Premier Robert Ghiz announced today that more than 12 jobs in the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal are being relocated to Tignish. He made the announcement at a news conference in Tignish with Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
“The relocation of jobs to Tignish reflects the commitment outlined by government in the Rural Action Plan to focus on the needs of individual communities,” said Premier Ghiz. “I am confident that the relocation of public sector jobs to Tignish will help to stimulate the local economy.”
Under the relocation, a new 8,000 square foot building will be constructed to house the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal’s body and paint shop. It is currently located in leased facilities in Milton. Up to seven full-time jobs will be created in Tignish. The site for the new facility has not been finalized. The department’s central financial administration will also be relocated to Tignish, providing full-time employment for six people. They will operate out of the Dalton Centre.
The relocation is expected to be completed by the fall of 2010.
Premier Ghiz said the relocation of these sections of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal builds on the existing presence of the department in Tignish. The department already operates the provincial sign shop and the call centre of the Island Waste Management Corporation in the village.
“Meeting the needs of rural Islanders is one of the major priorities of this government,” said Minister LeClair. “I am especially pleased that a new public sector investment and the jobs that go with it are being made here in Tignish. This will be of major benefit to the village and to surrounding communities.”
The announcement is part of the provincial government’s Rural Action Plan which is aimed at helping rural communities continue to respond and adapt to new opportunities. One of the goals of the action plan is to increase investments in areas of greatest need in order to stimulate new growth and opportunity.