News release

African Nova Scotian Affairs Office Established

African Nova Scotian Affairs
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--African Nova Scotian Affairs Office Established


Legislation has been introduced to formally establish the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs and to authorize the office to hire permanent staff.

The amendment to the Public Service Act, introduced today, Sept. 27, by African Nova Scotian Affairs minister Barry Barnet, would enable government to appoint a chief executive officer to hire staff for the office.

"With the appropriate staffing numbers, the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs will be able to move forward with its mandate to assist, support and enhance the provincial government's delivery of services to African Nova Scotians," said Mr. Barnet. "The establishment of an office structure also helps to ensure that the needs and issues of African Nova Scotians are represented in government and are addressed."

The office currently has two staff, both seconded from within government.

With the amendment, Nova Scotia will be the only province with a legislated agency dedicated solely to the interests of African Canadians.