Regulations to Address Systemic Hate, Inequity, Racism

Municipalities and villages will be the first public bodies required to develop plans to address systemic hate, inequity and racism under ground-breaking provincial legislation.

Following the recent approval of regulations under the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, the Province is partnering with the Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia to help municipalities and villages develop equity and anti-racism plans.

“We know that there are problems we need to address within existing government policies and programs that appear neutral but have the effect of disadvantaging underrepresented and underserved groups,” said Justice Minister Barbara Adams, Minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. “The Province cannot do this work alone. We need to work with municipalities and villages to ensure this work reaches all areas of the province.”

With provincial funding of $1.18 million, the association will provide dedicated resources and supports over the next four years to assist municipalities and villages in developing and implementing their equity and anti-racism plans.

Municipalities and villages are also required to update their accessibility plans by April 1, 2025, under the Accessibility Act. They have the option to create one combined plan or to create two separate but interconnected plans.

Quotes:

“The Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia is committed to supporting our municipalities and villages as they undertake this important work. The new regulations mark a significant step forward in addressing systemic hate, inequity and racism within our communities. We are grateful for the provincial funding, which will enable us to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the successful development and implementation of these crucial plans.”
— David Campbell, Executive Director, Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, passed on April 1, 2022, recognizes that systemic hate, inequity and racism in government policies and practices harms underrepresented and underserved groups
• the act commits to dismantling the policies and practices that have created and perpetuated these harms
• public bodies identified through regulations under the act are required to develop plans to address systemic hate, inequity and racism

Additional Resources:

Dismantling Racism and Hate Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/dismantling%20racism%20and%20hate.pdf

Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/just/publications/docs/equity-and-anti-racism-strategy.pdf

Office of Equity and Anti-Racism: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/equity-and-anti-racism