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Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development

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The Department of Economic and Rural Development is a part of the Government of Nova Scotia. It was created in 2009 from the former Department of Economic Development. Its primary purpose is to stimulate the economy of Nova Scotia.[1] 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. The departmental mandate also includes designing economic development policies, programs, and activities that strengthen economic and social conditions in the province.[2]

The current minister is Michel Samson.[3]

Divisions and agencies

Divisions

The Deputy Minister of the Department is Ian Thompson.[4] The Department 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 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 local organizations as well as the business community.

Procurement Services

Procurement Services provide a variety of electronic tools for businesses to use to bid or to develop business opportunities with the Province of Nova Scotia.

Agencies

A number of agencies are included under the Ministry:

  • Innovacorp: assists IT, life sciences, and clean technology start-up companies to commercialize their technologies[5]
  • Nova Scotia Business Inc.: works to attract foreign direct investment (FDI)[6] and assists Nova Scotia companies through trade development, business financing and venture capital.[7]
  • Film Nova Scotia: oversees the development of Nova Scotia's film industry, including the Nova Scotia film tax credit.[8]
  • Trade Centre Limited: attracts events to Halifax through its venues and businesses[9]
  • Waterfront Development Commission: oversees events on the Halifax waterfront, located near Halifax Port, such as the Nova Scotia Tall Ships Festival.

Former department titles

The department has undergone numerous name changes including:

  • Economic Development (ca 2000-2009)
  • Economic Development and Tourism (ca. 1998)
  • Economic Renewal Agency 1995-96

References

  1. ^ http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ Department website
  2. ^ Examples include the Industrial Expansion Fund which supports locally-based industry and key sectors.
  3. ^ http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/people/cabinet/
  4. ^ http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/overview/deputy.asp
  5. ^ Innovacorp recently won an international award for its work, see http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=200903230010
  6. ^ See Industry Canada
  7. ^ http://www.novascotiabusiness.com/en/home/Grow/default.aspx
  8. ^ See Enterprise Canada reference
  9. ^ The principal venue is Halifax' World Trade Centre
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