This is a guest post from Halifax Partnership
(Member since 1996)
Imagine it’s 2037. Halifax is a prosperous, growing city with 650,000 residents and a booming economy valued at $32 billion. We are recognized as one of the greenest and most inclusive cities in North America — a city that puts the well-being of its people and planet first.
This is the long-term vision set out in People. Planet. Prosperity. Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy for 2022-2027. Launched in April, the city’s new economic strategy is about growth, but not growth for growth’s sake. It focuses on ensuring all our residents can contribute to, and benefit from, Halifax’s growing economic prosperity.
Halifax Partnership led the development of the strategy, guided by the Economic Strategy Advisory Committee and in collaboration with the Halifax Regional Municipality. More than 2,500 business leaders, residents, and partners throughout the municipality contributed to this work by sharing ideas to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Halifax.
Since the last economic plan spanning 2016-2021, Halifax has experienced remarkable economic and population growth. This is thanks to our post-secondary and community partners; all three orders of government; and the steadfast commitment, investment, and hard work of our business community. Together, we have driven growth and innovation in our key sectors, created new jobs, and attracted new people and companies. Even during the uncertainty of the pandemic, Halifax has experienced increased prosperity and record population growth which has created both economic opportunities and challenges.
Over the next five years, we will continue to leverage our city’s strengths and momentum and build upon lessons learned to execute on three priorities: promote and maximize inclusive and sustainable growth; attract, retain, and develop talent; and make Halifax a better place to live and work. This includes tackling growing pains such as increased pressure on housing, transportation, and talent availability, while seizing opportunities to grow Halifax’s green economy and accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Most importantly, we will focus on driving inclusive economic growth that creates a better quality of life for all residents while reducing our city’s carbon footprint. These are the fundamental values that will guide the implementation of the strategy’s 73 actions. Our ability to deliver on that promise and realize our long-term vision depends on all of us working together, and the private sector has a significant role to play.
Here are five actions your business can take today:
1. Explore the economic strategy at hfxeconstrategy.com and think about which goals and actions most align with your own. Bring your ideas and resources to the table and work with us to contribute to Halifax’s future success.
2. If your business needs talent, consider hiring internationally trained professionals or recent graduates. The Partnership’s labour market team can help you become a designated employer with the new permanent Atlantic Immigration Program and join the Halifax Connector Program where you will meet international and emerging talent.
3. Start-ups and SMEs are the foundation and future of our city. Give founders and small business owners the gift of your mentorship and be an early adopter and customer of their products and services. This will go a long way to ensuring the success of our business community.
4. Support the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity by hiring and developing African Nova Scotian talent and by becoming a customer, mentor, or investor in Black-owned businesses.
5. Think about how you can green your business by developing or adopting energy efficiency plans, products, and practices. Reach out to Efficiency Nova Scotia to take advantage of programs that can make your business more competitive and comfortable while reducing your costs and carbon footprint.
As business leaders we all have work to do to realize our city’s full potential. Halifax Partnership looks forward to doing this work with you.
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