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CBC
6 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
N.S. government pushes for buy-in as some municipalities balk at resource development
Social Sharing Nova Scotia's minister of finance and municipal affairs said municipalities need to get onside with the province's push for more resource development, but stopped short Friday of spelling out what consequences they'll face if they don't. "We're just trying to explain the reality that we see the need to grow our resource economy, to have money to do all of these things," John Lohr said in an interview. He made the comments following a luncheon hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce where he was the featured speaker. In his remarks to the business crowd, Lohr spoke about the economic challenges the province is facing because of slowing population growth and uncertainty brought on by American tariffs. "We need to be more productive," he said. For months, Premier Tim Houston and his cabinet have been promoting more resource development to bring in additional revenue. Lohr noted on Friday that the results will not be immediate; rather, it's a "medium- to long-term" solution. Some municipalities have been pushing back against the province's plans, raising concerns about the pace of change and lack of consultation. When some municipalities recently asked the province to slow down its plans for uranium exploration, Houston responded with letters that suggested future provincial funding was on the line. Houston was even more pointed in a subsequent statement to CBC News. "If municipalities want more investment, they must allow for more economic development," the premier said earlier this week. Asked whether that means the province will cut off municipalities that don't comply, Lohr said, "I think it's way too early to say that." Liberal MLA Iain Rankin said the premier's message to municipalities is "entirely inappropriate." "Where is the line? Is it going to go down the line of infrastructure or schools or any important funding that goes to communities across the province?" Rankin said in an interview. "These are provincial taxpayers that live in these communities and they have every right to present their views to [municipal] council, and council has every right to vote on those issues." At least five municipalities recently asked the province to pause its plans to issue exploration licences for uranium in three areas with known deposits. Those requests ended up being moot — for now, at least — as no companies responded to the call for bids. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is looking to take things a step further. A subcommittee of the municipal council voted earlier this week to ask the province to reinstate a moratorium on uranium exploration and development that the Houston government repealed earlier this year.

RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Government reveals new powers in RMA reform
housing politics 9:06 am today The government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to negatively impact economic growth, development or employment. In a speech to business leaders at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce this morning Housing and RMA reform minister Chris Bishop has announced Cabinet will insert a new regulation power into the Resource Management Act. Before a Minister can use the power they would have to investigate the provision in question, check whether its consistent with the national direction under the RMA, and engage with the council. Chris Bishop expects the power to only be necessary until the new planning system is in place, but says it's necessary when councils use their power to stop growth. Political editor Jo Moir was at the Minister's speech this morning.

RNZ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Government to give itself power to override councils on housing in RMA changes
Chris Bishop Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii The government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to negatively impact economic growth, development or employment. In a speech to business leaders at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Housing and RMA reform minister Chris Bishop has announced Cabinet will insert a new regulation power into the Resource Management Act. Before a minister can use the power they would have to investigate the provision in question, check whether it is .s consistent with the national direction under the RMA, and engage with the council. Bishop expected the power to only be necessary until the new planning system was in place, but said it was necessary when councils used their power to stop growth. Bishop on Wednesday released a discussion document on how proposed housing rule changes would work in with the government's resource management reforms . "Next year we'll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to plan and deliver the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs. "The new planning system is an enormous opportunity to create a planning system that enables and encourages housing growth," Bishop said. The document provided more details on six planned law changes: Last month ministers released proposed sweeping changes to rules covering councils' oversight for public consultation. Under the proposed Resource Management Act changes, granny flats of up to 70sqm, and papakāinga of up to 10 homes would be allowed without a consent on specific land zones. Papakāinga would also allow commercial activities of up to 100sqm, conservation activity, accommodation for up to eight guests, along with education, health, sports, marae, urupā and māra kai papakāinga of up to 30 homes would be considered a "restricted discretionary" activity, with those of more than 30 units becoming "discretionary" activities. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
The Best Small-Business Advice I Ever Got
About 5.2 million new business applications were filed in 2024, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. But based on historical averages dating back to 1994, about half of them will fail over the next five years. So, what makes the difference between success and failure?

Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chamber Clay Classic for all level of participants
The Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a new event — the Chamber Clay Classic — on Friday, June 20. The Classic will be an early morning sporting clay tournament where teams of four will travel by golf cart through a 12-station course. Advertisement 'Do not miss all the fun with this ultimate outdoor event for weekend warriors, skilled shooters, anyone who loves a good time with great people,' said Jason Brandolini, CEO of the Chamber. Brandolini explained that the shooting event will be held at Able's Sporting Center, 357 FM 1791, on the smaller of their two shooting tracks. 'We wanted to host a community event that was full of fun and fellowshipping,' Brandolini said. 'There will be 12 stations in different locations throughout the track that will feature a clay that is launched into the air at varying heights and distance to test the skills of the shooter.' Brandolini added that the course staff will be taking each shooters skill into consideration when setting the shooting level at each station. Advertisement 'This isn't a professional circuit event. So each team will be scaled based from novice and up,' Brandolini said. Since this is a firearms event, no alcoholic beverages will be allowed. 'Teams will receive ear and eye protection, a t-shirt and a cap,' Brandolini said. 'We have room for up to 30 teams for the event.' Registration also includes an exclusive performance unique to this event, according to Brandolini. Following the tournament, a lunch will be served and awards and prizes will be given. There will also be a performance by Scott Robertson, trick shooter, showcasing his specialized skills. Advertisement 'Grab your shotgun, get your team, and take your shot at bragging rights, prizes, and unbeatable networking. Food, fun, and clay-busting thrills, this is where business and aport meet with a bang. Spots fill fast, so sign up now and aim to impress,' Brandolini said. Check in begins at 7 a.m. Saturday. Team registration is $1,000 and includes one golf cart per team of four, breakfast, lunch, snacks, protective eye and ear wear, event specific apparel and more. The presenting event sponsor is Wischnewsky Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Registration is being taken online at The Chamber is located at 1327 11th St., Huntsville and can be reached at 936-295-8113.