Posted: January 19, 2021
The African Nova Scotian (ANS) Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Committee is pleased to announce the launch of the Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan, a five-year economic development strategy developed and owned by the community.
“The African Nova Scotian community is excited to launch this action plan aimed at addressing systemic issues and improving economic and quality of life outcomes for African Nova Scotians,” say Dolly Williams and Irvine Carvery, Co-chairs of the Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Committee. “We look forward to working with the community and our partners over the next five years and beyond to lead the way to prosperity for all African Nova Scotians.”
ANS economic development is a key priority within the Halifax Economic Growth Plan for 2016-21 which is co-led by Halifax Partnership and Halifax Regional Municipality. The Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan was unanimously endorsed by Halifax Regional Council in September 2020. The municipality has identified $350,000 in proposed funding over the next two years to support the plan’s implementation. Funding for 2021/22 is pending approval by Regional Council as part of the municipal budget planning process which will be finalized in the spring.
“The Halifax Regional Municipality is taking positive steps to address systemic racism and work in partnership with the African Nova Scotian community to advance economic development priorities,” says Mayor Mike Savage. “We are committed to building new pathways to economic inclusion and prosperity for African Nova Scotians as we work to recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19 and continue to grow Halifax’s economy.”
“Halifax Partnership congratulates the Advisory Committee and the ANS community on this significant milestone and achievement,” says Wendy Luther, President and CEO of Halifax Partnership. “This strategy builds on decades of community economic development work and lays the foundation for long-term inclusive economic growth for African Nova Scotians which the Partnership wholeheartedly supports.”
The Action Plan will be publicly launched at a virtual event tonight from 5-7 p.m. which will include funding announcements from RBC and the Province of Nova Scotia.
RBC is demonstrating their leadership and commitment to African Nova Scotian economic development and inclusive growth through a $25,000 sponsorship of the Action Plan.
The Province of Nova Scotia is providing approximately $139,000 to Halifax Partnership over the next two years to develop and launch the African Nova Scotian Connector Program aimed at improving labour market integration and outcomes for African Nova Scotians.
During the launch event, the Black Business Initiative (BBI) and Halifax Partnership will renew their MOU to jointly support ANS economic development, entrepreneurship, and business growth.
“RBC is proud to partner with the African Nova Scotian community to build a more equal, inclusive and just Halifax and Nova Scotia,” says Chris Ronald, RBC’s Regional President, Atlantic Canada. “As one of Canada’s largest companies, we have an opportunity and business imperative to address longstanding institutional inequalities and social injustices and create positive, sustainable change. The Action Plan is a step in that direction, and we are committed to helping African Nova Scotian communities grow and thrive.”
“Connecting people to the workforce, particularly those from underrepresented communities is a top priority,” says Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. “This new program will allow for further and more intentional engagement of the African Nova Scotian community that will help build professional networks that lead to good jobs.”
“BBI looks forward to our continued collaboration with Halifax Partnership to foster innovative economic development in African Nova Scotian communities and support the success of the Black business community,” says Rustum Southwell, Interim CEO of BBI.
Alison Gillan
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Halifax Partnership
902.719-6797
agillan@halifaxpartnership.com
The Halifax Partnership is Halifax's public-private economic development organization. The Halifax Partnership drives and accelerates economic growth by selling and marketing Halifax to the world, helping businesses reach their full potential and tracking Halifax's economic progress. The Halifax Partnership's network of influential and globally connected Investors and partners are committed to building a thriving, prosperous Halifax. www.halifaxpartnership.com
The African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan is a five-year collaborative strategy developed and owned by the African Nova Scotian (ANS) community, delivered in partnership with the Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Partnership, to advance economic development and community priorities. Consultations were held with ANS communities throughout Halifax Regional Municipality to identify key the issues, priorities, and actions to address systemic barriers and improve economic and quality of life outcomes for African Nova Scotians. https://halifaxpartnership.com/how-we-help/creating-vibrant-communities/
African Nova Scotian Road To Economic Prosperity
contact@anseconomicprosperity.com