StudentsNS commends ONE Nova Scotia Coalition for their work and recommendations
Halifax, N.S. – The ONE Nova Scotia Coalition officially released their report entitled “We Choose Now” today and StudentsNS is optimistic about its impacts for youth. Nova Scotians have heard time and time again that “the status quo will not be good enough.” Now, the ONE Nova Scotia Coalition has begun to chart a path forward.
StudentsNS was encouraged to see that the coalition has prioritized youth, our universities and colleges, and the creation of jobs in their report. Two of the seven sections relate directly to youth indicating to Nova Scotians the importance of investments in our younger generations.
“We must address the outmigration of young adults from Nova Scotia. It has been a trend that has persisted for too long,” said Fallis Thompson, Chair of StudentsNS. “Government, institutions, industry, and every Nova Scotian must realize the urgency that is required to address our province’s economy. That means taking action to keep youth in this province, creating jobs for young graduates, and ensuring that our post-secondary students are prepared for Nova Scotia’s workforce upon graduation.”
StudentsNS focused in on the chapters entitled “Our Future is Young” and “Universities and NSCC as Innovation Hubs”, and found key issues identified related to our youth. The coalition addresses employment and entrepreneurship, our disadvantaged populations, and local youth partnerships. Ambitious goals are discussed that, if executed, would create a positive change for our youth, the economy, and the future of Nova Scotia.
“The ONE Nova Scotia report focuses on experiential learning which we know is a key to becoming employed. The government should make real investments to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to partake in such important learning,” said Nick Head-Petersen, Executive Director of StudentsNS.
“We must also recognize the challenge faced by many of our Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities, and those with exceptionalities,” Head-Petersen continued. “The coalition rightly highlights these communities as those in which direct, targeted, and community-driven investments must be made.”
ONE Nova Scotia Coalition report: We Choose Now (http://www.wechoosenow.ca/download/)
For more information please contact:
Nick Head-Petersen, Executive Director
Phone: 902 293 7232
Email: director@studentsns.ca
Or
Fallis Thompson, Chair of StudentsNS
Phone: 902 585 2127
Email: fallis.thompson@acadiau.ca
Students Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit and non-partisan advocacy and research group that represents post-secondary students from across Nova Scotia. Our members include Acadia, Cape Breton, Saint Mary’s, and St. Francis Xavier Universities, the Kingstec and Annapolis Valley Campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College, and the Atlantic School of Theology.