RETHINKING DEVELOPMENT
Local Pathways to Global Wellbeing
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
June 20 to June 24, 2005
Before the Conference
Excerpt:
The honourable member for Halifax Citadel, Mr. Daniel Graham
“ Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature recognize this conference on Rethinking Development to be highly relevant to the people of Nova Scotia and to the future of this province and recognize that it will bring great benefit to the province and to Nova Scotians... ”
Excerpt:
Forget GDP, let's measure Gross National Happiness
“ The problem is measurement. Industrial societies have come to regard the gross domestic product as the major indicator of social progress, which it is not. The GDP is a purely economic statistic. It simply tallies up the value of all goods and services that are exchanged for money. House fires, automobile production, crime, food harvests, war, lumber sales, pollution, the plumber's bill, tobacco smoking - good and bad alike, they all contribute to a rising GDP. ¶ On the other side of the ledger, the things that truly make us happy — good health, a clean environment, a caring community and stable families, for instance - literally count for nothing in the GDP. ¶ Can't we find a better measurement? ”
Excerpt:
How are we (really) doing? National index to tell us;
Satisfaction gauge may be used to shape government policy (8K PDF)
“ The Canadian Index of Wellbeing will be far more accurate than its economic cousin, the gross domestic product, says Roy Romanow, who was in Toronto last week to present it at the United Way of Canada conference. ¶ "(The GDP) tells us how much total income we are producing, but tells us nothing about how that income is distributed," said Romanow, the former Saskatchewan premier who chaired the 2002 commission into medicare. ¶ The index has been five years in the making, and some of its first quarterly figures are due to be published in the fall. ”
Excerpt:
Announcement of Government of Canada Support for
the GPI “Rethinking Development” Conference
“ That's what this conference is all about – finding the balance that will make growing economies respect human values that go deeper than profits and the bottom line. ¶ The Government of Canada has already taken broad steps in this direction. The Speech from the Throne last year outlined a renewed focus on equal opportunity, the environment and healthy communities – all issues raised by GPI. ¶ Government departments and agencies are now weaving these themes into policies and programs that take a broader view of economic development than ever before. ”
Excerpt:
Director Decision Support, Economic Development on behalf of Hon. Ernest Fage, Minister of Economic Development for Nova Scotia
“ It's an opportunity you don't get every day . . . to exchange and debate ideas with leading authorities on practical solutions to healthy community development. So please, take advantage of this unique process . . . and make a difference in your community. ¶ Participants will be comparing notes on successful initiatives world-wide that show how people are creating healthier, happier communities that are both economically and environmentally sound through the practice of sustainable development. ¶ I believe Nova Scotia is a good example of how it is possible to harmonize quality of life with economic well-being. I also believe that when you start measuring what we've got here in Nova Scotia, the secret will be out that this truly is a great place to live. ”
Excerpt:
Experts to discuss sustainable development (8K PDF)
“ Experts from around the world are coming to Nova Scotia to talk about sustainable development. ¶ "There is no reason this region cannot become a leading world model and an example of good development practices," said Ronald Colman, executive director of GPI Atlantic, a sponsor of the four-day gathering beginning June 20 at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. ”
Excerpt:
Speakers to sound off on sustainable development (12K PDF)
“ The conference called Rethinking Development: Local Pathways to Global Well-being, will bring together more than 400 economists, environmentalists, educators, philosophers, farmers, religious and social leaders, community activists and musicians from six continents and more than 30 countries. ”
Excerpt:
Hapiness is... The second International Conference on
Gross National Happiness takes place in Antigonish next week
“ But the usual scenario of so-called first world countries like Canada teaching so-called third world countries like Bhutan how to develop was flipped on its head at the First International Conference on Gross National Happiness. In the tiny, isolated country sandwiched between India and China, Colman found himself thinking, “This dialogue has to continue, not only because of what Bhutan can learn from us, but also for what the rest of us can learn from Bhutan. This is relevant to the world.” ”
Happiness at centre of international conference in Nova Scotia
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