​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:

1. Job Losses: The removal of the Fundy Rose ferry could result in the direct loss of hundreds of jobs across both provinces, not only within the ferry service itself but across various sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, and transportation, that rely on the influx of visitors brought by the ferry year round.
2. Tourism Decline: The ferry has played a pivotal role in promoting tourism in the region, making the beautiful landscapes and attractions of both provinces more accessible to tourists. Its absence would lead to a significant decline in visitor numbers, adversely impacting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
3. Economic Contraction: Local businesses, including those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, would experience a drop in revenue, potentially leading to business closures. This, in turn, could reduce the tax base and negatively affect public services in the communities.
4. Supply Chain Disruption: The ferry is an essential component of the regional supply chain, providing a lifeline for the transportation of goods and sea food products between the two provinces. Its removal could disrupt the timely flow of goods, impacting businesses and consumers.
5. Reduced Investment Attractiveness: The uncertainty surrounding transportation infrastructure could affect the attractiveness of the region for potential investors, causing long-term economic implications.

The DABT strongly encourages all stakeholders, including governments, community leaders, and businesses, to collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to keep the Fundy Rose ferry service operational. The potential impacts underscores the critical importance of maintaining this vital link for the economic well-being of the region.
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)
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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:

• David Cvet resigned his role as Director-at-Large and volunteered to take up the mantle of First Vice-President.
• Brendan Enright stepped up to fulfill the role of Second Vice-President.
• Anne Carter will undertake the responsibilities of Treasurer.
• Kevin Ellis to continue his dedicated service as the DABT President.
• Karen Enright agreed to continue her tenure as the steadfast Past President.
• Linda Weir agreed to maintain her role as Secretary.

We are excited by the prospect of collaborating with these new members of the executive team. We believe that this infusion of fresh talent into the Digby Area Board of Trade will invigorate our mission, fostering growth and prosperity within our community. We wholeheartedly express our gratitude for their enthusiasm and the valuable contributions they bring to our shared cause.

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.

​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!
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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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1. Business Directory: As a member, your business will be included in our directory, providing you with low-cost advertising opportunities and increasing your visibility to a broader audience within the community.
2. Distribution: Our printed business directory will be distributed throughout the community, further enhancing your visibility and promoting your business.
3. Business-to-Business Discounts: Members can take advantage of business-to-business discounts, reducing operational costs and increasing profitability.
4. Discounted Group Insurance: As a member, you will have access to discounted group insurance, providing valuable coverage at a lower cost.
5. Community Involvement: Stay informed on community happenings and issues, enabling greater involvement in our town's development.
6. Advocacy Initiatives: Members can participate in our Board Advocacy initiatives and lend their collective voice to ensuring that the interests of our community are well represented.
7. Social Events: Attend social events as a member, meet other board members, and foster professional relationships.
8. Community Contribution: By becoming a member, you will be able to contribute to our community's growth and prosperity, and together, we can achieve more.