Hon. Pablo Rodriguez November 16, 2023 House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0A6 pablo.rodriguez@parl.gc.ca Dear Minister Rodriguez, The Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT) wish to express our collective concern regarding the recent report indicating your consideration of re-deploying the Fundy Rose to service Souris and Îles-de-la-Madeleine route while their ferry undergoes maintenance procedures in dry-dock, during the early part of the new year in 2024. This consideration will cause potential impacts in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The potential economic impact highlighted by the DABT underscores the vital role the ferry plays in supporting local economies and the well-being of communities on both sides of the Bay of Fundy. There were over 4,000 commercial tractor-trailers using the ferry over the course of 2022. In addition, at least 600 commercial trailers are dropped off at one terminal and picked up at the other terminal. Non-commercial transits include at least 41,500 single crossings annually, with a 15-20% variance allowing for additional passengers (that is, some vehicles may have more than one individual crossing). The Fundy Rose ferry has long been an essential link in connecting these two vibrant provinces, offering a convenient and scenic transportation option for passengers and cargo alike. With its uncertain future, the DABT aims to shed light on the economic implications of losing this vital connection. Key areas impacted include:
About Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT): For over a century the DABT has served the business interests and aspirations of one of Nova Scotia’s most storied and successful seaports. Digby is positioned on the periphery of one of North America’s most sustainable and lucrative fisheries, which is and has been the main industry over the years. Lobster, scallop and groundfish are the foremost species fished at this time, whereas aquaculture farms Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, Atlantic halibut and striped char. Other important industries in the area include forestry, farming, fur, and tourism. Sincerely, Kevin Ellis President Digby and Area Board of Trade (DABT) .cc Chris d’Entremont (chris.dentremont@parl.gc.ca) Jill Balser (hello@digbyannapolis.ca) Ben Cleveland (bcleveland@digby.ca) Linda Gregory (lgregory@digbymun.ca) ![]() The DABT invites you, your colleagues and interested community members to attend an information session called “What could Offshore Wind mean for Nova Scotia” scheduled at the Digby Public Library on November 29th from 6-7:30 pm. Net Zero Atlantic is a not for profit working to support the energy transition through research and knowledge sharing. The presentation prepared is introductory and intended to help citizens understand the resource, emission reduction opportunity, Offshore Wind technology and emerging regulations. This event is also an opportunity for discussions about potential impacts of Offshore Wind development and to build awareness of opportunities for citizens to contribute to decisions about the resource. The old adage "making lemonade out of lemons" rings particularly true when reflecting on the outcome of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 19, 2023. Regrettably, we failed to muster the required quorum for an official AGM, and thus, the anticipated proceedings did not come to fruition. Instead, the event evolved into an impromptu exchange of valuable insights and updates among those in attendance. After some of the initial participants departed, we took the initiative to convene an impromptu Executive Committee meeting, where the presence of a quorum allowed for some pivotal changes within the Board's leadership. These changes, now acting as interim positions until the next scheduled AGM with quorum, are outlined as follows:
![]() In line with our commitment to transparency and inclusivity, we invite all interested members to participate in the nomination process for the Board of Trade. The nomination committee, to be chaired by Karen Enright (past President), plays a crucial role in selecting candidates who will lead our organization towards continued success. If you are passionate about shaping the future of our business community and would like to be considered for the nomination committee, we kindly request that you inform the DABT of your interest as soon as possible prior to the AGM scheduled October 19, 2023 @ 5:30pm. ![]()
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Vendor Spotlight: Digby & Area Board of Trade
Digby and Area Board of Trade celebrates its 125th year serving the business interests and aspirations of one of Nova Scotia’s most storied and successful seaports. Digby is positioned on the periphery of one of North America’s most sustainable and lucrative fisheries, which is and has been the main industry over the years. Lobster, scallop and groundfish are the foremost species fished at this time. Other important industries in the area include forestry, farming, fur, and tourism. With major multimillion dollar port facility improvements, Digby is building its name as Nova Scotia’s Fundy Port, and the Digby and Area Board of Trade has most recently been at the forefront in support of private businesses, local entrepreneurs and all levels of government in pursuit of development of renewable energy initiatives. This has been especially rewarding as we witness the increased global interest in our area from proponents with renewable tidal energy proposals We are happy to announce that our Digby Visitor Information Centre new location will open this Friday at 237 Shore Road. Our staff will be serving visitors 7 days a week 9am-5:30pm. We are encouraging all local businesses to take advantage of the Free Advertisement placement on the big screen monitor at the VIC; for more information email cdc@digby.ca
Digby & Area Board of Trade is updating our local business directory. Basic business name with address and phone number is FREE!
Please email digby1010abc@gmail.com to ensure you are not left out! Grow your business and attract more customers at no charge by joining our Umbrella Sharing Club! If you are a business in the Town of Digby you need to take advantage of this program. Contact us for more information:
cdc@digby.ca 902.245.5805 ![]() By Dan White, Treasurer, and Advocacy Chair There are many advantages to becoming a member of the Digby Board of Trade. Besides the following benefits, stay tuned for more good things to come!
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