N.S. spends $400K on grants to address systematic hate, inequity, and racism

Nova Scotia's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Friday July 3, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

The Nova Scotia provincial government is spending $400,000 on grants to address systemic hate, inequity and racism, according to a Tuesday announcement.

The province will provide grants to a number of community organizations with spending through the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism’s Community Network Grant program.

“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, who is also the minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. “It truly takes a collective effort to dismantle systemic hate, inequity and racism.”

According to the province, the money will support projects like helping LGBTQ2S+ refugees and newcomers as well as anti-racism education.

Grants were awarded to a total of 11 community organizations and projects, including:

• African Nova Scotian Justice Institute was given $22,500 to support Black and African Nova Scotians in correctional facilities as well as accessing culturally relevant legal and community-based resources.
• Alma Matters Housing Association was given $37,800 for a video podcast series featuring people from different backgrounds having meaningful discussions around opposing viewpoints.
• BGC Cape Breton was given $40,000 to give underserved youth in Cape Breton anti-racism education, as well as a new digital platform to connect youth to services and cultural activities.
• Black Wellness Co-Operative was given $37,800 to build and improve access to culturally relevant exercise oncology programs with a focus on Black Nova Scotians.
• Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia was given $39,900 for a five-day event offering culturally relevant sexual health education to leaders of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) communities.
• Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers was given $40,000 for one year of monthly meetings where families of biracial children can share their experiences and support one another.
• Portapique Market was given $27,400 to provide training to staff, volunteers and community members to enhance cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.
• Prescott Group Society was given $35,700 to create a new community hub where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will lead research on making the space welcoming.
• Queer Health Coalition was given $40,000 to provide education and training to health care professionals on the needs of queer, newcomer and women from minority faith-based communities when accessing health care services.
• Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia was given $40,000 to build new training opportunities and expand a volunteer program supporting LGBTQ2S+ refugees and newcomers.

“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,” said Chester Borden, executive director of BGC Cape Breton.

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