Tag: income assistance

Now is the time to enact the best evidence-based policy tools to alleviate stress on what was already an overburdened mental health system. As with the COVID-19 public health response, we must try to prevent a huge spike in mental health needs, to avoid overburdening the system all at once. With the horrific events of April 19 squarely in the hearts and minds of Nova Scotians we must act now to ensure that the social determinants of mental health are acted on and ensure that all Nova Scotians have universal access to mental health services.

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, like many in our province, is particularly concerned about vulnerable children and youth during this time of crisis. We are asking that the province implement the following steps to ensure that vulnerable children, youth and their families are protected throughout these unsettling times.

The Department of Community Services (DCS) recently rolled out changes to the Income Assistance programs which aim to help low-income Nova Scotians. Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services, stated that these changes were brought in because: “We want all Nova Scotians to have the dignity, self-esteem, and self-confidence they need to move their lives forward…. Read more »