New Year has come, bringing closure to a strenuous past year. Although 2022 was satisfying to write down, pretty much each and every one of the last 12 months brought its share of challenges. And ending this chapter gives us hope for a happy New Year 2023.

We acknowledge that today does not mark the New Year for all of our communities here in Nova Scotia. And we will be ready to vow again our best wishes when time comes for our many cultures to celebrate their own new beginnings. But for those who are taking this opportunity to look ahead on this first day of January, we would like to share what we, at Islands to Cottages, are wishing for this upcoming new year. So here goes. Star light, Star bright, we wish we may, we wish we might, have all the wishes we wish tonight :

1. Environmental Awareness.

We wish for more efforts to be made province-wide to bring awareness on the issues our environment is facing right here, in Nova Scotia.

Why. Sustainability is a global topic that requires every country to take part in. But change starts right here, at our doorstep. We need to promote education with persistent messages sent to our population. We need to make improvements now. Within our own communities. So we can extend those benefits day by day and spread them worldwide.

The will. To set an example and pride ourselves of how well we care for this gorgeous land we call home.

2. Protecting Our Natural Resources.

We wish for stricter rules governing management and protection of our natural resources.

Why. We have to learn from the mistakes made in the past, in our own backyard and globally too. We need to fix decades of abuse to our lands and waters. But we also need to make sure we protect what can still be saved. Light must be shed on disturbing environmental practices affecting our ecosystems and shameless trades draining our precious resources for alarming profits.

The will. To see an active plan and enforcement in effect to protect our lands and waters, our fauna and flora in their entirety.

3. Smart Manufacturing Standards.

We wish for better laws implemented worldwide about manufacturing standards.

Why. We need strict guidelines to produce systems that make sense mechanically so they can be repaired easily. With parts that are standards and interchangeable from one brand to the other. With repairability scores and tight regulations.

The will. To improve inadequate consumption habits by making better sense of what is manufactured globally.

4. More Accessibility.

We wish for more accessible parks and facilities all over Nova Scotia.

Why. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. But not all of us are given that equal access to dignity and rights. We do not all have the same freedom of movement, freedom of speech or cognitive freedom. It is time to take a stand and improve our accessibility level province-wide to be more inclusive.

The will. To open the conversation, get to work and make a difference to regain leadership of our human rights.  

5. Promoting Our First Languages.

We wish for better access to more content in Mi’kmaq and French.

Why. We need to foster our roots so we can grow tall and strong. By valuing our heritage and past history we strengthen our ability to welcome the future. Nova Scotia is growing fast and branching out widely. We need to set ourselves for success to embrace that change.

The will. To have more Federal and provincial support to enhance and promote resources available in Mi’kmaq and French.

6. Welcoming Diversity.

We wish for acceptance and openness to our diverseness.

Why. Nova Scotia’s future is multicultural and multiethnic, rich and diverse. We have such prodigious potential and our dynamics are quickly changing. It is important to remind ourselves that it is not enough to read and learn about inclusivity. We need to act inclusively and respect the fact that we all come from different backgrounds, culturally and socially, with different values and views.

The will. To feel more understanding of our amazing diversity.

7. Domestic Awareness Programs.

We wish for the introduction of awareness courses in all high schools across the province about the basics of adulthood.

Why. Many adults do not have sufficient knowledge of the essentials required to properly function within our society. The result ? They become overly dependent of their partner and a way out gets too complicated in case of a difficult relationship.

The will. To have a mandatory curriculum in place about the realities and requirements to live independently. Dealing with all aspects of life such as accommodations, finances, healthcare, communications, work, digital privacy, etc.

8. Cell Phones Regulations.

We wish for mandatory devices creating interference within our own cars to prevent cell phones from functioning once the engine is on.

Why. Cell phone use behind the wheel has redefine driving to unprecedented brainlessness. From erratic behavior to swinging in and out the driving lanes, last minute exits to unexpected pace changes, driving distracted by cell phones is unacceptable and unnecessary.

The will. That common sense prevails and cell phones use be banned while driving.

9. Access To Public Washrooms.

We wish for more public washrooms accessible all year long across the province.

Why. We all love to wander and explore our very own Ocean Playground. But when we have to go, we have to go. And it is not always possible, especially off season. For anyone ranging from young families to members of our aging population, the reality is that we need to have readily access to public restrooms at all times for basics needs and peace of mind.

The will. To have a better access to public facilities for all to enjoy on highly needed bathroom breaks. 

10. Increased Visibility.

We wish that everyone wears bright color apparel and/or luminous and reflective devices to be seen when walking at night or in poor weather conditions.

Why. No matter what we think, we cannot assume that others will be able to see us. The safest way to go is to do our best to be seen, loud and clear. Otherwise we could lose big : we could actually lose it all, that simple. With only one life to hang on to, that’s really not much to spare…

The will. Dress smart, dress bright, dress for life.

Happy New Year 2023, and may all your wishes come true too ! We are already working on ours…