Municipalities and villages in Nova Scotia will be the first public bodies required to develop plans to address systemic hate, inequity, and racism under new provincial legislation.
The recently approved regulations under the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act will see the Province partner with the Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia to help these communities create comprehensive equity and anti-racism plans.
This initiative follows recognition that existing government policies and programs, though appearing neutral, can disadvantage underrepresented and underserved groups.
“We know that there are problems we need to address within existing government policies and programs that appear neutral but have the effect of disadvantaging underrepresented and underserved groups,” said Justice Minister Barbara Adams, who is also responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.
“The Province cannot do this work alone. We need to work with municipalities and villages to ensure this work reaches all areas of the province.”
To support this effort, the Province has allocated $1.18 million in funding over the next four years. This financial support will enable the Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia to provide dedicated resources and assistance to municipalities and villages as they develop and implement their equity and anti-racism plans.
Additionally, municipalities and villages are required to update their accessibility plans by April 1, 2025, under the Accessibility Act. They may choose to create one combined plan or develop two separate but interconnected plans to address both accessibility and equity concerns.
David Campbell, Executive Director of the Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia, expressed his commitment to the initiative.
“The Association of Municipal Administrators of Nova Scotia is committed to supporting our municipalities and villages as they undertake this important work. The new regulations mark a significant step forward in addressing systemic hate, inequity and racism within our communities. We are grateful for the provincial funding, which will enable us to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the successful development and implementation of these crucial plans.”
The Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, passed on April 1, 2022, acknowledges that systemic hate, inequity, and racism in government policies and practices harm underrepresented and underserved groups. The act commits to dismantling these harmful policies and practices, requiring public bodies identified through regulations to develop plans addressing these issues.