NS commission on economy report reveals goals for PSE

The Nova Scotia Commission on Building Our New Economy, an independent body mandated by the Premier’s Advisory Committee, has released a report that includes the goal of raising the proportion of NS’ working age population with a PSE credential or apprenticeship completion from the current 55% to 65%. The report, which was developed from discussions with Nova Scotians about how best to build the province’s economic future, also seeks to double research funding for PSE institutions to a total of $360 million. It will aim to double the number of research and development partnerships between business enterprises and NS universities and colleges, from an average of 1,000 per year to 2,000 per year. Students Nova Scotia (StudentsNS) welcomed the report, saying its goals “underline especially the importance of supporting the labour market and PSE success of youth and other newcomers. The report also recommends the goal of lowering the youth unemployment rate (currently at 19.5%) to the national rate (14%) or lower, and raising the First Nations and African employment rate to the provincial average. Report Website | StudentsNS News Release