History

GPIAtlantic was formally established as a non-profit society in early 1997 for the purpose of constructing a Genuine Progress Index (GPI) as a measure of wellbeing and sustainable development for Nova Scotia. GPIAtlantic’s work has built on and learned from the work of many outstanding pioneering initiatives, such as the first GPI developed by Redefining Progress, the natural resource accounts of the World Resources Institute, full-cost accounting studies developed by ecological economists and transportation researchers, and the cost of illness studies developed by epidemiologists and health researchers. GPIAtlantic shares with all these and other initiatives a recognition of the flaws of relying on economic growth statistics alone to assess our wellbeing and development.

For 18 months in 1996-1998 GPIAtlantic conducted an extensive literature review and consulted with key indicator experts from statistical agencies, governments, and academia to identify appropriate indicators, data sources, and methodologies for the new Nova Scotia Genuine Progress Index. GPIAtlantic staff also consulted with a wide range of community groups to ensure that selected indicators reflected consensus Canadian values and goals. On the advice of Statistics Canada and other experts, GPIAtlantic decided to develop 22 key social, economic, and environmental indicator sets one component at a time, using the best available methodologies applicable to each indicator set, and to postpone any attempt at integration or aggregation.

From the start, the Nova Scotia GPI was envisioned as a pilot project for Canada, and particular care was taken to use the best available methodologies and official data sets - all transparently presented - to allow ease of replication by other jurisdictions. Over the past ten years GPIAtlantic has produced over 60 in-depth reports on the GPI components, including replications of some indicator sets for several other Canadian provinces.

GPIAtlantic reports have been remarkably well received. GPIAtlantic results are well-reported in the media, and have produced lead front-page newspaper stories in Nova Scotia, interviews on CBC, and numerous requests for research, consultation, and presentations.

Research on the separate components of the GPI is expected to be completed in 2007. Work is now beginning on the structure and integration of all the individual components of the GPI. This integrated structure, along with a revised indicator framework, will provide a practical and useful measurement tool for policy purposes, and perspective that accounts for a wide range of social, economic and environmental realities.

GPIAtlantic provides research expertise, presentations, and advice to communities, governments, organizations, and businesses who wish to explore the application of the Genuine Progress Index or any of its components.

GPIAtlantic staff have worked extensively with both national and international partners on a variety of different projects, from giving presentations to supporting the development of a new set of national indicators.

GPIAtlantic’s past presentations and completed research are all available for download free of charge.

For further information, please contact:
Clare Levin, Managing Director
(902) 489-2524
clevin@gpiatlantic.org