Message from Board Chair and CEO
“Changes in global dynamics, shifting immigration patterns, labour market pressures, and increased demand for settlement services presented both challenges and opportunities. ISANS met these realities with clarity and purpose… adapting programs, strengthening partnerships, and remaining focused on delivering high quality, client centered services that respond to real needs, in real time.”
Rick Power
Chair, Board Directors
Message from our Board Chair
As Chair of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to reflect on the 2025–2026 year and the collective efforts that continue to advance ISANS’ mission across Nova Scotia. Over the past year, the organization has demonstrated strength, adaptability, and accountability in a complex and evolving environment. The theme of this year’s Annual Report, Together We Grow, speaks to the shared leadership and collaboration that underpins ISANS’ work and long-term success.
Throughout the year, ISANS supported more than 14,500 newcomers -- individuals and families who are contributing to Nova Scotia’s economic resilience, cultural richness, and social vitality. Their success is shaped not only by personal determination, but by the systems, the services, and the relationships that surround them. Together We Grow reflects this shared effort and how newcomers, staff, volunteers, community partners, employers, and funders all work in alignment to create opportunity and to foster belonging across the province.
Changes in global dynamics, shifting immigration patterns, labour market pressures, and increased demand for settlement services presented both challenges and opportunities. ISANS met these realities with clarity and purpose… adapting programs, strengthening partnerships, and remaining focused on delivering high quality, client centered services that respond to real needs, in real time.
Across language education, employment and entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and support for families, children, and youth, ISANS continued to invest in pathways that support long term success. This work extends beyond initial settlement. It is about enabling newcomers to build confidence, apply their skills, participate fully in community life, and contribute meaningfully to Nova Scotia’s future.
Collaboration remains central to this effort. By collaborating closely with employers, governments, and community partners, ISANS helped to address workforce needs, while advancing more inclusive and responsive systems. These partnerships recognize that successful integration benefits everyone by strengthening communities, supporting economic growth, and fostering a more inclusive society.
While data and outcomes are important, the true measure of impact lies in lived experience. Behind every statistic is a story of resilience, determination, growth, a newcomer gaining recognition for their skills, a family finding stability, or a young person discovering their voice. These moments illustrate what is possible when systems work together and when people are supported to succeed.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of ISANS’ staff, volunteers, partners, and funders. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend sincere thanks to everyone who contributes their expertise, compassion, and leadership to this work. Your collective efforts and dedication continue to shape an organization that is trusted, responsive, and forward looking.
The Board remains deeply committed to strong governance, strategic oversight, and long-term sustainability. We are proud to support ISANS as it continues to lead through change, innovate with intention, and advocate for systems that enable both newcomers and Nova Scotia to succeed.
As we look ahead, immigration will continue to play a vital role in the province’s future. The work of inclusion, belonging, and shared growth is ongoing. ISANS is well positioned to meet the future with confidence as we continue to be guided by partnership, purpose, and the belief that when we work together, we grow stronger.
Rick Power
Chair, Board of Directors
“Growth does not happen in isolation. It is built through collaboration, shared responsibility, and meaningful connection. When newcomers, communities, partners, and systems come together, we create the conditions for individuals and families to succeed and for Nova Scotia to grow stronger economically, socially, and culturally.”
Paula Knight
Chief Executive Officer
Message from our CEO
Over the past two years at ISANS, it has been the people, our clients, staff, and volunteers who have left the deepest impression on me. I have had the privilege of witnessing newcomers beginning again with remarkable courage and determination, and of seeing our teams respond with compassion, creativity, and care. These moments of connection, growth, and hope are what continue to ground and inspire our work every day.
This year’s theme, Together We Grow, captures both the spirit of our work and the direction of our organization. Growth does not happen in isolation. It is built through collaboration, shared responsibility, and meaningful connection. When newcomers, communities, partners, and systems come together, we create the conditions for individuals and families to succeed and for Nova Scotia to grow stronger economically, socially, and culturally.
At the heart of this work are the people we serve. Over the past year, ISANS supported more than 14,500 newcomers from over 170 countries through settlement services, language training, employment and entrepreneurship support, and community integration programs. While these numbers demonstrate our reach, the true measure of our impact is found in the everyday stories of resilience, belonging, and contribution across our communities.
This impact is made possible by the unwavering commitment of our staff and volunteers. Their professionalism, creativity, and compassion continue to shape a culture of care, innovation, and excellence. I am deeply grateful for their leadership and dedication, and for the way they bring ISANS’ values to life every day.
ISANS also took important steps to strengthen how we show up in the world. We introduced a refreshed organizational identity one that reflects who we are today and the future we are building together. Grounded in our values and informed by the voices of our communities, this renewed identity signals clarity, confidence, and a continued commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging. It reflects our readiness to adapt to a changing world while remaining firmly rooted in our mission.
This momentum is further reinforced through our Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which provides a clear and ambitious roadmap for the years ahead. I am proud to share that we are on track with our strategic priorities. The plan challenges us to strengthen services, deepen relationships, and continue learning as we respond to evolving newcomer needs. Early progress has underscored the importance of intentional collaboration and shared accountability in achieving long-term, sustainable impact.
All this work has unfolded amid ongoing global and geopolitical uncertainty, including conflict, displacement, and economic pressures that directly affect the lives of those we serve. These challenges are part of a broader humanitarian context highlighted by the United Nations, with Canada continuing to play a key role in advancing global commitments by opening doors to safety, and welcoming dedicated individuals who bring energy, skills and civic commitment to sustain our communities for generations to come. In 2025/26, ISANS supported 414 government-assisted refugees (GARs) who arrived in Halifax, underscoring this ongoing commitment.
Despite these conditions, ISANS has remained resilient and responsive. Our teams have adapted with care and flexibility, ensuring services remain accessible, trauma-informed, and inclusive, while continuing to support newcomers as they build stability and community in Nova Scotia.
At the same time, we have continued to advance our digital transformation, recognizing the critical role technology plays in improving access, equity, and service quality. Over the past year, ISANS strengthened digital tools and explored innovative ways to connect with clients particularly those in rural and underserved communities. These efforts are helping to reduce barriers, increase flexibility, and ensure our services remain responsive to how newcomers live, work, and learn today, while positioning ISANS for continued innovation.
We also strengthened our national presence and partnerships by actively participating in major sector conferences hosted in Halifax, including the Pathways to Prosperity Conference and the Metropolis Canada Conference. These gatherings created valuable opportunities to share knowledge, elevate practice-based experience, and contribute to national conversations shaping immigration and settlement across Canada.
Ultimately, Together We Grow reflects a shared vision of a Nova Scotia where everyone has a role to play, where every individual has something to contribute, and where growth social and economic support for newcomers is shared. Across sectors where there are acute labour shortages, such as healthcare and construction, ISANS continues to support newcomers in building meaningful careers while helping address labour market needs. By connecting talent with opportunity, we are strengthening both individual outcomes and the industries and communities that sustain our province.
To our clients, thank you for trusting ISANS and for allowing us to accompany you on your journey. Your strength, determination, and contributions enrich our communities and our province.
To our funders, partners, and supporters: thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of this work.
Together with newcomers, communities, and partners, we are building a Nova Scotia where everyone can belong, contribute, and flourish. Together We Grow!
Paula Knight
Chief Executive Officer
