I had the pleasure of speaking to local business leaders on Feb. 18 at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Speakers Luncheon. The topic I discussed was "Taking Steps to Overcome the Labour Shortage Challenge," and I want to share with you a bit of what I said.
In my remarks I noted that the world is just beginning to emerge from the economic downturn. Nova Scotia, like other provinces, is in a state of transition and over the coming months innovative thinking will be required to increase stability.
This fall our NDP government took steps to meet the needs of Nova Scotia's economy. We increased our investment in older workers by $200,000 and directed federal funding from the Labour Market Development Agreement to better align skills development with the unique needs of Nova Scotia businesses. We also introduced measures designed to make our workplaces safer and healthier.
Today's worker is motivated by different factors than those of previous generations. Meeting their needs is critical to business success and to the overall prosperity of the province. We should not, however, lose sight of the contributions that older workers can make. And retirees are a potential source of skilled and knowledgeable talent.
Currently, our economy is set up to encourage people over 60 to leave the workforce. Certainly all Nova Scotians are entitled to a well-deserved retirement after many years of service. That being said, if people want to remain employed longer, they should not be pushed out the door. They can still contribute valuable skills, a strong work ethic and serve as excellent leaders and mentors to younger counterparts. It is for these reasons I'm pleased about the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers. This program encourages retired people to re-join the workforce where they still have an important role to play. It also strives to keep older individuals in the workforce longer by providing development opportunities in a number of areas.
First, Finance Minister Graham Steele will reveal the first steps for bringing Nova Scotia's finances back to balance when he introduces the budget. Steele has been touring the province for several weeks talking to Nova Scotians about what should be done to eliminate our province's expanding deficit. One of his many stops was in Dartmouth on Feb. 1, that meeting, like all the meetings that were held, was extremely productive.
During the session our government will also do what is needed to repair the system that oversees MLA expenses.
Until my next column, if you want to discuss these or any other issues, contact my office by calling 463-6673.
