Just Transition is not a fixed set of rules, but a vision and a process based on dialogue and an agenda shared by workers, industry, and governments that need to be negotiated and implemented in their geographical, political, cultural, and social contexts. It is implemented with a set of guiding principles, such as the International Labour Organization's guidelines for a just transition. The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) supports this definition and the philosophy behind it.
Green Jobs
Green Jobs
Climate jobs make both direct and indirect contributions to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, they address the inequities of climate change impacts and assist communities in becoming self-sustaining, while coping with, adapting to, or remediating the consequences of such change.
These jobs are invaluable as we continue to witness harmful consequences for our climate. We commissioned a green jobs report in 2019 identifying a just transition to the green economy that prevents individuals from being left behind. A major finding of the report, noted in its summary, was that 15,000 jobs per year are possible by 2030 in the green economy.
Nova Scotia Clean Energy Deep Canvassing Project
Nova Scotia Clean Energy Deep Canvassing Project
In 2023, the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) launched the campaign "It's in Our Power" to build support for 100 per cent clean energy in Nova Scotia. As part of this campaign, the EAC is implementing a deep canvassing pilot project in the community of Stellarton. Inspired by the successful deep canvassing initiative conducted by Neighbours United in Trail, B.C., the EAC hopes to use this community engagement approach to garner support for Nova Scotia's transition to a 100 per cent clean electricity sector.
The EAC's deep canvassing project began in early 2023 and will continue throughout the year. After assembling an initial team of passionate volunteers, the project kicked off with skill-building workshops focused on storytelling, active listening and script development. Stellarton was selected as the canvassing location, and outreach efforts are underway to understand the primary concerns, issues and barriers people may have in the community regarding the clean energy transition. This “deep listening” outreach will help inform us on developing a meaningful, location-specific deep canvassing script.
What is deep canvassing?
Deep canvassing is an innovative approach to engaging with individuals and shifting their opinions on specific topics. It involves using empathetic conversations that foster trust and create personal connections between the canvasser and the participant. Unlike traditional methods that often lead to polarization, deep canvassing encourages active listening and meaningful dialogue, allowing participants to reflect on their opinions and gain a better understanding of the topic at hand. This approach has been proven successful in numerous social justice movements including marriage equality and transgender rights in the United States and is now being used to promote messaging around climate change.
Sharing narratives
As part of this project, we believe in the power of narratives to connect with people. We will actively seek out and share stories from communities, including the impacts of climate change and related messaging. This will be an ongoing task throughout the whole project and will involve journalism, writing, storytelling and communication skills. The stories we collect will be shared on the EAC's Energy Team blog, In Our Power.
Looking to join the project?
If you are interested in volunteering and gaining new skills in storytelling, listening and door-to-door canvassing, we invite you to join our project. To get involved or learn more, please email Scott at scott.osmond@ecologyaction.ca.
Together, let's make a positive impact and support Nova Scotia's journey toward 100 per cent clean energy.