Engage Nova Scotia to Support OneNS Work

Engage Nova Scotia will help address the economic and demographic challenges outlined in the report of the Nova Scotia Commission on Building Our New Economy.

"The Ivany Report identified our need as Nova Scotians to face our challenges squarely and overcome the 'psychological barriers of division, distrust and discouragement' that sometimes hold us back," says Ramona Lumpkin, chair of Engage Nova Scotia. "Engage Nova Scotia is committed to helping facilitate this unprecedented opportunity for Nova Scotians to take a fresh look at who we are, where we want to go and how we're going to get there."

The One Nova Scotia Commission called for continued public engagement and recognized the importance of Engage Nova Scotia's contributions. The report also called on Nova Scotians to take greater responsibility for their future. The One Nova Scotia Coalition supports the efforts of Engage to encourage new ideas in regions across the province.

"We know we have to take the future into our own hands and Engage is helping us do that," said deputy warden Jim Mustard, Inverness. "Engage Nova Scotia and Engage Inverness County helped us convene an unprecedented gathering of over 100 community members. It's a new way for public, private and not-for-profit sectors to work together to build a healthier and more prosperous Nova Scotia."

Engage Nova Scotia is a citizen-led, registered charity comprised of hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life. It brings together everyday people, committed businesses and diverse organizations to help build a culture of self-reliance and collaboration through training and public engagement support. Last fall, it inspired Nova Scotia families to host newcomers for Thanksgiving dinner in one effort to encourage immigrant retention. Close to 1,000 people participated.

Government will join private and public sector investors in providing $200,000 and has agreed to match funds raised from other private sector sources to a maximum of an additional $200,000.

For more information, visit www.engagenovascotia.ca. Follow the work of the One Nova Scotia Coalition on Twitter through @oneNovaScotia and at www.onens.ca .