March 18, 2025
Liberal Economic Growth and Trade critic Iain Rankin will table the Comprehensive Economic Strategy Act, aimed at establishing new long-term economic goals for Nova Scotia in the face of increasing global challenges, like tariffs.
The bill, inspired by the 2014 Ivany Report, calls for the creation of an expert panel to assess Nova Scotia’s economic landscape and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. The panel would engage with government, businesses, and community leaders to develop strategies focused on increasing exports, building a skilled workforce, and attracting investment to Nova Scotian businesses. The expert panel would provide its report within 12 months, outlining clear long-term economic objectives for the next decade.
“In 2014, the Ivany Report set the stage for a bold vision of a stronger and more inclusive economy for Nova Scotia,” said Rankin. “That vision has guided government action for nearly a decade, but many of the goals set out in the report remain unfulfilled. Now, as we face new challenges like tariffs, we need to renew and refine these goals to ensure our economy is resilient, competitive, and provides opportunities for all Nova Scotians.”
When the current government took office, they scrapped the Economic Growth Council established under Rankin’s leadership in 2021. Since then, no comprehensive strategy has been put in place to replace it. This bill would fill that gap to ensure the province has a focused, long-term strategy for sustainable growth.