News & Resources

Nova Scotia, similarly to much of the contemporary world, is facing a crisis of overlapping conflicts along the coast. While stemming from tensions between coastal stakeholders, these conflicts—namely, coastal access, privatization, inequity, and climate change—are symptomatic of the historical colonial commodification of Nova Scotia’s coast, as well as of the existing coastal governance framework.

Although the coast is a common space for people in Nova Scotia, its meaning is far from universal. The way individuals, communities, and institutions understand and use coastal areas is shaped by a range of social, economic, political, and cultural values. And because these perspectives often pull in different directions, conflicts between coastal stakeholders are inherently present. 

As climate change transforms coastal regions, those least responsible for the emissions and pollution accelerating it are often the most vulnerable to its impacts.

This three part blog series explores these complexities present along Nova Scotia’s coast by asking three important questions—questions that every coastal resident or user should consider: What is it that each of us values about the coast? Who should be responsible for coastal governance? And, what role can each of us play in shaping its future?

The Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia provides information and support to migrant workers, also known as Temporary Foreign Workers, across Nova Scotia. Its work includes direct support, public education, and advocacy around issues like healthcare access and permanent immigration status for all migrants. The Centre assists migrant workers who are facing abuse or injury and can help them access emergency food, housing, healthcare, and benefits.