Posts by vmartin

2021 was a big year, which has us excited for the year ahead. Times are undoubtedly hard, but for us, focusing on the generosity of our incredible partners and the positive impacts they have on our communities is what inspires us to keep going. A great example of just such an impact is the story…

Message from Jennifer Watts, CEO of ISANS Welcome to the 2nd year of our Virtual Open House!  We miss seeing you in person but are excited to share with you the great work and partnerships we have been engaged with over this past year.  This year’s theme of “Pathways to Purpose” speaks to our commitment…

To celebrate a decade as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH), we are sharing 10 facts about our work as a SAH the past 10 years. Did you know ISANS is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH)? A Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) is an incorporated organization that has signed a sponsorship agreement with the Minister of Immigration,…

From November 7 to 13, we are celebrating the 9th edition of National Francophone Immigration Week! “Let’s celebrate, savour and discover with an open mind!” This year’s theme is «Une francophonie aux mille saveurs», the thousand flavours of la francophonie. Beyond reminding us of the diversity of the rich Francophone cuisines and tastes, it is…

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards. Presentation of the awards took place virtually and in person at our Small Business Week event on October 20th at the Halifax Public Library. The recipients and honorable mentions are the following for each award categories: Innovative Business of the Year…

BDC Small Business Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for over 42 years. Every year, close to 10,000 entrepreneurs gather to learn, network, and celebrate the people building businesses across the country. At ISANS, we recognize the positive impact immigrant small businesses have made…

In 1993, Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy declared October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaq culture and heritage. This year, we reflect on the theme treaty, chosen by the Mi’kmaq History Month committee. Focusing on relationships and the notion that We are All Treaty People, we will reflect…

The news from Afghanistan is heartbreaking.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and settlement agencies across Canada are responding to this evolving and tragic situation and are supporting the arrival of Afghanistan refugees to Canada. ISANS, as a Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provider, is involved in this work and we are preparing for arrivals to Nova Scotia. We will…

As we get ready to vote on September 20th, let’s remind ourselves how immigrants and refugees contribute to building a stronger and brighter Canada. Everyone Contributes Everyone contributes, regardless of the immigration stream by which they enter Canada. Immigration helps stem our employment gap across the country as more people retire than enter the workforce.…