Digital Nova Scotia will equip women, youth, and SMEs to lead the next wave of tech changemakers
News release
New programs will provide more access to resources and education to support tech sector growth
November 18, 2022 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
As the 2022 Tech Forward Awards wrap up in Halifax, the power of diversity and inclusion in the digital economy is in the spotlight. This year’s winners and nominees are boosting local innovation by building welcoming workplaces, championing communities, and spearheading positive changes across their sector.
The Government of Canada is proud to support Digital Nova Scotia through a series of strategic programs and initiatives aimed at creating a more innovative, competitive and diverse business landscape.
Targeted investment supports digital skills training, mentorship, and events
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a non-repayable contribution of $343,327 to Digital Nova Scotia, through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
(REGI) program. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This contribution will enable Digital Nova Scotia to deliver five new programs over two years, to improve access to tech resources and education for Nova Scotians. The lineup includes Digital Skills for Women; Digital Discovery Camp; Ask an Expert; Digital Skills and Capacity Building; and Recognizing Impact in the Tech Sector.
The programming will take a hybrid approach with both in-person and online components, enabling Digital Nova Scotia to continue to expand its reach and collaborate with its network of community partners across the province.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure all innovators have fair and inclusive access to the resources they need to play an active role in building a stronger and more prosperous economy.
Quotes
“Projects like this ensure Atlantic Canada has the necessary resources to grow and compete. Through this lineup of programs, Digital Nova Scotia is helping to develop necessary skills and smarts for the future. Thanks to this investment, we are building the next generation of talented tech workforce, which will help position Canada as a leader in the digital economy.”
- Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“This year’s Tech Forward Award nominees and winners are paving the way for more innovation in Nova Scotia, by looking to the future and making bold changes to shape it. They are addressing social and economic challenges and promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion. We’re pleased to help Digital Nova Scotia build on this momentum in the coming months, as they equip women, youth and SMEs with the education, skills and connections they need to be tomorrow’s Tech Forward leaders.”
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“We’re grateful for the support and ongoing commitment of ACOA to our province’s tech ecosystem. Digital Nova Scotia is a hub, connecting our digital industry across Nova Scotia to help drive the growth of our sector, and the advancement of our provinces digital acceleration. A strong digital sector means a strong overall economy. The programs supported through ACOA will allow us to upskill entry-level digital talent, expose youth to careers in technology, drive innovation, and support a diverse and inclusive workforce.”
- Wayne Sumarah, CEO, Digital Nova Scotia
Quick facts
-
Digital Nova Scotia is a membership-driven industry association that works with business, government, post-secondary and other stakeholders to achieve its mission of fostering growth in Nova Scotia’s digital economy.
-
The organization offers training, skills development, industry events, mentorship, networking, roundtable dicussions and a number of other programs and initiatives.
-
In Nova Scotia, ICT and digital technologies represent a $2.5 billion industry.
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Caitlin Patterson
Director of Marketing & Communications
Digital Nova Scotia
902-401-6699
caitlin@digitalnovascotia.com
Stay connected
Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.