Events

On this page, you will find upcoming and past Commision and community events. We encourage all Nova Scotians to participate and celebrate our diverse communities. If you have an event we should include here please contact us.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events scheduled

Past Events

December 10th, 2024 - December 10th, 2024 - Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards Presentation & International Human Rights Day

Each year on or around International Human Rights Day the Commission recognizes our province’s human rights champions through the presentation of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards. This year’s awards will be presented on December 10 beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Paul O’Regan Hall at the Halifax Central Library located at 5440 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax. This event is open to the public. Join us in person or tune-in to the livestream which will be viewable on this page at the time of the event and as a recording after.

Livestream

December 9th, 2024 - December 9th, 2024 - The Historical Context of Disability

Date: Monday, December 9, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
A recording of this session is posted below.

An important part of being an ally is to understand history. Learn about the history of disability globally, across Turtle Island (North America), and in Mi’kma’ki (specifically in Nova Scotia). Presented by Maddi Adams on behalf of Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Directorate.

Recording

December 9th, 2024 - December 9th, 2024 - Human Rights and the Unhoused

When: December 9, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m,
A recording of this session is posted below.

Canada is facing a significant housing crisis which has contributed to a rapid increase in the number of unhoused Canadians seeking shelter in encampments in public spaces, and using emergency and community-based services. As communities respond to the crisis, Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate continues to urge governments to use a human rights-based approach when managing housing encampments. At the same time, some residents and leaders feel that issues of economic development, protection of public spaces, and perceived safety concerns should take priority, advocating for the removal of encampments and services for the unhoused from public spaces and downtown areas. In many cases these concerns are underscored by a lack of understanding of the evidence-based solutions being proposed to address the complex, nuanced issue of homelessness.

Join us for a panel on Human Rights and the Unhoused, where our expert panelists will bust myths about encampments, causes of homelessness and provide information about best practices in addressing the homelessness crisis. Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate, Marie-Josée Houle will share insights on national research and recommendations and Professor Catherine Leviten-Reid will share her research evidence supporting community-based care and the role of deeply affordable housing and services in the lives of those in greatest need. Erika Shea from New Dawn Enterprises and Christine Porter from the Ally Centre in Sydney will share a Cape Breton success story and how they are facing renewed resistance after the municipal election.

Background

Recording

December 9th, 2024 - December 9th, 2024 - Anti-Trans Rhetoric and Policies in Canada and Regionally (Youth Project)

When: Monday, December 9, 2024
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
A recording of this session is posted below.

Join Chris, Carmel, and Cam from The Youth Project (Halifax) to examine anti-trans rhetoric and policies in Canada and regionally as it relates to trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary students within school systems, how these policies impact organizations, and exploring the barriers of healthcare access for trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary individuals along with the importance of gender affirming care.

Recording