By Jennifer Hoegg
NovaNewsNow.com
Ramona Jennex says the province is turning a corner.
The Kings South MLA said it’s difficult to “stand back and look at the big picture,” but she sees work towards growing the economy and jobs as an achievement of 2012.
“There are so many things that we have been doing that affect the whole province,” Jennex said, citing the Port Hawkesbury paper mill and the purchase of the former Bowater lands.
There’s been greater co-operation between government ministers and departments. Her ministerial education portfolio is part of that work, she said, noting in particular work to update the province’s math curriculum.
“We’re making sure that the math program is changing so that we have students with a deep understanding of math,” Jennex said.
“I have been working inside the education portfolio to make sure the curriculum that makes sure to match requirements” of the economy, she added. “We’re making sure our children are ready to step into jobs and stay in Nova Scotia and raise their families.”
For 2013, her focus will continue to be on economic development.
“We have a lot of good things happening in Kings South and there’s a lot we can build on,” Jennex said.
She pointed to the integration and co-operation between the community college, Acadia University and local industry as a boost to those efforts.
“Acadia had been very good as an incubator for lots of innovation and ideas,” she said.
“The economy is tough, but we are there to support people who have ideas.”
Government support programs are also on her radar for the next year.
“We recognize there is a great deal of duplication across the province; we also recognize the gaps,” she said. “We have to make sure we have equitable and equal services across the province.”
While Jennex said she has no idea when an election call might come, she’s ready to ask voters to return her to the legislature.
“I love this job, I feel really blessed to be a representative for Kings South,” Jennex said. “It isn’t my seat, it’s the people’s seat, so I will see if they want me for another term… I’m going to give it my best shot.”
