SmartCity Blog

reDiscovering Discovery – the New Discovery Centre

A new, state-of-the-art Discover Centre will open on the Halifax waterfront in 2014

“We can’t achieve great innovations without great discoveries; and we can’t make great discoveries without great discoverers.” - Stephen L. Carter

The Discovery Centre has been a pillar of scientific discovery in Nova Scotia, pollinating 1.4 million minds over 27 years by reinforcing curiosity, knowledge and discovery. As an award-winning leader in experiential education, the Discovery Centre has evolved from a travelling science show to the largest science centre in Atlantic Canada and one of the region’s most loved family institutions.

But the Discovery Centre has outgrown its current space. What’s more, we have a bigger and more important role to play in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. We believe we need to reinvent ourselves to become more relevant in today’s fast-paced, tech-savvy and knowledge-driven society. We know our province is hungry for knowledge and progress. We know we have minds brimming with curiosity and ideas. We know there is world-class research and innovation being done here. And, we know well-educated children and young people can transform not just their own future, but our province’s as well.

That’s why we’re now on the precipice of something monumental – the New Discovery Centre. Thanks to an incredible gift from Nova Scotia Power, a new, state-of-the-art science centre will open in their building on the Halifax waterfront in late 2014. The New Discovery Centre will feature five marquee galleries – Water, Health, Energy, Flight and Creative Kids – as well as a huge new Travelling Exhibits Gallery, an Atrium, Innovation Lab and Immersive Dome Theatre – the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. In addition, we will increase our educational outreach capacity to ensure we’re reaching even more students across Nova Scotia with our unique brand of hands-on, minds-on learning.

 

 

The New Discovery Centre is part of the vision to make Halifax a world-class city. With anticipated annual visitation of more than 150,000 it will become one of the most visited attractions in Nova Scotia, making it an important economic contributor. But what’s more, the New Discovery Centre is a profound commitment to educating and nurturing our bright young minds – the next generation that will lead us forward and deliver the progress we demand as a city, province and region.  

The reDiscovery Campaign for the New Discovery Centre is a $20 million project. This is no small undertaking, but we know the long-term positive impacts on our economy are immeasurable. With anticipated funding from all three levels of government, the Campaign seeks to raise $8 million from the public sector. Led by Ian Wilson, the President of Wilsons, and a dedicated, engaged team of volunteers, we are well on our way. But, now we need the support of the business community in Halifax and Nova Scotia. An investment in the New Discovery Centre is not just an investment in our children, but in the future of the entire province. Wouldn’t you agree we’re worth it?    

For a look at the New Discovery Centre and to see the buzz building at our new Campaign website rediscoverscience.ca

 

Author: Renée Fournier 

 Renée is the Director, Capital Campaign at the Discovery Centre. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Oceans Week 2013

Career Prep Plays Pivotal Role

By Sasha Sears 

Landing that first job can be challenging for any new grad. Throw language and cultural differences into the mix and it can be especially nerve-wracking.

Working with international students in the Partnership’s Connector Program, we noticed that they tend to struggle with resume writing and interview skills - two must-haves for gaining employment – and we wanted to help.

Robin Nurse, Director of Career Services at Dalhousie University, proposed a career preparation workshop and we went from there. In eight short weeks we had a pilot project planned and off the ground. 

Over the month of March, the Connector team and Dalhousie Career Services offered a career prep workshop to 40 graduating students from the Master of Engineering in Internetworking program; their graduating classes are almost all international students.  The purpose was to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to land their career jobs and succeed in the workplace.

Ore Okebukola said the workshop helped him build essential pre-employment skills and learn more about himself. “The Career Prep workshop played a pivotal role in my journey of self-discovery and capacity building.  It provided me with concrete tips on job interviews and networking strategies, enabling students to better interact with top industry professionals.”

Covering two full days, the sessions covered topics like self assessment and awareness, intercultural communication for the technical workplace, the importance of networking, resume review, and tips for acing those interviews. It ended with a focus on networking and interviewing. The students completed an interview practicum with volunteers from Cisco, IBM, Thinkwell Research and Internetworking Atlantic. Matt Whitman, Halifax Regional Municipality Councillor for District 13, also shared his experience and success with networking. Many of our volunteers also offered help and guidance after the workshop.

In our Connector Program, we believe wholeheartedly in the magic that happens through face-to-face meetings and targeted referrals, so we are very grateful to all those who provided their time and energy to help these students prepare for their careers. We hope to continue workshops like these to keep talented and skilled people here in our city.

If you are interested in the Partnership’s Connector Program or would like to learn more about this workshop, please email ddelong@greaterhalifax.com or call 490-6000.

 

Author: Sasha Sears

Sasha is the Project Coordinator for the Young and Emerging Talent stream of the Partnership's Connector Program.

 

 

 

 

 

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Recruiting New Grads: Canadian Trends and Practices

Banner year for Connector

By Denise De Long

With the start of a new year, I think it’s important to reflect on the success of the past year. And there’s been no shortage of happenings for the Partnership’s Connector Program.

In November, Sasha Sears and I took a road trip to New Brunswick to celebrate the Multicultural Council of New Brunswick’s launch of Connector Programs in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton.

This brings the total to 13 cities and towns across Canada that have adopted the Connector Program. We’re thrilled that our peers in other provinces are using this program to address their labour shortages and help newcomers connect with opportunities and settle in their communities.

Here at home, the Partnership’s Connector Program has had some success of its own. In the past year the Halifax Connector Program has:

• Signed 129 new Connectors
• Connected 142 participants
• Helped 50 participates find employment
• Received two top international awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

Ending 2012 on a high note, we hosted a speed interviewing event for the insurance industry. We were joined by a group of eager participants who listened to a panel of four prominent insurance industry members: Don Sinclair (Fraser & Hoyt), Misty McKay (A.P Reid), Lynn Cuvelier (TD Insurance) and Ruth Draper (RSA).

The panel did a fabulous job of breaking myths about the insurance industry, and promoting a sector that offers flexibility, portability, above average salaries and career advancement.

Afterwards, one participant told me they thought it was “highly informative and a door opener to the insurance world.”

Following the panel were speed interviews with participants and industry representatives who were impressed with the quality of talent at the event.  On his LinkedIn profile, Don Sinclair said, “I met a group of very bright, focused and keen young men and women who see a positive future for Nova Scotia. I'll be chatting with my contacts in the local insurance industry this week.”

After such a successful event we’ve added four additional speed interviewing sessions this year thanks to funding from the RBC Foundation.  The sessions will focus on:

• Digital Technologies
• Finance
• Aerospace and Defence / High-end Manufacturing and Production
• Life Sciences

The Connector Program is growing at rapid speed, and the team is constantly meeting with local talent looking for opportunities to network and build their career. The strong interest from these individuals creates a high demand for Connectors to come on board.

If you would like to open your doors to newcomers and local young professionals then consider becoming a Connector or attending one of our upcoming speed interviewing events.

With a promising year ahead of us, at least five networking events planned, and more participants signed on, there’s never been a better time to connect with the future talent of Halifax.

If you're interested in becoming a Connector or participating in an upcoming speed interview event, contact me to find out how you can get involved.

 

Author: Denise De Long

Denise is responsible for managing the Partnership's Connector Program which is funded under the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Power of Relationships

Keeping the Art of Crystal Making Alive

In the final episode of the SmartCity Business Show, host Craig Layton explores the history and the craft behind Nova Scotian Crystal.

Nova Scotian Crystal is the only producer of hand-made crystal in Canada.

The business’s story reads like a fairy tale. Workers with talented hands and the love of the craft came from the rolling hills of Ireland when machinery and mass production threatened the art of crystal making.

The passionate, skilled tradesmen who founded Nova Scotian Crystal immigrated to Nova Scotia in 1996. They soon became inspired. The province’s history has inspired, and currently still inspires, its collections and products, many of which don the same name.

In its waterfront warehouse and retail shop in Halifax, craftsmen at Nova Scotian Crystal give each product a personal story, keeping the art of crystal making alive.

 “One of the things we do here is make all of this crystal by hand which means every one piece is perfect; they’re just not all the same,” explains Rod McCulloch, Nova Scotian Crystal President and CEO. “There’s a little bit of the soul of every craftsman in every piece.”

With seven or eight craftsman working on that one item to make it perfect it’s easy to see that item as a work of art. In fact, one of the senior master craftsman at Nova Scotian Crystal believes it to be “art you can drink from.”

 And Rod agrees. He believes part of what Nova Scotian Crystal is doing is maintaining and enhancing the craft so it won’t die.

Although it is an art and the products are the masterpiece, Rod still wants his customers to have the full experience by being able to use their items – not just put them on display.

To ensure this the company backs every piece with a 100% guarantee. So if you lack grace (like Craig or myself) you still get to use your Nova Scotian Crystal products and gain that full experience. If it happens to fall, be dropped or get thrown and ends up chipped, cracked or broken, Nova Scotian Crystal will replace it.

During his visit at Nova Scotian Crystal, Craig ventures into the warehouse where he finds crystal makers perfecting their art. He meets with a craftsman who is busy at work and quickly explains the marks he’s following are guidelines to help with spacing. With a smile on says that the rest of his work relies on “pure talent, I guess.”

But there is no reason for these workers to be modest.

We profiled businesses and initiatives in several sectors during this season of SmartCity. From augmenting reality at Ad Dispatch to zooming around with NS Power and the Share ready initiative. Each showed us the diversity, connections and innovations this city has to offer.

Nevertheless, ending this season of SmartCity by highlighting the sheer skill of workers we have in this city is no coincidence. After all it’s the people that make Halifax a smart city.

The Power of Relationships

By Paul Kent

I am a strong believer in the power of relationships. I regularly find myself out of the office meeting with people in our community. These connections often lead to business opportunities, partnerships and most importantly long-standing relationships.

Halifax’s ability to grow is dependent on attracting and retaining talent. Our city attracts thousands of students and immigrants each year which is a real competitive advantage. Where we fall short is on retention. Although Nova Scotia attracts more international students than any other Atlantic province, fewer choose to stay here. 

For newcomers and new graduates who have few connections in Halifax, it’s challenging to build a professional network, enter the job market, and settle successfully in our community.  Maintaining their interest in this city means reaching out to them, connecting with them, and showing them what Halifax has to offer.

The Greater Halifax Partnership’s Connector Program offers us a chance to do just that. The program is a simple yet effective referral process that connects local businesses and organizations with immigrants, international students and young and emerging talent who want to build a career in Halifax.  

Since the program’s start, over 130 participants have found jobs. Many others have gained valuable contacts and knowledge about the job market in Halifax – essential things for people new to a community.

This would not have been possible without the help of over 360 local business people, civil servants and community leaders who volunteer as Connectors. These are people who are in the habit of making introductions and connecting people to opportunities. Connectors meet one-on-one with participants, at their office or for coffee, to share their knowledge about their organization or industry sector and current labour market demands.  And then they give the participant referrals to three other contacts in their network.

The demand for this successful program, which recently won two top international economic development awards, is growing and now we need even more Connectors from various industries to sign-up.  Businesses benefit by having access to local talent, raising awareness about their company, and knowing they are opening doors for people and helping them succeed in Halifax.

The program’s reach goes far beyond the two people who initially meet for coffee.  It’s helping to build our talent pool and create relationships that strengthen social capital and foster economic growth in our city and region.  

I encourage you to become a Connector. If you are interested, please visit www.greaterhalifax.com/connector for more information on how to get involved.

 

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Author: Paul Kent

Paul Kent is the President and CEO of the Greater Halifax Partnership. Paul has over 30 years of experience at executive and senior management levels, in both the public and private sectors. 

 

 

CityMatters: Despite Challenges People Love Halifax

By David Fleming

Last week, Metro News Halifax published a series of articles from CityMatters 2012, a citizen survey performed with partners MQO Research and the Greater Halifax Partnership. Its aim is simple; to ask Halifax residents how they feel about the city, the economy, and their satisfaction with living in the city and other key quality of life factors.

The Greater Halifax Partnership has also published the slideshow from our investor “sneak peek” and the raw data from the survey. While Metro News Halifax covered the individual areas, for me the most interesting thing is looking at some broad themes and how the city is progressing.

CityMatters - MQO Presentation from Greater Halifax Partnership

 

There is a clear mandate for downtown revitalization. 

84% of residents believe that the revitalization of downtown is important or very important. Only 14% believe that current efforts are very good. The good news is many of the intangibles of a vibrant downtown (restaurants and cafes, safety, arts and culture and tourist-friendliness) are highly rated and a number of high profile developments have recently been started such as the Nova Centre ($500 million), Central Library ($55 million), TD Centre ($26 million) and RBC Waterside($25 million).

A concerted effort to encourage more businesses, residents and development in the downtown, along with improvements in transportation are priority for the revitalization effort.  Groups like the Strategic Urban Partnership and the Community Design Advisory Committee are focused on similar themes. 

There is work to be done to create confidence in the economy.

Unlike most Canadian cities, Halifax’s economy grew every year during the recession. The challenge for most regions that do relatively well during a recession is that they tend to grow a little slower after. Contracts being negotiated by Halifax Shipyard for the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy come with silence during the planning stages and public confidence that swelled has returned to pre-announcement levels.  Much of the preparatory work at all levels is happening now, but without bricks and mortar or job postings, it is difficult to see it.

In particular, residents scored good job opportunities as one of their lowest rated attributes in the city; particularly 18-34 year olds. In order to grow confidence in our economy, we need to work together to create more and better opportunities and connect our residents do them.   

Despite these challenges, people love living in Halifax.  

 At the end of the day, people feel like Halifax is a safe place to raise kids, a friendly city with a high quality of life and good health care. We know this from the Halifax Index too and our measures of quality of place. Largely, people would recommend Halifax to others as a good place to live.  These are all really positive attributes for a community to build on into the future. 

 

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Author: David Fleming

David is the Junior Economist and Project Development Coordinator at 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.

Networking and Collaboration Helps Halifax Grow

By Samantha Lodge

At the Greater Halifax Partnership we consistently talk about the benefits of connecting people in our community. Whether on a previous episode of SmartCity, in an interview with President & CEO Paul Kent, or me telling you just now, the message is all the same – networking and collaboration are what helps a city grow. So it’s no wonder that in this new season of SmartCity we profile an organization like Fusion Halifax.

Fusion Halifax focuses on bringing the city’s 20 to 40 year-olds together to create a dynamic and strong network of young and emerging talent (YET) in Halifax.

“We want to make sure that all the young professionals in Halifax know people, so they’re already starting their career with a whole list of ‘who-you-knows,’” said Sarah Levy, Vice Chair of Fusion Halifax.

The group is continuously growing as it reaches its five year anniversary. The growth is more than apparent as we watch SmartCity host, Craig Layton, engage with Fusion members at Obladee Wine Bar. Once Craig finds Sarah she explains that the crowded affair is nothing new to the group’s networking events.

However, Fusion Halifax is about more than get-togethers at local restaurants. The organization provides a forum for Halifax YETs to have a voice in the community by becoming a member of one of five action teams that focus on a wide range of issues such as health, arts and culture and urban development.

Fusion is also working with the Greater Halifax Partnership to educate businesses about the benefits of hiring young talent through the Hire Young Halifax campaign. It is important to clear up misconceptions that employers may have about hiring young talent and explain the benefits YETs can bring to a company through innovative ideas, technical skills and new strategies. Retention of Young and Emerging Talent is vital to the growth of Halifax.

As a native of Newfoundland and a public relations student I can say that an organization like Fusion is extremely useful to young professionals looking to make connections, build their professional network, and get involved in the community.

By exposing the young citizens of Halifax to networking events and action teams, Fusion ensures the next generation has the skills and ability to take the lead and make sure Halifax continues to be an attractive place to live, work, and do business.

So to all of you who are new to this beautiful city – don’t sweat it! Groups like Fusion Halifax are here to help you and to make sure we keep smart, young talent in this smart city.

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Author: Samantha Lodge

Samantha is the Communications and Marketing Assistant at the Greater Halifax Partnership. She moved from Newfoundland to Halifax to attend university, and ended up rekindling her love of the east coast. She feels that being close to the ocean in a city with so much excitement is the ideal situation – Halifax’s talented music scene is an added bonus!

 

Leveraging diversity is smart business

By Samantha Lodge

Ever since I first moved to Halifax the people have been my favourite part of this city. The multicultural identity of Halifax is rich and I love that.

As it seems, I’m not the only one who appreciates this aspect of Halifax. Living its value of ‘diversity for growth and innovation’, the Royal Bank of Canada has recognized the valuable skills and experience newcomers bring to businesses like theirs.

In the Season 2 opener of the SmartCity Business Show, host Craig Layton was greeted by RBC staff in seven different languages. RBC provides multicultural customer service in all different areas such as client care, account management and even through its Newcomers to Canada Committee.

Tim Zhao, who is an account manager on Spring Garden Road, says that 90% of his clients are from the same cultural background as him. Client care that takes into account cultural differences like language has allowed RBC to reach out to new markets and provide better service to new Canadians.

Glen Dormody, RBC Regional Vice President, sums up RBC’s value of diversity perfectly: “having a workforce that reflects the population and the communities we serve, and a workplace that offers all employees the opportunity to reach their potential, is simply the right thing to do. But leveraging diversity is more than that. It's smart business.”

So Season 2 of SmartCity has officially begun. Last season we provided you with 13 episodes focusing on why Halifax is a smart city – but don’t think we’ve run out of ideas! Thanks to the smart city of Halifax we have plenty more businesses and people to showcase.

Now that you’re wondering what’s up next (hint: people will be playing with reality and playing with fire) I’ll remind you to check back every Wednesday for an inside look at the brains running this beautiful east coast city of ours.

Watch this epidode

   

Author: Samantha Lodge

Samantha is the Communications and Marketing Assistant at the Greater Halifax Partnership. She moved from Newfoundland to Halifax to attend university, and ended up rekindling her love of the east coast. She feels that being close to the ocean in a city with so much excitement is the ideal situation – Halifax’s talented music scene is an added bonus!

Celebrating Community in Halifax

By Margie Casallas

The 7th Annual Welcome BBQ that took place at the Halifax south Commons on July 7th was a big hit.

The Welcome BBQ is organized each year by a committee representing many organizations that serve newcomers in our region.

Community organizations, partners and volunteers arrived at the site early to set up the BBQ, organize the tents, test the sound system, husk the corn and make sure that everything would be ready for when newcomers and Halifax residents arrived to enjoy this multi-cultural event.

Local percussion group Samba Nova opened the floor and people danced despite the rain. The event also had the participation of a Nepali group who was singing and dancing traditional music and Zumba instructors who engaged everyone in fast and energetic steps…uno, dos, tres…jump! Uno, dos, tres, turn around!

Attendees also enjoyed free hot dogs, corn, sweet potatoes slices and a delicious cake! Kids played soccer and badminton, got their faces painted, received free books and enjoyed watching the police dog Steeler demonstrate his duties.

This event is truly an example of commitment from many community organizations, partners and volunteers to welcome newcomers and celebrate multiculturalism in our community!

Thanks to everyone who made this event successful! We will see you next year….rain or shine.

Community partners and contributors included:

• African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes (ADAM)
• All Women’s Empowerment and Development (AWEDA)
• Carpenter Millwright Trades College
• Frontier College Fusion Halifax
• Greater Halifax Partnership 
• Halifax Regional Police
• Halifax Water
• HRM Volunteer Services
• HRM Fire and Emergency Services
• HRM Recreation
• Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services (ISIS)
• Royal Seniors Club
• YMCA

Author: Margie Casallas 

Margie Casallas is a Coordinator for the Immigration Employer Support Program. This program is a Greater Halifax Partnership initiative to shift attitudes about hiring newcomers and educate business owners on the benefits of hiring an immigrant. To book an appointment with Margie: mcasallas@greaterhalifax.com or 490.7464

 

The Many Faces of ‘Integration’

The Community Diversity and Integration Symposium looked to answer this question during a community discussion with Halifax residents on May 12, 2012. What does integration mean to Halifax communities?

Below are just a few of the many understandings of the term ‘integration’ expressed by over 60 participants who attended the Symposium hosted by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

“Integration is…

…togetherness, unity”

…belonging, appreciation, friendship and home!”

…happening when everyone starts to feel comfortable”

…de-colonizing/healing”

…taking an active role in the community and helping others to become active members!”

…belonging and success in a new culture.”

To explore the various facets of integration, the symposium was organized into eight conversation tables, each facilitated by a volunteer diversity facilitator. The facilitators had all previously undergone training with Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services (ISIS) to host cross-cultural conversations about issues of multiculturalism and diversity.

Examples of explored themes included 

• Strengthening a sense of community, belonging and identity
• Transforming our communities to become more integrated
• Looking further beyond multicultural optics and diversity
• Building connections and relations between our communities
• Going where people are: the role of a public space in community integration
• Community integration in rural Nova Scotia
• Community integration and francophone communities

Conversations were lively, focusing on issues of respect for cultural diversity and creating a sense of belonging. Some attendees consider integration a two-way process - one that requires the active participation of both newcomers and established residents. Other participants expressed that a two-way integration process is too narrow in scope. Integration, as an unfolding process, is multifaceted: something new is created through interactions by people from multiple, diverse cultural backgrounds participating in their community together.

Other discussions examined the implications of the term ‘integration’ through a post-colonial lens. They examined the precariousness of the term for people belonging to historically marginalized communities, such as the indigenous African Nova Scotian and Aboriginal populations.

New questions emerged, such as: How do we facilitate broader community dialogue about integration? How do we develop a community integration strategy that works in Nova Scotia?

Merek Jagielski, a key Symposium organizer, commented, “This event has proven that we need to continue on with community conversations, and there is a great need for that. Definitely, we will be working on capturing those ideas and transforming them into some strategic directions in community integration… we are charting new waters.”

This symposium highlighted the diverse scope of community views on integration. What are your thoughts on community diversity and integration? How do you see diversity and integration shaping a community?

For more information about Canadian Museum of immigration public programs, visit www.pier21.ca.

Philippa Gunn is the Adult Public Programs Coordinator at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.