News release

New Crown Corporations Launched to Drive Economic Growth

Economic Development
Public Works

Today, December 1, the Province launched two new organizations that modernize the government’s approach to economic development and improve accountability to Nova Scotians.

Build Nova Scotia and Invest Nova Scotia will build on experience and expertise to drive forward a more innovative, resilient, sustainable and competitive economy, seizing the opportunities before the province today and into the future.

Invest Nova Scotia makes it easier for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes and stages to access the tools, resources and advice they need to grow, thrive and contribute to a new economy.

“Invest Nova Scotia will ensure we have the greatest impact for businesses,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for Invest Nova Scotia. “This team will strengthen our focus on innovation, productivity and competitiveness, higher paying jobs and ensuring all communities and Nova Scotians are included in our economic success.”

Build Nova Scotia manages and develops strategic provincial infrastructure to propel the province and economy forward. It leads important projects such as Nova Scotia’s high-speed internet initiative, environmental remediation work and healthcare infrastructure redevelopment.

Ministerial oversight for Build Nova Scotia is shared between Colton LeBlanc, Minister responsible for healthcare redevelopment projects, and Public Works Minister Kim Masland, who oversees the organization’s other projects and priorities.

Quotes:

“With a new mandate, Build Nova Scotia can take its work to the next level, better aligning resources, priorities and projects. This is especially important as our economy is facing challenges such as labour shortages, supply chain weaknesses and inflation, but also emerging opportunities that will move our province forward.”

– Kim Masland, Minister of Public Works

“Our government’s top priority is addressing the challenges facing the healthcare system today and preparing for the future. Healthcare infrastructure is a critical component of our planning, and Build Nova Scotia will bring its expertise and partnerships within the health system to advance projects that will improve access to care and better meet the needs of patients and staff.”

– Colton LeBlanc, Minister responsible for healthcare redevelopment projects

Quick Facts:

  • legislation to establish the new Crown corporations passed in October
  • Invest Nova Scotia consolidates the work of the former Crown corporations Nova Scotia Business Inc. and Innovacorp; Build Nova Scotia consolidates the former Nova Scotia Lands Inc. and Develop Nova Scotia
  • the government is recruiting CEOs for both Invest Nova Scotia and Build Nova Scotia and has plans to create advisory boards to provide advice to the government on the organizations’ work
  • in September 2021 mandate letters, ministers were directed to review the role and effectiveness of agencies, offices and Crown corporations with a goal of ensuring efficiency and accountability; the resulting changes were first announced in July
  • previously announced changes to the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, Municipal Finance Corporation and Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc. also take effect today

Additional Resources:

News release (July 26, 2022) – Streamlined Crown Corporations to Drive Province’s Economic Agenda: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220726001

News release (October 19, 2022) – Legislation Modernizes Province’s Economic Development Approach: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20221019003

Invest Nova Scotia:

Build Nova Scotia