Province Helping Nova Scotians Prepare for Future Opportunities

NOTE: A social media version of this release is available at http://novascotia.ca/news/smr/2012-11-09-Future-Opportunities/ . Hi-res, downloadable photos, video and audio clips will be added later today, Nov. 9.

Nova Scotia is getting ready for a better future. As Irving Shipbuilding prepares to build Canada's next fleet of combat ships, the province is helping Nova Scotians prepare to make the most of future opportunities.

Dartmouth-based Akoostix Inc. is one of many Nova Scotia companies training their employees and making upgrades to their businesses with support from the province's Productivity Investment Program.

At an event with local aerospace and defence companies today, Nov. 9, Premier Darrell Dexter also announced that the province has commissioned Duke University to analyze the range of activities to create, produce, and deliver the arctic offshore patrol ships and research vessels. The opportunities study will help government, companies, and workers make the most of the huge opportunity shipbuilding presents.

"Nova Scotians are ready to turn the corner on 20 years of the worst economic growth in the country. We're focused on preparing for the better future that's in store for our families," said Premier Dexter. "We're investing in people and companies across the province to take full advantage of the opportunities that are before us to contribute, compete and lead -- nationally and internationally."

Akoostix has emerged as one of Canada's top resources for defence and underwater sonar systems. The research and development firm specializes in software design and acoustics.

The company has used $12,340 from the Productivity Investment Program to train employees in technical writing and developing advanced underwater acoustics and sonar systems, skills that will help it become more competitive, and attract and retain highly skilled employees.

The Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of Nova Scotia (ADIANS) is also using $39,750 in provincial funding to offer its members training to help local aerospace and defence companies become more competitive.

"Companies that invest in training, research and development are agile, they have the ability to change as the world changes around them," said Akoostix president Joe Hood. "The support we've gotten from the province and from ADIANS is helping us improve our business and train our employees so we're ready for the big opportunities that are coming."

"The training initiatives we have been able to offer our members as a result of the province's direct support will help position companies to offer products and services on a global scale that will enable them to generate growth beyond our borders," said ADIANS president and Lockheed Martin Canada project manager, Glenn Copeland. "Today is yet another example of the recognition of the importance of the industry within the province and the strong relationship that continues to be realized among industry and provincial government partners."

Hundreds of local and international companies will be involved in shipbuilding. Duke University will identify how the province can help Nova Scotia firms take advantage of the full range of opportunities and grow a strong shipbuilding industry, now and for the future.

The opportunities study will also show ways to accelerate emerging technologies and support entrepreneurs to ensure Nova Scotia's tradition of shipbuilding meets the demands of today's marine environment.

Colin Stephenson, executive director for the region's annual defence and security exhibition and conference, DEFSEC Atlantic, says more international companies are showing interest in the province.

"There's no question that the world is taking notice of Nova Scotia and the opportunities that are just around the corner. I expect the results of the opportunities study will only generate more interest," said Mr. Stephenson. "Knowing exactly what goes into the construction of these ships will help our local companies prepare, and help the province attract more businesses from abroad."

The $25-billion federal shipbuilding contracts will provide work for the next 30 years and 11,500 direct and indirect jobs when the project hits its stride in a few years' time.

"In Nova Scotia, we're investing in people and in our future –- education, training and skills for good jobs that are the foundation for a good future," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "Now we need to make the most of it, to create opportunities for communities across the province and for people of all backgrounds, from all walks of life."

This week has been one of the most significant for job creation in Nova Scotia in the last decade. Two companies, PROJEX Technologies Inc. and IBM Canada, announced plans to create nearly 1,000 high-paying, long-term jobs in Nova Scotia.