Case Study From Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Extract Introduction For decades, the narrative in Canada’s Nova Scotia province has centered on concepts of economic sluggishness and a dwindling population base. This pervasive and unmotivating “we’re falling behind” story is built squarely on measures of economic growth, and on the assumption that growing the economy is what matters most. Lost in that formula, however, are qualities that make Nova Scotia a place its residents deeply value. Education levels are high in the province, as are measures for quality of life and community belonging. The region boasts abundant natural beauty. By many counts, Nova Scotia has already achieved the kind of success that other regions would aspire to. And yet, measures that evaluate economic progress ignore this richness. People in Nova Scotia want to make their province a better place, but many don’t feel able to be part of the solutions or know where to begin, especially in this defeatist, economics-dominant context. So leaders in the province launched Engage Nova Scotia, an independent nongovernmental organization (supported by public, private, community, and academic funding) designed to redefine and rediscover what success really means. It is building clarity and confidence behind a new story of what success means and how the province will pursue it, together. Engage Nova Scotia is in its early stages, and yet is already asking questions that are relevant for diverse socio-political contexts.