plans and efforts in our rural community...... and the dialogue between citizens and those who work on our behalf can be engaged in constructive ways.

The Role of Media in Developing Communities

2009-08-08T11:10:00.003-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

Informed Citizens Necessary in a Free Society

Every form of media needs to play a meaningful role in empowering citizens to participate effectively in the enlightened governance of society. They perform this function by ensuring citizens are informed about issues, consider alternative viewpoints and have access to information about what government and private groups are planning, doing and/or not doing in our communities.

The communities in Shelburne County rely heavily on local and provincial newspapers and other published sources, as well as radio and television. Since the only truly local media outlet in Shelburne County is the weekly newspaper, the Coast Guard, ..... I believe ..... they have a special burden to keep informed and share news and information with the citizens of Shelburne County. Other traditional media sources that are not based in Shelburne County provide little coverage of news from Shelburne County and provide precious little analysis of news-worthy items effecting local residents in the County.

I conclude from my own review that the Coast Guard has failed in its responsibilities to our communities in Shelburne County and local citizens. That conclusion is supported in my view by their failure to publish a recent letter I'd sent to the editor. Their decision not to publish or act upon my note to them confirms my assessment of their failure to meet the obligation bestowed upon thme by their privileged position in our community. Below is a copy of the email sent to the Editor of the Coast Guard a couple of weeks ago.... you draw your own conclusions about their reasons for not publishing the letter or the Deputy Minister's letter.......

Adelard Cayer
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 at 11:47 AM
To: Greg Bennett

Dear Mr.
Editor:

I've read with some interest the Coast Guard's recent
stories respecting SWSDA and the review being conducted by
municipalities of their relationship with SWSDA. In my view, it would have
been helpful to your readers if you had followed the old journalists' maxim that
a good story answers six questions - who, what, when, where,why and how. Had
your reporters done so, they would have referred to the recent letter
from the Deputy Minister of Economic Development to SWSDA, its
management and its Board of Directors. In my view, his letter has prompted the
present reviews. In that correspondence the Deputy Minister made a number of
points that are germane to your articles.

First, the Deputy's
letter advises SWSDA that, if it wishes to continue to receive core funding
as an RDA, it will have to incorporate under the RDA Act before the end of
March. Second, the Deputy points out in his letter that the RDA Act provides for
the creation of RDAs at the request of a municipality or group of
municipalities. For some time now, politicians and bureaucrats have advised
folks in Shelburne that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Act, the Province
would never approve an independent RDA for municipalities of Shelburne County.
The Deputy Minister's letter dismisses this misinformation and invites requests
for the creation of RDAs. Third, the Deputy points out that, in keeping
with the intent of the Act, he is looking for proposals that would ensure the
Board provides representation from the community at large and local businesses,
pointing out that the new RDA's Board should not be composed solely of
politicians.

While there is much more that could have been
reflected in your articles to date respecting this dramatic change in the
structures that will guide our local development in the future, your reporters'
failure to even mention this correspondence or provide details about
this background information seriously reduces the completeness of your
articles on this subject.

With these points in mind I hope you
will consider providing a more complete review and report dealing
with the issues associated with these upcoming changes. This is too
important an opportunity to bring about transformative change to be left in
the hands of politicians alone without the benefit of public consultations.

Yours very truly

-- A. A. "Ed" CayerPO Box 995, # 109
Water Street Shelburne, Nova Scotia B0T 1W0Tel 902-875-3870, Cell 902-512-0052Fax
Toll Free 1-877-786-4704email: aacayer@gmail.com"

Interesting Summer So Far!

2009-08-05T02:01:00.003-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

Dear Reader:

I am back home tomorrow after a dozen glorious days in St. Andrews, New Brunswick with kids, grandkids and inlaws.... something refreshing about spending time with folks between the ages of 2 and 90!!! Great way to refresh and challenge perspectives.... recuperate from open heart surgery and more than four weeks in hospital....

I'll be glad to be back.... so much to do and write about......So lets get this blog back on track.......

This week's submission will begin with a discussion of the potential structure of organized development in Shelburne County and some of the options available to ensure public participation and accountability in the process....... We'll take a brief look at creating a functional RDA, the role that a group like Team Shelburne might play, how a properly mandated Shelburne County Industrial Commission might help and what to do with inefficient and ineffective regional provincial government agencies dealing with education, community services, economic development, health and more...... I can hardly wait! We might even ask some questions about the management of marine resources and fisheries......

SO.... WHAT IS A TROLL?

From Wikipedia....

"Do not feed the trolls" and its abbreviation DNFTT redirect here. For the Wikipedia essay, see "What is a troll?".
In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional or disciplinary response[1] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.[2]

Tune in on Friday......

Confidentiality

2009-08-03T08:02:00.002-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

One of our Readers has asked a number of questions in quick succession about whether this blog is confidential..... questions and tactics similar to the ones received by the swsdaaccountability blog

I have not posted his/her subsequent comments charged with innuendo and suggestions of questionable motives by yours truly....

Not sure what the question means since everything I write is published under my name. If the question is whether anonymous comments are truly anonymous..... the answer is yes.... they are anonymous.... that is the option offered to people who want to comment when they choose to make their comment anonymous.... that part of the blog is managed by "Google" and even the courts can't force them to identify who has posted comments that I do not reject as inappropriate..... and of course..... I never know who sends comments unless they identify themselves........

Of course if you write a comment and I post it, the comment no longer is confidential since anyone subscribing to this blog can read it

HAVING SAID ALL THIS.... I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER ..... why would someone ask this question?

DEFINING THE OPPORTUNITY!

2009-07-26T11:29:00.006-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS*****

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!

In strict development terms location is one of the most important factors to be considered in identifying, planning and/or pursuing development initiatives.

For purposes of this discussion, I have chosen Shelburne County as our development location. Remember this choice, as it will help us define development options, strategic opportunities we can create and tactical liaisons we can usefully cultivate in our quest to optimize the socio-economc transformation of our communities.

I could have chosen the Town of Shelburne, Eastern Shelburne County, South Western Nova Scotia, or the South Shore of Nova Scotia. It is not my intent to justify my choice at this time. However, I hope the many reasons for my choice will become self-evident as we develop this development forum..... the reasons for my location selection are entirely driven by what I see as the most compelling set of development opportunities for folks in this area. I invite you to join me in this quest by sharing your views through your comments to this forum. It should be an interesting journey.

SOME BASICS

Within Shelburne County, specific locations produce distinct opportunities that may or may not exist in adjacent areas within Shelburne County. For example, Clarks Harbour's opportunities may be different from those found in the Town of Shelburne, Lockeport or Barrington. Opportunities within the Municipality of Shelburne may be unique to that community within Shelburne County.

The strength to be found in a development approach that includes the entire county, stems from the ability to encourage the complementary development of opportunities in each of our communities. the synergy so produced makes development cooperation more than a zero sum game and the resulting benefits are truly more than the sum of one plus one! Moreover, opportunities developed in Clarks Harbour often can be optimized or enhanced by efforts in partner communities within Shelburne County.

Additionally, the smallness of our communities often limits our ability to seize or capitalize on opportunities we may identify. Banding together to forge development strategies and complementary investments makes us stronger, while proximity of our communities to each other generates a whole new level of opportunity to forge development initiatives, reduce costs, brand products and services and capture expanded markets.

Finally, cohesive approaches with common strategies may result in re-defined political sway in the provincial and federal halls of of power.

And so..... we begin the promised development journey.....

INTRODUCTION TO THIS BLOG

2009-06-26T14:58:00.006-03:00

*****TRANSFORMING CLIENTS INTO CITIZENS******

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Instead of focusing on a community's needs, deficiencies and problems, there are community development approaches that help communities become stronger and more self-reliant by placing control of the process in the hands of its citizens. This approach identifies, maps and mobilizes local assets.

IT IS A "GLASS IS HALF FULL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT" ...... AND THERIN LIES THE METHODOLOGY PROPOSED FOR PURSUING DEVELOPMENT THAT IS AT THE HEART OF THIS BLOG!

Few people realize how many assets any community has:

* the skills of its citizens, from youth to disabled people, from thriving professionals to starving artists;
* the dedication of its citizens' associations -- churches, culture groups, clubs, neighborhood associations ;
* the resources of its formal institutions -- businesses, schools, libraries, community colleges, hospitals, parks, social service agencies; and,
* the natural resources and locational advantages of the communities themselves.

AND... THAT IS WHERE WE BEGIN.....

BUT BEFORE WE DO.....

A LITTLE HISTORY PLEASE

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS CONDUCTED

In the mid-nineties the provincial government embarked on an extended series of consultations with communities across the province. Their mission was to identify what support communities thought they needed to encourage local development. The message they got was clear. Provide us with local resources to help us build our own capacity to manage our own development. A reading of Hansard at the time shows that the introduction of the Regional Community Development Act was the government of the day's way of responding to these very demands from citizens in the province. http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/

While the legislation was passed, its implementation was delayed for reasons that aren't all that clear at the present. In the interim, government urged communities to organize groups to access matching funding that was available for community development under federal/provincial funding arrangements. Communities responded at the suggestion of the provincial government by incorporating societies who were to be replaced by Regional Development Authorities when the Act was finally proclaimed. By the time the Act was proclaimed in April 1997, societies had sprung up across the province to absorb the available funding.

SWSDA and many others initially maintained their status as societies, each with their own reasons. Mostly these reasons had to do with restrictions that the new RDA Act placed on the composition of the Board of Directors (politicians had to be in a minority) and on ownership of land by RDAs (RDAs were not allowed to own land). Over the years, most RDAs have migrated to become incorporated under the RDA Act with a few holdouts like SWSDA remaining as I write this posting. The recent letter from the Deputy Minister of Economic Development is designed to prompt the transition from societies to the RDA Act by the end of this fiscal year if RDAs want continued funding.

In my next posting I'll talk a bit about the options open to the citizens of Shelburne County and the new RDA that might service Shelburne County communities. I'll also visit some of the issues facing our five communities whether they opt to remain a part of SWSDA or create their own organization(s). My intention is to do that in light of the real options our communities have. In doing so, I hope to de-bunk some of the mis-information that has surrounded RDAs and our options in Shelburne county for some time.

Stay tuned.