SmartCity Blog

SmartCity Business Show: Episode 7 in Review

Okay, okay. So there weren’t any explosions like I’d suggested in my last blog, but Craig did spend six (hmmm) hours testing out a Helly Hansen survival suit in an industrial kiddie pool.

This episode, lucky number seven, reminded me of just how lucky we are here in Halifax. We are located footsteps from the Atlantic Ocean, and have a harbour deep enough to handle pretty much anything we want to import or export.

We also have the talent and expertise here to make clothing and sportswear for world-class sailors, skiers and adventurers. Helly Hansen Canada Ltd., led by President Dan Clarke, employs 125 people at its factory. This means there are no “Helly-bots” doing the work. Real people are doing everything from cutting the fabric, putting in the last zipper, and performing safety and quality tests on every product they make.

This series continues to be an eye-opener for me. It’s great to see how we are capitalizing on our natural assets and talented people to create employment and prosperity in Halifax.

 

Maeghan Murphy, Marketing & Communications Co-op Student

Maeghan is with the Partnership on a four month work-term. She is in her third year of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and had her first taste of the working world on her work-term with Nova Scotia Power this summer. Although she'll always be a Cape Bretoner at heart, Maeghan is happy to now call Halifax her home.

RBC Supports Diversity

Guest blog post by: Glen Dormody, Regional Vice President, Metro Halifax, RBC

Last fall, I spoke at a conference for the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers over at Mount Saint Vincent University.

They asked RBC to speak on the topic of diversity. It was a difficult topic to prepare for, simply for the fact that we have so many great things underway in our company right now in support of diversity.

But when I reflected on it, there were two things that stood out in my mind. First, having a focus on diversity is clearly the right thing to do. Second, it’s a smart thing to do from a business standpoint.

There are so many different ways to describe diversity. It can mean things like values and purpose, life experiences and perspectives. And certainly some people who have a diverse perspective in our community are new immigrants.

At RBC, we’ve been blessed with having some new immigrants as employees who have made a big contribution to our company.

One of these employees, Makafui Atloko, grew up in Ghana. He came to Canada for school.

After graduation, he went to a job fair at Pier 21 and I spoke with him about his experience joining RBC.

“I spoke to a few people at Pier 21 who told me about RBC and the opportunities they have for people with diverse backgrounds. When I first started, every employee I met was very forthcoming. They wanted to know about where I was from and what brought me here and they were all really welcoming. Initially I thought I was going to be out of place, especially with my accent and all that. But I wasn’t and I love it.”

Mak has excelled at RBC. In fact he is one of our top employees, not just in Halifax, but across the world, and was recently recognized at an international employee convention as a top performer.

The rewards of hiring immigrants are many. It creates a high performing workplace with a variety of ideas, cultures and languages. Furthermore, it helps make our clients more comfortable when someone is serving them in their own culture and language.

In my view, immigrants are individuals who have already surmounted a great deal simply by leaving their country and coming to a new one. As such they show a great propensity to adapt to change. They also bring a different perspective and a willingness to learn, which are incredible assets.

One of the challenges for our business is to continue searching for and developing an available pool of immigrant talent to draw from. We also need to do a better job of making conscious decisions to hire people with diverse backgrounds.

And we don’t want to stop at the employee experience. We serve a lot of customers in Metro Halifax, and we are driving hard to ensure a fantastic experience for new immigrants when they come to our branches to open accounts. To that effect, we’re designating one person in each of our branches as a diversity/immigrant expert. In many instances, our experts will have been immigrants themselves. We want our experts to be able to truly understand the new immigrant experience in order to better introduce banking in Canada and find the right solutions for their needs.

Truly, when you reflect on Halifax’s economy, many of those who have created opportunity in this community are immigrants themselves. It’s up to us and other businesses to support and facilitate the entry of the next generation of newcomers to greater Halifax. They will only make our community stronger!

For more information on how you can hire an immigrant, click here.

RBC partners with Greater Halifax Partnership on an awareness campaign promoting the benefits of hiring a newcomer.

Glen Dormody, RBC Regional Vice President

Glen Dormody is Regional Vice President, Metro Halifax at RBC. Glen understands Halifax's need for immigrants and he supports efforts to diversify our city.

SmartCity Business Show: Episode 6 in Review

Swedish medical company, Elekta, has chosen Halifax to expand its operations. Stephen Otto, Chairman of Elekta Neuromag, explains that Halifax has the perfect mix of the clinical (IWK) and research pieces (Dalhousie and National Research Council) that are needed to foster the development of Elekta’s new brain image technology.

 

“We’ve got all the ingredients here in Halifax to make this kind of research co-operation and collaboration work.”

Stephen Otto, Chairman of Elekta Neuromag

 

 

It didn’t seem this straight forward to me at the beginning. Sweden? Brain image technology? Magnetoencephalgraphy? I didn't think I'd be able to wrap my head around it all. My science comprehension is challenged by the concept of mitosis, so the word magnetoencephalgraphy had me a little scared. Luckily, the SmartCity Business Show exists to explain in everyday terms the innovative and fascinating, but sometimes difficult to grasp, work that many companies are doing in Halifax. It’s nice to understand what’s going on in my city.

Although the big words in this episode caught my attention, the word I was most drawn to was more. More jobs, more ideas, more funding, more researchers right here in Halifax. Mr. Otto makes it clear that Elekta’s technology can really help our growth. This is pretty exciting stuff that strengthens our international presence, as well as benefiting Halifax’s science, research and business communities. Check back for next week’s episode that highlights Halifax’s manufacturing sector (there may or may not be explosions involved).

 

Maeghan Murphy, Marketing & Communications Co-op Student

Maeghan is with the Partnership on a four month work-term. She is in her third year of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and had her first taste of the working world on her work-term with Nova Scotia Power this summer. Although she'll always be a Cape Bretoner at heart, Maeghan is happy to now call Halifax her home.

Halifax, Meet Your Neighbours

Halifax’s population continues to rise. In 2010, Statistics Canada estimated that, for first time, the population has crossed 400,000 people. We represent 43% of the population of Nova Scotia and 17% of the population of Atlantic Canada and those numbers are steadily rising. This leads me, as an economist, to two key questions:

• Where is this growth coming from?
• What does this mean for the people of Halifax?

Where is the growth coming from?

The largest factor in the increase of Halifax’s population today is immigration. Net immigration (Immigrants – Emigrants) accounted for 79% of the population growth in Halifax in 2009/10 and this number continues to rise. We attract immigrants from various places; other locations in Nova Scotia (27%), other provinces in Canada (8.1%) and other countries around the world (43.8%).

The natural growth (births – deaths) is declining. It becomes clear, when looking at how our natural growth has declined over the last 5 years that we need to look externally for our population to grow.

We have a lot of work to do; Nova Scotia attracts less than 1% of the Canada’s international immigrants annually. As the natural increase stagnates, it has become more important than ever to reach out globally for population growth and to develop a Halifax that talented people from everywhere want to be a part of.

 

   

What does this mean for the people of HRM?

If you are a regular news reader, you have heard about our aging population and the looming shortage of talented employees (known as the emerging talent gap). Recent reports from Statistics Canada show that in 2015-2021, Canada will have more seniors than children for the first time ever. 

As employees retire, there won’t be as many Halifax residents to replace them, especially in areas where specialized skills are required. As such, immigration is critical to the sustainability of our workforce, our attractiveness to new investors, as well as our tax base. If we can ensure that Halifax is filled with talented, motivated and innovative people from around the world, we will be able to ensure that Halifax thrives for everyone.

Next week, I will discuss the advantages of different types of immigration and why international immigration (our largest source) offers the greatest number of benefits to Halifax residents from a tax perspective. As well, I’ll touch on how a good immigration strategy is a great example of sustainable policy for a city like Halifax.

David Fleming

David is the Research Coordinator for the Greater Halifax Partnership. He studied Economics and Philosophy at the University of Prince Edward Island, and has experience working with private, public and non-profit organizations. He maintains the economic data section of the website and provides economic analysis on key issues relating to Halifax.

SmartCity Business Show: Episode 5 in Review

Fady Nashat has come full circle. Fady moved to Canada from Egypt to pursue his studies and begin a new life in Nova Scotia. The connector program has helped him to establish himself in the community and secure a job at Keane Inc., a global investment firm in Halifax. He now meets with current Connector Program participants to share his experiences and offer advice. Fady’s story embodies the full potential of this program.

This episode gives insight into what the program means to other connectors, too. Dick Miller, a connector and VP of The Shaw Group, explains the reality of the program: “You visit them in three or four year’s time and the next thing you know they’ve got their children, they’re engaged in the community, and that’s what it’s about”.

Programs like this attest to the fact that our business community is no exception from Halifax’s hospitable and friendly reputation. Immigrants and international students are here to work, play, and live and I think by now the benefits of hiring newcomers are indisputably evident. I hope to see the switch from participant to connector continue, and I look forward to joining the thriving, diverse workforce that we are currently building.

 

For more information on becoming a participant in the program or becoming a connector, click here.

For more photos for the Mayor's Welcoming Event, click here.

Maeghan Murphy, Marketing & Communications Co-op Student

Maeghan is with the Partnership on a four month work-term. She is in her third year of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and had her first taste of the working world on her work-term with Nova Scotia Power this summer. Although she'll always be a Cape Bretoner at heart, Maeghan is happy to now call Halifax her home.

Foreign Workers: Their Contribution to the Canadian Economy

Last December, I was at Stanfield airport when I saw a group of farm workers asking for some assistance. Since English clearly wasn’t their first language (it was Spanish) I decided to approach them and ask them if I could help them. I was able to contact their employer and explain to him that the workers’ flight home (Mexico) was cancelled. I left the group with the certainty that they felt more relieved after I explained the situation to their employer and a temporary solution was found. 

It was rather unique to be in front of this group of foreign workers who contribute so much to the local and national economy. On December 1st 2010, for example, there were 3,630 foreign workers in Nova Scotia, according to preliminary statistics from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 63% of those foreign workers were in Halifax. Foreign workers are essential to the growth of the country’s economy and the statistics confirm this need:  In 2006, there were 160,908 foreign workers in Canada compared to 283,096 workers on Dec 1st 2010(1).

Temporary foreign workers bring valuable skills that fulfill labour needs in different sectors of the economy when Canadians or permanent residents can’t fill the jobs. From farm workers to specialized workers in the IT or pharmaceutical sector to name just a few, foreign workers are very valuable.

After the encounter at the airport, I thought how their work contributes to the wellbeing of the community. Think, for example, about the delicious strawberries that you have recently eaten, it is likely that they are available in your favourite grocery store because a foreign worker made it possible...working during the season to help the Canadian employer harvest them.

I am the Immigration Employer Support Coordinator at the Greater Halifax Partnership and if you, as an employer, want to learn more about how to hire workers from abroad you can contact me at mcasallas@greaterhalifax.com  I can provide you with all the information you need to start the process.

(1)    Preliminary Data Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Margie Casallas

As a recent immigrant to Canada, Margie understands the unique skills and perspectives that immigrants bring to Nova Scotia. She holds a Business degree and has eight years of experience in the private sector. Margie enjoys traveling and has experienced living in different countries.

SmartCity Business Show: Episode 4 in Review

There are a lot of numbers and figures to process when you’re dealing with an international hot-spot like the Port of Halifax: 11,000 local jobs, $1.5 billion in economic impact, and connecting with 150 countries from all over the world. The economics of it all are crucially important, and undoubtedly impressive, but what else does the port mean for our city?

To me, the port means summer days in downtown Halifax watching thousands of visitors arriving on enormous cruise ships, ready to discover Canada’s East Coast. I see excited families, couples and independent travelers enjoying our traditional pubs and seafood restaurants. I see them admiring the talent of our local artists and musicians on the boardwalk. I see them learning about our interesting history and seeing how we’ve gotten to where we are.

But I picked up on something else, too. I notice the sense of pride we have when people are enjoying what we have to offer. The Port of Halifax gives to both our visitors, and to us. Our guests get the chance to experience our beautiful city and remind us of just how lucky we are to live here.

 

Maeghan Murphy, Marketing & Communications Co-op Student

Maeghan is with the Partnership on a four month work-term. She is in her third year of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and had her first taste of the working world on her work-term with Nova Scotia Power this summer. Although she'll always be a Cape Bretoner at heart, Maeghan is happy to now call Halifax her home.

More International Students Coming to Canada

By: Jackie Guo

One of the Partnership’s Connectors, Alex Farrell from RBC recently forwarded an article about the increasing number of international students coming to Canada.  This caught my attention immediately as I am the coordinator of the International Student Connector Program at the Greater Halifax Partnership.

The article says that Canada welcomed 96,147 international students (http://www.cic.gc.ca) in 2010. According to a study commissioned by the Government of Canada entitled Economic Impact of International Education in Canada, international students are estimated to contribute more than $6.5 billion to Canada’s economy every year.

Based on our research, we know that Canada will need immigrants/permanent residents in many years to come because of the low birth rate and baby boomers retiring from the labour force.  280, 636 permanent residents came to Canada in 2010, the highest number in more than 50 years (http://www.cic.gc.ca).  If all 96,147 international students could become permanent residents to Canada after graduation, then Canada would only need about 180,000 permanent residents to meet its immigration target.

Of course, it won’t be that easy as immigration and labour shortage issues are much more complex. However, international students can naturally be part of solution to the labour shortage in Nova Scotia and the rest of the country. 

The International Student Connector Program is helping international MBA and Master of Finance students and graduates expand their professional networks, increasing their chances of finding employment in their field.  This helps deepen their attachment to the community and facilitates their transition from university the labour market.

With this initiative, we give our connectors a chance to explore international talent and see experienced international talent firsthand. Alex is one of our over 300 connectors who help newcomers and international students develop professional networks and successfully settle into our community.

Let’s get more international students connected. The more, the better!

For more information on the International Student Connector Program, please contact Jackie Guo at jguo@greaterhalifax.com. 

Jackie Guo is the Coordinator of International MBA Student Connector Program. In addition to his work at the Partnership, Jackie is an active volunteer for Halifax United Way.

SmartCity Business Show - Episode 2 in Review

The atmosphere at the Seaport Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning is energetic and fresh, and so is Craig Layton, host of the SmartCity Business Show. Craig’s interview this week with economist Fred Morley offered a good insight into Halifax’s local and international business significance and the city’s unique attributes.

What I took away most from this episode is that Halifax’s biggest advantage, an irreplaceable advantage, is our people. Fred said it best:

“It’s a personality, it’s an attitude, and Halifax has a very good character when it comes to the quality of its people and the talent of its people. You can see it in a place like this and you can see it day to day in the companies of Halifax. Companies come here in droves looking for that kind of quality“.

There’s no doubt that Halifax is on the map. I’m looking forward to next week’s episode to learn why Halifax is the preferred gateway to the world.

 

Maeghan Murphy, Marketing & Communications Co-op Student

Maeghan is with the Partnership on a four month work-term. She is in her third year of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and had her first taste of the working world on her work-term with Nova Scotia Power this summer. Although she'll always be a Cape Bretoner at heart, Maeghan is happy to now call Halifax her home.

Mayor's Welcoming Event - International MBA Students

Last Friday was all about connecting. Despite the almost painful freezing rain and roaring winds, those who attended the Mayor’s Welcoming Event last Friday saw the real results of the Connector Program. My role at the event wasn’t much more than snapping a few pictures, but I left with a new appreciation for the program and its participants. 

Mayor Peter Kelly gave welcoming remarks to the international MBA students who are now a part of the Connector Program. He stressed the fact that they are vital to Halifax’s successful future, and thanked them for choosing Halifax as their city of choice. Mr. Dick Miller, Chair of the Mayors Economic Advisory Committee with the Greater Halifax Partnership, also gave an inspiring address to the students and encouraged them to take advantage of networking opportunities.

  
The significance of the Connector Program resonated in me when a young lady from China told her story. Huijing He explained how the Connector Program helped her to secure a job at AEG Financial Services. She thanked Cindy and Jackie for setting her up with a business network and praised the program and the city for “making her dreams come true”.  She mentioned her plans to become a connector herself to help others have success stories like hers.

 
After talking to connectors and program participants, it was clear that these people want to stay in Halifax after graduation. These students and I connected on our shared passion for Halifax. I can’t imagine starting a life on the other side of world without having a business network and in many cases, my family or friends. Their commitment to a life in Halifax was inspiring.

My hat’s off to these students for taking a chance on our city, and this program for facilitating promising futures.

For more information about the Connector Program, click here.

For more pictures of Friday's event, click here.

 

Maeghan Murphy, Marketing & Communications Assistant

Maeghan is with the Partnership on a four month work-term. She is in her third year of Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University and had her first taste of the working world on her work-term with Nova Scotia Power this summer. She'll always be a Cape Bretoner at heart, but Maeghan is happy to now call Halifax her home.