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Welcome!
Nova Scotia is faced with an aging population. An aging population and aging workforce suggest a decline in the labour force participation rate over time. This is indicated by:
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The growing proportion of the population that is beyond the age at which individuals normally retire
- The demonstrated trend that the working age participation rate declines with age
A way to address these demographic challenges is to encourage increased participation of older workers in the workforce.
In response to Nova Scotia's demographic and labour force challenges, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development is Nova Scotia is administering older worker programming.
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers has been extended from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2012.
To see information on how to apply, please go to the Information Page on How to Apply
Ongoing Projects
For specific information on individual Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) projects that are being delivered in Nova Scotia in 2009-2010, please click here.
Labour and Workforce Development--$6.9 Million to Help Unemployed Older Workers
Hundreds of Nova Scotia's unemployed older workers will continue to benefit from programming that will help them build skills and find work.
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development in partnership with the federal government will continue to offer programming under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) as a result of a three year federal/provincial funding extension of $6.9 million.
Since 2007, twenty-three TIOW projects were completed assisting close to 300 older workers in Nova Scotia. During that time, over 40 per cent of participants gained employment and have started or are in the process of starting their own business. Dozens of other participants are currently pursuing further training or have gained the skills to actively seek employment.
Nova Scotia's population is aging quicker than any other jurisdiction in the country, so, we can not overlook the wealth of skill and knowledge older workers bring to the workforce in this province, said Stuart Gourley, senior executive director of the Skills and Learning Branch of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. This funding will allow organizations to continue to assist these workers so they have the tools they need to continue to make important contributions in their communities.
The three year extension of the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers includes a $90-million federal commitment aimed at program delivery for older workers. Under this initiative, the provinces and territories that choose to participate have the responsibility for identifying territories and communities that have been or could be affected by closures or downsizing and work with organizations in these communities to develop projects.
Unemployed Nova Scotians between the ages of 55 and 64 who are legally entitled to work in Canada, lack the skills needed for successful integration into new employment and live in a community that has been or could be affected by closures or downsizing, qualify to participate in TIOW programming.
This program allowed me to capitalize on the skills I already had, and helped me learn new things along the way, said Pat MacIsaac, a Richmond County Older Worker participant.
Skills learned through the program enabled Pat to begin a new phase of her career within the real estate industry.
A call for proposals for the TIOW extension was released on Saturday, May 16th, 2009. Organizations who support older workers are encouraged to apply for funding.
For more information please visit the website at www.olderworker.ca
For an overview on the 2007-2009 Targeted Initiative for Older Worker (TIOW), please click here.
For more details on 2008-2009 projects that were funded through the TIOW, click here.
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