INFORMED CONSENT PAGE
You are invited to participate in this research study about public perceptions of offshore wind development in Nova Scotia. Before you continue, it is important that you understand why the research is being conducted and what it will involve. Please read the following information carefully.
As Nova Scotia transitions to renewable energy sources like offshore wind, it is essential to understand people’s attitudes and perspectives on this type of development. With increased knowledge, practices, and policies related to renewable energy like offshore wind can be better informed.
If you agree to participate, you will complete an online survey that will take approximately 10–15 minutes. The survey will ask about your views on offshore wind energy, your connection to coastal areas, and some basic demographic questions (e.g., age range, occupation, region). If you begin the survey and choose not to complete it, all information will be discarded.
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. You may choose not to answer any question, and you may stop the survey at any time without penalty.
All responses will be anonymous and kept confidential. No identifying information, such as your name, address, or IP address, will be collected or linked to your responses. Survey data will be stored securely and used solely for academic research purposes. All data collected for this project will be destroyed after one year.
Any data sent electronically, over the phone, or stored online may be legally accessed by domestic or international authorities. Employers and other agencies may access data under a Freedom of Information request. Data collected from this research will be used for scholarly publications and academic, government, and industry conferences and workshops.
The primary researcher, Lisa McMinn, will have access to the surveys and data collected and is working under the supervision of Dr. John Colton.
Please note that employers may have legal access to any information transmitted on employer-owned equipment. Participants may therefore wish to use their own equipment if available.
Please, note, that participants’ data may be accessed by designated employees of Acadia University as needed to fulfill their duties in managing and maintaining Acadia’s software and hardware systems.
There are no known risks associated with participating in this survey. While you may not receive any direct benefit, your responses will help inform future renewable energy development and contribute to a better understanding of community perspectives.
This research project has received ethical clearance by the Acadia University Research Ethics Board and the University Centre of the Westfjords Research Ethics Board.
If you have any questions about your voluntary participation in this research, you may contact Stephanie Jones, the Chair of the Research Ethics Review Board, at the contact information listed below.
Though no risks to participants are foreseen as a part of participation in this project, should you have any concerns about your own mental health during the process of this study, please reach out to the Nova Scotia Mental Health Hotline at: (902) 429 8167.
By choosing to continue this survey, you indicate that you understand the description of the research, and what your part in the research entails, as well as the voluntary nature of your participation in this research. This does not mean that you have waived your right to legal recourse in the event of research-related harm.
Contact information
If you wish to learn more about this research and/or would like a copy of the research summary of results, please send an email to one of the following.
Lisa McMinn (lisa.mcminn@acadiau.ca)
John Colton (john.colton@acadiau.ca)
Research Ethics Board Chair
Dr. Stephanie Jones
Email: stephanie.jones@acadiau.ca Telephone: 902-585-1495
By clicking “next” you are indicating that:
• You are 18 years of age or older.
• You voluntarily agree to participate in this research study.
• You are a resident of the province of Nova Scotia.
There are 22 questions in this survey.
