HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | MARCH 2019 | VOLUME 28 ISSUE 3

AN IMBALANCE OF POWER Optimizing resources among Chamber pre-budget recommendations

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PRESENTING SPONSOR ENDEAVOUR SPONSOR ENTERPRISE SPONSORS VENTURE SPONSORS Volume 28 • Issue 03 What areas do the government need to be in 15 Business Voice is published 11 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s and what areas can it step away from?” business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, — Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held COVER STORY: responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to: Halifax Chamber of Commerce 100-32 Akerley Boulevard, AN Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1 Tel: 902-468-7111 Fax: 902-468-7333 IMBALANCE [email protected] www.halifaxchamber.com Board of Directors OF Cynthia Dorrington, Vale & Associates, Chair Margaret Chapman, Corporate Research Associates, Vice Chair Mark Fraser, T4G, Past Chair POWER Directors Lori Barton, Beaumont Advisors Limited Robert Dean, MNP LLP Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power Inc. Gavin MacDonald, Cox & Palmer Paul Bent, Consultant Saeed El-Darahali, Simply Cast Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem Stefanie MacDonald, Halifax Paper Hearts Captain David Mazur, Maritime Forces Atlantic Richard Butts, Clayton Developments Limited Michele Peveril, Nova Scotia Department of Business Brad Proctor, McInnes Cooper Chamber Staff Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO Nancy M. Conrad, Senior Vice President, Policy Colin J. Bustard, Director of Finance and Administration Becky Davison, Director of Marketing Business Voice is published by The Chronicle Herald Custom Publishing Department Publisher: Sarah Dennis 14 Manager, Custom Publishing: Lindsey Bunin Editor: Lindsey Bunin • [email protected] Layout & Design: Peter Ross Contributing Writers: Jon Tattrie, Joey Fitzpatrick, Carol Dobson, Peter Skakum, William Drake Hill, Steve MacLellan, Heather Laura Clarke Customer Relations Specialist: Jennifer MacLean TABLE OF Sales Executives: Wanda H. Priddle, Karen Publicover 902-426-2811 ext. 1163 • [email protected] 18 Cover photo: Ilker Celik/123RF CONTENTS: Copyright 2019 by The Chronicle Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. 04 Events 2717 Joseph Howe Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2T2 Tel: 902-426-2811 05 President’s message TheChronicleHerald.ca

Disclaimer 06 New & noted hal gatewood/unsplash Business Voice magazine makes no warranties of any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the 10 Members accuracy or reliability of information contained herein. 22 Profile: The views contained in this magazine are those of the in the news writers and advertisers; they do not necessarily reflect Journeyman Films the views of Business Voice magazine and its publisher The Chronicle Herald. 14 An imbalance 24 Trends Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032112 of power Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Optimizing resources among 27 Working for you Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Chamber pre-budget recommendations SPECIAL FEATURES: 18 Booming 28 Travel and tourism bio-opportunities Life sciences sector 30 Construction and playing growing role in development Nova Scotia economy

BUSINESS VOICE 3 EVENTS

For a full and up-to-date list of our Chamber events, please visit CHAMBER EVENTS www.halifaxchamber.com/events

NS CO-OP SUMMIT BUSINESS AFTER HOURS LUNCHEON: Halifax’s future DATE: Friday, March 8 HOSTED BY: DoubleTree as an innovation economy TIME: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm by Hilton Halifax Dartmouth SPONSORED BY: RBC LOCATION: Halifax Marriott Harborfront DATE: Wednesday, March 27 DATE: Thursday, April 4 Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St., Halifax TIME: 4:30 – 6:30 pm TIME: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm LOCATION: 101 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth LOCATION: Westin Hotel, Halifax LUNCHEON: A Cannabis Conversation 2.0 LUNCHEON: Glenn Cooke, CEO, LUNCHEON: Janet Knox, CEO, SPONSORED BY: BoyneClarke & CPHRNS Cooke Aquaculture NS Health Authority DATE: Tuesday, March 12 SPONSORED BY: Deloitte SPONSORED BY: Medavie Blue Cross TIME: 11 am – 2 pm DATE: Thursday, March 28 DATE: Friday, April 12 LOCATION: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront TIME: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm TIME: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St., Halifax LOCATION: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront LOCATION: Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St., Halifax CHAMBER 101 CHAMBER 101 DATE: Wednesday, March 20 POWER LUNCH: DATE: Wednesday, April 17 TIME: 12 – 1:30 pm Transforming a culture of “nice” TIME: 12 – 1:30 pm LOCATION: Halifax Chamber of Commerce, into one of results LOCATION: Halifax Chamber of Commerce, 32 Akerley Blvd., Dartmouth HOSTED BY: Big Leap Leadership 32 Akerley Blvd., Dartmouth DATE: Friday, March 29 TIME: 12 – 1:30 pm BUSINESS AFTER HOURS LOCATION: Halifax Chamber of Commerce, HOSTED BY: Workspace Bayers Lake 32 Akerley Blvd., Dartmouth DATE: Thursday, April 25 TIME: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm LOCATION: 145 Hobsons Lake Dr., Suite 405, Halifax SAVE THE DATE: PINTS + POINTERS MARCH 20, APRIL 17, MAY 30 AGM APRIL 18 SPRING DINNER MAY 2 MINISTER CASEY MAY 21 SPONSORED BY: CPA WONDER WOMEN CONFERENCE JUNE 7 THANK YOU TO OUR FEBRUARY SPONSORS:

902-423-6440

4 MARCH 2019 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Balanced budgets and red tape reduction It’s the most wonderful time of the year @prezhfxchamber

We recognize these aren’t easy asks, Take a look at our cover story on but we know these pillars will propel us page 14 and think about what you’d like forward as a city and as a province. If we to see in the next provincial budget. want to compete on a global scale, we Let us know what issues are facing your need to improve our place in Canada and business. We’re in your corner and want the world. And quickly. to provide support. One of the areas we are encouraged To hear more on the provincial bud- by is the recent progress report on the get, you can join us at our luncheon with province’s work on red tape reduction The Honourable Karen Casey, Minister (you can find it in our policy library at of Finance and Treasury Board, happen- halifaxchamber.com). The Chamber is ing on May 21, 2019. PATRICK SULLIVAN actively involved in providing support and leadership on this work. PRESIDENT & CEO Contact [email protected], To give credit when it’s due, the Senior VP, Policy, Halifax Chamber or Government of Nova Scotia committed [email protected], Policy or those of us that get excited about to reducing the regulatory burden to Analyst, Halifax Chamber to voice your Fgovernment policy, it is the most won- Nova Scotia business by $25 million (net) concerns. derful time of the year. It’s budget month by the end of 2018. As of December 31, in Nova Scotia. For the Halifax Chamber, 2018, approved initiatives where imple- it means we have submitted our provin- mentation is complete or underway are cial pre-budget list, outlining our asks estimated to reduce the burden to busi- and considerations for the fiscal budget. ness by more than $34 million — We hope the Finance Minister is hard at 38 per cent over the target. This achieve- work checking our list twice and keeping ment is a shining example of government it in mind as she prepares to present the and industry working together to encour- fiscal budget. We are waiting patiently age businesses to stay here and continue to see if this will be Nova Scotia’s fourth driving our economy. consecutive balanced budget and Last month, we hosted the Annual whether our asks have been considered. State of the Province, presented by We framed our pre-budget submis- NATIONAL Public Relations, with sion on several issues of focus in our Premier McNeil. We had the opportunity strategic plan which was outlined in to dive deeper into our members’ con- February’s Business Voice. We listened to cerns with an extended Q&A. At the sold- our members’ concerns and voiced those out event, Premier McNeil addressed concerns to all levels of government. Our many of the issues that we have raised in main priorities include: our communication with the province — • Optimizing the size of government fiscal sustainability, debt reduction, • Creating a frictionless business expenditure reduction to set the stage for environment corporate tax reduction and a long-term • Reducing the tax burden economic vision for the province. • Promoting immigration The Premier spoke frankly about • Supporting export development his vision for the growth of our province • Increasing student retention and the important role attraction and • Increasing entrepreneurship retention of our skilled workforce plays in training the vision. The graduate to opportunity • Promoting the growth of Halifax program, for example, has matched 400 as a major city students with jobs in Nova Scotia to date!

BUSINESS VOICE 5 NEWSMAKERS NEW & NOTED We welcome our new Chamber members

ATLANTIC SPLASH ADVENTURE BEBBINGTON INDUSTRIES INC. BLACKOTTER INC. Under new ownership, Atlantic Playland Bebbington Industries is a manufacturer Blackotter is a business acceleration has become Atlantic Splash Adventure. of cleaning and industrial products. Our agency that offers full omni-channel The iconic amusement park, located in DOWN EAST home cleaning products marketing services to brands. Our sole Lucasville, that has been cherished for are available through leading supermar- mission is to help e-commerce busi- decades is being revitalized and refur- kets. Our professional cleaning products, nesses grow profitably. We use current bished. To start, six new water slides used in the food service, industrial and digital technologies, innovative market- have been added, which will finally give janitorial industries, are available through ing tactics and influential people to grow Nova Scotia its very own water park. our distributor network or direct from and scale businesses, from startups to Tara Burgess our Burnside factory outlet. enterprises. 1200 Lucasville Road Lisa Fraser Johannes Weirather Lucasville, NS 44 Wright Avenue 32 Akerley Boulevard, Suite 101 902-865-1025 Dartmouth, NS Dartmouth, NS [email protected] 902-468-8180 902-229-5238 www.splashadventure.ca [email protected] [email protected] ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT – www.bebbingtonindustries.com www.blackotter.com Entertainment INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY – Cleaning/Janitorial E-Commerce

CHRIS WILLIAM CONSULTING INC. CwC offers more than four years of B2B sales and consulting experience in the health and wellness sector. CwC is based in Halifax and has accounts across Atlantic Canada. Chris O’Brien started CwC after serving in the Canadian Forces and majoring in accounting at Saint Mary’s University. Chris O’Brien Halifax, NS 902-293-1188 [email protected] BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Sales

COAST PUBLISHING LTD. Christine Oreskovich 2309 Maynard Street Halifax, NS 902- 422-6278 [email protected] www.thecoast.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Publishing

6 MARCH 2019 NEWSMAKERS

COLLINS HOMES HALIFAX HEAT PUMPS Matt Hall & RENOVATIONS & ELECTRICAL 110 Woodlawn Road, 100L Dartmouth, NS A third generation home builder, Collins Eric Murphy 902-809-4225 Homes looks back to its roots but ahead Hammonds Plains, NS [email protected] to the future. Focusing on energy effi- 902-718-6697 www.mindhackescape.com [email protected] cient homes that feature today’s desired ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT – INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – design elements, we are the “Better Entertainment Builder” — we listen better, we plan Electrical/Mechanical better, we build better. MUNN INSURANCE Evan Collins HALIFAX WANDERERS Hammonds Plains, NS FOOTBALL CLUB Munn Insurance is a leading provider of 902-209-3232 HFX Wanderers FC is a professional home, auto, group and business insurance [email protected] soccer club based in the heart of Halifax and has been serving customers since www.CollinsHomes.ca and a member of the Canadian Premier 1904. With a new office in Halifax, Munn REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION – League. Our mission is to deliver a win- has grown into one of the largest indepen- Builders Residential ning team, a premium sports entertain- dent brokers in Atlantic Canada — ment product for our fans and high value representing a multitude of insurers DYNAGEN TECHNOLOGIES for our partners. thereby guaranteeing the lowest rates and Jeff Healy David Finlayson exceptional coverage. For more informa- 3 Spectacle Lake Drive, Unit B-105 1559 Brunswick Street, Suite 100 tion, visit www.munninsurance.com. Dartmouth, NS Halifax, NS Brian King 902-406-0133 902-444-3773 106-111 Ilsley Avenue [email protected] david.finlayson@ Dartmouth, NS www.dynagen.ca hfxwanderersfootball.club 855-726-8627 INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – www.hfxwanderersfc.canpl.ca [email protected] Manufacture/Process SPORTS & RECREATION – www.munninsurance.com Recreation/Sports/Fitness FINANCE & INSURANCE – EASTERN SHORE FAMILY Insurance Services (General) RESOURCE ASSOCIATION MAXIMUM LUBE & TIRE INC. OZ SHOES LTD. Nancy Hollis Adam MacDonald 5228 Highway 7, Suite 203 41 Akerley Boulevard At Oz, we believe if you follow the Porters Lake, NS Dartmouth, NS yellow-brick road you will be the only 902-827-1461 902-468-1515 girl at the party with those killer mules, [email protected] [email protected] that you will invest in well-made chic www.esfamily.org www.maximumlubeandtire.com footwear and you will vibe with the NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS – TRANSPORTATION – carefully curated styles we have selected. Community Centres Automotive Repair/Parts Our hope is that when welcoming an Oz shoe or accessory into our space, it FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON MIND HACK ROOM ESCAPE evokes the fashionista within you, curi- HALIFAX Mind Hack Room Escape is a live-action osity, pride, creativity, choice and is an Kirk Mosher adventure game where teams of four extension of your unique being. 1496 Hollis Street to 10 players participate in an interac- Michele Giffin Halifax, NS tive story, solving a series of puzzles to 1887 Granville Street 902-474-3904 escape the room within 60 minutes. Halifax, NS [email protected] Your team will work together to decipher 902-407-2045 www.fourpointshalifax.com clues, solve riddles and unravel puzzles [email protected] www.ozshoes.com TRAVEL & TOURISM – to ultimately escape the room! Mind SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL – Accommodations (General) Hack Room Escape has two exciting Retail (General) locations with unique experiences, located in Hammonds Plains and Dartmouth.

BUSINESS VOICE 7 NEWSMAKERS

PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA THE FLAG SHOP UFIND.CA ADVERTISING AGENCY Stephane Turbide Debbie Hartlen P.O. Box 950 115 Main Street Ufind social-powered Wi-Fi is here Enfield, NS Dartmouth, NS to boost your business! We can help 902-873-4241 902-434-1695 you increase your profit and sales [email protected] [email protected] by empowering your existing Wi-Fi. www.pwc.ca www.flagshop.com What can we do for you? We will setup TRANSPORTATION – Aviation BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – a Social Powered Wi-Fi hotspot that Sales will allow you to offer free and secured RGIS Wi-Fi to your customers. This new and Cavan O’Leary THE HUSTLE WORKOUT innovative solution allows customers 19 Alma Crescent, Suite 201 The Hustle Fitness’ Mission is to change to connect using Facebook, Twitter, Halifax, NS lives through implementing change and Google or LinkedIn in exchange of using 902-468-7866 awareness to health and fitness. We align your Wi-Fi internet connection. With [email protected] personal goals with an effective plan for our captured data from Ufind hotspot www.rgis.com each individual while having fun. We rec- we can help you build loyal customers BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – ognize hard work pays off and celebrate through innovative marketing strategies Inventory Services results. We believe positive changes are and email automation. possible! You can do it! Joey Moreno Leanne McDow Halifax, NS Dartmouth, NS 902-440-8304 902-219-4759 [email protected] [email protected] www.ufind.ca www.thehustleworkout.ca ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – HEALTH CARE – Health Club Social Media

VALENT LEGAL Mike Dull 700-1741 Brunswick Street Halifax, NS 902-443-4488 [email protected] www.valentlegal.ca Since 1924, our customers have been our top priority. BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Law Our team is ready to help you find the heating solution you need for your business. STUDENT MEMBER Kevin Vigneau, Bachelor of Commerce – Finance, DAL Halifax, NS When you partner with Irving Energy, 905-716-4836 you can count on: [email protected]

Safety in everything we do RETIRED MEMBER Reliable fuel delivery and supply Lynn MacFarlane Dartmouth, NS Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 902-221-4252 [email protected] Local and in your community

Are you a new member? To learn more, give me a call or send me an email To submit your 50-word description for today. I look forward to working with you. New & Noted, please contact Mandi Goudey, Administrative Assistant at mandi@ Dan Wolfe, Commercial Sales halifaxchamber.com or 902-468-7111 within 902.478.4239 • [email protected] the first six months of membership.

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BUSINESS VOICE 9 NEWSMAKERS MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax

DGH FOUNDATION WELCOMES STEPHEN HARDING The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Stephen Harding has joined the Foundation as the new President and CEO as of Jan. 2. Steve brings more than 25 years of experience to the Foundation with an extensive background in philanthropy, strategic planning, marketing and busi- TOWER INTERIORS WINS THREE AWARDS ness development. Steve has an MBA Tower Interiors has been awarded the Koltech Peak Awards for the Canadian from Dalhousie University and holds Consumer Choice Award in the category Home Builders Nova Scotia, Tower a Bachelor of Commerce degree from of Interior Design for the ninth year. Interiors won the Most Outstanding Mount Allison University. Steve looks “We are so pleased to be voted for by the Kitchen Renovation with Monk forward to working with our Foundation consumers of Halifax as their Interior Renovations and Most Outstanding donors to help them make a difference for Design firm of choice,” says Pam Tower, Special Project with Leasehold our patients and the community. Registered Interior Designer. At the Improvements.

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10 MARCH 2019 NEWSMAKERS

COLLINS BARROW REBRANDS AS BAKER TILLY Collins Barrow Nova Scotia is proud to take on the name and visual identity of its global network, becoming Baker Tilly Nova Scotia. This rebrand reflects the firm’s dedication to unified global representation, core values and brand ALWAYS HOME HOMECARE LEADER IN DEMENTIA positioning, while keeping its auton- 17,000 Nova Scotians currently live Certified PAC Trainers. All caregivers omous ownership structure intact. In with dementia and this number is only are trained in PAC skills which enable other words, Baker Tilly Nova Scotia will expected to grow. Always Home caregivers to connect and communicate continue to function as an independently Homecare is the leader in helping with clients in meaningful ways. The owned and operated firm and part of the people live well with dementia at home. result? Better care and improved quality Baker Tilly Canada network. New name, We’ve invested in Positive Approach to of life for persons living with dementia still fiercely independent! Care (PAC), the best-in-class dementia and their families. “Until there’s a cure, training available and have two in-house there’s care.” GORDON LAING TO JOIN CMHC BOARD On Dec. 21, The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced that Mr. Gordon J. Laing, President and CEO of Southwest Properties, will join CMHC’s Board of Directors, effective Dec. 12, for a four- year term.

MSVU CO-OP PROGRAM CELEBRATING 40 YEARS Mount Saint Vincent University is marking an impressive milestone in 2019: the 40th anniversary of its co-operative education program. The longest-standing nationally accredited co-op program in the Maritimes, the Mount began offering co-op in 1979 for Business Administration students. Four decades later, more than DRESS FOR SUCCESS MOVING TWO DOORS DOWN 8,000 Business Administration, Public Dress for Success Halifax is thrilled doors from the previous location,” says Relations and Tourism and Hospitality to announce the re-location of The Board President Julie Wisen. “This will Management students have completed Social Boutique at 936 Bedford Highway, enable us to continue to serve the public paid work terms in industries related to Bedford. “Larry Swinemar, owner of after two-and-a-half years in business of their fields of study. Today, every program The Village Centre, has surprised us raising funds to support the women we at the Mount has a co-op, internship or again by providing an upgraded space serve through our programs and we are practicum opportunity attached. that is three times larger and only two incredibly grateful.”

BUSINESS VOICE 11 NEWSMAKERS

CYSTIC FIBROSIS WELCOMES CO-OP STUDENT Cystic Fibrosis Canada Atlantic Region is thrilled to welcome Allison Webb, a third year Public Relations student from Mount Saint Vincent University’s co-operative education program, for the winter term. Allison joins Cystic Fibrosis Canada as the LIVING A LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE Community Engagement and Events Assistant. Allison’s enthusiasm to learn Forest Lakes is proud to host a variety for all ages. See our resort-styled commu- and grow her skills will help us reach our of exciting events throughout this nity come to life by experiencing these goal of a world without cystic fibrosis. upcoming year. From an artisan market to spectacular lifestyle activities. Stay up to She will work closely with our volun- Oktoberfest, outdoor movie nights, yoga date with events at Forest Lakes by visiting teers and staff team on events across the sessions and more, these events are fun www.forestlakescountryclub.ca/events. region with a focus on the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History. To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis Canada, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.

NEW VICE PRESIDENT AND PARTNER AT GERALD WALSH ASSOCIATES Gerald Walsh Associates Inc. welcomes Jillian Gorbold, MA, as Vice President and Partner to the executive search and human resources consult- ing firm. In her role, Jillian co-manages the firm’s executive search practice and develops and implements human resource consulting services to advance the firm’s mission to grow and develop leaders in their communities. Visit www.geraldwalsh.com or contact Jillian directly at 902-424-1109 or [email protected].

12 MARCH 2019 NEWSMAKERS

BIG LEAP LEADERSHIP LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE Big Leap Leadership helps build stronger leadership to help organizations communicate better, collaborate more effectively and get meaningful, mea- surable results. We develop effective, innovative leaders from the inside out. Our new launch showcases some of our most popular workshops, products and services. Check us out at www.bigleapleadership.com.

RECOGNIZE YOUR POTENTIAL IS EXPANDING Recognize Your Potential welcomes Julie Crowell! Julie is thrilled with the opportunity to build on her administra- tive background to a career in design. Her ability and enthusiasm to collaborate on projects is a perfect fit for RYP. The team is having lots of fun with new ideas, such as weekly LinkedIn live videos. She is a CHARITY COMPLETES NATIONAL TOUR vital asset to RYP with her background in administration. We are launching an Fourteen weeks, 10 provinces, 100 she’s written, empowering youth and exciting monthly training calendar for schools, 125,000 students directly educating them about bullying preven- you to choose from, starting in March. impacted. Wow, what a tour! This past tion and mental health awareness. Thank We look forward to serving your needs fall, the inspiring Elsie Morden hit the you to everyone in Halifax that helped on improving engagement, leadership, road with No Time for That Anti- make this possible - you are making a productivity and innovation for a positive Bullying Society’s “No Time for That” difference and your support is greatly workplace culture. tour. She shared her story and songs that appreciated! CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION VISITED NOVA SCOTIA PROGRAM IN SUZHOU, CHINA On Jan. 8, a Canadian Parliamentary Delegation spent an afternoon with the staff of the Sino-Canada Program located in Suzhou, China, accompanied by Chinese national and local officials to exchange ideas relating to education and explore areas for future cooperation. The program is an associate operation of Halifax Chamber member SinoNova Group. The Canadian Parliamentary Delegation included Hon. Senator Joseph Day; Geng Tan, MP Don Valley North; Majid Jowhari, MP Richmond Hill; Chandra Arya, MP Nepean; and Michael Cooper, MP St. Albert – Edmonton. INTERTALK WINS CONTRACT WITH METRA RAIL The Sino-Canada program is one of InterTalk has been awarded a contract easily accommodate Metra’s upcoming 17 overseas schools overseen by Nova with Metra Rail to modernize their communications expansion, resulting Scotia Department of Education & dispatch command and control system. in significant savings for Metra over Early Childhood Development. Premier When completed, the system will the long-term. Metra, a commuter rail Stephen McNeil has been a great sup- include up to 60 dispatcher positions service in the Chicago metro area, is the porter and has visited the program three and comprehensive audio/data archival fourth-largest commuter rail system (by times since 2016. recording. InterTalk was chosen for ridership) in the United States, providing its technical merit and its ability to more than 80 million rides per year.

BUSINESS VOICE 13 AN IMBALANCE OF POWER

Ilker Celik/123RF

14 MARCH 2019 COVER STORY

OPTIMIZING RESOURCES AMONG CHAMBER PRE-BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS

• By Jon Tattrie •

IMBALANCE The Halifax Chamber of Commerce He also thinks that as the federal has prepared its annual pre-budget government legalizes cannabis products submission to the government of Nova such as edibles, it could be a chance to Scotia. think about handing some of that work The chamber speaks for more than to the private sector, rather than keep- 1,650 companies that employ a total of ing it solely with the Nova Scotia Liquor more than 65,000 workers. It hosts more Commission. than 100 events each year and lobbies the The chamber also takes an active government on behalf of its members. interest in the electoral boundaries It wrote its 2019 pre-budget submission commission, which has provided options along the lines of the chamber’s own to increase the number of MLAs from 2019-2023 strategic plan. 51 to 56. That would be a 10 per cent Patrick Sullivan, president and CEO growth in the Legislature at a time when of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the population increase for the province says the four key recommendations are: added only 0.07 per cent more people. 1. Optimize government resources “That’s a worry for us. Do we need bigger to reduce the impact on Nova Scotian government at a time when Nova Scotia’s businesses and entrepreneurs, and population is increasing fractionally?” reduce government expenditures; Sullivan understands some big rural 2. Reduce the friction businesses face areas feel poorly represented, but thinks during daily operations; adding money to rural MLAs’ budgets 3. Continue to reduce the tax burden and opening satellite constituency offices for Nova Scotians; would work better than adding MLAs. 4. Outline a strategic plan for the The chamber thinks the electoral growth and support of businesses boundary review can find ways to and entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia adequately represent all Nova Scotians, that reflects the current and future including Acadian and African Nova programs, projects, grants and Scotian communities, without increasing collaborations between government the number of MLAs. and stakeholders. While representation often focuses Sullivan says optimizing the size on rural Nova Scotia, the chamber’s of government could be one of the best report points out that HRM holds ways to improve the province’s finances. 47 per cent of the province’s population, “What areas do the government need but only 43 per cent of the seats. Given to be in and what areas can it step away that Halifax is growing faster than any from?” Sullivan asks. other region, that imbalance is likely to For example, He looks at Access increase. That would mean some rural Nova Scotia, which sees the government MLAs would represent as little as 2,600 offer services done by the private sector people, while an urban one represents in other provinces. “Are those tasks gov- 14,000 or more. ernment employees need to do, or can it Optimizing government does not Ilker Celik/123RF be outsourced?” mean that the provincial government

BUSINESS VOICE 15 COVER STORY

What areas do the government need to be in and what areas can it step away from?” — Partick Sullivan, President & CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Mike Dembeck continue to increase spending by three to Businesses gave the premier and Mayor the social programs and “get out of the four per cent per year, about double the Mike Savage the “Golden Scissors” for way” of business activity. The Golden rate of inflation as they do. In addition, cutting red tape to help businesses. Scissors show success on that front. Bent supporting that spending requires a The chamber president says it’s wise says Halifax is set to account for half of corporate tax rate in Nova Scotia that to focus on financial responsibility during the province’s population in the next remains higher than eight other prov- these good times, as with 75,000 Nova few years and it creates about 45 per cent inces. Nova Scotia’s rate is 16 per cent; six Scotians set to hit retirement age in the of Nova Scotia’s business activity. He’s provinces set the rate at 12 per cent. “It next decade, the workforce would well eager to see how the Cogswell doesn’t make Nova Scotia a compelling shrink at a time when health-care costs Interchange demolition and rebuild go place to set up your business.” The cham- rise to treat the aging population. We still ahead, and how the port develops. ber wants the rate reset at 14 per cent. owe $15 billion in debt and the chamber “I think there’s a real positive vibe in Sullivan notes that the businesses says using surpluses to pay that down will Halifax and it’s been growing for a that make up the chamber have a benefit future generations. while,” he says. mindset that each year they need to Paul Bent, the chamber’s chair of Byron Rafuse, the province’s deputy plan to reduce operating costs. “I think fostering private sector growth task force, minister of finance, says the government the government does not have the same wants to see a continued sense of finan- has received and read the chamber’s mindset,” he says. “Government’s natu- cial responsibility and balanced budgets. pre-budget submission. The govern- ral tendency is not to reduce costs.” “We’re balanced, but we have a substan- ment’s main goals remain fiscal responsi- Sullivan says there are lots of tial transfer payment from the federal bility, generating surpluses, and bringing reasons to be upbeat about business in government. That transfer payment adds down the debt-to-GDP ratio to the Ivany Nova Scotia. The population reached an up to approximately $2,100 for every report’s 2024 goal of 30 per cent or under. all-time high in 2018 and Standard and person residing in Nova Scotia. As our In 1981, the ratio sat at about 17 per cent, Poor’s, the bond-rating agency, upgraded population continues to age, we certainly but rose 47 per cent by 1999. It’s now Nova Scotia’s long-term credit rating to see concern down the road,” he says. about 35 per cent and falling on a pace to AA-, its best rating in history. In January, He agrees with the premier’s idea reach the 2024 goal. the Canadian Federation of Independent that the government’s role is to manage Rafuse says the reduction in red

Pakawat Suwannaket/123RF

16 MARCH 2019 COVER STORY

I think there’s a real positive vibe in Halifax and it’s been growing for a while.” — Paul Bent, Chair, Fostering Private Sector Growth Task Force

Contributed tape came from the work of the Office The agency looked at publicly available Rafuse says that financial planContributed- of Regulatory Affairs. Fred Crook, the records and also internal documents. ning includes preparing for the 75,000 chief regulatory officer, and his staff were “They really liked what they saw,” he people reaching retirement age in the given the job of reducing the burden on says. “They look at Nova Scotia as a good next decade. “It is embedded into our businesses. “The government did set an place for investors to go.” The better rat- thinking and the long-term planning of objective of measuring the reduction to ing lowered the cost of borrowing. government.” businesses – that objective is $25 million by this fiscal year,” Rafuse says, adding that they reached that in 2019. It means businesses are spending less money to get Presenting government services, or to get regulatory Sponsor: approval to run their companies. As for privatizing some of Access Nova Scotia’s work, or edible cannabis products, Rafuse says the government has been open to the idea. He says they studied the prospect of privatizing Access Nova Scotia, but decided it would make CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 GOLD WINNERS! better fiscal sense to get Access Nova Scotia to spend less. As for cannabis, he says the gov- Compass Distillers ernment weighed the financial side against the safety side. They found public support for giving cannabis to the NSLC, Totally Raw Pet Food which has a good reputation for safely selling alcohol. “The priority is keeping the product out of the hands of youth, ensuring that a safe product is delivered REDspace to consumers, and they’ll make the deci- sions on the retail model based on those overarching priorities.” InterTalk Critical Information Systems He wouldn’t comment on electoral reforms, but did note that the cost of an MLA makes up a tiny part of the Mezza Lebanese Restaurant Group $12 billion operation that is the provincial government. Overall, Rafuse says the province’s Joyce Carter finances are in good shape, as shown by the higher Standard and Poor’s rating.

BUSINESS VOICE 17 LIFE SCIENCES

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18 MARCH 2019 LIFE SCIENCES

Booming bio-opportunities hal gatewood/unsplash Life sciences sector playing growing role in Nova Scotia economy By Joey Fitzpatrick

he human immune system is nature’s region that encompasses everything from investment eligibility in the sector was Tstanding army. Honed by evolution pharmaceuticals and vaccines to medical being raised from $50,000 at a tax credit to fight off any and all foreign pathogens, technologies, natural health products, rate of 35 per cent to $250,000 at it is far less effective when the enemy bioproducts and digital health solutions. 45 per cent. originates from within, as with malig- The industry accounts for more than “That’s a good start and exactly nant cells run amok. Figuring out how $300 million in exports and employs where we need to be going,” says BioNova to co-opt the body’s immune system to some 1,500 people in the private sector Executive Director, Scott Moffitt. enlist in the fight against cancer is no alone — not including the universities, BioNova advocates for the province’s mean scientific feat. hospitals and government researchers. health and life sciences sector and Moffitt For the past 10 years Dartmouth- Employees in life sciences earn almost is part of a group providing recommen- based IMV has been learning how to do $25,000 above the provincial average. dations to government on ways to assist just that. Through collaborations with The business model in life sciences is the industry. Currently the Nova Scotia Dalhousie researchers and others, IMV unlike any other. Canadian drug patents, tax credit is available only to investors has developed a novel delivery platform for example, last for 20 years. But patents within the province. The consensus in the called DPX, that provides a set of instruc- are filed the moment a new compound is industry is that it needs to be expanded tions to the body’s T-cells to locate and identified under the microscope, so the to include investors from outside the destroy cancerous cells. It’s an entirely clock begins ticking years before any- province. new class of therapy, with the potential to thing is ready for market. In terms of procuring investment, revolutionize cancer treatment and there “By the time you’ve gone through attracting talent and selling a finished are now eight clinical trials underway clinical trials and gotten approval from product, life sciences is in every sense a across North America. Health Canada, you’re into year 10 or 12,” global enterprise. Proximity to Halifax’s universities explains Bobby Sutherland, Executive “For a company like ours to flourish, and research expertise was critical in Director, Government Relations with we need to look beyond the province the development of DPX says IMV CEO, Innovative Medicines Canada, which and beyond Canada,” says Peter Hickey, Fred Ors. represents 45 pharmaceutical firms CEO and co-founder of Adaptiiv Medical “Life sciences research requires a across the country. The cost of bringing a Technologies Inc., based in Halifax. high level of specialization in a number of new drug to market can be upwards of Established in 2016, Adaptiiv has devel- fields and highly specialized equipment,” $2 billion, so the upfront investment is oped a clinically viable software platform Ors says. “Very few companies will have enormous, with no assurance of a return. that allows cancer treatment centres all of that internally.” Equity tax credits offset some of this to automatically fabricate and 3D print IMV is part of a growing cluster of risk for investors and in January the Nova patient-specific accessories used in life science companies in the Halifax Scotia government announced that the radiation therapy. The software provides

BUSINESS VOICE 19 LIFE SCIENCES

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far greater precision than anything that all academics/clinicians when they previously existed. A bolus created using launched the company that eventually Adaptiiv’s software program accommo- became PANAG Pharma back in 2012 and dates the patient’s anatomical irregular- they all still have their day jobs. Focussing ities and delivers precise and accurate on cannabinoids and other naturally radiation doses to the target area, while occurring compounds, the company protecting healthy surrounding tissue. develops novel therapeutics for chronic “It allows for better treatment and a pain and inflammation. better patient experience,” Hickey says. “The idea for the company really “Accessories can be printed on demand developed out of our research back- and our software integrates seamlessly grounds,” Dr. Kelly recalls. “So many into the treatment centre’s existing people are living with chronic pain. We workflow.” Contributed were looking for compounds that provide The technology is used in seven pain relief without the addictive potential countries including Canada, U.S., Israel, “For a company like inherent in opiates.” Australia, Ireland, China and the U.K. The company was able to tap into a “The challenge our region faces is ours to flourish, range of non-academic innovation grants bridging the gap between research and we need to look beyond and programs. ACOA’s Productivity commercialization,” Hickey says. “We and Business Skills Initiative provided need to be able to take original ideas and the province and salary assistance to hire key personnel. scale them.” An interest-free BDC loan will help A range of assistance is available to beyond Canada.” the fledgling company expand, while help startup companies with the commer- — Peter Hickey, consultancy advisory service grants cialization process. Dalhousie professor, CEO & Co-founder, from CEED allowed the firm to hire Dr. Melanie Kelly and her three business consultants. NSBI provided expertise partners — Dr. Mary Lynch, Dr. Christian Adaptiiv Medical with branding and promotion and Lehmann and Dr. Orlando Hung — were Technologies Inc. Innovacorp’s Spark program provided

20 MARCH 2019 LIFE SCIENCES

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assistance with marketing. “We were really lucky to be able to take advantage of all of these programs,” GROWTH Dr. Kelly says. “We would have been POTENTIAL dead in the water at the first hurdle, In 2017 the federal government because these types of endeavours are launched a series of economic not supported by traditional academic strategy tables in six key sectors research funding.” that were identified for their growth Today the company has a number of potential: advanced manufactur- products under patent and in clinical tri- ing, agri-food, clean technology, als and has been able to attract a licens- Contributed digital industries, health/biosciences ing partner that has brought in additional and clean resources. The economic R&D funding. strategy tables are designed as a BioFuture 2030 is BioNova’s growth We were looking for new kind of partnership between strategy for the next decade and it has government and industry, to help ambitious goals: doubling the number compounds that provide make Canada a world leader in of companies, tripling the number of pain relief without the these high-growth sectors. employees and increasing the average income and tripling the value of exports. addictive potential “I’ve met with many ambitious and These are all attainable goals for the inherent in opiates.” capable innovators working province, Moffitt believes. in health sciences in Halifax,” “We have tremendous capital infra- — Dr. Melanie Kelly, says Halifax MP Andy Fillmore. structure in the health related fields and Professor of Pharmacology “The quality of our universities, the the research expertise,” he says. “This and Opthalmology, emergence of innovation clusters industry is well positioned to be one and our public health care system of the core economic drivers for Nova Dalhousie University and are all key strengths in this sector.” Scotia.” CSO, Panag Pharma Inc.

BUSINESS VOICE 21 PROFILE

Contributed Using the craft of storytelling Journeyman Films helps brands stand out in a digital world By Carol Dobson

he word “journeyman” has roots his journeyman’s experience in the and built a strong team to share in his Tdeep in medieval history and has documentary film world, working as a dreams — and the workload. come to mean “a skilled worker who producer and director for the Canadian Welsh says Journeyman tells the practices some trade or handicraft.” Broadcasting Corporation. stories of its clients in a way that “makes It’s an apt name for Dartmouth’s “Those years prepared me,” Welsh them memorable” — creating an emo- Journeyman Films, which uses the magic says. “I enjoyed the documentary work tional bond with the audience. of today’s technology to craft stories for and it showed me that I wanted to use a “When you look at corporate videos its clients. filmmaker’s eye to make the most of a that have been produced through the Mathew Welsh started the company person’s story.” years, lots of them are pretty boring,” he in late 2007 after perfecting his craft in a When you’re making a film on your says. “That’s why we use a filmmaker’s number of ways. own, Welsh says you need to wear many eye when we’re producing content. Using “It’s never a straight-line story,” he hats simultaneously: coming up with the the craft of storytelling helps make the admits. “Along the way, there are twists idea, finding the financing, producing production more effective.” and turns.” and editing the content and pitching it to It’s this creative lens that’s helped His story began in Alberta, then in an audience so it doesn’t just languish on the company stand out in a world where Ontario and France before setting down the shelf. He says he prefers being a team anyone with a smartphone can produce roots here in Nova Scotia. He gained player, so he formed Journeyman Films video — for better or for worse — and

22 MARCH 2019 PROFILE post it on any number of platforms for everyone to see. “Video online has exploded, with more and more platforms being added every day,” Welsh says. “In the next year, 80 per cent of the total information that is online will be in the form of video. It’s a crowded, noisy space.” This crowding is becoming problem- 20 GAME atic, like the recent incident where video footage of actress Jennifer Lawrence was manipulated so it appeared she was saying something she hadn’t. Welsh says that’s just one small instance of “fake news” that’s cropping up everywhere. FLEXEX PACKSAC With virtual reality, augmented reality and other forms of manipulation becom- ing more common, he believes we’ll see many more incidents like this. When it comes to the content Journeyman produces, Welsh says everything starts with putting words on a page. Depending on the client, it could be a full script or simply a storyboard with a few words to describe the images Experience the exhilaration of Halifax’s best live sports entertainment. that will be shot. Use your ex pack to treat your business associates, employees or customers He compares the process to a sand- to a night out, or give the gift of basketball to your favourite charity. wich: the script or storyboard is one slice of bread, the post-production magic is the There are endless ways to use your 20 Game Flex Pack. other slice of bread and the actual video is the filling in between. Lately, Welsh says the company has been putting a lot of emphasis into that first slice. THE CHOICE IS YOURS! “We may be producing a piece that’s Use all 20 vouchers at once, one at a time, or mix it up throughout 60 seconds without any words. But even the season. Each voucher is redeemable at the Ticket Atlantic Box Office if there aren’t any words in the film, for a Lower Bowl Ticket to any 2018/19 Regular Season Home Game. words have gone into creating that video beforehand,” he says. “Those words are used to connect with the audience, to YOU SAVE build empathy, to take them on a journey or give them a different point of view.” ALL While Journeyman Films’ website lists a large number of local companies 24% as clients, Welsh says its two biggest FOR JUST clients are actually in Ontario and British Columbia. “We see ourselves continuing to grow $ OFF REGULAR SINGLE in the next 5-8 years,” he says. “I see a stu- GAME TICKET PRICE dio presence in Toronto or out west, either INCLUDING SERVICE in Alberta or British Columbia. Those 320+HST CHARGES locations are closer to the markets and talent and access to talent is essential.” Journeyman Films currently has 12 employees working out of its Dartmouth ORDERYOUR office. Welsh says he envisions the team CORPORATE FLEX PACK TODAY! growing to 50 over the next few years, but they’ll be treading carefully. 902.377.3052 “Growth is never a straight line,” Welsh says. “Sometimes you have to step [email protected] back, evaluate what is happening and then move on. You always have to keep learning.”

BUSINESS VOICE 23 TRENDS Selling: the oldest profession on Earth What it takes to be a salesperson in today’s world

Salespeople are the quintessential self-made men and women. Salespeople create, deliver and leverage opportunity, globally. They are the primary business developers in every company and are depended upon to deliver profitable growth and sustainability.”

PETER SKAKUM PRESIDENT, TANGENT STRATEGIES INC. Principled women and men who employer and customers for years. have learned to sell well are highly sought As buyers we bond with salespeople Of all the professions: law, medicine, after. They can and do write their own with whom we have established equity, accounting, military, politics, engineer- ticket. The secret to hiring and keeping with whom we have come to know well ing, teaching, entertainment or profes- talented and admired salespeople is no and trust. As salespeople we cultivate sional sports … there is arguably none secret at all. bodies of business, sources of recurring more rewarding financially, emotionally, Employers fortunate enough to revenue from which we, our employers intellectually, mentally and yes, even recruit top tier salespeople do so by ask- and even our customers benefit. Equity physically than the profession of selling. ing themselves two simple, but insightful, between seller and buyer is a foundation Selling is the oldest profession on questions: upon which wealth accumulates and is earth and for good reason. It satisfies. • As a buyer, what would cause me to sustained. Companies who are continu- Salespeople are the quintessential respect, admire and do business with ally firing and hiring salespeople cannot self-made men and women. Salespeople a salesperson? sustain equity and do so at their peril. create, deliver and leverage opportunity, • As a salesperson, what would cause Employers who complain they cannot globally. They are the primary business me to accept an offer of employment find good salespeople to hire and retain developers in every company and are and remain loyal to that offer for are usually the architects of these prob- depended upon to deliver profitable years to come? lems. And as the word on the street gets growth and sustainability. out, self-respecting salespeople give such The most successful salespeople are Men and women called to a pro- companies and employers a wide berth. salaried professionals, respected, admired fession generally dedicate their lives to On the other hand, astute buyers, and welcomed into virtually every home that profession and either establish their whether they purchase on behalf of and office. The most successful salespeo- own companies or remain committed corporations, governments, their families ple sell without pressure or manipulation. to the companies who first hired them. or themselves, understand that the more Logic is their resource. They do not troll Transience is limited and for good reason. open they are to the options and oppor- for pain or demand immediate buy-deci- EQUITY. Salespeople and astute employ- tunities introduced by salespeople, the sions. They guide and advise. They rec- ers recognize the accrued equity-value of more sound their buying decisions will ognize and anticipate need and satisfy it. mature customer relationships - rela- be. Buyers value salespeople who advise, They are a patient, tolerant and congenial tionships that cannot become mature if guide and deliver qualified opportunity to amalgam of psychology, anthropology salespeople are resigning or being let go grow and succeed. and business savvy. And, they like people. from a company every other year. Equity Selling done well is one of the most Of course selling has its bad apples. is a currency professionals understand pleasing and rewarding social and com- Every profession does. However even the and trade in. It is extremely difficult for mercial enterprises. It is a partnership bad apples earn their keep by teaching us competitors to attract customers away between buyer and seller that builds all how not to sell. If you’ve met a bad apple from a tenured, equity-rich salesperson, strong economies, comfortable lifestyles or employed one you know what I mean. someone who has been loyal to his and stable societies.

24 MARCH 2019 TRENDS Gaining valuable and green experience Dalhousie Capstone group helps local start-up cidery develop sustainable business plan

Operating your business while keeping the environment in mind is a practice that is becoming increasingly common and there is no question as to why. Climate change is impacting more people around the world everyday, so consumers are now more aware of and concerned about pressing global climate issues.”

WILLIAM DRAKE HILL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT and environmentally friendly in the long Operating your business while keep- AND ENVIRONMENTAL term. We met with architecture firms, ing the environment in mind is a practice SUSTAINABILITY STUDENT, natural building gurus and other craft that is becoming increasingly common DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY breweries from around the Maritimes and there is no question as to why. Climate to develop concepts for Meadowood in change is impacting more people around Throughout the entirety of the past order to find out which options would the world everyday, so consumers are school year, myself and five other students help them achieve their vision. now more aware of and concerned about of different educational backgrounds By the end of the term our team care- pressing global climate issues. It’s only collaborated on a project for an environ- fully constructed a 30-page document natural these consumers are more likely to mental sustainability capstone course at and 10-minute presentation that outlined support businesses they believe are trying the Dalhousie College of Sustainability. the concepts we believe Meadowood to do their part by going green. Even if you Our group had been working with a should pursue. The obstacle we strug- don’t “buy into” climate change person- start-up cidery in New Germany, N.S., gled with most, when assembling our ally, your customers and your employees Meadowood Cidery Co. The family final recommendations, was the proper do and therefore your business should too. operated business had reached out to the location for the taproom and the actual Not only do eco-friendly business College expressing a need for aid in the brewing process. We decided to present practices decrease your impact on our form of fresh eyes. We were given the task our findings in a format that included planet, they can also have a positive of working with the team at Meadowood three different options for said locations, impact on your bottom line and increase to develop logistical efficiencies, opera- in order to give our clients multiple per- your profit margin. Some of the simplest tional blueprints and creative sustainable spectives from which they could choose ways to minimize your environmental business practices. their favorite. Many of our final recom- impact are reducing unnecessary inputs Most of the fall semester was spent mendations were consistent regardless of (paper, water, energy, etc.). If you take brainstorming with minimal constraints the brewing location such as: a good hard look at your materials and in order to create a large pool of ideas and • Sourcing lumber for patio locally expenses, you can easily chip away possibilities. When we got back together or even on site wasted resources so you can decrease after the winter break, we began the pro- • Composting toilets your costs and reduce the amount of cess of sifting through that pool and hon- • Large bay windows for passive heat waste your business produces! ing in on specific ideas that we believed and lighting And if not for a positive public image to be the most relevant, practical, etc. • The use of natural building materials or cost reduction, you should go green Our goal was to provide our clients with a (i.e.: Hempcrete for insulation) for the most important reason of all: to final deliverable that polished the vision • Recycled asphalt for driveway and keep our planet healthy. We all share they have for their business. We decided parking needs this planet and reap the benefits and in order to achieve this, we would • Rain water collection resources it gives us, and we shouldn’t recommend plans that would make the • Sourcing energy from renewable take advantage of that. starting process easier for them and their sources (solar, wind, Bullfrog Contact Drake at 902-292-4165 or business more economically feasible Power) [email protected].

BUSINESS VOICE 25 TRENDS Socially responsible investing practices Is it a win-win for you and your community? By Steve MacLellan

If you’re concerned about social, No one should have CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ethical and environmental issues, you • How are executives compensated? may be pleased to learn that you can have to choose between • Does the company operate a real, measurable impact by way of your transparently and accountably? investment portfolio. building wealth and “Socially responsible investing” building a better Companies excluded from SRI are (SRI), or “sustainable,” “green,” or “ethi- involved in industries that are considered cal” investing is any investment strategy world. Companies to be harmful to the community or the which seeks to consider both financial with socially environment: return and social/environmental good. • Tobacco It allows your investments not only to responsible corporate • Nuclear power improve your own life, but also your com- behaviour offer • Military weapons munity and the world. • Pornography One of the challenges of socially the best prospects • Gaming responsible investing is that it can be dif- ficult to identify the investments that will for creating and Sustainable companies offer the best truly benefit you along with contributing preserving long-term prospects for creating and preserving positively to the issues you care about. long-term value. Investors monitor each To ensure your investments are value and with less company and as stakeholders, encourage aligned with the social, environmental risk.” them to address issues that could have a and community issues that matter most negative effect on the community or the to you, in-depth screenings of companies environment. and their impact must be conducted, For example, SRI fund holders have monitored and reviewed. The corporate THREE BIG FACTORS worked to: structure, business practices, history and In general, socially responsible • Improve conditions for factory of course, the return on your investment investors encourage corporate practices workers in developing countries are examined in detail. This offers an that promote environmental stewardship, • Prevent the manufacture of products extra layer of risk management. consumer protection, human rights and that contain toxins No one should have to choose diversity. The areas of concern recog- • Ensure company goods are not between building wealth and building nized by the SRI practitioners are some- produced by slave labour a better world. Companies with socially times summarized under the heading of • Uncover instances of child labour in responsible corporate behaviour offer the ESG issues: environment, social respon- mining operations best prospects for creating and preserv- sibility and corporate governance. By actively educating businesses ing long-term value and with less risk. Consider these thought-starters about the impact of their operations, you Socially responsible investing lets you when planning your investments: can help them make sustainable choices align your investment goals with your that improve people’s lives as well as your values, so that you can enjoy competitive ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE bottom line. financial returns while making a positive • How does the company act as a If you would like to learn more social impact. By selecting companies steward for the natural environment? about SRIs, contact Steve today at that improve our communities and our • How do its operations impact the www.blackstarwealth.com environment and by excluding compa- environment? nies that have a negative impact, you SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY can invest in companies that contribute • How does a company treat people to a better financial future for you and a both inside and outside the company? better world for everyone. • Do they value diversity? • Do they protect human and consumer rights?

26 MARCH 2019 WORKING FOR YOU

2018 WONDER WOMEN CONFERENCE THANK YOU! HOTEL HALIFAX December 7, 2018

n December 7, we hosted our second OWonder Women Conference at the Hotel Halifax. It was an uplifting day, bringing nine successful and inspiring women to the stage to share their experiences on leadership, taking risks and achieving goals, with an audience of over 200 Wonder Women (and one or two Super Men). Thank you to our wonderful speakers and sponsors for making this event possible! We will see you in June, 2019 for our third edition of Wonder Women.

SPONSORS:

BUSINESS VOICE 27 SPECIAL FEATURE TRAVEL AND TOURISM ‘Different and unexpected’ Discovery Centre shines while hosting corporate events By Heather Laura Clarke

The Discovery Centre is a beloved our staffers to perform science demon- in helping the next generation of science science centre for children and their fam- strations to entertain guests.” leaders, then the Discovery Centre is a ilies, but it also plays host to corporate Punch says the Discovery Centre’s good match for your generosity.” groups throwing holiday parties, recep- corporate recess program gives teams an Corporate groups can be scheduled tions, AGMs, award ceremonies, training opportunity to break out of their routine, throughout the day including early morn- sessions and off-site business meetings. flex their creative muscles, bond with ing breakfasts and after-hours socials. “It’s something different and unex- their colleagues and even improve their Punch says it’s easy to plan and pected,” says Jennifer Punch, Director of communication. execute an event at the Discovery Centre Marketing and Sales with the Discovery Hosting an event at the Discovery since there’s a full suite of catering Centre. “The Discovery Centre comes Centre is not only unique and unex- services and audio/visual options, as well with so much character and entertain- pected, its an opportunity to give back. as on-site event organizers who can keep ment built in and it gets our corporate Many don’t realize the Discovery Centre everything running smoothly. guests engaged in hands-on activities.” is a not-for-profit registered charity that “At the Discovery Centre, we know The ultra-modern, open-concept relies heavily on corporate event rental that children who engage in hands on 40,000-sq.-ft. facility can transform income in order to deliver its program- learning gain a deeper understanding from a family-friendly play area into a ming and offer new experiences for of concepts. But why should kids have sleek evening venue serving a three- visitors. all the fun? This facility is a community course dinner for hundreds of executives. “It’s our mission to engage families asset to be celebrated and utilized by “When there’s a new exhibit, it’s a in STEAM — science, technology, engi- a variety of ages — including groups great opportunity for a corporate group to neering, arts and math — and grow the looking for a distinct venue,” says Punch. book in and experience it together,” says scientific economy here in Nova Scotia,” “It’s all about great events in unexpected Punch. “We can also arrange for some of says Punch. “If your company believes places.”

events with flare

With 40,000 sq. ft. of modern and innovative space, your next meeting or event at the Discovery Centre will be a sure-re hit. Spark excitement among your guests with live science entertainment, dome theatre star shows, and corporate team challenges for a one-of-a-kind experience found only at the Discovery Centre. www.thediscoverycentre.ca/venue 902.492.4422 x.2238

28 MARCH 2019 SPECIAL FEATURE TRAVEL AND TOURISM The ships are coming in Port of Halifax preparing for record-breaking cruise season By Heather Laura Clarke

More than 190 cruise vessels will be boardwalks and into downtown to have calling on Halifax during the upcoming the experiences they’re looking for,” says season, bringing more than 320,000 Farguson. guests. While that’s fewer vessels than The Port of Halifax works with last year, the ones scheduled to come the Downtown Dartmouth Business this year are larger and carrying more simultaneously— the Queen Elizabeth Commission to encourage cruise guests passengers overall — and Halifax is ready (294 m) and the Queen Mary II (345 m) — to take a ferry ride across the harbour to greet them. while Oct. 2 is set to be the busiest day of and experience its shops and restau- “It’s exciting when we have a five- the season, bringing five ships with more rants. Farguson says they also work with ship day and see upwards of 10,000 than 10,000 guests. other ports in Atlantic Canada — like cruise guests, plus all of the crew An economic impact study from Charlottetown and St. John’s and Sydney — associated with that many ships,” says three years ago showed an average in order to grow the industry together. Lane Farguson, manager of media of 250,000 cruise guests were worth “Most of the vessels coming from relations and communications for the $123M in economic benefit to Halifax, so Boston and New York are not just coming Halifax Port Authority. “I like to watch Farguson says that’s been increasing with to Halifax and then turning around and the people leaving the Seaport area to the bump in vessel calls and guest totals. going back,” says Farguson. “The cruise explore on their own, or hop on one of “The cruise industry fits in with ports in Atlantic Canada work together to the many buses going to Peggy’s Cove or other tourism offerings in Nova Scotia. ensure we’re all providing that consis- Lunenburg or a Valley wine tour. You can Full credit to Develop Nova Scotia for tently high quality of experience that feel the excitement in the air.” having such a vibrant, animated water- guests are looking for. We want them to July 26, 2019 will be an especially front that makes it comfortable for guests love their time with us so they come back big day for Halifax as it hosts two queens to walk from the Seaport area onto the again someday.”

BUSINESS VOICE 29 SPECIAL FEATURE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Evolving processes WCB Nova Scotia is changing to serve you better Contributed

From framing to roofing to finish MyAccount online portal for business • Principals will be able to log in to work and more, business owners across owners and adding in new features that MyAccount to confirm subcontractor Nova Scotia’s diverse construction indus- will make it easier to do business with us. clearance 24/7, searchable from any try agree that less paperwork would be a Here are some of the changes that device or job site. good thing. will have a direct benefit for the construc- • Clearance status will simply be And less paperwork is just one tion industry: indicated as either “clear” or “not benefit that Nova Scotia’s construction SUBCONTRACTOR REPORTS clear” and opting in for automatic industry will see — along with all employ- notifications means principals will ers and workers — as WCB Nova Scotia • The new clearance status process receive an email from us if that modernizes its services. enables online subcontractor status changes. It’s fast, easy, New state-of-the-art systems will be reporting. Through MyAccount, convenient and eliminates the need implemented beginning in the spring of principals can keep track of the for paper clearance letters. 2019, allowing a different kind of service subcontractors they hire online in from the WCB. real-time and the paper There’s much more to come. Make The WCB is moving away from subcontracting report will be sure you stay informed. paper-based processes and adding more phased out. If you are not currently a MyAccount online services to make it easier for you CLEARANCE STATUS user, get ready for these changes and sign to do business. New, more powerful sys- up for MyAccount today by visiting tems will make service faster, streamline • Proof of clearance status will be www.wcb.ns.ca. Watch for more updates processes and put you in better control of available online through our new at www.wcb.ns.ca/servicechanges. your own data and information. and improved MyAccount employer The WCB is updating the portal.

Workplace injuries hurtthemostathome. Make workplace safety a priority, so you and your co-workers can get home to those who count on you. Find out more at worksafeforlife.ca

30 MARCH 2019 SPECIAL FEATURE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT HVAC investigation benefits Efficiency Nova Scotia’s programs can improve a business’s bottom line By Heather Laura Clarke

Whether it’s a freezing-cold office than it needs to be using.” drives installed on its motors and fans,” building where the employees resort to Efficiency Nova Scotia can help any says Dodge. “Even without replacing any heavy sweaters and space heaters, or an type of commercial property from new equipment, an investigation study focus- overheated warehouse where employees construction, custom projects and even ing on recommissioning existing equip- are sweating in the middle of winter, building recommissioning where they’ll ment can lead to as much as 200,000 kWh it’s a sign something isn’t right with the help investigate potential energy effi- of energy in a single year.” building’s heating, ventilation and air ciency issues. Dodge says it’s the ultimate compli- conditioning (HVAC). “Energy efficiency works for every- ment when a building owner has been so Donald Dodge, Business body. It improves your bottom line, pleased with Efficiency Nova Scotia’s help Development Manager with Efficiency improves your competitiveness and makes on one building that they come back to Nova Scotia, says comfort is often an for happier, more comfortable tenants ask about potential energy issues in their issue in buildings where HVAC systems who are able to concentrate on their other buildings. are malfunctioning or multiple systems work,” says Dodge. He says building owners shouldn’t let are working against each other. Efficiency Nova Scotia can organize worries about potential costs keep them “We see situations where the tenants for HVAC professionals to visit a building from calling Efficiency Nova Scotia — on one side of a building keep calling the for a full investigative study. The study they’re there to help. building manager because they’re all cold, helps determine if the equipment in the “Our job is to help guide them and while on the other side of the building building is set properly and if the different show them what’s available to offset any they’re all calling because they’re too hot,” components are working together or not. costs,” says Dodge. “Whether it’s a small says Dodge. “That means something is “Maybe a building has very old business or one of the largest buildings in not right. Your tenants are uncomfortable equipment that needs to be replaced, but it town, we always try to find a way to help and your building is using more energy might just need to have variable frequency them.”

Attract new tenants. Impress current ones.

Partner with Efficiency Nova Scotia for fewer maintenance issues and a more comfortable environment. We’ll help your building grow into a bustling community of long-term residents and businesses.

Learn more at efficiencyns.ca/commercial

Enjoy the good things efficiency brings.

BUSINESS VOICE 31 SPECIAL FEATURE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Safety culture a journey How Construction Safety Nova Scotia is working to evolve attitudes towards safety By Heather Laura Clarke

If you’ve ever watched someone on safety culture, asking questions to knowledge gives them the power to iden- the job shrug about a potentially danger- determine what factors influence safety tify the positive aspects they should build ous practice and say “Eh, it’s just the way culture in each organization. upon, while revealing key opportunities we do things around here,” you’ve had a CSNS surveyed more than 1,700 for improvement. brush with negative safety culture. employees with 40 different employers “One easy step you can take, is to Safety culture refers to an orga- within the construction industry, to consistently give positive feedback when nization’s beliefs, attitudes and values develop a benchmark for safety culture. your employees are working safely,” says regarding safety — which develop over Once everyone had their results, CSNS Hill. “It sounds simple, but it can make time from leadership, employees and suggested short- and long-term interven- a world of difference to your employees work practices. Construction Safety Nova tions and encouraged each organization if you create a work environment where Scotia (CSNS), wants to shift the conver- to try to improve their first measurement. staff value and recognize safe work sation from “What do I have to do?” to “The Safety Culture Project is about practices” “What do I have to do to be safe?” taking a different approach to safety in There are potential hazards in any Isaac Hill, occupational health order to reduce workplace accidents,” workplace and no matter the industry, and safety advisor with CSNS, says says Hill. “Safety culture is not a sprint. Hill says leadership is key in champi- every organization has a safety culture. It’s not an initiative you launch once and oning a positive safety culture — from Whether that culture is rooted in well- forget about. It is a continual process senior management down to front-line established routines and practices, or that needs to be measured regularly management. leaves room for improvement, it’s there. in order to lead your organization’s For more information on assess- With their Safety Culture Project improvement.” ing your company’s safety culture, currently in its fourth year, CSNS created When an organization assesses please visit constructionsafetyns.ca/ a survey to measure an organization’s its own safety culture, Hill says that safety-culture.

32 MARCH 2019 SPECIAL FEATURE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Contributing to productivity Recent grads impact agri-food company in Halifax Contributed

Knowing the story behind the fish salary incentive that helps small busi- an important component of this equation.” helps a Halifax seafood company bring nesses, start-ups, social enterprises and Laurie says she enjoys tackling the sustainable, low-impact fishing traditions non-profits to hire recent grads for perma- problem-solving aspect of her role. back to the dinner plate — and knowing nent, full-time jobs. GTO offers 25 per cent “As a young person, I feel that recent the story behind the female-led team at of a grad’s first year (35 per cent if the grad grads like me choose not to waste time in a Afishionado Fishmongers helps to explain is diverse) and 12.5 per cent of a grad’s work setting. We thrive in hands-on envi- the impact that millennials are having on second year salary to eligible employers in ronments related to what we’ve studied,” small business. the province. says Laurie. “Millennials contribute to CEO Hana Nelson says that the Hana hired Laurie Starr with her very productive workplaces.” young people she hires bring passion and freshly-minted master’s degree from Hana credits Laurie’s advancement knowledge to the company that she can’t Dalhousie’s Marine Management pro- in the company to her initiative and her find anywhere else. gram. Laurie began as a product specialist willingness to do what needs to be done. “The graduates we’ve hired are really focused on delivery and led some market- “She is so organized and detail-ori- enthusiastic about this sector. They have ing events, including the Catch-of-the- ented, but also sees the bigger picture,” the most up-to-date training, the ability to Week Program. Two years later, she’s been says Hana. “Having a grad like this in the be really adaptable and access to the latest promoted to Manager of Operations. sector brings us top notch systematic skills research,” says Hana. “Their energy, “Laurie is so passionate and knowl- that I, as a business owner, don’t possess to skill-sets and knowledge help propel us edgeable about seafood issues and the the same degree that a recent grad does.” forward.” local researchers who are exploring these Learn more about how the GTO pro- Hiring those recent grads was topics,” says Hana. “As a wholesale busi- gram can benefit your company at novas- made easier for Hana by the Graduate to ness, we want to align with the values of the cotia.ca/GTO. Applications are always Opportunity (GTO) program, a provincial restaurants we serve — and Laurie’s work is turned around within five business days.

Shakisha’s ability to project manage, upgrade technology and partner with new communities has taken our organization to a whole new level. SARAH ARNOLD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HALIFAX LEARNING CENTRES

The Graduate to Opportunity Program provides salary contributions to small businesses, start-up companies, social enterprises, and non-prot organizations to help hire a recent grad. To breathe new life into your workforce, visit NOVASCOTIA.CA/GTO

SHAKISHA DOWNEY ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR HALIFAX LEARNING CENTRES

BUSINESS VOICE 33 SPECIAL FEATURE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT ‘Homes for every style and every budget’ Ramar Homes builds your home, your way By Heather Laura Clarke

Building or buying a home is a big and as if we were working on our own per- The showroom is stocked with decision and the market is flooded with sonal residence,” says Chris. “After all, we everything a buyer needs to make builders and contractors, style options, believe you should love where you live.” decisions on — like tile, flooring and finishes, floor plans and neighbourhoods Ramar Homes has been working for fixtures — saving them time, money and as the Halifax area grows quickly. Atlantic Canadians for nearly 35 years travel-time on what would otherwise be With the recent slowdown in home and Chris estimates they’ve built about piecemeal decision-making, while they sales in historically-dominant markets 3,500 homes so far — bungalows and also enjoy plenty of individual attention. Toronto and Vancouver — which, com- split-entries and two-storey homes of all “We take pride in our work, pro- bined, now only account for 22 per cent shapes and sizes. viding every customer with exemplary of national home sales in 2018 — Atlantic “We don’t build just one type of service,” says Chris. “Every customer, Canada’s oldest and most trusted home. We build everything from an entry- every home, every project and every new homebuilder is taking advantage of our level home to a home as big and impres- step forward requires the same level of region’s buoyant real estate market. sive as you can imagine,” says Chris. commitment.” “HRM and our surrounding areas Founded in 1985 by Chris’s grand- are booming,” said Chris Marchand, father, Ray Marchand, Ramar Homes Vice President of Operations at Ramar Every customer, every is owned by Ray’s two sons, Larry Homes. “We’re building in subdivisions Marchand and Darrell Marchand. Scott where new homeownership is realistic for home, every project and Sim and Shawn Marchand serve as first-time buyers and a great option for Vice President of Sales & Home Design those looking to downsize.” every new step forward and Vice President of Construction, While most other companies requires the same level respectively. are pure volume builders, Chris says When Ray started out building Ramar has been able to successfully of commitment.” homes in Lower Sackville, Chris doesn’t adjust by offering truly custom plans for — Chris Marchand, think he’d ever have expected Ramar every buyer. Along with their full-time homes to be sold to buyers from across team of home designers, construction Vice President, Operations, the globe — but that’s exactly what’s been managers, renovation coordinators, Ramar Homes happening lately. warranty experts and administrators, The company recently joined forces Ramar also employs between 75 and 100 with Engel & Völkers, which operates subcontractors. He says the trends they are seeing in a global network of more than 11,000 The homegrown company is cur- new builds and from buyers’ requests are real estate professionals in more than 36 rently building in the brand-new eighth really driven by lifestyle. countries. phase of Glen Arbour, as well as the “It’s easy to describe what’s hot and Marchand says Engel & Völkers has new Soaring Way in Hammonds Plains. what’s not in terms of what buyers don’t been helping them reach a more global Other Ramar communities, like Five want,” said Chris. “Whether our cus- audience, since their advisors work with Island Lake, Highland Park, Lakeview tomer is a millennial or a downsizer, they clients from all over the world who are Estates, Long Lake Village, Lost Creek, don’t want carpeting, walnut cabinets interested in relocating to Nova Scotia. Oceanside Estates, Schwarzwald Heights and old-school gold fixtures. So, it’s far From picking out a lot and deciding and Twin Brooks, are seeing exponential easier to custom build what they want — on a home style to seeing it all the way growth and interest. interesting floor patterns, lots of contrast, through the gleaming finishing touches, “We design and build homes for a variety of materials like bamboo, stone Chris says Ramar employees are proud to every style and every budget,” said and concrete and lots of storage.” be following in Ray’s footsteps and mak- Marchand. “With Ramar, you can build Chris says when a person is going ing sure their customers are happy. or buy a new construction single-family through the process of building a home, “His leadership by example, his ded- home for the price of a Toronto condo- the Ramar team tries to make it as simple ication, hard work and his highest regard minium and get everything you want.” and convenient as possible for them. for homeowners is a legacy inherited by Chris credits their success to hard Their office on Temple Terrace in Lower everyone who works for him,” says Chris. work, listening to what the customers Sackville doubles as a “one-stop show- “The benchmark he expects us to achieve want and working within their budget. room” so homeowners can walk in to sign is epic. It’s the same challenge he set for “Everyone’s project is undertaken documents and leave with their home himself back in 1985 when Ramar Homes and built to their specific, custom requests fully designed and finishes selected. was founded.”

34 MARCH 2019