We demonstrate our commitment to the sustainable prosperity of Nova Scotia through the way we do business each and every day; ensuring that people and the planet are emphasized above and beyond profit. Our entire business is built on driving a movement toward a way of doing business that emphasizes stewardship of the environment and fair treatment of stakeholders (from clients to employees).

We do this by:

Operating as a Community Interest Company

In April 2017, CGS became Nova Scotia’s first Community Interest Company (CIC) under the Community Interest Company Act. Operating as a CIC requires annual reporting on community impact, and a commitment to invest a minimum of 60% of surplus profit into a cause that will further a social mission in the region. 60% of CGS’s net income is reinvested into growing the social enterprise ecosystem in Nova Scotia via our work as the Secretariat of the Social Enterprise Network of Nova Scotia. This non-profit member-led society works tirelessly to support businesses operating with a social, cultural or environmental mission in the province.

Being the Region’s first B-Corp

CGS was the first B-Corp-certified company in Atlantic Canada. B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. A recent Harvard Business Review article described B Corporations as follows:

“Certified B Corporations are social enterprises verified by B Lab, a nonprofit organization. B Lab certifies companies based on how they create value for non-shareholding stakeholders, such as their employees, the local community, and the environment. Once a firm crosses a certain performance threshold on these dimensions, it makes amendments to its corporate charter to incorporate the interests of all stakeholders into the fiduciary duties of directors and officers. These steps demonstrate that a firm is following a fundamentally different governance philosophy than a traditional shareholder-centered corporation.”

Building Leadership Capacity in Youth

CGS has committed to investing in the future by empowering young people to work deeply with their communities, gaining a better understanding of the challenges and sharing unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to enhance the work. We do this through our community programming initiatives and training support. We prioritize building strong relationships with local organizations and individuals to ensure our work is informed by community needs and perspectives. We strive to create inclusive opportunities for young people from all backgrounds, dismantling systemic barriers to full participation in our programs.

Paying a Living Wage

At Common Good Solutions, we put our people first by offering a 4-day work week, a living wage, a range of benefits, and a flexible hybrid work environment. Work-life balance is essential, and our employees deserve to have time to pursue personal interests and recharge. We pay a fair wage to alleviate financial stress and offer benefits that meet diverse needs. Our flexible work environment allows employees to work from home or in the office, depending on their preferences and job requirements. We are committed to taking care of our employees so that we can all thrive together.