In 2009, FUSION Halifax’s wish list called for a greener Halifax, a Halifax enlightened to our rich arts and culture community, a progressive city with a strategy for development and a city full of healthy and engaged citizens.
We have seen some positive movement on many fronts, including HRMbyDesign and the second year of Nocturne: Art at Night. However, there is more work to be done and there are other challenges that require immediate attention. Take Nova Scotia’s looming population crisis. In July, Statistics Canada reported that the median age of Nova Scotians is 42.6, the second highest of all provinces. With this real demographic problem, we must start thinking differently about how our city will be a magnet for young talent and newcomers.
As we move into our third year as an organization, FUSION Halifax has set a new vision to think and act differently to create the most vibrant city in Canada. We believe that ‘thinking and acting differently’ is a goal that belongs to our entire community. It is a goal that we see every citizen, business and community partner embracing so we can realize our shared potential.
In 2010, FUSION Halifax envisions a city with a spirit of discovery and a focus on people and ideas. We can become one of the greatest cities in the world. We can create...
A city that celebrates people and organizations who trail blaze. Let’s encourage and invest in a risk taking culture. Let’s take action by recognizing our strengths and building our economy on those strengths. We need to create robust incentives for our entrepreneurs and idea generators. We should be looking at the best innovators in the world and thinking about what they’re not even thinking about yet.
A city that creates financial, cultural and social incentives for young people and newcomers. Let’s be bold and invest in initiatives that will position us as a world class place to live. We can become the leader for Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada and we should adopt a progressive plan for childcare. There is no reason, given our size, that we shouldn’t have more effective and sustainable transportation solutions. These are just a few ways we can create a ‘people and idea’ driven growth plan.
A city that works together. Silos have too long existed in our collective psyche. Let’s move beyond those tendencies and strategically invite the right people to the table for the right reasons. Let’s get business, academia, Government and citizens working together to determine our priorities, seek collective success and not worry about who’s getting the credit for it.
To do our part, FUSION Halifax is changing our wish list to an action list. We will think of new ways to revitalize our communities. We will create authentic forums for people to share their ‘best and brightest ideas’. We will think about those who currently influence our decision making processes, reach out beyond that list and invite others to the table. We will create new interactive ways for citizens to be heard. We will commit to mentoring and being mentored.
The next generation prides itself on being agile. Every day, members of FUSION Halifax test and try new things; we play with the potential of our organizations, our members and the broader community.
As we look to a new decade, we invite each and every one of you to be agile and to discover potential through the citizens and ideas around you. To be the most vibrant city in Canada we have to move beyond our comfort zone. We have to stretch our minds.
2010—it’s a new year and a new decade. It’s our future and our shared prosperity. Let’s create it.
For more information and to share your ideas visit www.fusionhalifax.ca.
Cheryl Stewart and Level Chan are the Chair and Vice Chair of FUSION Halifax, a networking group created by and for young people who are inspired to make their city a better and more sustainable place to live, work and play.
A version of this was featured in the January 9, 2010 issue of the Chronicle Herald.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Letters/1161335.html