Province Launches Series of Community Consultations

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Province Launches Series of Community Consultations

The province has begun discussions that will lead to a new community development policy.

A series of community consultations sponsored by the Office of Economic Development began Monday, May 12, in Truro with a round- table discussion of topics such as urbanization, shifting demographics, and new economic trends.

"It is up to us -- government, businesses, and community leaders -- to create the kind of prosperity necessary to ensure our rural communities meet challenges like declining populations and keep growing," Premier John Hamm told the gathering. "Our province is strongest when we have the conviction and the plan to meet the priorities of both rural and urban areas, and this is your opportunity to contribute to that plan."

Social, cultural, business, and government representatives identified four development challenges for discussion: the out- migration of youth, infrastructure, access to capital and the role of government in community development.

Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke said such community consultation is needed for effective policymaking. "We want people to tell us how they want to build on community assets in ways that equitably share growth between rural and urban areas and enhance the social, environmental, and economic well-being of all Nova Scotians," he said.

Nova Scotia Economic Development is leading the initiative to develop the new community development policy. The policy will guide the work of all provincial government departments and is expected to be in place this fall.

The province's economic growth strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity, called for the development of a comprehensive policy framework for community development that would support regions as they take charge of their futures.