New Regional Offices Increase Support for African Nova Scotian Communities
Three new regional offices will give African Nova Scotian communities across the province increased access to government support, programs and services.
The Province announced today, January 17, the establishment of new African Nova Scotian Affairs regional offices in Digby, New Glasgow, and the Preston area.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that rural African Nova Scotian communities have unique needs and concerns, and they need greater access to supports and services,” said Pat Dunn, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. “This is a step to make sure we’re serving African Nova Scotian communities from one end of the province to the other.”
The hiring process to support the regional offices will begin soon, and the offices are expected to open in the coming weeks.
“Access is paramount if we are to strengthen our support to African Nova Scotian communities,” said Dwayne Provo, Associate Deputy Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.
Quotes:
“Having an African Nova Scotian Affairs Digby regional office will not only help provide additional services to our community, but further address the unique needs of African Nova Scotians in our rural area.”
– Lelia Barton, Chairperson, Digby Education Committee
“We are excited that African Nova Scotian Affairs is expanding to the Town of New Glasgow. This will allow our communities to share more ideas, projects and programs, and opportunities to access services.”
– Myla Borden, member of the Ward 1 Social and Recreation Centre, New Glasgow
“The North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook and Lake Loon area constitutes the largest historic Black community in Canada. It is fundamental that we have a dedicated African Nova Scotian Affairs support staff to help support the community’s needs. This is a welcome step.”
– Dr. Carolyn Thomas, Owner and Operator, Black Heritage Tours Inc.
Quick Facts:
- the Digby office will serve the Digby-Annapolis-Kings region while the New Glasgow office will serve Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough counties
- African Nova Scotian Affairs also has offices in Yarmouth, serving southwest Nova Scotia; Truro, serving the Colchester-Cumberland region; and Sydney, serving Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Additional Resources:
African Nova Scotian Affairs website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/african-nova-scotian-affairs
African Nova Scotian Affairs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanNSAffairs
African Nova Scotian Affairs Twitter: https://twitter.com/OfficeofANSA