Breaking Down Silos: Why Working Together Matters for Nova Scotia
For a long time, different groups in Nova Scotia have worked separately—forests experts in one room, builders in another, farmers somewhere else. But things are changing. More and more, people from different fields are coming together to solve big problems facing our province.
Learning from Each Other
Several weeks ago, I sat with landowners, foresters, and environmental groups talking about wildfires. They shared how years of certain forestry practices have made Nova Scotia more at risk for big fires. The good news? They realized they can work together to prevent and reduce wildfires. When people from different backgrounds share what they know, better solutions happen.
Last week, I was in a room with educators, construction sector representatives, social workers, non-profits, and justice system staff. They were exploring an exciting idea: a construction company that would be a social enterprise. This means it would help solve Nova Scotia's housing crisis while also training and hiring people for repair jobs. These connections create wins for everyone—housing gets fixed, people get jobs and skills, and communities get stronger.
Food Systems Coming Together
Last weekend, I attended a gathering of farmers, business owners, teachers, students, researchers, and non-profits. They shared ideas about how to strengthen Nova Scotia's food systems. They talked about food insecurity, the challenges farmers face, and how to make sure all Nova Scotians can access healthy food. Their collaboration is already sparking new ideas and plans.
Philanthropy as a Bridge
As these groups try to break down the walls between them, there is an important role for organizations like the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS). RCFNS focuses on bridging between different sectors, understanding each group's unique mission and goals, and leveraging the resources needed to undertake new and innovative approaches to meeting Nova Scotian’s needs.
Moving Forward Together
These conversations show that Nova Scotia is ready for change. When foresters, builders, farmers, educators, and non-profits work as one team, they can tackle big challenges like wildfires, housing, and hunger. The magic happens when we stop working in separate silos and start working together. That is how we build a stronger, fairer Nova Scotia for everyone.
