Growth Strategy Supports New Approach

The Nova Scotia government today released a strategy that outlines a bold new approach to its work in support of economic development.

The new approach involves an improved organizational structure made up of two smaller, more efficient operations that will replace the current Nova Scotia Economic Development department. The approach is detailed in the document Opportunities for Prosperity: A New Economic Growth Strategy for Nova Scotians.

"This strategy represents a new direction for economic development in Nova Scotia. It offers a clear long-term focus for supporting businesses. And it means greater accountability to Nova Scotians," said Premier John Hamm in announcing Opportunities for Prosperity. "Our direction is to engage the private sector, our focus is on creating opportunities for the future -opportunities for Nova Scotians at home."

Nova Scotia Business Inc., a private sector-led corporation, will manage and co-ordinate front-line business development functions such as investment attraction, trade, business retention and expansion, and lending and finance. A second organization, the Nova Scotia Economic Development Agency, will be the lead department for all government economic growth activities, including such areas as policy and evaluation, special projects involving communities in economic transition, business climate and changing labour-force demands. Both organizations will be accountable to government, and although they will have separate mandates, the two will work together in support of economic development.

"We know people have not been happy with the way economic development has been done in the past," said Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "Throughout the consultation process people told us they wanted a change -- they want the decisions around economic development made at arms length from government. We want people to have confidence in the decisions that will help grow the economy in Nova Scotia. These changes we are announcing today support the strategy as well as answer those concerns."

The strategy sets out a vision for the province and identifies seven strategic areas in which efforts will be concentrated to achieve that vision. Those strategic areas -- business climate, infrastructure, innovation, labour force, investment, exports and regional capacity -- will be tools to build the province's economy, particularly in key economic sectors identified in the document.

"Partnership and collaboration between the new corporation and the new agency will be extremely important as we work to make this a prosperous province," said Mr. Balser. "In fact, the theme of partnership and collaboration runs through the economic growth strategy because we recognize that we must all work together if we hope to achieve our goal of prosperity for Nova Scotia. That means partnerships and collaborations between and among governments, government departments, business, labour, communities and citizens."

Hundreds of Nova Scotians participated in more than 100 meetings held following the release of a discussion paper in April. Others provided input via the government website and mail. Opportunities for Prosperity reflects their ideas and feedback.

An electronic version of the 35-page document and background material are available on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/ecor/strategy/ . Printed copies of the document can be obtained by phoning Government Publications at 902-424-7580 or 1-800-526-6575.

"This strategy is a vital planning instrument in the years ahead for the Nova Scotia government and its partners in economic growth," said Mr. Balser. "It marks a new era for economic development in Nova Scotia. We know there is a lot of hard work ahead, and I believe that with all of us working together we can make Nova Scotia the best place in Canada to live, raise families, work and do business."