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AGREATERHalifax > Business Climate

Business Climate

Open for business and Open to People

Halifax needs a business climate that fosters global competitiveness by maintaining a competitive tax and regulatory environment, providing needed public infrastructure and services in a cost effective manner and maintaining a quality of place capable of attracting and holding talented people. Halifax has to be open for business and open to people.

Setting Halifax Apart

Weighing all competitiveness factors, KPMG ranks Halifax as one of the most competitive cities in Canada and the world.   But we can't sit back and be complacent.

In the global competition for business and talent, quality of life and attitudes are what can set Halifax apart. This means investing in infrastructure that enhances this quality of life and that means somehow getting our tax burden down to competitive levels. The ultimate objective is to move us as a community to the point where a positive business climate is part of our community character.

Progress Highlights 

  Objectives

   Highlights - Year 1, Q2


  1. Reduce regulatory, tax and policy issues that can
    inhibit development and investment
  2. Create a service oriented culture within HRM that
    supports the business community’s need for
    competitiveness, growth and responsiveness 
  3. Develop a responsive, safe, integrated regional
    transportation system
  4. Focus on quality of place including the need for
    civic engagement, public investment and initiatives
    to increase social capital
  5. Halifax is recognized internationally for its clean
    and healthy environment
  6. Increase the engagement and active support of
    the private sector in the economic growth of Halifax

 


  • Open for Business Action Team formed, lead by
    Steve Murphy, BMO
  • Broad tax reform proposal under development,
    two models being studied for benefits:
    -  The  Halifax Chamber of Commerce Review,
       which is currently underway
    -  Saskatchewan’s Continuing Prosperity
  • Review of municipal and provincial regulations –
    Year 2 Action
  • Regional transportation system - 4/5 functional
    plans of Transportation Strategy are now in place
  • 97% renewal rate of the Partnerships private sector
    investors (over 135; invest over $1.1M)
  • Residential & Non Resident Building Permits up 20.5%
    over same period last year

 

Progress Reports

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© Greater Halifax Partnership 

1969 Upper Water Street

Purdy's Tower II, Suite 2101

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 3R7

Telephone: 902.490.6000

Toll Free: 1.800.565.1191

Fax: 902.490.6010

e-mail: info@greaterhalifax.com