Employer Support Programs & Services
Building Inclusive Communities Through Collaboration
Across Nova Scotia, growth is strongest when it is shared. Guided by this belief, ISANS works with local partners, employers, and community organizations to build inclusive and resilient economies, especially in rural and regional communities where newcomers are critical to long-term sustainability.
Extending settlement and employment services beyond urban centers is essential, yet rural newcomers often face added barriers such as geographic isolation, limited professional networks, and reduced access to services. ISANS addresses these challenges through deep, relationship-based collaboration with municipalities, economic development offices, chambers of commerce, and grassroots organizations. These partnerships ensure immigrant and refugee newcomers are not only welcomed, but fully supported to contribute their skills, ideas, and talents to their new communities.
Working directly with employers is a key pillar of this approach. Throughout the year, ISANS connected businesses many located in rural and regional areas with pre-screened, job-ready newcomers. This work went beyond recruitment by providing guidance on inclusive hiring, workplace integration, and intercultural competency. Employer Engagers participated in more than 80 events across the province and supported over 300 distinct employers of which 152 employers are in rural areas, collaborating with federal and provincial governments and community partners such as Regional Enterprise Networks, NS Works, YReach, PeopleWorx, and others. Through this outreach, employers gained access to practical tools, training opportunities, and tailored supports to strengthen retention, build diverse teams, and grow resilient organizations.
The Intercultural Workplace Program (IWP) played a central role in supporting inclusive employment. Through 150 targeted training sessions, the program supported employers at all stages of their inclusion journey, from small rural businesses hiring their first newcomer to larger organizations seeking to deepen inclusive practices. This support helped foster respectful, culturally responsive workplaces where international talent can thrive, benefiting employees while strengthening teams and long-term workforce stability.
Province-wide success is grounded in listening and shared learning. Community conversations, focus groups, and collaborative planning ensured programs responded to local realities and evolving workforce needs. Local partners brought trust, insight, and connections, while ISANS contributed expertise in newcomer integration and inclusive workforce development. Together, these combined strengths created lasting impact reflected in inclusive workplaces, stronger rural economies, and communities that recognize diversity as a driver of growth and innovation.
328
employers received employer support,
152
from rural areas
142
employers engaged in the Atlantic Immigration Program
45
from rural areas
150
Intercultural workshop sessions
2,187
attendees
“On behalf of the Valley Regional Enterprise Network, I’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to ISANS for your continued leadership and commitment to the Valley Region. You are a vital partner in this work—ensuring that businesses, newcomers, and community members have access to programming that is not only impactful, but essential to building strong, inclusive communities. Together, we are building stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a stronger Valley.”
Emily Boucher
CEO, Valley Regional Enterprise Network
Advancing inclusive employment through employer engagement and partnership
One of the key components of ISANS Employer Support Services is bringing employers together with community partners, service providers, and government representatives to build stronger, more inclusive workplaces. This was at the heart of the 2025 Employer Forum in Truro, Nova Scotia, where rural employers gathered to explore solutions to ongoing labour shortages.
The forum created an open and welcoming space for honest conversation. Employers shared experiences, challenges, and successes, with many noting how valuable it was to hear that others were navigating similar workforce issues. These exchanges were not only insightful but also reassuring, turning common struggles into shared learning and sparking real ideas for moving forward.
By strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration, the forum highlighted the vital role intercultural diversity plays in building resilient rural economies. Supporting employers to embrace diverse talent is not just about filling jobs, it’s about helping rural communities grow, innovate, and thrive together.
