The presence of Sobeys’ head office in Nova Scotia played a key role in securing an untendered contract in 2024 as part of a new government initiative to support local businesses, legislators learned on Wednesday. Chris Morrissey, deputy minister of growth and development, highlighted the advantage of having executives readily accessible due to their proximity.
Morrissey also mentioned that the familiarity of the public with Sobeys’ Scene+ points program was a contributing factor in awarding the $950,000 contract under the Nova Scotia Loyal program last year. Government officials disclosed that in 2022, all major retailers were approached simultaneously with an offer to participate in the program.
Melissa Quinn, the project executive for Nova Scotia Loyal, informed the committee that Sobeys showed the most interest and readiness to engage, citing their existing local promotions and partnerships with 162 producers, compared to Loblaws’ 75 suppliers. Walmart’s local product offerings were less transparent, according to Quinn.
The contract with Sobeys facilitated the government’s initiative to provide additional Scene+ points to customers purchasing Nova Scotia products. Additionally, bonus Air Miles points were offered to shoppers at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.
After a year, the rewards aspect of Nova Scotia Loyal concluded, with the government reallocating funds to increase $10 farmers’ market vouchers for students and newcomers. Morrissey explained that the decision to transition to a voucher-based program was based on data showing that the initial sales boost for local products had leveled off.
The program distributed 135,000 vouchers to grade school students in 2024, an increase from the previous year. The initiative was expanded to include post-secondary students and newcomers. Furthermore, a component supporting local companies in branding their products to enhance visibility on shelves was introduced as part of Nova Scotia Loyal.
Addressing concerns about tracking the program’s effectiveness, opposition members emphasized the importance of assessing its impact on Nova Scotians, local producers, and farmers. NDP MLA Lisa Lachance stressed the need to ensure that Nova Scotia Loyal is delivering tangible benefits to the community.
In other news:
– Drought concerns rise for homeowners and rural firefighters in Cape Breton.
– Yarmouth-Bar Harbor ferry ridership experiences a 19% decrease.
– N.S. youths face charges after a violent assault incident caught on video.
– Progress made towards establishing a whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia.
– Cape Breton doctor expresses concerns about the region’s pain services.