Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Department of Economic and Rural Developmentis to stimulate the economy of Nova Scotia. The Department does this by helping [Nova Scotia businesses] to expand employment opportunities, and by encouraging the establishment and growth of commerce and industry in the province.

This includes designing economic development policies, programs, and activities that strengthen economic and social conditions in the province. A number of agencies are included under the Ministry of Economic and Rural Development:

- InNOVAcorp: assists ICT and biotechnology companies in the start-up and incubation phase

- Nova Scotia Business Inc.: works to attract foreign direct investment (FDI)

- Film Nova Scotia: oversees the development of Nova Scotia's film industry

- Trade Centre Limited

- Waterfront Development Commission

Divisions

The Department of Economic and Rural Development is made up of four divisions:

Decision Support

Decision Support provides research, evaluation, and performance-measurement leadership to all aspects of the economic development, innovation, and technology system. It focuses on the "big picture," ensuring the system is effectively supporting economic growth. This section also leads overall management of relations with the department's agencies, boards and commissions.

Economic Strategies & Initiatives

Economic Strategies & Initiatives provides research, analysis, leadership and support for the development of government polices and plans for economic development, innovation and technology. The work of the Economic Strategies & Initiatives Division includes the Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative.

Community and Rural Development

Community and Rural Development provides information, advice, and resources to support development, to provincial, regional, and local organizations as well as the business community.

Procurement Services

Procurement Services provide a variety of electronic tools for vendors to use to access information on the goods and services required by the Province of Nova Scotia or to develop business opportunities with the Province. This site also provides access to information on goods or services required by the provincial MASH sector (Municipal governments, Academic institutes, School boards, and Hospitals).