The following is the monthly column submitted by Premier Tim Houston’s office.
I was thrilled to see the federal government recognize Wind West and the Eastern Energy Partnership as a project of national interest. This is incredible news.
Wind West will be Canada’s first offshore wind development and will drive economic growth in Nova Scotia for decades. It will do so by unlocking tens of billions of dollars in private investment.
The potential for this project is massive. The world needs clean, green energy, and Nova Scotia can supply it.
We have incredible wind speeds – it blows a lot here. We can produce the equivalent of up to 27 per cent of Canada’s energy needs and drive as much as $75 billion in new investment and economic activity across Canada.
The construction phase alone will provide significant economic development benefits by purchasing materials and procuring labour locally. It will create thousands of jobs in every field you can think of: architecture, catering, administration, engineering and the trades.
The overall impact on Nova Scotia’s economy will be significant. More importantly, for the first time in generations, Nova Scotia will become a “have” province, and our people will see opportunities here.
What does this all mean for you – your children, grandchildren, the community?
More doctors, more nurses, better jobs, better roads, better rinks, investments in new schools and community centres. The list goes on and on.
We must stand together and capitalize on this opportunity. Generations of Nova Scotians will thank us.
I’m incredibly optimistic about the opportunities that Wind West can bring for Nova Scotians.
You can learn more about the project at: https://novascotia.ca/wind-west/
Tim Houston
Premier of Nova Scotia