Nova Scotia Needs You

There are so many ways to help.

Nova Scotians of all professional, educational, cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds are being encouraged to offer their expertise and services by applying for positions on one of the province's many agencies, boards and commissions.

"Citizens from all walks of life can bring so much personal experience and understanding to different groups that are working to make Nova Scotia an even better place," said Ron Chisholm, chair of the legislature's all-party standing committee on human resources. "Nova Scotia needs these voices. Our agencies, boards and commissions need to reflect everyone in society."

Twice a year the province advertises vacancies on some of its agencies, boards and commissions, encouraging people to offer their services on district health authorities, library boards, or on professional, educational, cultural and special interest organizations. Information on positions is also available by following links on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/exec_council or by calling toll-free 1-866-206-6844 (or 424-4877 in Halifax Regional Municipality).

"Some agencies, boards and commissions have very specific requirements," said Mr. Chisholm. "In some instances, life experience will be of more value than academic accomplishment. In others, time commitments or geographic demands will be of most importance. In all instances, government is looking for people who are willing to commit to making a difference in the future of this province."

While many positions are voluntary, some are not. As part of the process, people consent to the public release of their application information if they apply for positions on agencies, boards and commissions that pay $100 or more per day.

Applications are reviewed by department screening panels and by cabinet members before names of qualified individuals are forwarded to the standing committee on human resources for final decisions.

Applications for adjudicative boards are reviewed by non-partisan advisory committees. These boards -- which are required to receive evidence, making findings of fact and law or make decisions that can affect a person's liberty, security or legal rights -- also advertise separately.

Spring listings of non-adjudicative boards that are seeking applications will appear in select newspapers across the province on Saturday, April 23 and Monday, April 25. The ad will also be available, for a limited time, on the What's New section of the government website at www.gov.ns.ca .