Nova Scotians Showcasing Leadership in the Green Economy, Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Mark Parent, Minister of Environment, and Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Economic Development.

From Joggins to Yarmouth and from Port Hawkesbury to Pictou, the green economy is growing strong. This summer, our goal was to get into communities, speak to leaders, and encourage them to get involved in the green economy. We set out to inspire Nova Scotians but we ended up the ones who were inspired.

From July to September, we visited 10 communities and met more than 400 Nova Scotians who have an interest in environmental management and economic development. We met leaders who are committed, like we are, to building the economy without sacrificing the environment.

With the help of the province's regional development authorities, we saw first-hand the incredible foresight, talents and innovations of Nova Scotians. Many businesses and communities are actively involved in sustainable business practices and are role models for helping make our province more competitive.

For example, we knew that the Municipality of the District of Chester's Kaizer Meadow Waste Management Facility was a dynamic site. What we didn't know is that they are working on numerous projects that will help Nova Scotia uphold its success in solid- waste management and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

Right in the hub of Nova Scotia, the Green Data Centre in Truro is operating as Canada's first and only centre offering green business solutions. They create energy efficiencies and savings, and make an impact on a business' bottom line.

And Joggins Fossil Centre is a great example of community-led, sustainable economic development. The centre at the newly designated UNESCO site is sustainable right down to the water faucets. It features materials made in Nova Scotia and has a wind turbine for energy efficiency.

Our next big event will be the Power of Green Conference. We are excited to have more Nova Scotian businesses gather under one roof to share their expertise and best practices in environmental management and economic development, and to further discuss the business case for sustainability.

The conference takes place Monday, Oct. 20 at the Cunard Centre in Halifax. It is another opportunity to take pride in the leadership of our Nova Scotian businesses.

As you've just read, Nova Scotia is well on its way to being a leader in sustainability here and abroad. On a final note, we want to say how proud we are of what we saw this summer, what we heard, and what Nova Scotians are doing every day to contribute to a clean, green and prosperous Nova Scotia.