Angela Bear (CEI’s Navigator of New Initiatives) leads the Diversity and Inclusion Program.
The Centre for Employment Innovation (CEI) at St. Francis Xavier University is leading the new Nova Scotia Works Diversity and Inclusion Program. The CEI’s Navigator of New Initiatives, Angela Bear, has worked collaboratively with Black leaders within the Nova Scotia Works employment services system to develop this program, which aims to ensure career services providers better reflect the communities they serve.
In the first phase of the program, sixteen (16) new career practitioner positions have been funded for African Nova Scotians and people of African descent within the province’s Nova Scotia Works centres. These permanent career practitioner positions work one-on-one with job-seekers, supporting access to quality training and employment.
“I believe this is the first initiative of its kind done in this way, across the province, with Black practitioners and leaders in a system that is meant to serve everyone.” – Angela Bear, Centre for Employment Innovation
Partnering with CEI on Phase 1 of the Nova Scotia Works Diversity and Inclusion Program are twelve (12) Nova Scotia Works employment services providers:
- Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association (VANSDA) – Nova Scotia Works
- TEAM Work Cooperative – Nova Scotia Works
- Career Connections – Nova Scotia Works
- YMCA of Cape Breton – Nova Scotia Works
- Futureworx – Nova Scotia Works
- Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association (CANSA) – Nova Scotia Works
- Southwest Employment Services – Nova Scotia Works
- Employment Opportunities Partnership – Nova Scotia Works
- Job Junction – Nova Scotia Works
- Opportunity Place – Nova Scotia Works
- Community Inc. – Nova Scotia Works
These providers eagerly welcomed 16 new career practitioners into their organizations during Phase 1.
“As an African Nova Scotian woman, this program gives me hope. African Nova Scotians have historically experienced multiple systemic barriers to training and employment. This initiative works with African Nova Scotians and persons of African descent to open doors and create meaningful employment opportunities.” – Angela Bear, Centre for Employment Innovation
The Province of Nova Scotia announced the new Diversity and Inclusion Program and $2.5 million in program funding from the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement in October 2020.
For future information on the program, please stay tuned to our website, social media accounts (LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter) or sign-up below to receive our e-newsletter.
Diversity And Inclusion Program Press:
StFX Centre for Employment Innovation leads new program creating jobs for African Nova Scotians – StFX University
Diversity and Inclusion Program Press Release – Government of Nova Scotia
Centre for Employment Innovation at StFX to lead $2.5 million diversity, inclusion project – SaltWire Network
Nova Scotia Works centres to Hire African Nova Scotians – Porthawkesbury Reporter