News Release
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
–30--
Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
Fred Morley
Project Manager - HRM Economic Strategy
(902) 456-2388
Members of the Advisory Committee
George McLellan, CAO - Halifax Regional Municipality (Chair)
John Knubley, Vice President - ACOA
Sheila Fougere, Councillor - Halifax Regional Municipality
Paul Taylor, CEO - N.S. Economic Development
Karen Oldfield, President & CEO - Halifax Port Authority
Dale Godsoe - Prime Minister's Task Force, Cities and Communities
Hector Jacques, Chairman - Jacques Whitford
David Nantes, Vice President - Annapolis Group
John Lindsay, Jr., President - East Port Properties
Kim West, Principal - MT&L Public Affairs
Cpt. Roger MacIsaac, Base Commander - CFB Halifax
Catherine J. Woodman - Economic Summit
Tom Traves, President - Dalhousie University
Scott McCrea, President - Armour Group
Paul Greenhalgh, President - NSCAD
Rick Shaver, CA, Comptroller - MacTara Limited
Fred Morley, Project Manager - HRM Economic Strategy
Betty MacDonald, Director - HRM Governance & Strategic Initiatives
