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Department of Economics

Faculty of Science

Nancy Faraday‑Smith


What I enjoyed the most about graduate studies with Dal Econ were the advantages of being in a small, intimate learning environment

Hi, my name is Nancy Faraday-Smith and I graduated with a Master’s (MA) degree in Economics in 1999.  I am part of a proud “Dal Mob” that continues to infiltrate the federal public service – Go Dal!  I am currently a Senior Policy Analyst with the Labour Markets team in the Social Policy Division of the Department of Finance. In this capacity I have worked on a wide variety of pertinent files/policies over the years, such as post-secondary education, child care, employment insurance, labour mobility and – most recently – immigration.  Prior to joining the division in 2004, I worked as a policy analyst for four years in the Government of Ontario, including the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Ministry of Labour.  I also worked for the Nova Scotia Department of Finance while completing my Masters. I have an Honours Bachelor degree in Economics from Carleton University.   In addition to my “day job”, I am a board member of the regional group of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC), and served as Chair of both the Ottawa and Toronto IPAC chapters. In 2009, I also joined the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Economics Association. Apparently I am a rare breed around here, having come from Ottawa originally.  Most people you meet in the federal public service didn’t grow up here. I live with my husband and two children (Caitlin and Nicholas), aptly nicknamed “The Sputniks” for their amazing ability to constantly orbit around me - photo evidence provided.My family and I recently returned to Halifax for the Dalhousie Homecoming Weekend, giving me a chance to reflect on my four years in Halifax (study, work, play – not always in that order).  

What I enjoyed the most about graduate studies with Dal Econ were the advantages of being in a small, intimate learning environment, where quality of classroom teaching was equally matched by guidance and support outside of class hours from all staff members.  For me, this was a vast and necessary departure from my undergraduate experience.  It also allowed me to forge close friendships with fellow Econ and MDE students, something that was a significant factor in surviving and even (gasp!) enjoying all that goes with the pressures of grad school.  I’m proud to be an alumnus of Dal Econ and believe that my decision to attend Dal was the precise beginning of what set me on the career path I enjoy today.