Task Force wants to Hear from Nova Scotians

With only three weeks left until the Sept. 1 deadline, Voluntary Planning's Heritage Strategy Task Force is encouraging Nova Scotians to comment on the 49 recommendations that will shape the province's heritage strategy.

"It is important for us to ensure the recommendations reflect what Nova Scotians value most about their heritage," said Maureen Reid, chair of the task force. "We encourage anyone who is interested in the heritage of the province to consider the recommendations, and then share their comments or concerns."

In May 2005, the provincial government, in partnership with the Federation of Nova Scotian Heritage, asked Voluntary Planning to consult with Nova Scotians and gather the information needed to provide advice on a heritage strategy for Nova Scotia.

The task force held 22 community meetings across the province before releasing its interim report on June 21. The report features recommendations in the areas of intangible cultural heritage, cultural diversity, museums, archives, built heritage, abandon cemeteries, archeology, underwater cultural heritage, natural heritage, heritage promotion, publishing, education, the governance of heritage and planning.

Comments can be submitted through an online response form at www.gov.ns.ca/vp , by e-mail to [email protected], by fax at 902-424-0580, by mail to Voluntary Planning, Suite 600, 1690 Hollis St., Halifax, N.S., B3J 3J9 or by phone at 424-5682 or toll free at 1-866-858-5850.

Voluntary Planning is an arm's length board of government whose mandate is to engage Nova Scotians on the important policy issues for the future.