AS AN IMMIGRANT myself, it is a privilege for me to chair the ISANS Board and reflect on our past year in this annual report. Each person newly arriving to Nova Scotia has a unique story, but there are always commonalities among us.

Connections are ultimately what help everyone feel at home no matter where we find ourselves, and this reality is especially true for immigrants. We leave our home countries to live permanently in new ones, and the connections that exist for us – the ones we make, the ones we already have, and the ones that come into our lives – will invariably shape the way our (and our families’) futures unfold.

The importance connection holds for immigrants is also why it is so important to our work at ISANS. Our vision is a community where all can belong and grow, and we want every immigrant we support to know they have an invaluable place here.

The work ISANS does to help immigrants settle successfully in Nova Scotia is always informed by our vision and values, but it is not a stretch to say that connection is our unifying ingredient. We are an interconnected organization: all of our services rely on and support each other to offer seamless, flexible, wrap-around support to immigrants. For many immigrants who choose tosettle in Nova Scotia, ISANS is the front door to the possibilities that await them here. We are a hub and connecting point for services, supports, and community integration.

Despite the challenges our global community currently faces and has faced these last years, I am proud that ISANS has remained focused on our mission to help immigrants build their futures here. As Board Chair, along with my fellow Directors, we have continued the legacy of strategic planning, responsible stewardship, risk mitigation, and expanding the partnerships that make ISANS’ work possible. Our focus has been to maintain a strong organization where our excellent staff always feel engaged and valued.

I am also proud that the Board has committed to the 50/30 Challenge to support equity, diversity, and inclusion at our board level. This means we are working towards gender parity (50 %) on our boards and senior management, and significant representation (30 %) on our boards and senior management of equity groups.

Thank you to the many people who come through our doors, and who settle and stay in our province – Nova Scotia is enriched by your presence. Thank you as well to the incredible staff team at ISANS whose work and commitment make such a difference for people settling here and for our communities.

The key for future progress is to continue to build connections and welcome new ones with open arms. Our work over the last year reflects this sentiment, and I am excited to share it with you.