The Green Party's responses are from their candidate for Timberlea-Prospect, Dr. Thomas P. Trappenberg

GP: While HRM has been an early adopter of high-speed internet technology, rural areas of Nova Scotia have been neglected as usual. High-speed connectivity is building a major infrastructure for an important sustainable industry in Nova Scotia, and its neglect is a major shortcoming of our current government. Online services are a cost-efficient, environmental friendly (less print material, less driving to service offices, etc), people-oriented (individualization) solution that has to be promoted much further. The Green Party promotes the development of sustainable industries in all Nova Scotia, of which the IT industry is a major contender.

GP: As an active researcher in IT and former R&D industrialist in Nova Scotia I find that the promotion of R&D in the IT sector lacks any substantial vision and substance. We can not compete with other industrial centers around the world by simply repeating their R&D agenda. Instead, we need to explore and support our specific talents and a mix of skills available in Nova Scotia. Such programs need to be supported through good communication skills that include listening to the industry and ensuring that the rest of Canada respects our niches.

GP: Nova Scotia lacks the long term vision and commitment to support sustainable IT sectors in many ways. For example, IT education is still behind a comparable national average, and we need more programs to keep graduates in Nova Scotia right after graduation. I would personally strongly recommend help with first-time employment programs. Furthermore, government support of this sector is self-centered instead of listening to the industries. The Green party would in particular encourage the development of such industries in rural areas where the quality of living will attract high class employees.

ITNS: Some large IT employers have decided to locate here not only because of our workforce but also due to monetary incentives. What role should the provincial government play in retaining these companies once such assistance deals have concluded?

GP: There are many reasons why Nova Scotia can be attractive to the IT industry. Companies now realize that a reliable, motivated, and engaged workforce will outweigh short term direct monetary incentives.  Nova Scotia can not compete with other metropolitan areas when it comes to paying companies to come to Nova Scotia, but Nova Scotia can have attractions much beyond this, in particular when pursuing alternative industries based on the talents that are present in Nova Scotia.

ITNS: Given the large number of agencies, interest groups and employers involved in Information Technology within Nova Scotia, does your party feel we're approaching the point at which a deputy minister specific to this sector is required to help coordinate everyone's efforts to grow the industry?

GP: Yes, definitely. While I think that government involvement in the industry should be in a facilitator role, I think that the lack of coordination, support, and clear vision in the government support of the IT industry has been particularly problematic in the past. I can see that a less bureaucratic approach in a ministerial setting could be much more efficient compared to the slow-moving and ill-informed agencies currently present in Nova Scotia.

The NDP responses were furnished by Dan O’Connor, Chief of Staff to Darrell Dexter.

NDP: The NDP would work toward offering as many government services and as much information as possible on line.  An example of this is our legislation tabled in 2005 that would provide for publishing all day care inspections on line so parents would be able to follow the progress of their child’s center or compare centers on-line.

NDP: The NDP recognizes that the province must be ready to make the most of each opportunity to increase R&D that can be attracted by the concentration of universities in Nova Scotia. The NDP will support business, including the R&D and IT sectors, by:

• Establish a “one-stop shopping” approach to government, to reduce regulatory burden, and improve service to small businesses
• Ensure that only small businesses benefit from the small business tax rate, and use the savings to reduce overall small business taxes
• Phase out the Large Corporations Capital Tax so that Nova Scotia remains competitive as Saskatchewan and other provinces that have eliminated this tax
• Increase Community Economic Development funding targeted at building sustainable communities
• Continue to support university-based research and development

NDP: The NDP will:

• Ensure that only small businesses benefit from the small business tax rate, and use the savings to reduce overall small business taxes
• Establish a “one-stop shopping” approach to government, to reduce regulatory burden, and improve service to small businesses
• Increase Community Economic Development funding targeted at building sustainable communities

ITNS: Some large IT employers have decided to locate here not only because of our workforce but also due to monetary incentives. What role should the provincial government play in retaining these companies once such assistance deals have concluded?

NDP: As noted above the NDP would increase Community Economic Development funding, but we also support the work of Nova Scotia Business Inc. – arm’s length funding for businesses based on solid business plans.

ITNS: Given the large number of agencies, interest groups and employers involved in Information Technology within Nova Scotia, does your party feel we're approaching the point at which a deputy minister specific to this sector is required to help coordinate everyone's efforts to grow the industry?

NDP: The NDP will ensure that this sector has the support and representation within government departments to help it thrive and survive in Nova Scotia.

The Progressive Conservative responses were attributed to Rodney MacDonald, Leader of the PC Party of Nova Scotia.

PC: Currently the Department of Environment and Labour is leading an important initiative designed to help streamline the regulatory burden and application process for businesses, as well as citizens. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal relations is one of several departments taking part in this project who see the application of information technology as a key area where government can work smarter and faster in providing the many services it offers.

In addition, we are committed to build 21st century infrastructure by working with the private sector and other levels of government to guarantee that all Nova Scotians, regardless of where they live in the province, have access to high-speed Internet service by 2010, in concert with the introduction of WiFi in the Halifax Region.

PC: One of the most exciting opportunities in IT is its application to our healthcare system. This is R & D that contributes to our knowledge and information base while delivering important benefits to Nova Scotians, and especially to our young and our seniors who may face challenges in our more rural communities.  That is why we are investing in a province-wide RN-based tele-health system for people who require an initial consultation and assessment on non-urgent conditions.

This is just one area where the Provincial government is taking the lead in an area where IT research and development will be encouraged - and in conjunction with the Atlantic Premier's Council paper on commercialization of technology - put to use for the benefit of all Nova Scotians.

PC: The best way to stimulate the growth of any small company, many of them family-owned and operated, is by providing an atmosphere that encourages entrepreneurs - this can be done in many ways. Again, an educated workforce is crucial, our highway infrastructure is important for ensuring products can get to market, the expansion of our IT network is critical for finding and marketing in major markets as well as those niche-markets where the uniqueness of our products (from technology to tourism) represents a major sales advantage.

An equitable tax burden for small businesses is also a key factor for small companies - because each dollar saved is usually re-invested  in growth and expansion - so we have to remain not just competitive but look for opportunities to remain a leader in this area, because a strong economy is the key to protecting and enhancing the lifestyle we treasure.

ITNS: Some large IT employers have decided to locate here not only because of our workforce but also due to monetary incentives. What role should the provincial government play in retaining these companies once such assistance deals have concluded?

PC: Research In Motion is the latest example of Nova Scotia being able to attract cutting-edge technology companies to our province, and while there tends to be a focus on whatever (if any) financial aid is provided, there is a role for this type of support, which is usually based on the economic benefit a company generates so Nova Scotians come out ahead in terms of jobs and wage scales. However, it is actually the "soft costs" that make Nova Scotia attractive.

In particular the quality of our workforce - the product of 13 post-secondary institutions in our province - is a critical factor. That is why we are investing in our educational institutions, and providing student loan relief and tax incentives after graduation to help encourage students to continue with their education - be it IT associated or otherwise.

Just as importantly, companies are more and more looking at the quality of lifestyle their employees will enjoy - and Nova Scotia rates very highly.

As well, there are infrastructure advantages such as the fibre-optic cable link to Europe which is located in Nova Scotia, providing the most secure and reliable method of data exchange with Europe.

These are the tools that we can and should focus on in attracting and retaining IT companies in Nova Scotia.

ITNS: Given the large number of agencies, interest groups and employers involved in Information Technology within Nova Scotia, does your party feel we're approaching the point at which a deputy minister specific to this sector is required to help coordinate everyone's efforts to grow the industry?

PC: Certainly the impact on technology in today's society can't be denied and has been recognized  through many initiatives in both the provincial budget and the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia's election platform.
The issue of appointing a specific Deputy Minister to co-ordinate the IT/High Tech activities of the government is one that is worthy of further consideration by the government and would require additional dialogue with the industry itself.  Currently, our Minister for Economic Development, the Hon. Kerry Morash, is also Minister responsible for the Innovation Corporation Act - otherwise known as An Act to Establish a Corporation to Promote, Stimulate and Encourage the successful Development and Commercialization of Technology Products and Services.