Last week, Recreation Nova Scotia met with Minister Ritcey and staff from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH) to discuss Recreation Nova Scotia and the vital role of the recreation sector in Nova Scotia.
RNS discussed the recreation sector in Nova Scotia including the changing pull of our sector, national and provincial trends, and emphasised the important work taken on by recreation professionals and volunteers responding to community needs. In addition, we highlighted some of the work of RNS and the recreation sector in supporting government priorities around equity and anti-racism, accessibility, and physical activity.
We heard from our members at the RNS Conference in October 2024 on a range of topics important to the sector and how important it is to be the voice with decision makers. Based on input at the RNS Conference and ongoing member communication we presented three recommendations to the Minister. These recommendations will enable us to continue strengthening the recreation sector in Nova Scotia. We had a great discussion and look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners at CCTH and the Province of Nova Scotia as we work together to build healthier and more resilient communities through recreation.
Recommendations:
- Investment in training development and youth employment opportunities
Investment in a training program for leaders, ensuring high-quality recreation experiences across the province. As well as further support for youth employment supporting opportunities that develop leaders, support community capacity building and contribute to local economic development.
- Improved access to community schools
Committee formed to examine and address the inaccessibility of community access to schools
- Increased core funding to Recreation Nova Scotia
Core-funding increase to RNS to allow the organization to better serve the growing needs of our members, and all those who live in NS as well as allowing for continued and improved support for provincial government priorities and mandates