Black-led N.S. youth support group shocked by $317K provincial funding cut

A Nova Scotia youth group is struggling after losing over $317,000 in provincial funding.

Dennis Adams, executive director of LOVE Nova Scotia, said the youth support group was blindsided by a letter they received from the provincial government saying their funding was being cut by more than $317,000.

That provincial funding made up nearly 40 per cent on the anti-violence organization’s annual budget, and without the funding they have to shrink their staff and programming.

“Absolutely shocking,” Adams said. “This has been a devastating time for us and the youth of North Preston who rely on these services.”

The organization says they had conversation with government a few years ago about how they could expand into North Preston and work with youth to develop skills and help them make strong decisions.

Following the cuts, they’ve had to lay off four full-time employees and one part-time position.

“The hardest part is seeing these kids coming up and asking me, ‘When are we starting back up?’ and I just don’t have the answer for them,” said Sean Downey, a community outreach worker with LOVE Nova Scotia.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender hosted a press conference with LOVE Nova Scotia and said cuts in the provincial budget don’t make sense, arguing they disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.

“This is exactly the kind of work government should be investing in,” said Chender. “Upstream positive programming that helps Nova Scotians build a good life.”

LOVE Nova Scotia still receives around $200,000 in provincial funding for its programming, so they will continue their work. They have reached out to the Department of Opportunities and Social Development for a meeting to discuss next steps.

The province declined an interview with CTV News Atlantic but in emailed statement said they recognize the important work LOVE Nova Scotia does for youth and communities.

“Like many organizations, LOVE Nova Scotia was affected by broader budget pressures across the province. We understand this has caused concern, and the Province will continue working with LOVE and other established, community‑based youth‑serving organizations already operating in North Preston and Dartmouth to help ensure young people continue to have access to supports,” read the statement shared by the Opportunities and Social Development department staff.

“Our focus remains on supporting Nova Scotians who need it most and strengthening the programs people rely on every day.”

In March when they released the 2026-27 budget, the PC government announced it was cutting $130 million in spending on social programming, as part of a larger move to address the governments $1.2 billion deficit.

This prompted several larges protests outside of the legislature, as impacted citizens and community groups rallied against the cuts.

Weeks later, premier Tim Houston reversed some of the spending cuts, including $56.3 million in programs that mostly went to supporting those living with disabilities.

Houston apologized and admitted that government may have moved too quickly on changes to programs that impacted peoples lives.

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