Halifax, Nova Scotia – May 2026 – The Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC-Canada) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a pro bono advisory engagement for Our Pathways Society (OPS), established in 2024, is a Nova Scotia charity dedicated to expanding access to trail-based physical activity and supporting the organizations that build and maintain trails.
Our Pathways Society was formed to help Nova Scotians get out and enjoy the province's trails while assisting those who build and manage them. OPS seeks to break down barriers to trail-based physical activity through guided trail events, skill development for trail users and trail managers, and a growing Trail Fund that supports trail maintenance and building efforts.
The OPS liaison for this project was Janet Barlow, Executive Director, who worked with CMC-Canada's Pro Bono Program to strengthen the organization's planning foundation during an important stage of growth.
Under the CMC Pro Bono Program, John Gillis, CMC, volunteered his expertise to provide strategic planning, communications, and fundraising advisory support. His work included developing a high-level strategic plan, communications plan, and fundraising strategy summary, with practical tools to clarify 2–3-year priorities, strengthen board and staff alignment, and identify potential new fundraising opportunities.
“We are grateful for John's practical and thoughtful guidance,” said Janet Barlow, Executive Director of Our Pathways Society. “His support helped us clarify our priorities, sharpen our communications, and build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth as we work to make trails more accessible for Nova Scotians.”
“Supporting Our Pathways Society has been a rewarding opportunity,” said John Gillis, CMC. “The organization is advancing a clear and community-minded mission. My goal was to help translate that mission into practical priorities, communications, and fundraising direction that the board and staff can use with confidence.
About Our Pathways Society
Our Pathways Society (OPS) is a Nova Scotia–based charitable organization dedicated to promoting health and physical fitness through increased access to and use of trails. The society works to reduce barriers that prevent people from engaging in physical activity on trails and supports the development, management, and maintenance of trail systems across the province. https://www.ourpathwayssociety.ca/
Founded in the winter of 2024, Our Pathways Society is registered both as a non-profit society in Nova Scotia and as a charitable organisation with the Canada Revenue Agency. Based in Halifax, the organization collaborates with community partners to deliver guided trail activities, skills development for trail users and trail managers, and a dedicated Trail Fund to support trail infrastructure and community access initiatives.
About John Gillis, CMC
John Gillis, CMC, is a Certified Management Consultant with CMC-Atlantic, an MBA, and an engineering professional who has been consulting since 1993. His service areas include strategy and business planning, process improvement, project management, information technology management, facilitation, coaching, leadership development, and organizational development. He helps organizations bridge business needs and technology to get things done and create practical value.
About CMC-Canada Pro Bono Program
The CMC-Canada Pro Bono Consulting Program connects skilled volunteer consultants with non-profit organizations to provide strategic planning and operational support at no cost. For more information about the program or to apply for assistance, please visit https://www.cmc-canada.ca/Pro-Bono-Consulting-Program, or contact: pro-bono@cmc-canada.ca.
About CMC-Canada
The Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC-Canada) fosters excellence and integrity in the management consulting profession. CMC-Canada administers, and its provincial Institutes confer, the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation in Canada. The Association and its 2500+ members advocate for the CMC designation and are dedicated to advancing the profession and delivering the benefits of these efforts to the client community. CMC-Canada is a founding member of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI), now CMC-Global, a global network of management consultants of 49 member countries.
CMC is dedicated to strengthening Canadian communities by providing pro bono consulting services to non-profit organizations that serve diverse populations and address critical social needs. For more information about CMC Canada, contact: membership@cmc-canada.ca.
