Nova Scotia

Introduction

  1. This report summarizes Nova Scotia's policies, legislation and programs relevant to the articles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). It contains profiles of measures adopted and/or undertaken by the province between 1994 and 1998 that give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Government of Nova Scotia is pleased to note that substantial progress has been made on behalf of the women of Nova Scotia during this period. The government is committed to continuing this work within the context of its social, fiscal and economic growth priorities, in order to eliminate any and all forms of discrimination that remain active in our society.

Article 2: Anti-Discrimination Measures

  1. The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act (R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 214) is the principal anti-discrimination law providing recourse for women who allege sex-based discrimination. Major revisions made to the Act in 1991 had the effect of providing additional protection to children and their families. Family status, defined as "being in a parent-child relationship", was added as a new characteristic under which discrimination is prohibited and the protection from discrimination on the basis of marital status was expanded to apply to all facets of public life. Pregnancy-based complaints are considered complaints of discrimination based on sex. The Act also prohibits sexual harassment and discrimination based on an irrational fear of contracting an illness.

  2. Between 1994 and 1998, an average of 35 percent of complaints lodged under the Human Rights Act involved complaints of discrimination on the basis of sex, pregnancy and sexual harassment (1994 -- 37 percent; 1995-35 percent; 1996 -- 33 percent; 1997-34 percent). This indicates a decrease of about 5 percent since 1993.

  3. Between 1994 and 1998, 22 boards of inquiry were appointed with respect to discrimination against women as per the above noted categories: sex, pregnancy, sexual harassment, family and/or marital status.

  4. Complaints on the basis of marital status and/or family status are made primarily by women, increasing the overall percentage of complaints in relation to discrimination against women to approximately 40 percent. In most cases, complaints are resolved through a conciliation process with settlements ranging from financial compensation, restoration of a lost job, redesigned hiring policies and practices to anti-harassment policies and human rights awareness sessions.

  5. In 1996, the Nova Scotia Women's Directorate and the Advisory Council on the Status of Women were merged. The mission of the new organization -- the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women -- remains true to the past work of both groups, which is to advance equality, fairness and dignity for all women. The mandate of the Council is to advise the minister responsible for the status of women on the concerns and priorities of women, and to formulate strategies and options to address these. Its core functions are research and policy development, information and communication services, and community liaison and rural outreach. The Council's goals are to:

Since the merger, Council has seven full-time staff members in the Halifax office and four part-time field workers in other areas of the province.

  1. One of the Advisory Council's goals has been to ensure that government legislation, policies and programs promote equality for women through a process for integrating gender analysis into policy-making activities. Between 1994 and 1998, gender impact analyses of minimum wage legislation, CPP reform and child support guidelines were undertaken.

  2. The size of the Advisory Council doubled to 14 members in 1996-1997, with representation from all parts of Nova Scotia. The Council includes women from under-represented groups such as Acadian, Mi'kmaq, African-Nova Scotian and women with disabilities.

  3. In 1996, the Department of Economic Development provided funding to assist Women's World Finance in a research project to determine the economic impact of women business owners in Atlantic Canada. The report, entitled "The Economic Impact of Women Business Owners in Atlantic Canada," was released in August 1997.

  4. The Department of Education restructured in 1994 and realized the creation of the Mi'kmaq Services Division and the African Canadian Services Division. The position of Multi-Cultural Education Consultant has as part of its mandate a direction to work proactively and reactively to gender-related issues.

  5. In December 1998, a regulation was adopted enabling the Human Rights Commission to register board of inquiry orders for monetary compensation with the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This allows the Commission to pursue payment of monetary awards from recalcitrant respondents through means such as wage garnishees, and execution orders against real and personal property, etc.

Article 2 - Links to Convention and other sections
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Article 3: Measures to Ensure the Advancement of Women

  1. Between 1994 and 1998, the Nova Scotia civil service underwent a series of planned reductions. The reductions were mainly devolutions of various components from the civil service. Civil servants at the Victoria General Hospital (1996-97), community colleges, and Public Health and Drug Dependency (1997-98) were some of those affected. Over this same period, however, the number of women in the civil service has remained steady and actually increased to approximately 60 percent of the total work force in 2000.

Women in Nova Scotia's Civil Service

Year Number of women Percent of women Total Complement
1993-94 6880 60 11550
1994-95 6,597 61 10846
1995-96 6,723 62 10,890
1996-97 4,380 56 7,800
1997-98 4,080 56 7,325

Note: Totals are based on responses from civil servants who completed the Government of Nova Scotia Workforce Analysis Survey and chose to self-identify.

  1. Women have been taking on positions of increased responsibility in Nova Scotia's civil service since 1994. For example, the number of women in management positions has increased since 1994 (see table below). As of January 2000, women make up 39 percent of Management Class Positions (MCP) pay plan total.

Women in Management Class Positions in Nova Scotia's Civil Service

Year Number of Women vs.Total MCP Women as Percent of MCP Work Force
1993-94 453 of 1,472 31
1994-95 447 of 1,330 34
1995-96 474 of 1,355 35
1996-97 454 of 1,284 35
1997-98 464 of 1,251 37

  1. Since 1994, women have made only marginal gains in deputy minister positions (see table below).

Women in Deputy Minister Positions in the Government of Nova Scotia

Year Number of Women vs. Total Positions
1994 2 of 12
1995 2 of 15
1996 3 of 15
1997 3 of 15
1998 4 of 16
1999 5 of 18
2000 4 of 19

  1. In the judiciary, there were 8 federally-appointed women judges from a total of 33 in 1998, compared to 4 out of 34 in 1994; and 9 provincially-appointed judges from a total of 40 in 1998, compared to 6 out of 44 in 1994.

  2. In 1994, the Health Minister introduced a resolution in the legislature to recognize the contribution of Registered Nurses (RNs) to the provision and delivery of quality health care in Nova Scotia. In particular, their professional skills, compassion and effectiveness in the planning and management of the health care system were commended. The resolution also expressed the respect and gratitude of Nova Scotians to those fellow citizens who bear the official title of RN.

  3. Certified Nursing Assistants and their contribution to the health care system in Nova Scotia were also recognized by members of the legislature.

  4. In 1995-96, the Advisory Council assisted single mothers attending university who faced cutbacks from the students aid program. The Council worked with the women to develop a lobbying strategy.

  5. A new protocol for the screening of volunteers working with children and other vulnerable populations was implemented in 1997. The protocol ensures that volunteer agencies can obtain a criminal records check in appropriate cases. Volunteer organizations are required to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the police agency in their area. Police checks of volunteer applicants will determine if there is any record of criminal convictions. Job descriptions for volunteers include whether a security check is required, when the check is conducted and what information will result in refusing the services of a volunteer. The province commissioned the Volunteer Resource Centre in Halifax to conduct training workshops on the screening process.

  6. In 1998, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission sponsored a new journalism award to recognize reporting on human rights topics and to advance human rights as a subject for reporting. Three awards were presented on December 10 -- Human Rights Day -- in print, broadcast and student categories. Eligible stories focus on at least one of the protected characteristics in the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, and the challenges faced by people because of: race/colour; religion/creed; ethnic/national origin; association; sex (gender or pregnancy); physical or mental disability; age; source of income; aboriginal origin; sexual orientation; sexual harassment; political affiliation; marital status; family status; or irrational fear (illness or disease).

  7. The Nova Scotia Department of Education and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union have reiterated a commitment to affirmative action by extending the collective agreement's Letter of Understanding -- Affirmative Action Coordinating Committee. The Committee's mandate is to:

The Committee includes voting membership from the Department of Education (chair), the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the Nova Scotia School Boards Association. In addition, the Committee has non-voting participation from the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Mi'kmaq Services Division and the African Canadian Services Division.

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Article 4: Temporary Special Measures

  1. The Government of Nova Scotia is committed to creating a civil service that represents the diversity of citizens in all employment categories and at all levels. The Department of Human Resources administers an affirmative action policy to promote equitable participation of Aboriginal persons, Black persons and other racially visible persons, as well as persons with disabilities and women in positions where they are under-represented.

  2. In 1997, Human Resources signed an agreement with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission reflecting its strengthened commitment to creating a diverse work force.

  3. Human Resources offers a Diversity Incentive Program and a Summer Employment Mentorship Program. The Diversity Program places students in jobs from clerical and administration to scientific and professional. In past years, female students in the Mentorship Program have worked in legal research, technology, fisheries, engineering and construction. The Mentorship Program attracts many young women to summer jobs with the provincial government, and provides them with valuable work experience in their field of study, as well as with a role model. The Program hires female students pursuing careers in non-traditional fields such as engineering, fisheries, geology and construction, and pairs them with mentors in government departments. Approximately 35 students were hired full time for 15 weeks in 1998. The goal of the Program is to see its "investment" pay off, and to make many more young women a permanent part of Nova Scotia's civil service in occupations where they have been under-represented. Both programs are open to full-time students returning to university, community college, private trade schools or high school in the fall.

  4. The Department of Transportation and Public Works, in partnership with the Disabled Persons Commission, established a committee in 1998 to develop an accessibility audit process with the goal of presenting a government corporate policy on access to government real property.

  5. An affirmative action agreement was signed in 1998 between Bryony House, a 24-bed Halifax shelter for battered women and their children, and the Human Rights Commission. It promotes better services for battered women and human rights in the workplace. Currently, there are 29 affirmative action agreements between the Commission and public and private sector partners in Nova Scotia. Affirmative action agreements are provincial government programs aimed at addressing discrimination faced by women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people and people with disabilities. Some highlights of the agreement include:

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Article 5: Elimination of Stereotypes

  1. A provincial protocol and manual were developed for child care and child protection workers to use when faced with alleged abuse of a child attending a child care centre. These resources, which clarify the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the process of recognizing and reporting alleged child abuse, have been widely distributed to professionals in Nova Scotia who provide services to children and their families. A training program based on the Child Care and Child Protection: Working Together for Children protocol continues to be offered on a regular basis in communities around the province. It raises the level of awareness, knowledge and understanding of the procedures and responsibilities associated with child abuse and neglect allegations within the context of child care.

  2. Beginning late in 1995, the work of the Human Rights Commission with respect to eliminating stereotyping became more focused. New personnel were hired in the Race Relations and Affirmative Action and Public Education divisions, bringing new ideas and vitality to the outreach of these divisions. One example was an initiative by the Race Relations and Affirmative Action Division to review and renegotiate all existing affirmative action agreements in place between the Commission and various (mostly large) employers and institutions. Both divisions increased the scope and volume of human rights training sessions offered, and work on comprehensive training manuals was begun. A third important project, the Substantive Equity Initiative, involved several Commission staff in the development of better analytical tools and strategies for dealing with systemic discrimination in large organizations, particularly workplaces. This project is ongoing.

  3. In 1996-97, the Advisory Council published Letting in a Little Light. This book, about the lives of lesbian women and their children, was distributed to community groups and educators across Nova Scotia. Requests for copies of the book also came from across Canada, as well as the United States, Sweden and the Netherlands.

  4. The Senior Citizens Secretariat works to eliminate stereotyping of older adults by portraying active healthy aging in its publications, workshops and its annual Senior's Expo. In 1997-98, the Advisory Council cosponsored a fund-raising event with well-known feminist and author Betty Friedan. Her lecture helped raise awareness and new thinking related to issues of aging.

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Article 6: Trafficking of Women and Prostitution

  1. In 1995, the Department of Justice sponsored a provincial consultation on prostitution. Participants agreed that prevention and early intervention are key to a successful strategy to address juvenile prostitution. It was acknowledged that youth involved in the sex trade are victims and in need of accessible medical services, substance abuse treatment, crisis counselling and ongoing support, shelter, life skills, job training and education re-entry programs. Following the consultation, a strong community-police partnership was forged to address critical issues in communities where street prostitution was seen to be most prevalent.

  2. In 1998, a multi-disciplinary group initiated a prostitution education program ("John School"). The group includes police, a number of provincial government departments, and community agencies. The program's objective is to reduce recidivism by providing information regarding the negative impact of prostitution on individuals and communities. Perpetrators are charged a fee for program participation, and the revenue is used for educational opportunities and other supports to women involved in prostitution.

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Article 7: Women in Politics and Public Life

  1. In 1997, the Advisory Council hosted the "Provincial Women's Forum -- Challenge to Change." The purpose of the Forum was to consider the impact of fiscal restraints, accelerated change and smaller government on the quest by women for gender equality. Four main themes served to focus the discussions: women and the economy; women and health; women and education; and human rights and the law. Over 150 women from across Nova Scotia discussed and debated these issues, articulated goals and obstacles, and made recommendations for change.

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Article 8: Women as International Representatives

  1. As a representative of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, the president of the Advisory Council participated at meetings, held in New York in 1995, preparing for the Fourth United Nations World Conference on Women. The Council hosted meetings and planned a one-day workshop on the Fourth UN Conference in Beijing in association with the Beijing Women's Action Network. In 1995, 12 women from Nova Scotia travelled to Beijing to attend the NGO World Forum.

  2. The Advisory Council partnered with the Canadian Congress of Black Women and the Maritime Centre of Excellence for Women's Health for a high-level interministerial delegation of South African women in 1997. The Council coordinated the Halifax leg of their study tour on violence against women.

Article 8 - Links to Convention and other sections
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Article 10: Education

  1. The Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is committed to the promotion of education and employment opportunities for women in the areas of trades and technologies. A fundamental component in NSCC's efforts to increase opportunities for women in male-dominated occupations lies in altering perceptions about women and trades and technologies fields.

  2. NSCC is a founding partner in Techsploration, an innovative program that provides young female students the opportunity to mentor with a female role model working in a trades or technology career. The young women in the program work with mentors and teachers to research an "in-demand" career and create an interactive presentation to deliver to their peers. They also participate in workshops and gain hands-on experience in their chosen field by working with role models. Techsploration is a partnership of public and private sector industry partners.

  3. In 1998-99, 46.8 percent of full-time students at the NSCC were female; the following year, this number increased to 47.8 percent. In 1999-2000, women comprised the following percentage of total full-time enrollment in trades and technologies: 32.9 percent in the natural resources programs; 26.4 percent in the geographic sciences; 12.0 percent in construction and related programs; 6.6 percent in industrial trades and technologies; and 5.7 percent in electrical and electronics programs.

  4. Nova Scotia's schools remain strong supporters of "Take Our Kids to Work Day," a hands-on opportunity for students to gather information through questioning and interviewing. It stimulates youth to start developing career plans and to be aware of the preparation required for various careers. The Department of Education emphasizes that education goes beyond the classroom and that preparing youth for the future is a community responsibility.

  5. The Department of Education has implemented changes in programs and services to overcome bias against female learners. Its media library provides videos that raise awareness of women's issues and the role women play in various fields. School boards have sponsored gender awareness training and participated in community/school research initiatives such as dating violence prevention and non-traditional career planning. In partnership with the Maritime Provinces Education Foundation (MPEF), the Department contributed to the production of a human rights training manual, with a section addressing women's issues.

  6. The Department of Education has incorporated dating violence prevention and the promotion of healthy relationships into the curriculum as part of Personal Development and Relationships and Career and Life Management courses at the junior and senior high levels.

  7. The theme of Women's History Month in 1995 was "Women and Education," which focused on women as both teachers and learners. In 1997, participants examined ways to attract more girls and women to science and technology when they celebrated "Women in Science and Technology."

  8. The first $5,000 Women in Engineering Scholarship was awarded in 1995. This is a renewable scholarship for women engineering students at the Technical University of Nova Scotia. The province established it on December 6, 1994, to honour the victims of the Montréal Massacre and to support women students pursuing a degree in engineering.

  9. A Girls Exploring Trades and Technology camp was held in Nova Scotia in 1996. Over the course of five days, 40 girls took part activities that stressed the importance of math, science and technology courses to careers of the future. Participants visited work sites where they met women working in trades and technology. The Department of Education, other government departments and private sector partners, supported the program.

  10. In 1997, the Human Rights Commission and the Department of Education worked with school boards and community groups to form the Coalition Against Sexual Harassment. The Advisory Council and the Department of Education were also involved and provided input into the development of a program to prevent sexual harassment in Nova Scotia's schools. In addition, the Department has appointed a liaison position for gay/lesbian education groups.

  11. International Women's Day continues to be observed in Nova Scotia. In celebration of that event and the Advisory Council's 20th anniversary, about 60 high school girls gathered in 1998 to tackle issues of economic equality, health and well-being, and violence. The conference entitled "Hopes, Dreams & Directions -- Twenty Years from Now" was sponsored by the Advisory Council. The Council made a commitment to participants to seek regular input and involvement from young women.

  12. Nova Scotia's first Council on Mi'kmaq Education was set up in 1998. It provides guidance to the Minister of Education on the development, implementation, evaluation and funding of educational programs and services to Mi'kmaq students in the public school and adult education systems. The Council is made up 13 representatives appointed by the Minister, including a representative from the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association.

  13. The Senior Citizens Secretariat reports that older adults can continue their education at the university level at no cost or at reduced cost. Continuing education programs are also available. A number of non-profit groups sponsor computer education courses specifically for older persons.

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Article 11: Employment

  1. The Vocational Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons programs (VRDP) has been replaced by the Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities program (EAPD). Many of the criticisms of the VRDP program were addressed in the redesign of the EAPD. For instance, there was a concern that the VRDP program did not look at individual needs. The new EAPD program is designed to consider personal needs and circumstances of clients. A consumer monitoring process was implemented to ensure that client concerns are being addressed.

  2. In 1996, the Labour Standards Code was amended to encompass, with some limited exceptions, domestic workers employed in private homes. Prior to this amendment, domestic workers employed in private homes by the homeowner were excluded from the legislation. The change to the legislation, gives domestic workers a number of protections including the right to equal pay, vacations/vacation pay, protection of pay, minimum wage and pregnancy and parental leave.

  3. In 1997, the new Occupational Health and Safety Act came into force. The Act improves three basic rights: the right to know, the right to refuse unsafe work and the right to participate in workplace health and safety issues. Information sessions on the new legislation were offered and a video and plain-language guide to the Act were developed. The government stated the ultimate goal of the legislation is reduced accidents and improved health and safety with benefits going to workers, families, business and the economy of Nova Scotia. As well, the Act requires that trade schools and community colleges teach courses in occupational health and safety (OHS).

  4. In 1997-98, the Advisory Council facilitated meetings with the International Longshoreman's Association (Halifax local), Women in Trades and Technology, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). Meeting participants discussed employment equity processes and the need to increase the number of women employed in the longshore industry. Education programs on diversity issues are now being delivered to sector employees. In 1998, the Council and the Nova Scotia Petroleum Directorate teamed up to inform women about new career and job opportunities in the emerging offshore gas and petroleum industry.

  5. In 1985, there were 324 licensed child care centres in the province. In fiscal year 1999-2000, there are 377 child care centres, including 31 child development centres and three family daycare agencies. There are presently 10,850 licensed child care spaces, including 2,450 spaces that are government subsidized. (Another 50 subsidized spaces will be allocated in the spring of 2000.) There are 181 differentially-funded spaces at licensed child care centres for children with special needs. There are 15 partially-funded early intervention programs that provide home-based programs for children up to five years of age who are at risk or who have a developmental delay.

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Article 12: Health

  1. A nutrition survey done in 1993 showed that women aged 18-34 and 35-49 were below the recommended nutrition intake of folic acid. The study also showed that folic acid intake among Nova Scotia women was lower than in the Nutrition Canada survey done in the early 1970s. Folic acid plays an important role in the formation of the spinal cord and brain during embryonic development. In 1994, the Department of Health officially recommended that women of childbearing age take 0.4-mg folic acid supplements daily to complement the natural "B" vitamins in other foods.

  2. The government recommended in 1994 that counselling and HIV testing with informed consent become a routine component of prenatal care. It also suggested that family physicians and obstetricians become more alert to HIV risk factors as they apply to individual patients.

  3. The Department of Health actively promotes and supports breastfeeding as the best form of infant feeding. In 1994, 2,500 kits were sent to community groups and organizations in Nova Scotia to initiate dialogue on breastfeeding in the community. In 1998, a Baby-Initiative Coordinator was appointed to help promote optimal development through breastfeeding.

  4. In 1996-97, the Advisory Council on the Status of Women supported a proposal to develop a Maritime Centre of Excellence on Women's Health at Dalhousie University. The Council was invited to serve on the interim steering committee and to advise on community participation in the Centre. The following year, the Council was involved in several projects and committees relating to the organization and development of the newly funded centre.

  5. In Nova Scotia, almost one in three women smoke during pregnancy. The risks of women having a miscarriage or stillbirth, or who give birth to pre-term babies who are small for their gestational age is well documented. "Start Quit, Stay Quit" was launched in 1996 to help women stop smoking during and after pregnancy. Workers help participants identify motivating factors to remain smoke free, and to develop skills and strategies to achieve that goal. The program is for women 16 years and older, who are between two and eight months pregnant, and have quit smoking for at least one week. The program will be evaluated and results will be used by the Department of Health to plan future smoking prevention programs for pregnant and postpartum women.

  6. Regular Pap tests can prevent cancer of the cervix in over 90 percent of cases. It is the only way to detect changes in cervix cells before they become cancerous. Since only 45 percent of Nova Scotia women at risk have Pap tests, the Department of Health launched a public awareness campaign in 1997.

  7. In 1997, the Reproductive Care Program (RCP) presented its report The Potential for Midwifery in Nova Scotia: A Review by the Reproductive Care Program for Nova Scotia to the Health Minister. The report identified the maternity care service needs of women and newborns, including in rural areas. In Nova Scotia, the RCP is the recognized authority on maternal and newborn health. The RCP has had a major role in improving standards of prenatal care since its inception in 1975. No decision has been made on the possibility of legislating midwifery in Nova Scotia.

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Article 13: Economic and Social Life

  1. The Disabled Persons' Commission was created in 1989 to advise government on policies and programs for persons with disabilities and to make all Nova Scotians aware of these programs. In 1995, and again in 1998, the Commission produced a "Directory of Programs and Services" specifically for Nova Scotians with disabilities.

  2. In conjunction with the United Nations Decade for the Disabled, a task force was set up to study the economic integration of women with disabilities in Nova Scotia. The task force report included 27 recommendations on raising public awareness about women with disabilities, education and training, employment, income support and daycare. Work continued through 1994-98 on implementation.

  3. The Disabled Persons' Commission tabled a "Report and Recommendations for the Establishment and Support of Inclusive Transportation Services in Nova Scotia" in 1995. The government responded by forming a committee in support of inclusive transportation represented by the Departments of Health, Housing and Municipal Affairs, Community Services, Transportation and Public Works, Education and Culture and the Nova Scotia Utility Review Board. A steering committee became responsible for promoting inclusive transportation initiatives in Nova Scotia, including the development and support of three community-based pilot projects to demonstrate models for inclusive transportation, and to study possible roles for government.

  4. In 1998, the Nova Scotia government gave its support to Justice Canada's Community Safety and Crime Prevention program. Communities are asked to develop comprehensive and sustainable approaches to crime prevention and to take action against the root causes of crime. Proposals were sought from non-profit professional and voluntary groups, community-based coalitions and groups working in support of crime prevention with Aboriginal communities. Nova Scotia's proposals saw children and youth as major targets for program outcomes. Community development projects that focus on partnerships to address crime prevention over the long term are also on Nova Scotia's priority list. Representatives of the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and crime prevention societies reviewed proposals.

  5. In partnership with other federal and provincial agencies and departments, the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development provided funding over a two-year period (fiscal years March 31, 1999 and March 31, 2000) to Women's World Finance to establish a loan fund for women business owners in Atlantic Canada. The Capital Access Loan Program was established to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in micro and small business who do not have business skills or access to credit. Today, Women's World Finance in Sydney, Nova Scotia is the only Canadian affiliate of Women's World Banking, a not-for-profit bank that advances and promotes the full economic participation of women.

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Article 14: Rural Women

  1. The Advisory Council's Fieldwork Program serves as a link between the Council and women in communities across Nova Scotia. Four part-time field workers help identify women's concerns, provide information and resources, and promote public education and awareness programs on a wide range of women's issues, especially in rural Nova Scotia.

  2. In 1994, the Department of Health approved funding for a Continuing Care Certificate in nursing for diploma-prepared nurses. The program will enhance the knowledge, skills and practice of registered nurses in the community. This approach, which is offered through distance education, fits with the needs of Nova Scotia's reformed health care system. Nurses in practice, management, education and in the unions were consulted prior to the introduction of the program.

  3. In 1994, it was estimated that 600 Nova Scotia women would be diagnosed with breast cancer. In an effort to improve the quality of life for Cape Breton women, the Department of Health purchased a new $250,000 mobile mammography unit. (Cape Breton is a predominately rural area of Nova Scotia.) This was a part of an integrated approach to health promotion, positive environmental change and disease prevention. The unit is a van equipped with a low radiation dosage mammography unit. Up to 30 women are examined daily.

  4. In 1997, the Department of Economic Development, the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) helped fund the "Counting Women in Community Economic Development" conference. The purpose of this project was to expand and support women's involvement in community economic development by strengthening their skills, providing tools and resource materials, and facilitating networking. In late 1998, the Departments of Economic Development, Education, Community Services, Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the Advisory Council partnered with federal government agencies and departments to assist the organization Women for Economic Equality. As a result, this organization began a 24-month pilot project to increase women's participation in community economic development throughout Nova Scotia.

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Article 15: Legal Rights

  1. In Nova Scotia, women and men are treated with full equality before the law. The following illustrates the range of legislation available in Nova Scotia:

  1. A full review of legal aid was announced in 1995. It examined the structure and practices of legal aid to identify the best way to deliver services. The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission launched a new service to ensure arrested or detained persons have access to legal advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is designed to satisfy the individual's right to counsel under s. 10(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The service guarantees a rapid response to requests for legal counsel.

  2. Guidelines for provincial judicial appointments were revised in 1995. An advisory committee now evaluates applicants on the basis of qualifications, personal characteristics, intellectual and judgmental ability, professional excellence, and community awareness and understanding. A candidate's reputation for fairness, commitment to public service and level of professional achievement are examined. The guidelines state that the judiciary must be reasonably representative of its population. As a result, the advisory committee will address the under-representation of women and minorities when considering applications for the bench.

  3. Nova Scotia's Judicature Act was amended in 1997 to create a Family Division of the Supreme Court. Previously, jurisdiction over family matters was divided between Family Court (provincially appointed judges) and the Supreme Court (federally appointed judges). Money saved by this move will be directed toward new and improved services and programs including post-separation parenting, family mediation services and counselling. The elimination of the two-tiered court system will help families reduce tension, litigation costs and time spent in court during an emotionally distressing time.

  4. In 1997, the Family Maintenance Act was amended to allow for the implementation of the federal Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines, based on average costs of raising a child in Canada, will provide a fair, objective and consistent standard in determining levels of child support. Amendments also mean that in the calculation of support payments, children of unmarried parents are treated in the same manner as children of parents who are married. As well, the provincial family court will require those paying child support to provide the same information as required under the Divorce Act, which became effective in 1997. By ensuring the necessary information is available to the court earlier, the process should be more efficient.

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Article 16: Measures to Eliminate Discrimination in Matters of Marriage/Family

  1. The Victims' Services Division of the Department of Justice was established in 1989 under the Victims' Rights and Services Act (S.N.S. 1989, c. 14) to provide services to victims of sexual abuse, child abuse and domestic violence, with a particular focus on women. Between April 1, 1998 and March 31, 1999, the Regional Victims' Services Program provided service to 3,780 people. The majority (77.5 percent) were female clients and most were victims of spousal/intimate partner abuse. The Regional Program is delivered through four offices across the province serving both urban and rural Nova Scotians.

  2. In 1992, the Victims' Rights and Services Act incorporated the Criminal Injuries Compensation Program. (A board had administered it previously, from 1980 to 1992.) This program helps to cover some of the costs relating to personal injuries resulting from a criminal act. Between April 1, 1998 and March 31, 1999, a total of 410 applications were received by the Program; over half (68 percent) were from female applicants.

  3. The Victims' Services Division also delivers a Child Victim Witness Program designed to prepare children for the experience of appearing and testifying in court. The objective of this Program is to teach children about the criminal justice system, specifically to help them understand the process of a trial and to prepare them for their role in the proceedings. In addition, the Program provides case-related information and support to the child and parent, or support person, during the court process.

  4. Under the Department of Justice's Framework for Action Against Family Violence, eight Victim Support Services Projects were established in 1996 as a community-based response to spousal/intimate partner violence. The goal of the projects was to provide enhanced services to victims of spousal/intimate partner abuse to support their participation in the justice process. The projects are co-funded and co-administered by the Department of Justice (Victims' Services Division) and the Department of Community Services.

  5. The Victims' Services Division of the Department of Justice, in partnership with Bryony House (a Halifax transition house) and MTT Mobility, established the first Emergency Cellular Telephone Pilot Program in June 1998. The Program was designed to offer added protection to victims at high risk of stalking and domestic/intimate partner violence by supplying them with a free cellular telephone to facilitate access to 911 emergency services during times of extreme risk.

  6. Through the Production of Records in Sexual Offences Pilot Program, established in June 1998, the Victims' Services Division provides legal representation for complainants in sexual offence proceedings in relation to applications for production of their private therapeutic (medical/psychiatric/counselling) records.

  7. The Department of Health has introduced screening tools for use in hospital emergency rooms and at all entry points into the health care system to identify victims of abuse and provide improved services and supports. All health sector staff will be trained in responding effectively and appropriately to family violence.

  8. The introduction of a new Family Division of the Supreme Court in 1997 consolidated jurisdiction over a number of family matters. The Justice Department will now proceed with introducing an array of support services to enhance those already available to separating and divorcing couples.

  9. The Department of Community Services provides $200 a month to eligible Family Benefits clients to offset the additional costs to single parents while participating in training. Approved transportation costs, child care expenses, special needs or a job search allowance may be covered. Recipients in transition to full-time employment are entitled to have the gross wages earned during the first four weeks of employment exempted at 100 percent for Family Benefits purposes. The first four weeks of training allowance earned are also exempt.

  10. The Family Violence Prevention Initiative (FVPI), a multi-departmental government-community partnership, was established in 1992 to coordinate efforts to respond to the problem of family violence, including violence against women. Its role includes:

  1. The FVPI works to change attitudes and behaviours contributing to family violence by sponsoring "Family Violence Prevention Week," an annual multi-media campaign to raise awareness about family violence. The FVPI produces many publications on family violence (distributing over 150,000 items/year), including a new 12-part fact sheet series on various aspects of the problem, brochures, a new directory of province-wide family violence services to ensure victims and professionals are aware of services available; procedures manuals/protocol guidelines to ensure a coordinated response to woman, child and elder abuse; bookmarks and other items. It operates a Resource Centre of over 2,000 audiovisual and print materials available on loan to the public free of charge and maintains a website of information available for downloading. To date, the FVPI has sponsored conferences, delivered workshops, developed curriculum and provided training to over 6,000 professionals/service providers. The FVPI has also sponsored four recent conferences on subjects such as child abuse prevention and the impact on children exposed to family violence.

  2. The Initiative developed a long-term strategic plan to address family violence and member departments, including Health, Education, Housing, Justice and Community Services, have developed action plans to address family violence within their respective spheres.

  3. The Family Maintenance Income Support Program assignment component (1991) is a voluntary program for clients who receive maintenance payments irregularly or not at all. They are provided with regular maintenance payments through their monthly benefits payments. In exchange, the client authorizes the Maintenance Enforcement Program to send all maintenance payments made by the non-custodial parent to the Department of Community Services.

  4. The government announced a $760,000 initiative to address family violence in 1995, when it unveiled its multi-faceted Framework for Action Against Family Violence. Components include:

  1. This initiative enables justice workers to train front-line workers to deal with the reality of domestic violence in the community. A training program for all 2,200 of Nova Scotia's justice workers is now offered on the dynamics of abuse, laws relating to family violence, and procedures for responding to incidents. A Family Violence Program Coordinator was hired in 1996 to develop and implement this training program and to assist in the implementation of new polices related to the Framework for Action.

  2. In 1999, an evaluation of the Framework was released which showed the positive impact it has had on the response of the justice system to victims of family violence. Some key findings are:

  1. The Framework report noted that the justice system can respond swiftly to criminal acts, but has minimal impact on the dynamics of the abusive relationship. It recommended further review of the viability and effectiveness of innovative dispute resolution processes. It also recommended that government agencies continue to work with community partners to address the issue of family violence.

  2. The Maintenance Enforcement Act (S.N.S 1994-95, c. 6) provides for the registration, collection and enforcement of maintenance orders under an administrative structure headed by the Director of Maintenance Enforcement. In 1996, amendments were made to the Maintenance Enforcement Act to clarify and improve the existing legislation. One amendment allows for quick resolution when dealing with those who fail to comply with a garnishment. The Director monitors payment of maintenance and may initiate or direct remedial actions necessary to enforce payment. In the past, garnishee orders required a court application, and court responsibilities for adjudication and enforcement overlapped. The new program separates these functions and increases enforcement effectiveness and accountability. In 1998, the program handled 13,000 cases, collecting $31 million of $39 million in maintenance payments due to custodial parents (usually women), for a collection rate of 79 percent. The Maintenance Enforcement Program has a staff of 22 enforcement officers. In 1998, 8,000 enforcement actions were initiated to recover monies owed to custodial parents.

  3. There are nine transition houses in Nova Scotia funded by the Department of Community Services and two Mi'kmaq Family Treatment Centres funded through the federal government. They provide emergency shelter, support, referral and follow-up outreach services for women victims of spousal abuse and their children. In 1998-99, over 1,000 women received shelter services. Many more received the benefits of counselling and outreach. In 1996, the Department of Community Services, in partnership with the Department of Justice, funded eight Victim Support Projects with the purpose of providing enhanced support to victims of spousal abuse who interact with the justice system.

  4. Since 1998, the Department of Community Services has assumed responsibility for the delivery of all social assistance programs, including the former municipal social services program which assists people whose need is of a shorter term. In addition, the delivery of employment support programs was standardized across the province.

  5. The Department of Community Services provides funding for six men's intervention programs which provide treatment services to male perpetrators of spousal abuse. The sixth program was added in fiscal year 1998-99.

  6. In 1998, the Advisory Council revised its publication Making Changes: A Book for Women in Abusive Relationships. The booklet provides practical, plain language information and advice for women in abusive situations. It is a valuable resource for women who need to make life-altering changes for themselves and their children. Making Changes is available in print form in English or French, on audiotape and in Braille from transition houses, women's centres, family courts, police, help lines, women's groups, community groups, libraries and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

  7. Women's centres saw increased funding as of the 1999- 2000 fiscal year. There are six centres that provide support, advocacy, referral and information to women who require it for a wide range of issues, including housing, social assistance, violence and child care matters.

  8. Over the last three years, draft standards were developed for transition houses and men's intervention programs. In addition, protocols are in place between transition houses, men's programs and children's aid societies to enhance reporting of child abuse.

  9. The Family Benefits Act (R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 158) has as its purpose the provision of assistance to persons or families in need where the cause of need has become or is likely to be of a prolonged nature. Approximately 59 percent of the recipients are adults with disabilities that will prevent them from being employed for at least one year, and less than 1 percent are senior citizens. Single parents make up 41 percent of the recipients, parents with disabilities make up 7 percent, and less than 1 percent are foster parents. In February 2000, there were 9,918 female single parents and 279 single male recipients of Family Benefits (about 20,250 children). All recipients except foster parents must qualify on the basis of need, that is, they must have insufficient income for their basic needs, based on figures set by the Department of Community Services. Family Benefits is assistance of a last resort, and applicants must demonstrate that they are not eligible for any other form of support such as from a spouse, employment insurance, etc.

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