Equity and Anti-Racism: Education, Training, Tools and Resources

The Dismantling Racism and Hate Act (the Act) was passed on April 1, 2022. The Act was the first of its kind in Canada and signified government’s commitment to addressing systemic hate, inequity, and racism in government policies and programs.

The AMANS Equity and Anti-Racism Support Program provides education, training, tools and resources to support Municipalities and Villages fulfill their requirements under the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, with the goal to develop Plans by April 1, 2025.

Municipalities and villages will be the first public sector bodies prescribed under the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, requiring them to have plans to address systemic hate, inequity and racism.

The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism (Office of Equity and Anti-Racism), in partnership with the Association of Municipal Administrators, will be providing resources and support to help municipalities and villages meet this legislative requirement.

Equity and Anti-Racism plans must be:

•informed by engagement with underrepresented and underserved communities within the jurisdiction that the plan covers;

•in place by April 1, 2025;

•publicly available in an accessible format; and

•updated every three years, in line with Accessibility Act requirement.

In the Resources and Tools sidebar folder you will find tools to support your Municipality in this work. Please reach out to us for any support that you need in developing your Plan.

Municipal Equity, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility Grant Program:

Funded by the Province of Nova Scotia's Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, this grant provides up to $1,500 per Municipality or Village to support projects directly aligned with action items in your approved Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility Plans. Municipalities and Villages may apply as individuals or collaborate on initiatives, which could result in more impactful, regional projects. Collaborations may apply for more funding (# of Municipalities/Villages x $1500). Examples of eligible activities include community engagement, training, community events, equity-focused initiatives. Staff salaries and operational costs are not covered. In the application, you may simply refer to the action item in your plan and copy the wording for reference.

All approved projects must be completed by the end of the fiscal year 2025-2026, with a total of $70,000 available for distribution. Applications are now open and will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are allocated within this fiscal.

Municipalities can request up to 100% of their project costs, with a maximum of $1,500 per Municipality or Village. You can access the application here - Please reach out to Julie or Roxanne with any need for support in filling out the application, or if you would like to discuss your proposal before submitting.