News release

Grants to Address Systemic Hate, Inequity, Racism

Office of Equity and Anti-Racism
NOTE: A list of grant recipients and project descriptions follows this release.

The Province is providing grants to 11 community organizations that are working to address systemic hate, inequity and racism.

The funding, through the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism’s Community Network Grant program, will support projects ranging from helping 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees and newcomers to anti-racism education.

“I am proud to support these community-driven projects that will help make our province a more welcoming and inclusive place for all Nova Scotians,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan, Minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. “It truly takes a collective effort to dismantle systemic hate, inequity and racism.”

The grants total $400,000.

Quotes:

“We at BGC Cape Breton strive to offer children and youth from all economic, cultural and social backgrounds access to resources, supports and opportunities that will enable them to overcome barriers and achieve their positive potential in life. With the assistance of the Community Network Grant program, we will continue our mission to educate the next generation.”
— Chester Borden, Executive Director, BGC Cape Breton

“We are incredibly grateful to the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism for supporting the creation of our new inclusive community hub in downtown Halifax. This funding allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take the lead in researching how to make the space truly welcoming, especially for those who face additional barriers to inclusion. Their insights will help shape everything from events and programs to signage and design, ensuring accessibility is at the heart of this project. Thanks to this support, we are building a space where community connections can flourish, and everyone feels they belong.”
— Alice Evans, Executive Director, Prescott Group

Quick Facts:

  • this is the Community Network Grant program’s second year
  • projects must align with the goals and objectives of Nova Scotia’s Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, the first of its kind in Canada
  • underrepresented and underserved groups include the Mi’kmaq and people of Indigenous descent, African Nova Scotians and people of African descent, people of colour/racialized people, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers (immigrants or refugees), minority faith-based groups and people who are neurodivergent

Additional Resources:

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

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

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

Grants have been awarded to the following organizations and projects:

  • African Nova Scotian Justice Institute – $22,500 to support Black and African Nova Scotians in correctional facilities in accessing culturally relevant legal and community-based resources

  • Alma Matters Housing Association – $37,800 for a video and podcast series featuring people from different backgrounds having meaningful discussions around their opposing views

  • BGC Cape Breton – $40,000 to empower underserved youth in Cape Breton through anti-racism education, a new digital platform to connect youth to services and cultural activities such as storytelling and art

  • Black Wellness Co-Operative – $37,800 to build and improve access to culturally relevant exercise oncology programs in safe and inclusive spaces with a focus on Black Nova Scotians

  • Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia – $39,900 for a five-day event that will offer culturally relevant sexual health education in a supportive environment to leaders of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) communities

  • Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers – $40,000 for one year of monthly meetings where families of biracial children can share their experiences and support one another

  • Portapique Market – $27,400 to provide training to staff, volunteers and community members to enhance inclusiveness and cultural sensitivity

  • Prescott Group Society – $35,700 to create a new accessible and inclusive community hub where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will lead research on how to make the space welcoming

  • Queer Health Coalition – $40,000 to provide education and training to healthcare professionals on the unique needs of queer, newcomer and women from minority faith-based communities when accessing healthcare services

  • Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia – $40,000 to build new training opportunities and expand a volunteer program that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees and newcomers

  • Souls Harbour Rescue Mission – $40,000 to support its work in the Eastern Shore to promote long-term stability and social inclusion for marginalized populations, including people with disabilities; survivors of violence; and people in rural areas

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