Sustainable Nova ScotiaAn Overview

FMIFebruary 20, 2008.

Purposes

• Describe the province’s new “sustainable” direction

• Promote the economic growth strategy and the Environmental Goals & Sustainability Act

• Discuss the challenges and opportunities these new approaches bring

The New Nova Scotia

Evolving Context

EGSP2007OfSP

2006SPF2007

other strategies/initiatives

The New Nova Scotia

We will create winning conditions of success through a globally competitive business climate, a highly trained and skilled workforce, and opportunities from global connections. And we will seize opportunities, becoming a leader in information technology, R&D, innovation and the green economy.

The New Nova Scotia will balance economic development, social development and environmental protection.

The New Nova Scotia: A Path to 2020 Vision: Building for Families, Building for the Future

1. Creating Winning Conditions

2. Seizing New Economic Opportunities

3. Building for Individuals, Families and Communities

1.1 Globally Competitive Business Climate

2.1 Leader in Information Technology

3.1 Healthy, Active Nova Scotians

1.2 Globally Competitive Workforce

2.2 Leader in R&D & Innovation

3.2 Accessible Services

1.3 Globally Competitive Connections

2.3 Leader in Clean & Green Economy

3.3 Safe Communities

3.4 Vibrant Communities

Growth Strategy

• Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity 2006• Vision

– a thriving Nova Scotia that is the best place in Canada to live, work, do business, and raise families

• Drivers – Demographics – Globalization

• Approach– Economy & Environment linked

Growth Strategy - Model

Growth Strategy - Focus Areas

Financial Capital• Access to Capital• Capacity Building Opportunity Matching• Gap Analysis

Natural Capital• Sustainable Competitiveness• Natural Resource Strategies• Green Plan => EGSPA• Energy & Climate Change

Built Capital• Transportation – Gateway• Broadband & Wireless• Other Public Infrastructure• Industrial Lands

Human Capital• Population• Education

Social Capital• Community Development• Regional Planning & Development• Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Business Climate• Provincial Tax Structure• Provincial Regulatory Environment• Provincial Procurement• Public Policy

Increased Productivity through Innovation

• Improved Efficiency• Commercialization

Trade and Competitiveness• Export Development• Reducing Barriers to Trade• Investment Attraction

Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act

• Principles:– The health of the economy, the environment and the

people are interconnected– Environmentally sustainable economic development

recognizes the economic value of our environmental assets and is essential to our long-term prosperity

– Governments, business and the people share responsibility for the environment and the economy and must manage them for the benefit of present and future generations

– Innovative solutions and long term approaches will be required

The Act - Targets

• The Act:– a framework for integrating economic prosperity with

environmental and social well-being– 2 long term objectives – by 2020

• international leadership in environmental sustainability

• economic performance equal to or greater than Canadian average

– 21 specific goals, including• greenhouse gas emissions 10% below 1990 by 2020

– includes significant accountability requirements

Target Timetable

• wastewater treatment facilities provide at least primary treatment

• GHG emissions reduced to 10% below 1990 levels

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

by 2020• solid waste disposal rate down to 300 kg/person

• 12% of land mass legally protected for conservation

• 18.5% of the total electricity needs of the province obtained from renewable sources

• a government demonstration facility showcases energy efficiency and sustainable design

by 2015• national air quality standards achieved

• sustainable procurement policy in place

• strategies adopted to ensure sustainability of water, forestry, mining, parks and biodiversity

• emissions standards adopted for new vehicles for green-house gases and air pollutants

by 2010

Walking the Talk?

• The New Nova Scotia, OfSP and the Act set challenging goals? Can we achieve them?

• Solid Waste experience shows we can:– Met 50% diversion target in 2000

• Savings of $32M - $167M over previous system (GPI 2004)• 1,200 new direct jobs

– Business opportunities continue to develop• Environmental consultants sector growth• R&D, Technologies• Export growth

– Leadership continues• E-waste Regulations recently passed, adopting EPR principles

Mobilizing Resources

• New structures to lead change– Deputy Ministers Forum on Sustainable

Prosperity• co-chaired by NSED and NSEL• 11 departments and agencies represented• supported by a Senior Officials Group & Working Groups

– Roundtable on Environmental Sustainability • Working with TPB to embed sustainability work

in the business planning process• Putting in new reporting structures to highlight

progress or challenges

Tools & Links

Tools– OfSP Decision Matrix– Green Screen– Sustainability Matrix

Links– Social Prosperity Framework– Updated Energy Strategy– Climate Change Strategy– Forestry, Mining, Parks & Biodiversity Strategies

For Example

• Can Nova Scotia be– North America’s Green Gateway?– The world leader in tidal energy technology

and governance?– Sustainable tourism destination #1?– The home of value added natural products?– The world leader in environmental

management, services and technology?

FMI Roles

• General– Read and understand the material– Provide feedback

• Growth Strategy– Help in raising the level of debate on issues

• Sustainable Prosperity Act– Support work on commitments

• Other?