Public Engagement
Public engagement is an important part of the program, helping Nova Scotians understand the work underway and providing opportunities to ask questions and share their perspectives. Dalhousie University and the Province of Nova Scotia have undertaken industry, stakeholder and public engagement sessions to better understand community readiness.
In April, Dalhousie and provincial representatives from the Department of Energy hosted three in-person open houses in Windsor, Amherst, and New Glasgow (Pictou County), with more than 500 people attending. Information boards provided further details on the program and experts were available to answer questions.
A province-wide virtual open house was also held on Microsoft Teams, with over 160 participants. This session included experts highlighting some of the information available on the engagement boards and answering a wide range of questions from participants. You can watch the recording here:
Nova Scotians who could not attend a live session had the opportunity to participate in online engagement where they could review the materials and provide input through an online survey.
In addition to public engagement, Dalhousie and provincial representatives hosted stakeholder meetings with Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, business organizations and industry leaders answering questions and providing an opportunity for one-on-one discussions.
Dalhousie and Department of Energy staff also delivered a presentation to the Environment and Climate Change Minister’s Round Table on Environment and Sustainability.
Additional engagements are planned with Mi’kmaw and Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia, coordinated through Dalhousie’s Office of the Vice Provost Indigenous and Mi’kmaw leadership.