Commission Releases Interim Report

Nova Scotia needs to adopt a can-do attitude, create more home-grown entrepreneurs and increase its population from within and away, according to an interim report released today, May 10, by the Nova Scotia Commission on Building Our New Economy.

"Nova Scotians were unequivocal in telling us that we should focus on our many assets and build on what makes this place special," said Ray Ivany, commission chair. "At the same time, they agreed that we need to be unflinching in addressing the challenges presented by our aging population and a rapidly changing world economy."

The commission held intensive consultations with a broad range of groups and people interested in helping shape Nova Scotia's economic future. There were sessions in 16 communities around the province, the commission received more than 80 written submissions and engaged citizens through its website and Facebook page.

"This report is a good summary of what Nova Scotians have told us to date," said Mr. Ivany. "But it's just the beginning. The commission has identified nine key areas to explore in more depth over the coming months. Our goal is to deliver an actionable plan that we'll present to Nova Scotians for further refinement in late fall or early winter."

The nine areas to be researched are: human capital, which looks at mobility, immigration and workforce readiness; creating a culture of innovation; entrepreneurship; adding value to resources; infrastructure; supply chain strategies; competitiveness; approaches to economic development; and the impact of services and taxation on the economy.

The Nova Scotia Commission on Building our New Economy was established by Premier Darrell Dexter in November 2012 to work at arms-length to engage Nova Scotians in meaningful, informed conversations about economic opportunities and challenges; and to identify, with Nova Scotians, new directions to create wealth in all regions of the province.

Commission members are: Ray Ivany, president of Acadia University (chair); Dan Christmas, senior advisor, Membertou; Irene d'Entrement, president of ITG Information Management; Suzanna Fuller, marine conservation co-ordinator, Ecology Action Centre; and John Bragg, founder and CEO, Oxford Group of Companies.

People can leave comments and view the interim report at www.onens.ca.