Grow and hire. Turning a Strong Recovery into a Prosperous Future
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Our Plan for a Creating an economy where
Strengthened
business can grow and hire
Economy where
Making life more
affordable and equitable
business can The skills today for
the jobs of tomorrow
grow and hire. A cleaner, greener
Nova Scotia by 2030
Turning a Strong Recovery into a Prosperous Future Investing in quality care
Our plan for recovery and growth
We’re at the start of something big.
Nova Scotia is ready to grow. We’re ready to take the next step. What do I see
everywhere I go? Optimism. Across our province, people are working hard,
they have big ideas – and they’re ready to build a brighter tomorrow. Nova
Scotia is open for business.
Before the pandemic, we were on the right track. Our economy was thriving
and full of opportunities. Our GDP was at an all time high and unemployment
at an all-time low. COVID-19 stopped the world – but it couldn’t stop Nova
Scotians. Our stable economy helped us weather the storm, and with the
hard work of Nova Scotians, we’re ready to move forward.
Our government is focused on building a strong economic recovery. We
laid the groundwork during the pandemic – first by protecting Nova Scotians,
then by supporting affected businesses and powering the restart of our
tourism industry.
A re-elected Liberal government will turn a strong recovery into a prosperous Nova Scotians deserve an exciting, prosperous future – and we’re working
future. We will empower Nova Scotians who are ready to get to work. We’re to give it to them. Our plan is progressive, practical, and bold. Nova Scotians
building an economy where businesses can start, hire and innovate. We’re have shown they can do big things, and a re-elected Liberal government will
supporting traditional strengths, like agriculture and forestry, while encouraging provide the strong economy that big things need.
emerging sectors like advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and
renewable energy. The world is noticing Nova Scotia – it’s time we take centre stage.
There are opportunities for the taking – but we need to get moving. That’s
why we’re clearing the way, unleashing the innovative power of Nova Scotians.
We established the Premier’s Economic Growth Council to help guide us
to be more competitive and chart a path to make us the start-up capital
of Canada. Our government has cut $50 million in red tape since 2017,
exceeding the previous goal and saving business time and money. We’ll cut Iain Rankin,
an additional $30 million by 2022, bringing our total amount saved up to $80 Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party
million. This means a better environment for new businesses to start and for
existing ones to scale up.
Our plan for recovery and growth 1
Building Essential
Infrastructure and Transit.
Safe and efficient connections between our communities supports the flow
of people and products throughout our economy. Linking industries in every
region of our province to domestic and global markets facilitates growth and
prosperity driven by trade, increases tourism and provides wider access to
labour markets for both employers and job seekers.
That’s why a re-elected Liberal government will continue to improve the
safety of our highways, create good paying middle class jobs and modernize
our trade corridors across Nova Scotia while supporting equitable economic
growth and recovery.
Traffic congestion has been a decades old problem for Burnside commuters.
That’s why we have invested 107 million dollars to build the Sackville-Burnside
Connector, a 9 km twinned highway now under construction that will connect
highways 101, 102 and 118. When this is completed in 2023 it will ease
congestion for commuters and provide greater access to markets for Burnside markets. This $36 million dollar project is expected to create up to 3,000
Industrial Park, which is the home to almost 2000 enterprises that employ jobs once operational, and greatly increase our province’s ability to export
roughly 30,000 Nova Scotians. our products, especially from our fish and seafood sector.
Our government will seek a partnership with the federal government to twin Our Capital Plan demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our rural communities
two key transportation corridors in partnership with the federal government. by increasing investment in core local infrastructure.
This will create thousands of good paying middle class jobs and make our
highways safer. In 2017, the Liberal government created the gravel road program in order
to address the need to maintain and improve gravel roads. A re-elected Liberal
• Twin Highway 104 from Antigonish to Port Hawkesbury government will continue to invest in our rural communities by increasing
• Twin the most dangerous sections of Highway 103 from Hubbards the Gravel Road Capital Program by 50% to $30 million, and doubling the
to Bridgewater Rural Impact Mitigation Fund to $22 Million dollars, ensuring that Nova
Scotians have safe and reliable transportation infrastructure in communities
Construction is underway on an expansion of the Air Cargo Logistics Park across the province.
at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport to increase access to global
Our plan for recovery and growth 2
Affordable & Equitable Transportation High Speed Internet Across 99% of Nova Scotia
In order to make transportation costs fair and affordable for our rural communities While traditional infrastructure physically connects Nova Scotia to the world,
we have removed the fees from our provincial ferries. we increasingly depend upon a robust communications grid to connect people
and businesses digitally.
And, we will remove the tolls from the Cobequid Pass by October 1, 2021.
The government is currently investing $193 million in rural broadband
Supporting Those Who Protect Our Communities infrastructure, ensuring that Nova Scotians benefit from fast, modern, stable
Volunteer fire departments are part of the fabric of rural communities. They internet connections to grow their business and connect families to their
provide critical services in times of emergency, while serving as a gathering communities, their province and across the globe. By the end of 2023, 99%
point for social activities. of Nova Scotian homes and businesses will have access to high speed internet
as a result of investments by the Liberal government.
Our government was pleased to support policy changes proposed by
the Federal government, expanding the eligibility criteria for the Canada
Community Building Fund program (formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund),
to allow rural fire departments to qualify for infrastructure funding to upgrade
and maintain their facilities.
Nova Scotia’s Liberal government has been a proud supporter of our rural fire
departments, adding $900,000 to the Emergency Services Providers Fund
in 2019 to help fire departments and ground search & rescue organizations
with the cost of purchasing critical equipment that help protect our volunteer
firefighters in the line of duty.
A re-elected Liberal government will continue to invest in our rural firefighters,
by permanently increasing the budget of the Emergency Services Providers
Fund to $2 million annually. This will provide the necessary support for rural
fire departments to purchase protective equipment like breathing apparatus,
boots and helmets, as well as essential operating supplies.
Our plan for recovery and growth 3
Government of the Future:
Going Digital
The pandemic has forced businesses to reevaluate the way that their services • C
hampion the acceleration of government-wide adoption of digital service
are delivered. Many have turned to digital solutions that allow them to respond delivery that enables efficient interaction with government for citizens and
to their customers in innovative ways. business
Governments must keep up with the pace of change and embrace the promise he Minister will also support the Office of Regulatory Affairs & Service
T
of digital evolution so that services are delivered efficiently and effectively to Effectiveness to create a culture of nimble, flexible and effective digital
residents. A re-elected Liberal government will establish a Minister of Digital service delivery across government. Their efforts will reduce unnecessary
Government & Services to build on the success of existing digital initiatives red-tape and regulatory burdens for businesses and residents.
like the Nova Scotia Digital Service.
The Minister of Digital Government and Services will work across government
departments to create a more seamless experience for Nova Scotians. We
want to make the everyday government interactions and transactions more
convenient for businesses and residents.
The Minister will be mandated to:
• Develop and enforce a set of digital standards ensuring government
services—online, in person, and by phone—are user centric, fast, simple,
and secure.
• Implement a secure, seamless identity management and login that
protects Nova Scotians’ private information.
• Enhance digital tools and systems so that the public service is efficient
and can design and deliver services and programs that get the best results
for Nova Scotians.
• Ensure that Nova Scotia’s IT infrastructure is adequately protected against
cybersecurity threats
• Lead work to analyze and improve government procurement and internal
processes to improve the implementation of digital solutions within
government departments
Our plan for recovery and growth 4
Agriculture and Fisheries
Agriculture is a foundation of our economy. As our agricultural producers
emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to continue to make strategic
investments that increase our competitiveness in a global market, increase
consumption of locally grown products, and help our producers become
even more innovative.
Supporting our Farmers - Improving Business Risk Management
Our agricultural industry and our local food producers are the backbone of
many of our rural communities. They are essential to our food security but
can face many challenges ranging from market disruptions to extreme weather
events due to climate change.
The industry has requested that the current suite of Business Risk Manage-
ment programs be changed to offer stronger compensation for losses.
A Rankin government will support changes to the BRM AgriStability
disaster program by removing the Reference Margin Limit and increasing the
compensation rate from 70% to 80% of loss. These two measures would add
$2.8 million in provincial support and leverage $4.2 million in additional federal
support, resulting in $7 million more in support for Nova Scotia farmers.
A re-elected Rankin government will continue to fight for the support that
Nova Scotian producers deserve as we continue to negotiate the next
version of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Multilateral Framework
Agreement.
Our plan for recovery and growth 5
Increasing Sustainable Agriculture Growth
Food is the largest industry in Nova Scotia. Our local producers supply our
province with quality, nutritious food, while exporting products around the globe.
Farmers and food producers want to innovate. They are constantly evolving,
looking for ways to improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the
food that they produce. Our government will continue to make strategic
investments that help the industry to keep innovating and doing what it
does best.
That’s why Premier Rankin announced in March 2021 a $5 million investment
over the next two years in the Agriculture Clean Technology Program to
help farmers save money, reduce emissions, and adopt green technology.
The fund will promote sustainable and clean growth, improve energy efficiency,
increase value-added agricultural production, extend growing seasons, and
lower the cost of production, making life more affordable for our producers.
Growing Our Wine Industry Increasing Exports in our Fisheries Sector
In 2020 there were 25 licenced farm wineries in Nova Scotia and 58 grape The Liberal Party recognizes the importance of our fish and seafood industry
growers utilizing over 1200 acres of vineyard for production. In 2019 more to our coastal communities, and the massive economic benefit it provides
than 1 million litres of Nova Scotian wine were sold, and the wine industry to our entire province. The industry supports over 18,000 direct jobs across
supported more than 500 jobs. our province, and benefits countless others. It was last valued at $2.3 billion
The industry is growing in size, international acclaim, and importance to our and accounts for approximately 38 percent of our exports.
economy. Our government recognizes that investments in emerging agricultural
sectors will grow our economy, support producers, and generate new jobs. Nova Scotia continues to experience phenomenal growth in exports of products
around the world. Nova Scotia is now Canada’s number one seafood exporter,
A re-elected Liberal government will deliver on our commitment to invest with producers exporting premium products such as lobster, shrimp, snow
$1.3 million dollars in year one of a Nova Scotia Quality Wine Strategy. crab, and so much more.
The new Nova Scotia Quality Wine Strategy will: A re-elected Rankin government will continue to make smart and strategic
• Bring domestic and international attention to the quality of our product investments to ensure our fishing industry has greater access to global markets.
through a new provincial quality wine standard.
We will continue to build the Nova Scotia Seafood Quality Program in order to
• Help producers to strengthen their vineyards through an innovative
promote the high quality standards in our seafood industry. This will enhance
replanting support program.
our reputation for premium quality seafood and further grow our exports, putting
• Support producers to navigate expanding export opportunities by
more money into the pockets of thousands of workers across this province.
introducing an export navigation program.
Our plan for recovery and growth 6
The Creative Economy.
Investing in our Film Industry Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund
The film and television industry is a creator of well paying, highly skilled creative Nova Scotians have stories to tell, and we want to help them tell it. We want
jobs, and is an economic engine for Nova Scotia. to encourage locally developed feature films and television series, and to
encourage the opportunities for younger and emerging filmmakers and
The Liberal government is committed to working with Screen Nova Scotia industry professionals. That’s why a re-elected Rankin government will
and industry organizations to strengthen the film sector. We will focus on invest $3 million a year in a new Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund. This
developing Nova Scotian filmmakers, writers, and producers of local content, fund will be used to cover the gaps in funding for locally developed projects
while encouraging diversity and gender parity in the industry. that will propel our emerging talent onto global screens.
Film Fund A Soundstage for Productions to Call Home
This year the government has nearly doubled the Nova Scotia Film and Our local industry requires dedicated facilities to attract sustainable year-round
Television Production Incentive Fund by adding $23.6 million, for a total of production, increasing opportunities for Nova Scotian crews and workers.
$46.6 million. As our economy recovers from the pandemic, we will ensure Investing in production infrastructure allows our talented workforce to capitalize
that our film industry is able to continue providing well paying jobs, thus on the increasing demand from foreign service producers to film in Nova Scotia
growing the economy of the province and putting more money in the pockets and further enables us to increase our share of the growth in overall film and
of Nova Scotians. television production in Canada.
A re-elected Liberal government is committed to working with Screen Nova
Scotia, domestic and international producers and developers to implement
the recommendations of a recent feasibility study to establish a year-round,
sustainable film and television soundstage to support Nova Scotia’s creative
workforce.
Our plan for recovery and growth 7
Investing in Culture
More than ever, the pandemic has reminded Nova Scotians of both the social
and economic value of our performers, storytellers, artists, musicians, and all
those who work and are employed in the culture sector of our economy.
The pandemic has impacted our culture sector in a disproportionate way, and
now is the time to ensure that it roars back, stronger and more inclusive than
ever. Together, we can ensure that telling Nova Scotia’s stories are at the core
of our economic recovery.
The arts and culture sectors were hit hard by the pandemic. A re-elected
Rankin government will provide an additional $3 million in supplemental
operation funding to operators and organizations who are getting back on
their feet. Together, we can ensure that telling Nova Scotia’s stories are at
the core of our economic recovery.
We know that our culture sector can better support our local artists and grow
the creative economy when it receives certainty in its funding levels from year
to year. That’s why a re-elected Rankin government will conduct a review of
operating funding of core funding within the sector, with the goal of providing
adequate funding support and achieving a high level of sustainability of
organizations who support and develop our local talent, and promote Nova
Scotia on the local and global stage.
Our plan for recovery and growth 8
Boosting
Nova Scotia’s Tourism .
Nova Scotia is known across the globe for it’s beauty and warm welcomes. Revitalizing Nova Scotia’s Iconic Tourist Sites
Tourism was generating over $2.6 billion annually in 2019 in economic activity, International travellers visit the many remarkable sights and attractions the
supporting over 40,000 direct jobs in Nova Scotian communities. In 2020 province offers, benefiting communities and businesses across all regions.
that number dropped dramatically to $900 million. Our tourism operators Our icons have a high level of recognition nationally and internationally and
were one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic. see tens of thousands of visitors every year. Our icons are the “must-see”
destinations that help motivate travel to the province.
That’s why our government responded with a restart package to energize our
communities and help prepare operators to re-open. We invested $18.2 million Increasing access to these wonders of our province is a priority for our
to provide grants for tourism operators to help with marketing and other costs. government. For example, our Liberal government contributed $750,000 to
As well, we made admission to the 28 museums operated by the province the Georges Island wharf project through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons
free for July and August. Program, ensuring that tourists and Nova Scotians have access to this historical
site in Downtown Halifax.
We also invested $5.8 million in marketing campaigns encouraging Nova
Scotians to “re-discover” our province, and showcasing the incredible A re-elected Rankin government will look for opportunities to make our local
experiences that we have to offer to visitors in other domestic markets. attractions more accessible and provide more unique experiences to draw
visitors to our province and help Nova Scotians rediscover their province.
A re-elected Liberal government will continue to support the restart of our
tourism sector by investing $5 million more over the next two years to
extend the Tourism Digital Assistance Program. This program will ensure
our tourism operators have the resources to increase their online presence to
attract more customers and adopt digital technologies to improve efficiency
and visitor experiences.
Our plan for recovery and growth 9Making It Easier To Do
Business In Nova Scotia.
In a post pandemic economy, the Rankin Government recognizes the need to
ensure that Nova Scotia maximizes the ability of our local businesses to grow
and do all that we can to encourage investment and growth. By removing red
tape on both businesses and individuals, we will make it easier to do business
in Nova Scotia.
A re-elected Rankin government will ensure it is easier to start and grow your By employing highly trained and specialized staff to identify and help complete
business in Nova Scotia by: permit approvals, new business owners will have the support they need to
obtain their permits and approvals, saving them time and money they can
1. W
aiving Regulatory Fees for New Businesses – $2 million a year. re-invest in their new business right away.
We recognize that lowering costs for businesses that are starting out will
lead to a greater chance of success. Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurs and start-ups know how to build a successful
and thriving business. That’s why we are making it easier for them to focus
To help new businesses get off the ground a re-elected Rankin government on that, rather than jumping through red tape as we rebuild our economy.
will eliminate the government start-up costs and regulatory fees for new
businesses. This will save businesses over $2 million dollars a year. 3. S
et a bold and unprecedented red tape reduction target –
$30 Million by 2022
2. C
reation of a Sector Specific One Stop Permit Shop. The Liberal government has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary
A re-elected Rankin government will make it easier for Nova Scotians to government burden on small businesses. It has been estimated that
start their own business by simplifying the process for obtaining permits unnecessary or outdated regulations are costing Nova Scotia businesses
and approvals. $200 million a year.
There are often many different permits and regulations a business must Through the work of the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness,
comply with before opening its doors on day one. This adds costs and we’ve managed to cut $50 million in red tape since 2017, saving our
increases the time from a good idea to money in the pockets of those businesses time and money as they focus on growing their businesses.
starting the business.
We’ve also exceeded our first ever target to reduce the hours Nova Scotians
A re-elected Rankin government will work with municipalities to open one have to spend complying with unnecessary government regulations. Since
stop permit portals where new businesses can get every approval and December 31, 2020, we’ve saved Nova Scotians 185,000 hours’ worth of
permit they need for their business in one easy to access spot. time dealing with the government.
Our plan for recovery and growth 10As we recover from the pandemic and grow our economy, a re-elected Liberal
government knows that it’s more important than ever to make it easier for
businesses to operate in our province. Our government’s track record on
red tape reduction has been a resounding success, with over $50 million cut
since 2017. We’ve decided to raise the bar and set a bold and ambitious goal
of eliminating $30 million in unnecessary red tape for businesses by 2022,
with a focus on reducing hours spent on administrative burden by individual
citizens, vulnerable populations, and our doctors and health professionals.
4. I nvesting in Clean Technology
A re-elected Rankin government is committed to building the economy of
tomorrow, and that means making sure that Nova Scotian businesses have
the support they need to invest in the latest equipment and innovative
clean technology to increase their competitiveness.
Our future depends on supporting innovative solutions for Nova Scotian
businesses. By helping Nova Scotian businesses invest in green tech and
new modern technology we will help industry power our economic recovery
and secure good middle-class jobs and protect the environment at the
same time.
That’s why a re-elected Rankin government will invest $45 million over
five years in the Innovation and Sustainability Rebate Program to:
• Help Nova Scotian businesses become more competitive by providing
a 25% rebate for the creation of innovative solutions
• Help modernize businesses production by supporting the purchase of
new innovative green tech.
• Secure good middle-class jobs by supporting companies in the
traditional and emerging sectors.
• Help our Nova Scotian businesses to sell more of their products in the
province and around the world.
Our plan for recovery and growth 11Growing our Growing our population –
Bio-Sciences Sector. Growing our workforce.
Nova Scotia is home to an emerging bio-sciences sector. The pandemic Immigration and continuing to grow our population is a foundational pillar
has demonstrated how important health research and innovation is, and how of our plan for continuing to grow the economy.
valuable the domestic production of life saving medicine is not just for Nova
Scotian families, but for our economy as well. We are fast approaching a population of one million Nova Scotians. Thanks
to continued and consistent efforts by the Liberal government to grow our
A re-elected Rankin government will make smart and strategic investments population through creating nominee programs for skilled labour and on
to aggressively encourage the growth of this sector by creating a Health demand trades, and by partnering with the Federal government to implement
Innovation and Life Sciences Strategy to capitalize and expand on our and expand the Atlantic Immigration Program, we’ve managed to increase
areas of expertise in health research, and bio-manufacturing. the number of immigrants who land in Nova Scotia from 2,538 per year in
2013 to over 7,500 per year in 2019.
We will also create an industry led Life Science Acceleration Council, to
be comprised of industry leaders, new entrepreneurs in health innovation, While the pandemic temporarily stalled our efforts to build our economy
researchers and innovators as well as academic, economic and health system through immigration, it has also made it clearer than ever how important it will
leadership. The first item on the agenda will be to determine what key be to our economic recovery. As we safely re-open our economy, businesses
investments will be needed to position the health innovation and life are increasingly looking to hire the skills and talent they need to continue to
sciences sector for significant growth. grow their businesses.
To kick start the growth of this sector while the Council completes their work, That’s why we are listening to employers and Nova Scotians, and continue to
a re-elected Rankin government will partner with industry to pilot an initial make it easier to connect skilled immigrants and recent international graduates
investment of $500,000 to create direct pathways to new opportunities to employers with new immigration pathways and improved and modern
in life sciences, and allow individuals and businesses to access increased application systems that work for employees and applicants.
training support. This initial investment will provide scholarships, internships,
and opportunities for re-skilling and upskilling of employees in the sector to As our economy began to safely re-open during the spring, we added the
respond to evolving labour needs. International Graduates In Demand Immigration Stream to ensure that
those attending one of our universities or community colleges can chose to
build their life here in Nova Scotia. We also expandeded the Occupations in
Demand Immigration Stream to include heavy machinery operators, Early
Childhood Educators, and Continuing Care Assistants to help fill immediate
needs in our labour force.
Our plan for recovery and growth 12A Rankin Government will commit $10.3 million over the next four years to A Rankin Government will commit $1.35 Million over 4 years for Digitizing
ensure that skilled immigrants and international graduates stay in Nova our immigration application system, making it easier for skilled workers to
Scotia once they’ve entered the workforce. By increasing settlement supports, apply and immigrate to Nova Scotia under our nominee programs and through
we can ensure that our businesses are able to retain the skilled workers they the Atlantic Immigration Program.
need to build and grow.
A re-elected Rankin government will continue to grow our population, and will
We will be expanding language supports for new immigrant children to keep listen to industry, and be ready to help our business community seek out the
up with our growing newcomer population. Language services are imperative skilled workers they need to grow and innovate right here at home, building
to ensure continued learning, family integration into the school community an economy that works for all.
and to ensure a healthy transition.
The Study and Stay Program has been extremely successful with retention
rates of over 90%. In an effort to keep more of our valued international students
right here in Nova Scotia, the program offers guidance through career education
foundations, mentoring, hands-on experience and matching students to
labour market needs.
This initiative includes:
• $ 5.49 million to increase existing settlement programming for Immigrant
Settlement Service Provider Organizations (SPO).
• $ 1.0 million to create navigator positions to support inter-provincial
migration as part of NSIPG’s expanded mandate.
• $2.64 million to support increased delivery of English as an additional
language (EAL) and French as an additional language (FAL) to immigrant
children enrolled in NS schools.
• $ 1.2 million to expand EduNova’s “Study and Stay” program to retain more
international students after graduation.
Increasing settlement services to enhance newcomers’ transition means
they are more likely to stay. We need to promote language training, employment
and entrepreneur supports. Navigators and welcoming community programs
are imperative to ensure immigrants come and stay in our province.
Our plan for recovery and growth 13Connecting Youth and Employers Blue Economy
to Grow our Economy
Much of Nova Scotia’s economy and identity is defined by our proximity and
connection to the ocean. No matter where you are in Nova Scotia you can
All young Nova Scotians should have the opportunity to develop life and
never be more than 67 kilometres from salt water.
leadership skills while gaining practical work experience. This is crucial to
position our young Nova Scotians for career success and independence.
As our Federal government continues to develop a Blue Economy Strategy,
a re-elected Rankin government will continue working with the government of
The Liberal government established the EDGE Pilot Program in 2018 to
Canada to ensure that conservation initiatives integrate with our environmental,
provide clients aged 18-26 who receive income support and assistance
economic and equity seeking priorities.
with mentorship and youth focused supports, in order to provide a path into
the workforce so they can succeed in this province. The Liberal government
Our vision for a modern Blue Economy is sustainable prosperity achieved by
further expanded this pilot program in 2021 to ensure that up to 200 youth in
the optimum, responsible and sustainable use of resources, recognizing that
Bridgewater, New Glasgow, Sydney and North End Halifax can participate in
sustainable fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and resource development are
this program and have a path to meaningful employment.
legitimate and valuable uses of our ocean resources.
A re-elected Liberal government will commit an additional $1.5 million dollars
Our ocean resources are drivers of innovation, and a re-elected Rankin
over the next two years to further expand the EDGE Pilot Program to even
government will seek to encourage new economic development opportunities,
more areas of the province. By ensuring that all of our youth have the
grow our population, expand our exports and develop our strategic sectors.
confidence and support they need to enter our workforce into meaningful
and well paying jobs, we will help businesses fill their labour gaps and ensure
Nova Scotia is a world leader in ocean science and observation. Ocean
more young Nova Scotians can benefit from our re-energized economy.
technologies account for over $1 billion in revenues and one third of research
and development among Nova Scotian businesses.
A re-elected Rankin government will ensure that the Blue Economy of tomorrow
is intrinsically linked to our growing circular economy, and will continue to
develop our emerging marine biotechnology and offshore wind industries
while looking for new and innovative ways to re-energize our economy by
sustainably leveraging ocean resources.
Our plan for recovery and growth 14Creating Jobs in the Blue Economy
Five years ago, a joint federal-provincial announcement launched COVE –
the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship. The intention of this
initiative was to foster opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship that
would create jobs and drive growth in the ocean sector.
Derelict buildings and wharves were refurbished so that global leaders in
ocean science and research could work together with start-ups, R&D-intensive
companies, industry and Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions to create a
cluster of marine innovation and commercialization.
COVE is a success story. It has attracted 60 companies in just three years.
As we emerge from COVID-19, the Blue Economy represents an opportunity
to achieve sustainable economic growth from the ocean economy. Atlantic
Canada is the centre of Canada’s blue economy and COVE is the heart of our
ocean technology ecosystem.
COVE’s success merits an additional investment to seize a leading role for it,
and Nova Scotia, in the global blue economy.
A Rankin government will provide $30 Million to COVE between now and
2030 to ensure it reaches its full potential. This funding will facilitate an expansion
to include at least four regional outreach posts around the province in a hub
and spoke model. That investment will double the number of ocean-related
companies selling high value products to global markets from Nova Scotia,
creating even more opportunities for young Nova Scotians.
The success of this investment will be measured by an increase in ocean-related
GDP; more ocean-related jobs; and a doubling from 60 to 120 in the ocean
tech businesses housed at COVE.
Our plan for recovery and growth 15You can also read
