Consultant
E-mail: halifaxglobal.com
Direct Line: 902.476.8686
Ruth Blades is an information professional with expertise in the collection, analysis and reporting of a wide array of information relevant to the needs of business, government and not-for-profit organizations. She has held a number of positions in both the private and public sectors in Halifax.
Ruth has developed outstanding organizational and project management skills through specialized training and the application of standard practices and methodologies. With a proven track record in the delivery of customized information, Ruth is able to take the guesswork out of corporate decision-making.
With a proven record for delivering insightful, customized information, Ruth’s expertise is integral to critical corporate decision-making.
Areas of Expertise
- Project management
- Stakeholder consultation
- Economic data analysis
- Competitive intelligence
- Information management
- Primary and secondary research
Experience/Selected Projects
Strategy Development
- Developed an strategic action plan for the Economic Development Division of Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.
- Developed a strategic plan for the Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies
- Conducted a strategic assessment of the potential for growth in three business parks located on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.
- Developed a forest sector strategy for the island of Newfoundland
Research and Analysis
- Conducted a literature review of employer focused services with regard to employing people with disabilities.
- Conducted a feasibility study for the creation of an on-campus English as a second lanbuage program for Mount Allison University.
- Conducted a feasibility study for the development of a science media centre for Canada.
- Conducted a business case analysis for the development of centre of regeneration excellence in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.
- Conducted a feasibility study for the establishment of an ethanol production facility in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.
- Conducted a comparative analysis of economic development practices at the municipal level, including website best practices.
- Developed an asset map of the life sciences sector in Nova Scotia.
- Conducted a comprehensive review of the fees associated with the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.
- Developed the business case for increased immigration to Halifax, as part of the Halifax Region Immigration Strategy.
- Developed an asset map of the education sector in Nova Scotia
- Developed business cases for the establishment of health research funding programs in Nova Scotia.
- Conducted an assessment of Access to capital for small and medium sized enterprises throughout Atlantic Canada and developed a high level approach to improving this process.
- Conducted a review of statutory holidays across Canada and the impact on minimum wage earners.
Project Management
- Managed the design, development and launch of a new website for the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute.
- Provided project management services to the Pan Atlantic Population and Immigration Association to facilitate coordinated pan-Atlantic immigration marketing and promotion.
- Managed the development of a business case analaysis for the Northern Ontario Centre of Regeneration Excellence in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.
- Managed a comprehensive project involving a dispersed team of experts in the development of business case analysis and feasibility studies in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.
Credentials
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Master of Library and Information Studies (Dalhousie University) focusing on information management and business research
- Bachelor of Commerce (Saint Mary’s University) – Finance and Economics
- Received specialized training in project management, information management and specialized software applications.
- Extensive work experience in the public and private sectors in the education and economic development fields.
Selected Clients
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute
- BioNova
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
- Cape Breton University
- Council of Atlantic Premiers
- EduNova Cooperative Ltd.
- Emera
- Greater Halifax Partnership
- Mount Allison University
- Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
- Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources
- Nova Scotia Business Inc.
- Nova Scotia Department of Environment & Labour - Minimum Wage Review Committee
- Nova Scotia Office of Immigration
- Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation
- Smooth Rock Falls Community Development Corporation
- TEAMWork Cooperative
- Town of Marathon
- Trade Centre Limited