Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, at Province House on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The department is transitioning Nova Scotians on income assistance to employment services at Nova Scotia Works. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentStarting in September, Nova Scotians on income assistance will be directed to the same employment services as others.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe province announced that the employment support program funded by the Department of Opportunities and Social Development will only continue until the end of March 2027.Article contentArticle contentThose in the program who are ready to find employment will instead be directed to Nova Scotia Works, the province’s free public employment service. Around 1,100 people in the income assistance program are expected to transition to programs at Nova Scotia Works over the next six months, according to the province’s news release.Article contentArticle contentThey will be given the same support as those who aren’t on income assistance.Article content“Moving to a one-door approach means income assistance recipients go to the same places, receive the same supports and have access to the same job opportunities as any other work-ready Nova Scotian,” Susan Corkum-Greek, minister of opportunities and social development, said Tuesday in the release.Article contentThe support through Nova Scotia Works will include employment workshops, skills training sessions and one-on-one support from career development professionals.Article contentIts programs and supports helped 4,794 people get a job in 2024-25, with around 70 per cent still employed a year later, according to its 2024-25 impact report.Article contentNova Scotia Works has 52 employment service centres across the province and works through a network comprised of 15 employment organizations.Article content“When we make services easier to access and reduce stigma, we help more people take the next step toward stability, independence and meaningful employment,” Corkum-Greek said.Article contentArticle contentFor those who need more help before starting to look for a job, the province will be developing pre-employment supports over the next six months aimed at building confidence, stability and readiness for employment.Article contentNova Scotians in the income assistance program will still receive personalized support from caseworkers to ensure everyone is receiving the right support and services, according to the release.Article contentOpposition reservationsArticle contentLina Hamid, the NDP critic for the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, wrote that the changes could lead to less support for Nova Scotians on income assistance.Article content“Across Nova Scotia people want the same things, to build a good life for themselves and a good future for their children,” wrote Hamid in a statement Tuesday.Article content“Today’s cuts to employment support for people receiving income assistance could make that harder and will see dozens of good local jobs eliminated.”Article contentHamid said, “Like in the spring budget, we’re seeing choices from this government that could make it harder for those who need support the most to actually get it.Article content“People are worried this will mean less service or programs that don’t provide the specific support people need. Nova Scotians want a government they can trust and deserve answers and assurance that the changes won’t mean less support for the people who need it.”Article contentThere are 38,558 people in the province’s employment support and income assistance program, as of Dec. 1. This includes 14,039 people who receive the disability supplement.Article content
Nova Scotia announces changes to employment services for people on income assistance
