Government of Canada announces funding for project in support of African Nova Scotian communities

Feb 22, 2023

HALIFAX, NS, - In Canada, we all deserve to live in a society that is diverse and inclusive. For Black Canadians, it is important to acknowledge that they have faced—and continue to face—discrimination, inequalities and systemic barriers, which prevent them from fully participating in society. Through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada is taking meaningful steps to address the significant and unique challenges Black communities face in Canada by investing in Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving organizations, initiatives and community spaces.

Today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Darrell Samson, on behalf of Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced funding of approximately $2.2 million under the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative provided to refurbish the former Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children (or the Old Home), which is owned by Akoma Holdings Inc.

On October 23, 2022, the Old Home celebrated 101 years since opening its doors in 1921 by renaming the centre to Kinney Place and announcing the completed renovation and refurbishment. The Old Home has now been transformed into a community centre that provides services to the African Nova Scotian communities and will serve as an incubator for Black businesses.

The completed transformation of the Old Home will also serve as a memorial to acknowledge the tragic history and systemic racism experienced by its former residents and to commemorate its complicated history. Investing in Black communities and tackling systemic anti-Black racism head on are important parts of building an inclusive and resilient country that leaves no one behind.

Source : Newswire.ca

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.