Equity in Action—From Understanding to Implementation
Throughout this series, we've explored rural Nova Scotia's journey from scarcity to abundance—celebrating cultural diversity, showcasing collaborative successes, and examining food sovereignty, climate resilience, and land equality. But abundance for some while others remain excluded is not abundance at all. True systems change requires equity in action.
Equity 101: Understanding the Distinction
The image accompanying this blog captures a fundamental truth: equality and equity are not the same thing. Equality assumes everyone benefits from identical supports. Equity recognizes we don't all start from the same place—different people need different supports to achieve equal outcomes. Equality is the goal; equity is how we get there.
In rural Nova Scotia, this distinction matters deeply. When we apply equality-only approaches to planning, strategizing, or budgeting, we risk perpetuating barriers we're trying to address. But when we center equity, we acknowledge that Mi'kmaq communities, African Nova Scotian neighborhoods, newcomer families, and other marginalized groups may need targeted supports and decision-making power to participate fully in Nova Scotia's collective prosperity.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Looking through these blogs, equity principles thread through each theme: recognizing that "scarcity mindset" isn't just about resources—it's about who defines problems and solutions. True collaboration goes beyond tokenism to redesigning the table itself. Solutions will only be sustainable and long-lasting when they center justice.
Equity in Action: Real Examples
Across Nova Scotia, communities demonstrate equity principles: Membertou First Nation's transformation shows what's possible with Indigenous self-determination. The African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan developed and owned by the ANS community focuses on developing unity and capacity among ANS communities. Nova Scotia's Health Equity Framework acknowledges that discrimination creates barriers requiring targeted and resourced solutions.
The Call Forward
Real equity requires addressing root causes, not symptoms. What barriers to participation exist in your community? How might your organization shift from equality-focused to equity-centered practices?
Asked another way: where are communities like boats taking on water? Where are the leaks and what does community need to repair them?
When we commit to equity as a process and equality as an outcome, we create the foundation for a rural Nova Scotia where every person and community can truly flourish.
Reflection:
How is your community moving from equality to equity? What would centering marginalized voices look like? Share your examples below.
#EquityInAction #EqualityVsEquity #RuralNovaScotia #RCFNS #SystemsChange
