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Fighting for the Hutchinsons
According to an MLA friend of ours, letter writing campaigns work. When any elected official has 25-40 emails a day flooding their inbox, they are highly motiviated to make them stop. This means the old saying is true - your voice matters - and that volume speaks volumes.
Below is our guide to how you can raise your voice and affect change for your community. We know writing to an MLA can seem daunting, whether it's your first time or your time is limited. You are not alone.
NSFF's latest campaign:
NSFF's latest campaign:
Support Maple Producers and Sustainable Forestry in Nova Scotia
Support Maple Producers and Sustainable Forestry in Nova Scotia
Chris and Anna Hutchinson have spent over 20 years building one of Nova Scotia’s first large-scale maple syrup operations, supporting sustainable forestry, rural jobs, and long-term agricultural production.
Now, after years of working with the province in good faith, they are being forced off the Crown land their business depends on.
This issue affects more than one farm, it raises questions about rural development, sustainable land use, and government accountability.
One of the best ways to help is to contact your MLA. Even a short email can make a real impact.
One of the best ways to help is to contact your MLA. Even a short email can make a real impact.
A Guide to Writing a Powerful Message
A Guide to Writing a Powerful Message
Below are two ways you can help: write personal emails in your own words, or use our template as a guide for a more formal letter to your MLA. Find out your Electoral district and MLA here: https://enstools.electionsnovascotia.ca/edinfo/.
Subject LIne
Subject LIne
Include the word "Hutchinsons" so your MLA immediately understands the topic.
Examples:
Support the Hutchinsons and Maple Producers
Concern About the Hutchinsons’ Maple Farm
Protect Sustainable Maple Production in Nova Scotia
Intro Paragraph
Intro Paragraph
Start with your biggest concern.
For example:
Supporting local businesses and rural jobs
Protecting sustainable forestry
Ensuring public lands are used responsibly
Supporting agriculture and long-term stewardship
Concern about government policy and Crown land decisions
Body paragraph
Body paragraph
Explain why this matters to you personally.
Some examples:
You are a maple producer, farmer, or land steward
You care about forest health and conservation
You own a small business and believe government should support local success stories
You are concerned about the long-term future of rural communities
You believe sustainable industries deserve stable policies and fair treatment
Specific, personal messages are the most effective.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Clearly state what you want your MLA to do.
Examples:
Bring the issue directly to Premier Houston
Contact the Hutchinsons and ask what support they need
Support moving maple production oversight from DNR to Agriculture
Advocate for secure long-term leasing agreements for maple producers
Support policies that prioritize forest-preserving land uses like maple production
Who else should you contact
Who else should you contact
Your local MLA should always be the first person you contact, but this issue reaches far beyond a single riding.
To help ensure maple production, Crown land policy, and sustainable forestry are being discussed at the highest levels of government, we also encourage you to contact:
Premier Tim Houston
Email: premier@novascotia.ca
Phone: 902-424-6600
The Minister of Agriculture, Greg Morrow
Email: MIN_DAG@novascotia.ca
Phone: 902-266-9691
The Minister of Natural Resources, Kim Masland
Email: Kim.maslandmla@gmail.com
Phone: 902-354-5470
The more elected officials who hear directly and repeatedly from Nova Scotians, the harder this issue becomes to ignore.
Use Our Formal Letter Template
Use Our Formal Letter Template
If you would prefer, you can also use the template below as a starting point for a more formal email to your MLA. Feel free to personalize it by adding your own experiences, concerns, or reasons for supporting maple producers and sustainable forestry in Nova Scotia.
Every message makes a difference.
Every message makes a difference.
When Nova Scotians speak up, MLAs hear that people care deeply about sustainable maple production, rural livelihoods, responsible forest stewardship, and fair treatment for local businesses.
Please consider sending an email, making a phone call, or sharing this issue with others who may want to help.
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