The sessions were in full swing Friday, April 7, at the Delta Sydney and Saturday, April 8, at
UCCB with all partners' energies focused on identifying their role in planning and implementing
our future economic course. Participants involved with this process were Minister Robbie
Harrison from the N. S. Economic Renewal Agency, Minister John MacEachern from the
Provincial Department of Education, and Minister Ron Stewart, Provincial Minister of Health.
The Friday evening event set the stage for the "Economic Summit." Cape Breton County
Economic Development Authority's Chairman, Ray Kavanaugh, welcomed the large group of
participants and introduced the proceedings for the evening. Keith Brown, Dean Extension and
Community Affairs, UCCB and Author of the Strategic Economic Action Plan put forth an
extremely informative and well-researched presentation on "Economic Diversification." The
Development Authority's Preliminary Report Card announcing the action taken in support of
the Strategic Economic Action Plan was reviewed by Executive Director, Eileen Lannon
Oldford.
At the University College of Cape Breton, Saturday, April 8, participants got down to business
with the burning issue of the day, "our future economy." Presentations were heard regarding the
future and world markets of coal and steel and life after the collapse of the ground fishery.
Mr. George Khattar, Chair of DEVCO, stated in relation to the future of mining coal, "Coal has
been mined here for over 200 years. It will continue to be mined here. Today, to a greater extent
than ever before, we must meet the challenges that have to be surmounted. One of these, perhaps
the most important of all, is productivity."
Mr. Jack Buffett, speaking on the future of the Fishery, noted, "The fishery will be part of the
future economy; however, it will be a much different fishery. Yes, there will be fewer people,
but it is my hope that the people who will continue to work in the fishery will work for longer
periods of time and that displaced fisherpeople will be accommodated."
Mr. Eduardo Cordova, Vice President, Marketing, Sydney Steel Corp., speaking on Minmetals
involvement with Sydney Steel, "Minmetals brings into the equation world-wide trade and
marketing experience and established long-term relationships much needed by Sydney Steel.
They also have extensive experience in transportation, electronics, chemicals, and construction
around the world."
