News Release

HRM Launches First Economic Strategy

(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.

For more information about the HRM Economic Strategy, please visit the HRM web site at www.halifax.ca/economicstrategy

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John O’Brien
Manager, HRM Corporate Communications
(902) 490-6531

David Harrigan
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NS
(902)426-4238

Janet Sullivan
Communications Advisor
Nova Scotia Economic Development
(902) 424-8922
E-mail: sullivjs@gov.ns.ca