nova scotia tourism minister

TOURISM SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR NOVA SCOTIA

A FRAMEWORK FOR TOURISM GROWTH

The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) and Tourism Nova Scotia (TNS) are co-leading the development of a tourism sector strategic plan that will inspire a broader approach to economic growth and quality of life in Nova Scotia. The plan will establish a new vision for tourism, taking into consideration the needs of businesses and organizations, Nova Scotians and their communities, and traveller preferences and expectations.

Through engagement with industry, government, and community representatives, the strategic plan will be a framework everyone can use to guide their actions and investments in the coming years to build a strong and sustainable tourism industry. The plan will consider factors such as seasonality, product, people, quality, and the interconnectivity between tourism and the social, cultural, and economic health of the province.

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The development of the strategic plan will be led by a project team made up of representatives from TIANS and TNS and guided by an Oversight Committee comprised of government and industry representatives. There will be broad engagement with the tourism industry and communities with multiple opportunities to provide input throughout the development process.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

Summer-Fall 2022 Development of Terms of Reference and Establishment of Oversight Committee

NOVEMBER 2022 RFP Issued for Project Consultant

MARCH 2023 Onboarding of Project Consultant

APRIL 2023 Analysis of Current Industry Research

MAY 2023 Individual Interviews with Industry Experts

MAY 30-31, 2023 Engagement Session at TIANS Annual General Meeting

JUNE 6-9, 2023 Tourism Sector Focus Groups (Virtual)

FALL 2023 – Winter 2024 In-person Regional Meetings

WINTER 2024 Online Survey

SPRING 2024 Announcement of Sector Strategic Plan

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Tourism businesses and organizations, as well as community members, will have the opportunity to provide input into the sector strategic plan in a variety of ways. Engagement will be conducted online and in person to offer many options to participate. They include :

INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS

The project team identified Industry Experts representing all sectors within the tourism industry as well as government, finance, and workforce development. Interviews were completed in spring 2023.

VIRTUAL FOCUS GROUPS

Virtual focus groups were held with representatives from each sector within the tourism industry:

• Accommodations (hotels, resorts, cottages, B&B’s, campgrounds, etc.): Tuesday, June 6
• Food and Beverage (restaurants, fine dining, café’s, coffee shops, food trucks, pubs, bars, wineries, craft brewers, etc.): Tuesday, June 6
• Transportation and Travel Services (airports, air carriers, ferries, car rental, bus/coach, rail, tour operators, step-on guides, visitor information services, tourism organizations, etc.): Wednesday, June 7
• Government & Infrastructure (various municipal, provincial, and federal agencies and representatives): Wednesday, June 7
• Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Sport and Recreation (parks, boat tours, golfing, sport fishing, biking, hiking, trails, whale watching, etc.): Thursday, June 8
• Arts, Culture, Heritage and Events (museums, theatres, performing arts, galleries, festivals, events, cultural experiences and attractions, etc.): Thursday, June 8

IN PERSON REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

Industry and community members participated in seven in-person regionals engagement sessions and three Mi’kmaw engagement sessions:

Yarmouth Thursday, December 7, 2023 Tru Hotel, 10588 Starrs Rd, Yarmouth

Wolfville Thursday, January 18, 2024 Old Orchard Inn 153 Greenwich Rd S, Wolfville

Truro Friday, January 19, 2024 Inn On Prince Hotel & Conference Centre 437 Prince St, Truro

Baddeck Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Inverary Resort 368 Shore Rd, Baddeck

Antigonish Thursday, January 25, 2024 Claymore Inn and Suites 137 Church St, Antigonish

Halifax Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Halifax Convention Centre 1650 Argyle St, Halifax

Bridgewater Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Best Western Plus 527 Nova Scotia Trunk 10, Bridgewater

Mi’kmaw Engagement Sessions

Niktuipukwek (Millbrook) Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre 65 Treaty Trail

Weskewinaq (Digby) Thursday, March 21, 2024 10am – 3pm Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa 103 Shore Road

Maupeltu (Membertou) Wednesday, April 3, 2024 10am-3pm Membertou Trade & Convention Centre 50 Maillard Street

The online survey

An online survey was conducted in March and April 2024 to assess perceptions of Nova Scotia’s current performance as a travel destination and identify the top priorities to be addressed within the strategic plan.

THE PROJECT TEAM

• Darlene Grant Fiander , President, TIANS
• Darlene MacDonald , Executive Director, TNS, a division of Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH)

OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDE

• Tanice Mundle , Executive Assistant, TIANS
• Lisa Dahr , Director of Industry Relations and Professional Development, TIANS
• Anna Moran , Director of Research, Planning & Decision Support, TNS
• Afton Doubleday , Acting Director of Outreach and Engagement, TNS

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

In addition to the Project Team, a small Oversight Committee will work with TIANS and TNS to provide guidance for the development of the plan. This group provides feedback and direction to approach and development; reviews and provides feedback on the draft framework; and conducts ongoing consultation and check-ins as required.

• Joyce Carter , President and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority
• Glenn Squires , CEO, Pacrim Hospitality Services
• Chuck Maillet , Vice President, ACOA
• Justin Huston , Deputy Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Chief Executive Officer, Office of L’nu Affairs

Latest News

See news releases and articles for information about the strategy.

• Province Partnering with Industry on Strategic Plan for Tourism Growth

Latest News

Legislation supports tourism transition and growth, communities, culture, tourism and heritage.

October 29, 2021 – 9:22 AM

Legislation introduced on October 29, will support efforts to promote Nova Scotia as a top-tier destination for visitors from around the world.

The Tourism Nova Scotia Dissolution Act transitions Tourism Nova Scotia from a Crown corporation to a division of the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

“Tourism is a vital part of a strong Nova Scotia economy,” said Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “As a division of the department, tourism will be even better equipped to promote all that Nova Scotia has to offer – from our unique events and destinations to diverse cultures and vibrant communities.”

The bill repeals the Tourism Nova Scotia Act and dissolves Tourism Nova Scotia and its board. Tourism staff become employees in the provincial civil service.

Revocation of board member appointments will take effect upon Royal Assent, and all changes will be finalized by January 1.

Quick Facts:

• transitioning tourism to a division of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage is one of the commitments in the Minister’s mandate letter to support the development of Nova Scotia’s tourism industry

Additional Resources:

Bills tabled in the legislature are available at:   https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-64-session-1

Tourism Nova Scotia website:   https://tourismns.ca/

Mandate letter of the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage:   https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-CCTH-ANSA-OEA-VS.pdf

VIEW NS GOVERNMENT RELEASE HERE

Previous post targeted supports announced for tourism and hospitality, next post tians position statement on the environmental goals and climate change reduction act, more recent stories.

November 3, 2021 TIANS Position Statement on The Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act Read More

August 31, 2021 New Cabinet to Deliver Solutions for Nova Scotians Read More

March 30, 2020 PM warns of ‘serious consequences’ for companies that abuse the system Read More

16 things to know before visiting Nova Scotia

May 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Get the most out of your visit to Nova Scotia with these local tips and insight © aprott / Getty Images

As a born and bred Nova Scotian and a one-time tourism promoter, I’ve been welcoming and advising visitors for decades.

This is my home and my playground, and I never tire of exploring Nova Scotia ’s nooks and crannies. There’s always a new winery or restaurant, a kayaking tour or an Indigenous experience to renew my appreciation of the home I thought I knew.

The good news is that my fellow Nova Scotians are just as eager to receive visitors. On a whale-watching tour, the captain will invite you into the wheelhouse for a yarn. It’s their fishing boat – they're eager to show it off. At a winery, the vintner is more than happy to talk about varietals and the organic approaches to growing them. Inside a rural museum, an interpreter might invite you to help fit that next board onto the dory they're building. Their great-grandparents might have built similar boats here. 

Nova Scotia is very safe, but more than that, its people are ready to welcome visitors with open arms, a glass of wine and a tale or two, some of which might even be true. Get the most out of your trip to Nova Scotia with these things to know before you go. 

1. Plan to spend at least three days in Nova Scotia

A common misconception among visitors to Nova Scotia is that it’s driveable in a single day. While technically true – a one-way trip tip-to-tip takes eight hours – you’ll want to immerse yourself in its rural charms and urban panache. Get off the 100-series highways onto the rural routes and scenic drives. Take that side road down to the wharf. When that beach tempts you to pull over and walk it, answer the call.

Looking for other ways to travel around Nova Scotia? Here's our transportation guide

2. Pack for changeable weather

Casual, comfortable clothing is ubiquitous – lots of denim, plaid, t-shirts, sneakers, sandals. Smart casual for the theater or a nice dinner is as formal as it gets. More importantly, pack layers and a waterproof windbreaker for cool nights, foggy coastlines and rainy days. Winter’s a different story when freezing temperatures require hats, mittens and warm coats.

Figure out which time of year you should visit Nova Scotia

3. Book accommodations and car rentals well ahead

Especially in summer and near the sea, accommodations fill up months in advance, sometimes a year out. Rental cars are hard to come by in summer, so book one well ahead of arrival.

4. Getting into and around Nova Scotia requires creativity

Everyone needs a passport to enter Canada through Nova Scotia, including Canadians returning from abroad. Citizens of the US and many other countries need only a passport,  others need additional documentation .

Maritime Bus serves some parts of Nova Scotia with daily stops. A two-hour trip costs about $25. VIA Rail, the only  passenger train , links Halifax and Montréal three times a week. EV charging stations are coming online quickly, but the total number is only around 100. While useful in Halifax, ride-hailing apps won’t likely get you a ride in rural areas. A few taxi services survive in some small towns.

Halifax’s Metro Transit runs a network of efficient, affordable bus routes and the ferry service that makes several harbor crossings per hour. An adult fare for either is $2.75. Ask for a paper transfer each time you get off a bus or ferry so you can catch the next one for free. Sydney on Cape Breton Island has its own public transit , but that’s about where services that are useful to visitors end in Nova Scotia.

5. Call 911 in an emergency

That number gets you an ambulance operated by professional paramedics. In rural Nova Scotia, it gets you a first responder, a volunteer with extensive first aid training who can quickly reach the services required for whatever the emergency might be. Medically essential transportation by ambulance can cost over $1000 for tourists, so be sure to have adequate travel insurance and contact your insurance company immediately.

6. Cell phone options are expensive, so stick with your home plan

Picking up a SIM card upon arrival in Canada won’t land you the savings it does in other countries. Phone plans in Nova Scotia are notoriously expensive. It’s likely cheaper to stick with your own roaming plan.

First time in Canada? Here's what you need to know

7. Wi-fi is common and free

Hoping to cut down on expensive data use? Most bars, restaurants and attractions offer free wi-fi. Just ask a server for the password. Need a keyboard? Libraries across Nova Scotia are equipped with computers that are free to use.

8. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, but take cash to farmers markets

Nova Scotia businesses of all sizes have gone fully electronic. Debit and credit cards are almost universally accepted. Just remember that small businesses have to eat the transaction fees, so debit is better than credit for them, and cash is better than both. Small companies like Wilson’s sell gasoline at a discount when you pay with debit or cash.

9. ...and tipping is expected

When paying by card, you’ll see a range of percentages pop up. The standard tip at Nova Scotia restaurants is 15%. There's no need to go higher than that, but do remember that many servers are paid minimum wage.  

10. Place names can be tricky to get right

Expect strange, hard-to-pronounce place names in Nova Scotia, many with Mi’kmaw, French or Gaelic roots. Nobody in Antigonish is against something called a “gonish,” as one visitor enquired. No one is looking for anything in Ecum Secum. There’s no bumper crop of fungi in Mushaboom. Nova Scotians are known for their healthy sense of humor and will happily help with correct pronunciation. Pronounce Musquodoboit as “mus-ka-dob-it.” When asking how far to Ben Eoin, it helps to think of a sleepy friend named “Ben Yawn.”

11. Practice your French in Acadian communities

In communities of Acadian ancestry such as Cheticamp, Isle Madame, Pubnico and Clare, French is the first language. It’s an older form of the language, influenced by English and Mi’kmaq, the local Indigenous language. Slipping into a conversation with a speaker of Acadian French will make an instant friend, but be prepared for a heavy accent and a hybrid language in which un pickup and un truck à garbage  are easily translated terms.

12. Canada is in the midst of a reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples

Centuries of mistreatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada by settlers has led to a process called  reconciliation . Governments at all levels and Canadians of settler descent are working to address the fallout of that mistreatment. At a musical performance, you’ll likely hear a land acknowledgment that declares the area as the ancestral home of the Mi’kmaq. Visitors are encouraged to seek out the welcoming Mi’kmaq, who offer interpretive experiences such as  Eskasoni Cultural Journeys and work as guides in places like  Kejimkujik National Park and the  Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre .

13. Stand well back from breaking waves

If there’s one danger Nova Scotians want every visitor to be aware of, it’s unpredictable coastal waves. At popular sites, waves roll straight in off the Atlantic, gently washing over the rocks one minute and potentially rising up to swallow onlookers at the next. Stay well back from rocky shores where waves break. At Peggy’s Cove , watch the waves from the viewing deck. On beaches, learn how rip tides work and how to escape them .

14. Forget bottled water

All restaurants serve free water with meals, usually from the tap, that's safe to drink. There’s rarely a need to buy water in plastic bottles.

15. Put down that lobster bib

I know, I know. Cracking open and devouring a whole lobster is a messy business, and you don’t want stains on your shirt. But nothing marks a tourist faster than donning the plastic bib decorated with little lobsters that restaurants provide. Be bold. Go local. Dive into that big, red, delicious crustacean with both hands, bib-free.

16. Cannabis is legal but confined to private places 

Canada legalized cannabis in 2018. The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (NSLC) is the only legal retailer of cannabis in the province, and it’s sold in the same stores as beer, wine and spirits. If you’re at least 19 (that’s also the legal drinking age), feel free to use it in the privacy of your accommodations. You can possess up to 30 grams in public, but it’s illegal to use in most public places and in a vehicle. Don't drive under the influence, and don’t forget it in your suitcase when flying out of Halifax. Otherwise, if you’re one for the weed, enjoy this rare freedom.

Plan your trip to Nova Scotia:

• Save this list of the best things to do
• These are the places you have to visit
• Head out on one of these scenic road trips

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Move to government 'bittersweet' for Autism Nova Scotia executive director

'i have always felt privileged and honoured to lead autism nova scotia,' says cynthia carroll.

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The executive director of Autism Nova Scotia has let her staff know she is leaving the non-profit to take on a senior position within the Houston government.

Cynthia Carroll's departure comes just days after Autism Nova Scotia and the province announced their collaboration on Nova Scotia's first autism action plan .

Carroll will be the Department of Community Service's next associate deputy minister. She will replace Cathy MacIsaac, who is retiring at the end of May.

"It's a little bit of a bittersweet moment for me," Carroll said Friday, after the cabinet order making the change official was posted to the government web page. "I'm excited to join the team at Community Services.

"The timing lined up as it did, but I do feel that ... my transition into government will still be a positive transition for the [autism] community."

Although a record of the decision was posted this week, the recommendation for cabinet to hire Carroll was dated May 2.

Carroll kept the job offer quiet because she was worried the news might overshadow last week's announcement about the autism plan.

Carroll, who has spent the last 28 years advocating for non-profit organizations, has sometimes been an outspoken critic of the Houston government.

Asked how she felt about moving into a role where she will have less freedom to speak her mind, Carroll said she was unsure. 

"Well … I'm not there yet," she said. "So, we'll have to see how that goes.

"I probably have held my tongue a lot too, even in this role. So I am familiar with that."

The Department of Community Services is one of the 10 departments assigned to work with Autism Nova Scotia on the action plan, but Carroll isn't sure this will be an issue she will be asked to handle.

• Limited space in preschool autism program leaves Antigonish family 'distraught'
• More autism supports needed for older kids, adults, advocates say

She said she will be keeping an eye on its progress regardless of her own role.

"Probably keep tabs on it from time to time," said Carroll. "But I am also ready to roll up my sleeves and dive into whatever direction this journey takes me next."

Carroll starts her new job June 1.

'Indelible mark'

Autism Nova Scotia posted a release to its website Friday.

"It is with bittersweet emotion that we announce Cynthia Carroll's departure as the Executive Director of Autism Nova Scotia, effective June 1, 2024.

"Cynthia's departure comes after a pivotal moment for Autism Nova Scotia with the announcement of the Autism Action Plan for the province. The milestone is a result of more than two decades of advocacy and tireless work, with Cynthia at the helm of the organization for 16 years."

The board chair of Autism Nova Scotia praised Carroll's leadership, noting the organization has grown from three employees in 2008 to more than 100 provincewide today.

"Her dedication to the autism community has made an indelible mark, and we know she will continue to break down barriers and inspire positive change in her next chapter," David Nicholson said in the release.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jean Laroche has been a CBC reporter since 1987. He's been covering Nova Scotia politics since 1995 and has been at Province House longer than any sitting member.

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Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia welcome new Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee

From: Public Safety Canada

News release

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable Barbara Adams, Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of the Honourable Myra Freeman as the incoming Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee, beginning June 1, 2024.

May 28, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario

Ms. Freeman, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and is a member of the Order of Canada, will continue the work begun by Founding Chair Linda Lee Oland, whose one-year term concludes on May 31, 2024.

Under Ms. Oland’s leadership, significant steps have been made to establish the Committee and to launch its work of monitoring the progress of the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia to advance the findings from the Final Report of the Mass Casualty Commission. This included developing the Terms of Reference for the Committee with Canada and Nova Scotia, undertaking consultations and then making recommendations to Canada and Nova Scotia on the membership of the Committee, and recently releasing the Committee’s Initial Six-Month Update and Monitoring Plan .

Moving forward, the Progress Monitoring Committee will continue to provide general public updates, which will be posted on its website no less than every six months, and an annual report.

“The Honourable Myra Freeman has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the people of Nova Scotia. In her role as Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee, she will be able to build on that commitment. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Ms. Oland for the leadership and the dedication she has demonstrated throughout her time as the Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee and to the Committee members for their continued work.” - The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Freeman to the role as chair. She understands the impact the mass casualty has had - and continues to have - in our province, and will bring compassion and perspective to the important work of the committee. I want to thank Ms. Oland for her leadership and guidance as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. We will continue to build on the groundwork laid in the first year as we move forward on the recommendations outlined in the Mass Casualty Commission Final Report.” - The Honourable Barbara Adams, Attorney General for Nova Scotia and Minister of Justice

“I am honoured to have been selected as the Incoming Chair for the Progress Monitoring Committee. The Committee has laid a solid foundation in its first year, and I look forward to working with the committee members to build on that important work of monitoring progress made by the Provincial and Federal Governments and the RCMP, and communicating that progress with Nova Scotians and Canadians.” - The Honourable Myra A Freeman, CM, ONS, MSM CD Incoming Chair, Progress Monitoring Committee Former Lieutenant Governor, Province of Nova Scotia

Quick facts

The Progress Monitoring Committee was established by Canada and Nova Scotia in September 2023 to provide a mechanism to monitor, report on, create mutual accountability for the two governments, and exchange knowledge and information as Canada and Nova Scotia and others respond to the Final Report from the Mass Casualty Commission.

The Progress Monitoring Committee will hold its next meeting in June.

The Government of Canada issued its response to the Final Report from the Mass Casualty Commission on March 28, 2024, which outlined the work that has been done to address the recommendations where the federal government can act or lead. 

Budget 2024 announced $76.7 million over the next five years as well as $10.2 million annually to support community safety and policing actions outlined in the government response, including $3.5 million over three years to support the Progress Monitoring Committee.

Related products

• Biography of the Honourable Myra A. Freeman

Associated links

• Progress Monitoring Committee
• Founding Chair of the Mass Casualty Commission’s Progress Monitoring Committee appointed
• The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announce appointment of members of the Progress Monitoring Committee
• Statement from Minister LeBlanc on the Government Response to the Final Report from the Mass Casualty Commission
• Nova Scotia’s Commitment to Action - Advancing work on the recommendations in the Mass Casualty Commission Final Report - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada

Jean-Sébastien Comeau Deputy Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (343) 574-8116 [email protected] Media Relations Public Safety Canada 613-991-0657 [email protected]

Deborah Bayer Nova Scotia Department of Justice 902-225-4982

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