The Nova Scotia Centre for Employment Innovation (CEI) at St. Francis Xavier (StFX) University will provide leadership, foster best practices, conduct research and encourage collaboration in the development and delivery of employment services across Nova Scotia. Operating within and supported by the StFX Extension Department and working in partnership with government, service providers, community agencies and researchers, it will bring people and knowledge together to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of employment services across the province in order to foster a skilled, resilient and productive workforce.
The work of the CEI will help change the socio-economic development narrative in communities from a focus on weaknesses and deficits to an emphasis on strengths, opportunities and assets. Further, the CEI will compliment the innovation and enterprise efforts currently underway within StFX Extension that aim to encourage social innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise activities across Nova Scotia.
The CEI at StFX University will distinguish itself in the following areas by:
- Research and Innovation
- Collaboration and Engagement
- Capacity Building and Training
- Governance and Leadership
StFX believes that communities and citizens have the assets and strengths to face current economic, environmental and social challenges. Staff members also believe that new innovations in employment services that support diversity, inclusiveness and entrepreneurship are key to utilizing these assets to improve the lives of Nova Scotians.