Public engagement ended July 26, 2021. We reviewed the submissions and published a summary of what we heard.
Public Feedback
Read through the Province of Nova Scotia’s reports highlighting public feedback that was received on new environmental goals and the climate change plan.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Our public engagement team is monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and is following the recommendations and guidance from the Chief Public Health Officer. For accurate, up-to-date information on novel coronavirus, including prevention tips and details on Nova Scotia’s preparation, visit novascotia.ca/coronavirus
What is the Sustainable Development Goals Act, and why should it matter to you?
In October 2019, the Government of Nova Scotia passed the new Sustainable Development Goals Act.
The Act aims to advance Nova Scotia’s economic, social, and environmental wellbeing. The Act sets two new goals to fight climate change and commits to a new Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth.
It creates a framework to set additional goals that advance Nova Scotia’s economic, social, and environmental well being.
We are accepting written input to what should be considered as a new goal under the Sustainable Development Goals Act and/or included in the new Climate Plan for Clean Growth.
We want to hear from you. Between May 27 and July 26, 2021, Clean Foundation, on behalf of Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change, is asking Nova Scotians what they think. Your input will inform the province’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth and the new goals under the Act.
Discussion Papers
Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth
Resources
Do-it-Yourself Workshop Facilitation Kit
Do-It-Yourself Handout #1
Do-It-Yourself Handout #2
Do-It-Yourself Handout #3
View Engagement Funding Webinar
Engagement Funding Form
Share Your Thoughts
We want to hear your ideas for the new goals under the Nova Scotia Sustainable Development Goals Act and the Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth.
There are several ways to share your input:

Attend a virtual workshop

Share your ideas

Host a virtual workshop

Respond to our questions
All comments received from the public engagement will be shared with Environment and Climate Change, and made available to the public on request. In the case of an individual, the address, email and contact information will be removed before being placed on the website.

Respond to our questions
For each of the focus areas below:
What does success look like in this area?
What can we do to encourage change?
For all of the areas below, please consider how we can make progress in these areas while creating an inclusive economy in which no one is left behind. Examples of initiatives that improve inclusion include focus on low-income homes for energy efficiency retrofits, accessible public transportation, support to access green job opportunities
All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. ADT on July 26, 2021.
Area 1. Leadership in sustainable prosperity
We believe Nova Scotia can grow our economy and protect our environment at the same time. The province can’t do it alone, though. We need to work with other levels of government, businesses and all Nova Scotians.
Government can lead by developing policies and programs that consider both the environment and the economy. It can start pilot projects, support communities and businesses, do research, and educate Nova Scotians. Government can also support communities and businesses to do the same.
Area 2. Supporting the transition to cleaner energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner transportation
Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, heat our homes, and travel within the province impacts Nova Scotians’ health, and contributes to climate change and air pollution. Moving to a net-zero Nova Scotia will mean shifts in how we make energy, where we live, and how we travel.
We must shift toward generating electricity without any greenhouse gas emissions, with sources like wind and solar. The buildings where we live and work will change as they become more energy-efficient and heated with heat pumps, and other green heat sources. We’ll make more trips by transit, walking, biking, and in zero-emission vehicles like electric cars and buses.
Area 3. Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Nova Scotians care about a clean and healthy future for our province. We have the resources and the know-how to prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change and thrive in a zero-carbon future.
Although climate change affects everyone and all sectors, it does not affect everyone equally. People who already face barriers to their well-being and equality may also face disproportionate impacts from climate change. Tackling the climate crisis is our opportunity to build back better for everyone.
Area 4. Circular economy
A circular economy means fewer disposable items used just for one purpose. It means sharing, reusing, repurposing and repairing, to keep physical goods and materials in use for as long as possible. This requires innovation and creativity. It’s more than recycling. A circular economy is very different from the traditional ‘take, make, use, dispose’ system we are all used to.
Area 5. Inclusive economy
An inclusive economy is one where all Nova Scotians have an opportunity to build a good life in our province. All of us will have a chance to share in the jobs and opportunities we create in the clean economy, no matter what our ability, geography, gender, race, or income is.
Area 6. Protecting our natural assets
We need clean air for our health, and clean water for our people and ecosystems to thrive. We must protect these assets so they support us now, and for years to come.

Attend a Virtual Workshop
Virtual workshops will be facilitated and organized by Clean Foundation. To participate please click ‘Register here’ by the date and topic of your choice to sign up. There are no specific preparations needed, but review of this website and resources would greatly assist.
Thursday, June 10
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom
All areas discussion
Sunday, June 13
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Zoom
Sustainable prosperity
Thursday, June 17
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom
Natural assets & biodiversity
Tuesday, June 22
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom
Cleaner energy
Thursday, June 24
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom
Climate change
Tuesday, July 6
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom
Circular economy
Thursday, July 8
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom
Inclusive economy
Tuesday, July 13
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom
All areas discussion in French

Host a virtual workshop
Download our ‘do-it-yourself’ facilitation kit and host your own engagement workshop. Materials from the workshop can be emailed or mailed to the addresses below.

Share your ideas
Engage in discussions and share your thoughts online
Upload your ideas in the box below
Send your thoughts by email, mail or phone
Clean Future
Attention: Engagement Coordinator
126 Portland Street Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1H8
1-877-616-2247
Project Timeline
Clean Foundation to launch, and facilitate, a series of public engagement opportunities from May 27 – July 26, 2021 for Nova Scotians to share their input on new goals under the Sustainable Development Goals Act and the content of the Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth in 2021.
Clean Foundation will summarize the feedback received through the public consultation process and provide this summary to Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change.
Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change will share a report on the feedback with the public and participants of the public engagement process.
Media inquiries
Rachel Boomer, Communications Director, Nova Scotia Environment
902-424-2575
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