From natural resources to renewable energy projects, Nova Scotia is rich with opportunities to build a stronger, more sustainable economy. Economic growth must happen to ensure a bright future, but unlocking Nova Scotia’s potential can’t come at the cost of our environment. It needs to be done responsibly—with the best interests of both Nova Scotians and the environment in mind.
That’s why Nova Scotia’s environmental regulatory process exists. The challenge is ensuring that progress doesn’t get bogged down in process.
Enter Paula Francis and Lynda Weatherby—Business Relationship Managers at the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Both have been with the department for over a decade, and they understand the regulatory process inside and out. Their role as Business Relationship Managers is to help industries and businesses navigate environmental regulations, simplifying what can be perceived as a complex and detailed approvals process.
Whether it’s a mine looking to expand operations or a company looking to build a new project, they’re facing a significant investment of time and money. Mistakes or misunderstandings can be costly—and potentially derail a project before it gets off the ground. Paula and Lynda work to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“The most common question we get asked is what they need to do,” says Paula. “They want to understand what’s expected of them—they want clarity. That’s what we can give them,” she adds.
From the very beginning, Paula and Lynda open the lines of communication between government and industry. From answering application and regulatory questions, to identifying the approvals needed, assisting with the application process, connecting clients with resources and technical expertise, and providing status updates throughout the environmental approvals process—they are the go-to contact.
“We’re not just regulators. Our work is about conversations, connections, and collaboration,” says Lynda Weatherby. “We’re here to help clients do things right from the beginning. We help companies understand what they need to do, but we can also help companies save time and expense by clarifying what they don’t need to do,” she adds.
While Paula and Lynda can’t guarantee an approval, working with them can guarantee a company confidence in the process and what is needed to submit a complete application—with the best chance of success.
Perhaps the value of the Business Relationship Manager is summed up best by the middle word in their job title. “It’s about relationships,” says Paula. “When industry and government work together, we get better outcomes—economically and environmentally. We get development that meets the needs of companies, the government, and Nova Scotians and is compliant with terms and conditions to protect the environment.”
The Department of Environment and Climate Change’s Business Relationship Managers are the bridge between government and business, between ideas and action, between growth and environmental protection. Making the project approvals process easier will encourage more companies to bring their ideas forward—and that will make it easier to move Nova Scotia forward.