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.
Latest News:View All
Thinkers Documentary: From the Great Unraveling towards a Great Turning
A 30 minute documentary film has been released about the global polycrisis facing humanity today. Civilizations and ecosystems as we know them are destabilizing. Critical thresholds are being crossed, moving us all into a Great Unraveling. Yet, there are seeds being sown for a Great Turning. For more information about this high-impact film, visit: towardsagreatturning.ca. ... Read more Home
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Public Events at Thinkers Lodge: Thinkers Reunion Oct 20, 21, 22
A reunion of all past Centre for Local Prosperity (CLP) Climate and Nuclear Crises Thinkers was held at Thinkers Lodge and related venues from October 19-22, 2023. Since 2017, CLP has conducted eleven retreats at the historic Thinkers Lodge with invited groups of Thinkers from around the world to engage in deep and brave conversations ... Read more Home
Learn MoreThe Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC) was formed as an outcome of the Dig In: Atlantic Food Systems Summit, held from November 19-22, 2022. The purpose of the Coalition is to build more robust and strong local food systems across Atlantic Canada. It is a multi-stakeholder organization representing a wide range of food systems players ... Read more Home
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Dig In: Atlantic Canada Food Systems Summit
Dig In: The Atlantic Canada Food Systems Summit was a huge success! It was held at the Debert Hospitality Centre from November 17-19, 2022, and offered the opportunity to network with 200 delegates including 45 speakers involved in all aspects of our food systems from across Atlantic Canada. The themes of food security and food ... Read more Home
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Call for participation: Thinkers lodge youth high school climate action retreat
The Centre for Local Prosperity has partnered with the Discovery Centre and Thinkers Lodge to bring together student representatives from Nova Scotia High Schools to an intensive two-day climate change retreat at the historic Thinkers Lodge, Pugwash, NS. From June 29 to 30, 2022, up to 20 students selected from high schools across Nova Scotia ... Read more Home
Learn MoreFuture Proofing Podcast:View All
In our increasingly fragile world, every community’s future will be determined by their ability to gain local agency over their economy while simultaneously developing climate readiness. Future Proofing brings timely interviews by host Robert Cervelli, and occasional guest co-hosts, with international thinkers and doers. Critical topics include re-localizing economies, food and energy security, skills building, community climate change adaptation, building community cohesion and cooperation, stewardship of natural resources and the positive narratives from communities taking charge of their future.
Upcoming Events:View All
Dig In 2.0 Atlantic Food Systems Summit
Fri Nov 22, 2024 @ 2:00pm
Dig In 2.0 Atlantic Food Systems Summit is coming to Charlottetown, PEI November 22-24, 2024! After a successful first Dig In event in November 2022 and the resulting creation of the Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC), Dig In 2.0 will convene a weekend-long conference that will gather folks from both the supply and demand sides ... Read more Home
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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
Sign up for our newsletter below in order to be informed about Import Replacement Workshops and other information available in coming months.
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.
