Province Announces Initiative to Keep Workers in Nova Scotia

Employers and job seekers in Nova Scotia are about to get better connected thanks to a new initiative called Opportunities Nova Scotia.

"There are good job opportunities right here in Nova Scotia," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "We hear about Nova Scotians going west to find work but the fact is, there are many jobs going unfilled closer to home.

"The key is bringing people looking for work together with employers, and working with both groups to make sure they can meet one another's needs."

Through Opportunities Nova Scotia, the province will partner with regional development authorities, industry and community-based organizations to host a series of signature events across Nova Scotia. The goal will be to connect job seekers and employers with one another and to the education and training they need.

"We know there are community organizations across the province doing good work in this area," said Ms. Casey. "We want to enhance what they are doing by bringing more resources to the table, particularly on the education side. It's also about co-ordinating the work of many partners to maximize the impact on our labour market.

"Job seekers may not have the right skills for the jobs available. We can make them aware of the training they need. Likewise, employers need to better understand the realities of today's labour market and come to the table prepared to win employees in a very competitive climate."

The first Opportunities Nova Scotia event will be held March 27, in Truro. It is being delivered in partnership with FutureWorx Society, the Colchester Regional Development Authority and Service Canada. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with employers who are seeking employees. At the same time, job seekers will be able to explore options to upgrade skills in key areas, and employers will participate in sessions to help them attract and retain employees in today's highly competitive job market.

Similar events will take place across the province in partnership with jobboom.com, the PeopleBank Keep it Atlantic Roadshow, the Halifax Regional Municipality and local municipalities. Dates and locations include: Wolfville, May 1; Halifax, May 3; Sydney, May 8; and Port Hawkesbury, May 10.

"We will have the opportunity to speak with job seekers throughout the province," says Donald Rankin, director of human resources for Eastlink. "As an employer, we can help them find positions that are rewarding, or identify training programs that will provide them with tools to advance their career. This will help Nova Scotians understand they do not have to leave the province to secure a good job."

Rankin said it is important to focus on people who may want to return to Nova Scotia.

"Businesses are growing and there are excellent positions here at home," he said. "EastLink is pleased to join government and other progressive employers in talking with ex-patriots and other interested Canadians about the exciting career possibilities in our province."

In addition to recruiting workers within Nova Scotia, Opportunities Nova Scotia plans to take its show on the road, partnering with industry to target ex-patriots living and working in places such as Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton.

"Our first priority is to help Nova Scotians stay home and find fulfilling work here," said Ms. Casey. "And to tell those who have gone away that there are more reasons than ever for them to come back home to stay."