Our Commitments

The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia has made the important decision to commit to working with people across our province to the implement and act on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Goals. We work through the lenses of The Nova Scotia Ten Social Determinants of Health, The Philanthropic Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and The Canadian Philanthropy Commitment to Climate Change. We understand that if these needs are left unaddressed, the impacts of social ill-health and climate change can undo RCFNS’s work to advance equity, health, poverty alleviation, economic prosperity, Indigenous and human rights, especially those who will be disproportionately affected – and all issues and communities on which we hope to have a positive impact.

Reducing health inequalities means helping to give everyone the same opportunities to be healthy, no matter who they are or where they live. We invite everyone to join in moving forward in an atmosphere of understanding, dignity, and respect towards the shared goal of reconciliation. We also invite people to signal their commitment to face the climate emergency, learn from experience, and step up to an even greater degree of magnitude on climate change mitigation action.

We recognize that ending poverty must go together with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.