Supporting Refugee Employment in Nova Scotia

Northpine Foundation has invested in the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia’s employment readiness program to help refugees secure meaningful work in their first year in Canada. The program responds to a time-sensitive need for support with language, workplace expectations, and employer readiness before refugees can land their first Canadian job.

The initiative combines individualized employment planning, job-search support, workplace language training, safety certification, and wage subsidies. It builds on ISANS’ strong track record helping refugees move into jobs and aims to create more stable pathways into employment before families fall into longer-term reliance on income assistance.

The model is designed to strengthen early labour market attachment, improve retention, and create a stronger case for scaling early employment supports for refugees.