The Partnership's Talent Strategy aims to develop Halifax as a global talent magnet and best place to live, work and study. It was launched in 2008 to help address Nova Scotia's declining and aging population and high youth migration rates, which are exacerbating labor shortages. The strategy focuses on attracting immigrants, engaging young professionals, and helping disadvantaged job seekers through programs like the Immigration Connector Program, FUSION Halifax, and the Y2E Project. It also works to enhance opportunities for the African Nova Scotian community. Initial results include employment for 40 immigrants and engagement of over 700 stakeholders in the Y2E Project. The strategy complements other local efforts and takes a collaborative, research-based approach to

1. Talent Strategy

2. The Partnership’s Talent Strategy Photo: HRM Corporate Communications Aims to develop Greater Halifax as a global talent magnet and THE best place to live, work and study.

4. Nova Scotia attracted only 0.7% of all immigrants to Canada in 2006. Many leave Halifax for larger cities.

5. Halifax youth are discontented and ready to leave the city 8,620 Jobs 47,450 Jobs Source: Canadian Occupational Projection System Outlook: Nova Scotia 2009-09 edition

6. Population Growth 2001-2006

7. Net Youth Migration Aged 20 – 34 2001 - 2006 Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006

9. Began with HRM’s Economic Development Strategy 2005 - 2010  Goal to Supercharge the City’s Labour Force

10. SmartBusiness research showed 50% of local businesses facing staff recruitment challenges

11. Launched Talent Strategy in 2008 to help business tap into new talent pools

13. Rebecca Ryan

14. Immigration Strategy

15. SmartBusiness

16. Economic StrategyScore: 1 - 10 Halifax “Handprint” Rebecca Ryan’s 2007 report showed that Halifax lacked several factors that would make it a ‘cool community’ where young people would want to settle.

17. Focus Areas

18. Goals & Objectives

20. Immigration Employer Support Program

21. ImmigrationWorksinHalifax

22. Community Identified Immigrant ProgramThe Partnership’s Connector Program is considered a leading best practice for business education and talent recruitment. The model is recognized and referenced by other organizations as far away as Vancouver

24. Goal: To engage young professionals (ages 20-40) in Halifax’s futureFUSION is a group for young Halifax residents who are inspired to make Halifax a better place to live, work and play – ultimately creating a city that attracts and keeps more young people.

27. Aims to put newcomers in touch with local businesses, helping them join the workforce and settle in the community

28. Has engaged104 business connectors - exceeding the original goal by 208%

29. Result: 40 newcomers have obtained jobs

30. Recognized as a best practice for attraction and retention of immigrantsPhoto: Shari Tucker Photography and Design.0 “I am passionate about the Partnership’s Connector Program because, in a strategic and tactical way, it facilitates the introduction of professional newcomers with high quality employers.” Jamie Welsh, Senior Manager, Deloitte

32. Helps employers understand the immigration process

33. Has visited more than 100 local businesses interested in hiring immigrants

34. Sponsored seven sector-specific information sessions

35. Worked with seven post-secondary institutions to connect graduates to businessThe Immigration Employer Support Program has sponsored information sessions for several local sectors including healthcare and aerospace and defence technology.

37. Generated more than 10 million media impressions

38. Created a 20% increase in referrals to the Partnership regarding hiring immigrants

40. Have screened 136 leads and advanced 55 letters of support to NSOIImmigrationWorksinHalifaxcampaign has generated more than 10 million media impressions in radio, TV, print and out-of-home advertising.

42. Engaged over 700 stakeholders in research and framework development activities

43. 11% of employers and 45% of service providers became aware of the project

44. Distributed three research deliverables to stakeholders

46. Builds capacity through collaboration

47. Links employers and youth to the right opportunities at the right time

49. Created the Ujamaa Reference Group

50. Reference Group now moving toward adopting council structure

51. Reference group will help enhance services available to the African Nova Scotian community Ujamaa involves the community in strategic alliances to build capacity for economic and social development in the African Nova Scotian community.

58. Scheduled to present to the provincial cabinet in spring 2010

59. Secure seed funding

61. Offers programming to directly meet future human resource and labour market challenges.

62. Builds on Partnership’s role as a business connector, enabler and relationship-builder.

63. Activities complement and do not compete with other programs and services in Halifax

64. Champions and supports other organizations’ efforts to attract and retain talent. 8,620 Jobs 47,450 Jobs

66. Increase local immigrant employment

67. Help disadvantaged populations get jobs

68. Create a more attractive place for young and emerging professionals to live.