OEA Community Network

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The Community Network was created to provide a virtual space to better connect communities with each other and with government for meaningful, sustained dialogue. It is one part of government’s efforts to engage with and support underrepresented and underserved communities, and was a requirement established in the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act.

As outlined in the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy released in July 2023, the core functions and intent of the Community Network are outlined below.

  1. Creating Connections – The Community Network will help facilitate connections between the community, government departments, and organizations throughout the province to converge on emerging issues, exchange promising practices, showcase and cross-promote initiatives, and coordinate resources, events, and programs.
  2. Information & Supports - The Community Network will serve as a platform for members to access information as well as supports to respond to and help address address systemic hate, inequity, and racism. This includes the Community Network Grant program which provides financial support to community-based organizations for projects.
  3. Tools & Resources - Network participants will have access to an evolving range of resources, including but not limited to: anti-racism materials, funded capacity building, toolkits, policy support, and training. Network members will also have access to a curated calendar of events and engagement learning opportunities.

The Community Network will employ a strategy that emphasizes serving underserved and underrepresented populations and aims to ensure maximum inclusivity and participation for Nova Scotians. For the purpose of the CN, we are defining underserved and underrepresented groups as follows:

  • An underrepresented community refers to a group of people who are not adequately represented or have limited presence or visibility in certain domains or contexts, such as social, political, economic, educational, or cultural spheres. These communities typically experience marginalization, discrimination, or exclusion due to various factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics.
  • The term “underserved” implies that the community is not receiving/has not received an adequate level of support or attention from institutions, organizations, or government agencies. This lack of access can manifest in various areas, including health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and social services.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Network member that contributes to the platform, please fill out the application to the right of this page, and email it to oeaengagement@novascotia.ca.

Please note that this page contains third-party information and links to external websites, which are displayed for general information sharing purposes only. Despite any contrary representations in the Terms of Use, the Government of Nova Scotia does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of this content.

The Community Network was created to provide a virtual space to better connect communities with each other and with government for meaningful, sustained dialogue. It is one part of government’s efforts to engage with and support underrepresented and underserved communities, and was a requirement established in the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act.

As outlined in the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy released in July 2023, the core functions and intent of the Community Network are outlined below.

  1. Creating Connections – The Community Network will help facilitate connections between the community, government departments, and organizations throughout the province to converge on emerging issues, exchange promising practices, showcase and cross-promote initiatives, and coordinate resources, events, and programs.
  2. Information & Supports - The Community Network will serve as a platform for members to access information as well as supports to respond to and help address address systemic hate, inequity, and racism. This includes the Community Network Grant program which provides financial support to community-based organizations for projects.
  3. Tools & Resources - Network participants will have access to an evolving range of resources, including but not limited to: anti-racism materials, funded capacity building, toolkits, policy support, and training. Network members will also have access to a curated calendar of events and engagement learning opportunities.

The Community Network will employ a strategy that emphasizes serving underserved and underrepresented populations and aims to ensure maximum inclusivity and participation for Nova Scotians. For the purpose of the CN, we are defining underserved and underrepresented groups as follows:

  • An underrepresented community refers to a group of people who are not adequately represented or have limited presence or visibility in certain domains or contexts, such as social, political, economic, educational, or cultural spheres. These communities typically experience marginalization, discrimination, or exclusion due to various factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics.
  • The term “underserved” implies that the community is not receiving/has not received an adequate level of support or attention from institutions, organizations, or government agencies. This lack of access can manifest in various areas, including health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and social services.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Network member that contributes to the platform, please fill out the application to the right of this page, and email it to oeaengagement@novascotia.ca.

Please note that this page contains third-party information and links to external websites, which are displayed for general information sharing purposes only. Despite any contrary representations in the Terms of Use, the Government of Nova Scotia does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of this content.

  • 2025-26 Community Network Grant

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    We are excited to share that the 2025-26 Community Network Grant was announced today!


    As part of the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, funding is available for community-based organizations who support underrepresented and underserved communities to undertake project that empower community organizations to deliver initiatives that challenge hate, reduce barriers, and strengthen equity across Nova Scotia.

    With a total of $400,000 available - grants are flexible and support a wide range of projects, including education, cultural programming, capacity building, research, and community engagement. Each project is eligible for funding of up to $40,000. For more information, please see the Community Network Grant Guidelines.

    Applications can be submitted through the online application portal or submitted as a document to OEAengagement@novascotia.ca by Friday, October 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (ADT). If submitting through the portal or by email doesn’t work for you, please reach out to us to discuss alternative arrangements that better meet your needs.

    To learn more about projects previously funded through the Community Network Grant Program, please visit the Community Network Grant Stories section on this page.

  • Nova Scotia Government Seeks Feedback on Human Rights Commission

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    The Government of Nova Scotia is modernizing how the Human Rights Commission works, both in protecting and promoting people’s rights and in resolving human rights complaints. As part of this review, we’re asking Nova Scotians to share their experiences and ideas. If you’ve filed a human rights complaint or have thoughts about how the process could work better, we’d like to hear from you.

    The Department of Justice is working with Narrative Research to gather feedback from individuals and organizations across the province. Your input will help shape possible updates to the law and how the Commission operates.

    You can participate by taking a survey or sending feedback to Narrative Research. Information about the engagement and the online survey is available at: https://novascotia.ca/human-rights-commission-review-engagement/

    The deadline to provide feedback is October 10, 2025.

    If you have any questions, please contact Narrative Research at: info@narrativeresearch.ca.

  • Government of Canada - Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

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    The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) is launching a new call for proposals as part of Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. This new Anti-Hate Call is intended to fund initiatives to address and prevent hate in Canada with the following objective:


    Empower communities to prevent and address hate by fostering inclusion, resilience, and unity through community-led, intersectional projects that will contribute to reducing social isolation and fragmentation, and reinforce collective identity, building a more inclusive, socially cohesive and united Canada.


    Initiatives funded under this objective have the following expected results:

    • Improved community-led strategies to address and prevent hate, promote safety, reinforce a collective identity and a sense of belonging.

    • Improved support networks and resources for individuals and communities affected by hate, reinforcing a collective commitment to dignity, healing, and resilience.


    To be eligible for funding, organizations or groups must be:

    • Canadian not-for-profit organizations, associations, and unincorporated groups;

    • Non-federal Canadian public institutions such as boards of education, schools, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, law enforcement and police agencies, hospitals and other health care institutions;

    • Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their agencies;

    • Indigenous not-for-profit organizations (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis); or

    • Indigenous governments, band councils and tribal councils.

    For more information, visit the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program Anti-Hate Call website.

  • Survey / Sondage - Government French-language Services / Services gouvernementaux en français

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    Affaires acadiennes et Francophonie collaborent avec l'Université Sainte-Anne (professeur Roger Gervais) pour mener une recherche visant à mieux comprendre les perceptions et l'utilisation des services gouvernementaux par la population acadienne et francophone de la Nouvelle-Écosse.

    Critères pour participer :

    • Avoir 18 ans ou plus.
    • Être un membre de la population acadienne et francophone de la Nouvelle-Écosse, que vous soyez né ici ou nouvellement arrivé.


    Le questionnaire s’intitule L’UTILISATION DES SERVICES GOUVERNEMENTAUX EN FRANÇAIS. Il a pour objectif de mieux comprendre les perceptions des services offerts dans votre région et de l’utilisation que vous en faites en tant que membre de la communauté acadienne et francophone de la Nouvelle-Écosse. À sa complétion, il y a la possibilité de gagner un iPad Air 11" (d’une valeur d’environ 900$) ou 1 de 5 prix de participation (certificats-cadeaux de 100$ pour une épicerie locale).

    Vous pourrez trouver ci-contre le lien qui vous amènera au questionnaire en français : https://sociosainteanne.limesurvey.net/566847?lang=fr

    Vous pouvez aussi partager ce lien pour le questionnaire en anglais : https://sociosainteanne.limesurvey.net/235548?lang=en

    Acadian Affairs and Francophonie has partnered with Université Sainte-Anne (Prof. Roger Gervais) on research to better understand perceptions and use of government services by members of the Acadian and francophone population of Nova Scotia.

    Participation criteria :

    • 18 years of age or older.
    • A member of the Acadian, Francophone, or French-speaking immigrant population of Nova Scotia.


    The survey is titled STUDYING THE USE OF FRENCH GOVERNMENT SERVICES. This research is intended to better understand your perceptions of services offered in your community as well as your use of these services as a member of the Acadian and Francophone population of Nova Scotia. An iPad Air 11" (estimated value of 900$) and five participation prizes (five 100$ gift certificates from a local grocery store) will be drawn at random among those who complete the survey.

    You can access the French survey by clicking on this link : https://sociosainteanne.limesurvey.net/566847?lang=fr

    You can access the English survey by clicking on this link : https://sociosainteanne.limesurvey.net/235548?lang=en

  • Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF)

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    Online Information Session
    Monday, September 8 at 2:00 - 3:00 pm ADT

    On September 8h, join us for a one-hour webinar at 2:00 p.m. ADT to learn about the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF). This ISANS-led initiative can help immigrants with permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship obtain training and certification in their chosen fields or related fields in their new home provinces.


    During this event, you will learn:

    • Who is eligible for the AICLF
    • What costs the AICLF can cover
    • The kinds of programs the AICLF can help pay for
    • How the AICLF is funded and how it is administered across Atlantic Canada
    • Why the AICLF is a better choice for immigrants in Atlantic Canada than funding through a private institution on their own

    During and after the presentation, you can also ask any questions you might have about AICLF.

    Registration and attendance details:

    • Register for the event by filling in this form.
    • The registration deadline is 5 pm ADT September 5th.
    • You will receive a link to the meeting before the event


    For more information, please contact: Ken Partridge | kpartridge@isans.ca

    Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program

  • Beyond Visibility: Leading with Pride and Disability in the Non-Profit Sector

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    🗓️ Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025

    🕐 Time: 1:00 PM Atlantic Time (12:00 PM Eastern)

    📍 Location: Online via Zoom

    🎧 Accessibility: CART (live captioning) and ASL interpretation will be provided

     💻 Join the panel here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87916769178?pwd=yab1MIYPkLPSg2pZC1IurnESEiJOBB.1


    This panel lifts the leadership, resilience, and contributions of disabled 2SLGBTQIA+ people in nonprofit and community work. Panelists will explore how lived experience informs more equitable, accessible, and inclusive organizations—while challenging systems that often overlook or erase complex, intersecting identities. From advocacy and policy to program design and organizational culture, this conversation centers first-voice leadership at the intersections of disability, queerness, and trans experience.

    🔗Event details also available at: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/news-events/events/beyond-visibility-leading-pride-and-disability-non-profit-sector

  • Built Environment Accessibility Standard Info Sessions

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    Register now for upcoming Built Environment information sessions!


    The Built Environment Accessibility Standard is now law in Nova Scotia. This means that organizations have new requirements, for designing, constructing, and managing infrastructure. Compliance with the Standard is required beginning April 1, 2026.

    Information sessions about the Built Environment Accessibility Standard will explore:

    • What is the Standard?
    • Which organizations need to follow the Standard?
    • When do organizations need to follow the Standard?
    • What is the role of the Nova Scotia Building Code versus the Built Environment Accessibility Standard?
    • What are the requirements of the Standard?
    • Helpful reminders for accessibility in the built environment
    • Questions & answers

    Please click on the registration link below to register for the session you would like to attend.


    Note the sessions above will not include ASL interpretation. If you are interested in an information session with ASL interpretation, please email accessibility@novascotia.ca


    Information about the Built Environment Accessibility Standard is also available online, including an overview of the standard, a description of the standard in plain language and in ASL, and videos about the standard.

    For questions about accessibility in the built environment, email us at accessibility@novascotia.ca.

  • Provincial Volunteer Awards

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    Nominations for the 2025 Provincial Volunteer Awards are now open, deadline is May 30th, 2025, 11:59pm

    Specialty Awards

    A citizens' selection committee chooses the specialty award winners from the nominations received.

    **NEW** Newcomer Volunteer Award

    The Newcomer Volunteer of the Year Award (NVOTY) is a new award announced in 2024 to mark the 50th annual Provincial Volunteer Awards.

    The award honours newcomers to Nova Scotia from another country, who have demonstrated extraordinary outreach and volunteerism to their new communities.

    Nova Scotia has seen many examples of newcomers to Nova Scotia who have overcome barriers of language, culture, and unfamiliar surroundings to unselfishly give of themselves to their communities.

    Eligibility

    • An individual or group residing in Nova Scotia who has been resident/s in Canada for no more than 5 years.
    • Applicants are permitted to nominate themselves or nominations can be made on behalf of the nominee.
    • Nominee/s must give consent to being nominated.

    Newcomer Volunteer Award Form

    Other categories, including:

    Youth Volunteer Award

    Family Volunteer Award

    Nova Scotia Strong Award

  • Preventing Harassment in the Workplace - Call for Comment

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    The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Division of the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration is seeking feedback on key components of the proposed Harassment in the Workplace regulations that will be effective on September 1, 2025.

    Nova Scotians are invited to participate in the Call For Comment on the proposed Harassment in the Workplace Regulations through an online survey or a webinar. The online survey will be open from April 24 to May 16, 2025. You can also register for one of the following webinars to learn more about the proposed regulations and provide your feedback:

    • April 29 – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    • May 6 – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

    • May 13 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

    For more information, please visit the Preventing Harassment in the Workplace website.

  • Event Funding for Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia

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    From May 25 to 31, communities across Nova Scotia will commemorate 2025’s Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia (AAWNS) under the theme “Our Voices, Our Votes: Disability Rights in Action.” For 39 years, Nova Scotians have come together during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities. Through public awareness, community partnerships, education and dialogue, Access Awareness Week aims to foster an environment of equal participation for persons with disabilities.

    The Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities is providing funding for individuals, groups or organizations to support events during Access Awareness Week. Applicants can apply to receive $100 or more to support public events in their region. Funds awarded may vary from the amount applied for depending on the total number of applications received. Funds must be used solely for the purpose of Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia events in the year funds are received. Each applicant may apply only once a year.

    Details of how to apply can be found at https://nsleo.com/aawns-events/#event-funding

    All applications must be submitted by April 25th, 2025 by 4:30pm.

    For details of events and more information about how you or your community can get involved in Access Awareness Week you can visit https://nsleo.com/access-awareness-week-nova-scotia/ or by searching “Access Awareness Nova Scotia” online.

Page last updated: 17 Oct 2025, 06:42 AM