West Nova MP says increased cooperation a silver lining to recession

By Kirk Starratt kstarratt@kentvilleadvertiser.ca NovaNewsNow.com There are many problems and challenges to address in times of economic downturn and global recession. However, West Nova MP Greg Kerr says he recognizes a silver lining in the increased level of cooperation we’re witnessing among federal, provincial and municipal governments. “I’ve been through all three levels of elected representation and we just have one taxpayer,” Kerr said during a presentation to Kings County councillors at the Tuesday, July 21 committee of the whole session. He said he believes the level of cooperation among governments will continue even with the recent change provincially from the Progressive Conservatives to the NDP, even if priorities change a bit. Kerr said he is pleased with the level of economic stimulus funding to which the federal Conservatives have committed, although he recognizes there is never enough infrastructure funding available to meet all needs fully. Kerr said his views on the topic differ slightly from those of Kings-Hants MP Scott Brison and he points out the federal budget was released only in late January. Listing of projects potentially eligible for stimulus funding began in February and a good working process was in place by late February or March. Kerr said he is not discouraged with the projects across the country. Working hard to satisfy the demand “There’s a whole process you have to go through and it gets more complicated with three levels of government,” he said. Considering the recession, the stimulus program and the subsequent large number of applications for funding, Kerr said staff members are working harder to satisfy the demand and you have to keep with it. However, in most cases, considering the length of time it has taken, the process is working out very well. Kerr said big cities such as Toronto are saying they’re not getting their share of the stimulus funding, but he noted all the money could be eaten up by such a large city. There are certain criteria for eligibility for the funding as well, including the type of project application, time frame, cost and so on. “Some don’t want to follow the procedures, but they still want the money,” he said. Kerr believes we’ll see a lot of physical activity in terms of economic stimulus projects by fall and this is critical. “You don’t just agree and dig tomorrow. Don’t say you need the money and you’ll send the details in a few months.” Wants to ensure strong rural priority He said he absolutely does not believe that all stimulus funding for the province should go to Halifax because it drives the Nova Scotia economy. He isn’t anti-metro, but does want to ensure a strong rural priority. Kerr said the dialogue from here on in as far as he is concerned should focus on areas of priority that need to be targeted. “We don’t look at the money as having to be spent in cities,” Kerr said. “It’s wherever it can have the most impact for growth.” Signs indicate we should experience economic stability by fall, but we could incur more damages in the meantime. Kerr said the stimulus program is needed even if recovery is forecasted and projects have been spread over the next couple of fiscal years. He said our economic stability is the greatest challenge facing us at this time and if there ever were a time when cooperation was critical, it’s now.