HALIFAX: Nova Scotians receiving income assistance will have access to the same employment services, supports and job opportunities as other job seekers in the province.
Starting in September, income assistance recipients who are ready to look for work will be referred to Nova Scotia Works, the Province’s public employment service that offers free employment supports in more than 50 communities.
“Moving to a one-door approach means income assistance recipients go to the same places, receive the same supports and have access to the same job opportunities as any other work-ready Nova Scotian,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development.
“When we make services easier to access and reduce stigma, we help more people take the next step toward stability, independence and meaningful employment.”
Under the new approach, clients will be connected to the employment supports that best match their needs – people who are work-ready will be referred directly to Nova Scotia Works; those who need more support before looking for a job will access those services through the Department of Opportunities and Social Development’s network of community-based service providers.
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Employment supports funded by Opportunities and Social Development and delivered by community partners will continue as-is through the end of March 2027.
Over the next six months, Department staff will work with service providers, employers and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration to design pre-employment supports for Nova Scotians receiving income assistance who are not yet ready to move directly into employment services.
This work will focus on helping people build confidence, stability and readiness at a pace that reflects their circumstances.
Nova Scotians receiving income assistance will continue to receive personalized support. Caseworkers will work with clients to ensure people are connected to the right services.
Quotes:
“Nova Scotia Works helps thousands of Nova Scotians connect with jobs, training and career support every year. Bringing work-ready income assistance recipients into that same system means they will have access to the same employment services and opportunities as other job seekers across the province.
“It’s a smart, co-ordinated approach that reduces barriers, improves access to support and helps more people succeed in the workforce.”
— Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration
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Quick Facts
– about 1,100 work-ready income assistance recipients are expected to transition to Nova Scotia Works employment services and supports over the course of implementation
– services include one-on-one support from certified career development professionals, skills training and upgrading opportunities, employment and career workshops, and more
– Nova Scotia Works is delivered by 15 organizations
– in 2024-25, Nova Scotia Works helped 4,794 people get a job; 3,282 were still employed a year later, a strong retention rate of about 70 per cent
– Opportunities and Social Development will continue to provide employment programming for youth at risk and dependents of income assistance recipients
The N.S. NDP said that questions remain on the impact these income assistance changes will have on folks.
“Across Nova Scotia people want the same things, to build a good life for themselves and a good future for their children. Today’s cuts to employment support for people receiving income assistance could make that harder and will see dozens of good local jobs eliminated,” said Official Opposition OSD Critic Lina Hamid.
“Like in the spring budget, we’re seeing choices from this government that could make it harder for those who need support the most to actually get it. People are worried this will mean less service or programs that don’t provide the specific support people need.
“Nova Scotians want a government they can trust and deserve answers and assurance that the changes won’t mean less support for the people who need it.”
