HRM Launches Strategies for Success, HRM's First Economic Strategy

HRM Acting CAO Dan English speaks at the November 17 launch of HRM's Economic Strategy. The full text of Strategies for Success is available here.

(HALIFAX, Thursday, November 17, 2005) - Cooperation and commitment among partners were the two common themes running through a ceremony today to officially launch Halifax Regional Municipality’s first Economic Strategy.

Mayor Peter Kelly, Regional Councillors, members of the HRM Economic Strategy Advisory Committee, representatives of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Nova Scotia Office of Economic development and other government and stakeholders representatives attended the event at City Hall.

"Implementation of the strategy will take place over the next five years. Its success will require the partnership of all levels of government, economic development organizations, businesses and the community," said Mayor Kelly.

"Thanks to the efforts of our federal and provincial partners, our advisory team, the business community and many others, we now have a blueprint for continuing prosperity and economic growth in the years to come.”

"Nova Scotia is well on its way to becoming the best place in Canada to live, work, do business and raise a family," said Honourable Ernie Fage, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Economic Development. "As the capital region for the province, Halifax Regional Municipality has developed a co-ordinated and focused economic growth strategy that will enhance their competitive edge in business and where residents can grow and succeed in life."

John Knubley, Vice-President of ACOA Nova Scotia, said "This planning initiative was a partnership of government and private stakeholders. It's really important we identify as partners common goals together and work towards them in concert."

The Economic Strategy compliments both the proposed Regional Plan and the proposed Cultural Plan, and provides the guidebook for HRM to meet the "smart growth" criteria of economic growth, environmental sustainability, cultural priorities and social objectives.

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HRM To Set a Vision for the Region’s Economic Future

(Wednesday, June 22/05) - Halifax Regional Municipality is developing a long-term economic strategy that will not only see it continue as the economic hub of Atlantic Canada, but lay out a blueprint for its future position in the global economy, Mayor Peter Kelly said today.

Mayor Kelly said HRM’s excellent location and unique economic foundation of human resources, research and development, business climate, and quality of life, positions its economy to compete with other regions nationally and internationally-- but only if the right decisions are made to allow business growth to accelerate.

“In order to stay ahead of other regions, HRM intends to develop a comprehensive Economic Strategy that lays out a vision for differentiating Greater Halifax in the global economy,” he said. “ This Strategy will identify key growth opportunities, and develop ways for the region to better utilize its economic development resources.”

An advisory committee, chaired by Chief Administrative Officer, George McLellan, and comprised of 18 public and private sector leaders, will lead the research and development components of the Economic Strategy.

Fred Morley, Project Manager for the Economic Strategy, believes it will serve as a guidebook for the future, “The Strategy will set our vision for the economy of HRM and the goals we must achieve to make this vision a reality. It will be built on strong research that clearly articulates our competitive position and challenges. We need to know how our business climate and economic development practices compare with the best.”

A consultation process is underway, and community leaders and citizens are being asked to express their views through an online survey. For more information on the Economic Strategy and to complete the survey, please visit www.halifax.ca/economicstrategy

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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010

Fred Morley
Project Manager - HRM Economic Strategy
(902) 456-2388