There are many challenges facing the Strait Region as outlined in this report. As the statistics and research indicate:

• the region has one of the highest rates of unemployment in Nova Scotia
• almost one half of the population do not have a high school diploma
• the entire population of two of the four counties in the Strait Region live in rural areas
• the region has a declining and aging population
• the average income of the region lags behind that of the provincial average
• there has been a transition in the economy from resource-based sectors to knowledge-based sectors
• access to upgrading programs and skills training remains a challenge to many in the region

The issues and trends discussed in this report reflect the changing environment of the province as a whole. The effect on the labour market in the Strait Region has become more evident recently with the announcement that the largest private sector employer in the Strait Region (EDS Canada) would be needing more than 300 additional employees. Recruiting employees with appropriate skills to fill these positions will be a challenge. However, with the high levels of unemployment in the Strait Region, one would have to wonder if there is not an untapped labour pool needing to upgrade their skills to successfully re-enter the labour market.

The rural nature of the Strait Region is a major barrier to adults who need skills training or access to education programs. With only one university (St. Francis Xavier) and one community college (NSCC Strait Area Campus) in the region, residents are limited in educational opportunities and skill training programs. Ensuring that persons with literacy challenges and low levels of education have access to programs and supports that facilitate their participation in society and their participation in the changing labour market is of paramount importance.

While there are a number of supports and resources available in the Strait region, the question becomes how to co-ordinate these resources to enhance employability skills and ensure a skilled and available workforce. By utilizing the resources in our community, the growing and changing economy will have a growing and changing population to meet the demands of employers and the labour market in our region.