A New Model For Economic Development and Local Climate Readiness
Centre for Local Prosperity (CLP) promotes local economic solutions and climate readiness for rural and local communities. CLP organizes conferences and community working sessions, and conducts evidence-based studies that often lead to community implementation. We draw on examples throughout the world and right here at home. Our work builds strength through citizen, business and local government collaboration. We encourage practical, innovative and experimental community development initiatives and sustainable business practices that balance community purpose with business profit.
In these times, a new model for community economy is rapidly being defined around the world. It begins with the key word – ‘localization’. It then spreads to localization of various aspects of the economy, economic infrastructure, community governance and citizen engagement.
Two cornerstone tenants of the New Economic Model are ‘locally-owned’ and ‘import replacement.’ These cornerstones are fully synergistic with the needs for communities to prepare for the increasing effects of the climate crisis. CLP works at the forefront of assisting communities in gaining agency for their future.
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Assessing the potential for local procurement as an economic engine: An analysis of public sector institutional spending in Atlantic Canada
The Centre for Local Prosperity released a report studying the potential for local procurement by Atlantic Canada public sector anchor institutions as an economic development strategy. There could be a significant economic impact to our regional economies if more educational institutions, municipalities and other public sector anchors adopted a strategy for a small local shift ... Read more Home
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Exports, Imports and Local Economic Resilience
Many rural communities in Canada have dangerous trade imbalances, thanks to decades of emphasis on export-led growth and relatively little attention to the importance of meeting local demand with local production. As global markets fluctuate dramatically, communities watch their export income disappear and face acute shortages of goods and services they normally import. The conventional ... Read more Home
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Atlantic Canada: Conversations on an Uncertain Future
Today, citizens and scientists alike are saying that humanity has missed the window for avoiding climate extremes and ecosystem decay. Our world has become an increasingly damaged habitat that threatens our civilization as we know it. How can we grapple with—and talk about—the reality that our ecological, economic, and social systems may unravel in some ... Read more Home
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Commentary: A New Economic Vision
A new economic vision for Prince Edward Island and Atlantic Canada is proposed by CLP Advisor Phil Ferraro.
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Thinkers Retreat – Pandemic, Climate Crisis and the uncertain future of local community
During May and June, 2020, the Centre for Local Prosperity conducted its fifth Thinkers Lodge Retreat (virtually) on Pandemic, Climate Crisis and the Uncertain Future of Local Community. These discussions generated short videos on many essential topics. Please visit the Centre’s Youtube channel for all posted videos. A resource guide for communities in Atlantic Canada ... Read more Home
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Learn About Our Work
In Action
Thinkers Lodge & Centre for Local Prosperity
It all began in the summer of 2014, when John Eaton, grandson of Cyrus Eaton and manager of the historic Thinkers Lodge, Pugwash, Nova Scotia, contacted our ‘info@’ email address with an inquiry about holding a climate change conference at the Lodge. It was the start of a relationship that continues and builds today. CLP has hosted 5 Thinkers Lodge retreats on climate change, with an alumni of 45 Thinkers. In May and June, 2020, we are holding a virtual retreat entitled Pandemic, Climate Change and the Uncertain Future of Local Community.
Indigenous and Faith Leaders Retreat on the Climate Crisis
2019 Pugwash Declaration
Between September 22 – 25, 2019, twenty-one Indigenous and Faith Leaders from across Atlantic Canada gathered for a 4-day retreat of reflection, ceremony, and intense and brave dialogue – gathering their collective guidance and wisdom for communities in the face of the climate crisis. On September 25th, they issued this Pugwash Declaration.
Climate Change and the Human Prospect
A Documentary Film
This 40 minute film is available for group screenings on August 24, 2018. Twenty-four global and regional Thinkers articulate global warming’s cascading impact on small, rural, and coastal communities and are armed with a conviction that local action is not only possible but the best path forward in dealing with this looming environmental threat. To acquire a DVD or MP4 file, please email us.
Import Replacement
Local Prosperity for Rural Atlantic Canada
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Thinkers Lodge 60th Anniversary – Sept 28 to Oct 1, 2017
Empowering our Climate Future for Rural Communities
Sign up for our newsletter below in order to be informed about updates on the Climate Change Roadmap and other information available in coming months.