Initiatives
4.1 Canada and Nova Scotia will continue to have responsibility for the delivery of their own labour market programs and services within the existing authorities legislated by their governments. For example, Canada will remain responsible for labour market information, inter-provincial sector development strategies, strategies to respond to national labour market crises, research and innovation projects, and pan-Canadian activities.
4.2 However, Canada and Nova Scotia recognize that through joint initiatives, labour market programs and service delivery can be strengthened and improved. Subject to agreement by Canada and Nova Scotia, the areas of joint cooperation and collaboration could include:
Joint Planning and Priority Setting
Program Design and Delivery
Labour Market Partnerships
Information Products
Community Capacity Building
(a) Joint Planning and Priority Setting
Recognizing their respective labour market responsibilities, Canada and Nova Scotia agree to work together in a collaborative planning process to identify and act upon initiatives where cooperation will be of mutual benefit in meeting the needs of citizens and communities in Nova Scotia.
(b) Program Design and Delivery
Canada and Nova Scotia will work in concert to coordinate the design and delivery of programming undertaken within the context of this agreement.
For Canada, this includes the employment benefits and support measures as established under Part II of the Employment Insurance Act.
For Nova Scotia, this may include programs which enhance the labour market attachment of Nova Scotians, particularly non-EI eligible clients.
As provided for under Section 57 of the Employment Insurance Act, Canada is also prepared to collaborate with Nova Scotia on the design of a Loans and Grants program for skills development; and is prepared to deliver this program with the approval of Nova Scotia.
Canada and Nova Scotia may collaborate in other areas, for example, youth services and services to the African-Canadian community.
Joint service centres will be established where Canada and Nova Scotia agree that it is feasible, practical, and sustainable. By locating federal and provincial labour market programs and services in one location, program and service delivery can be strengthened and access to these services improved.
c) Labour Market Partnerships
Canada and Nova Scotia recognize the importance of consulting labour market partners at the provincial and local level, to ensure that programs and services reflect the particular circumstances of the province and its communities.
d) Information Products
Canada and Nova Scotia will cooperate in the design and delivery of information products related to the labour market.
e) Community Capacity Building
Canada and Nova Scotia have an interest in promoting the concept of community capacity building so that communities can have a greater control over their interests, needs and opportunities. Citizens will require the support, skills and tools to allow them to build self-sufficiency. The partners to this agreement are prepared to explore the long-term potential of this approach.