Articles

Beginning Again: Stories of new Syrian Nova Scotians

CBC’s Shaina Luck launches a new series called Beginning Again: Stories of new Syrian Nova Scotians that grew from the question: how are the Syrian newcomers doing now? Read the series or listen here: Syrian refugees bump N.S. population to record high — but will they stay? Unable to find … Read more

refugee walk

Halifax refugee supporters to Ottawa: Canada can be ‘a world leader’

CBC News, 17 June 2017. On World Refugee Day, Halifax supporters have one main message to the government: don’t let support slip. Halifax joined communities across Canada in hosting a refugee walk. A large group of adult and children braved the driving rain on Saturday afternoon, walking from the Garrison … Read more

At Home in NS – Business Voice Magazine Immigration Issue

The April edition of Business Voice magazine focuses on immigration and the vital role immigration plays in our economy. At Home in Nova Scotia – starting on page 14 – features ISANS Executive Director Gerry Mills who speaks about immigrant retention and the importance of building communities. Wadih Fares talks … Read more

Refugee Children Find Place to Belong in Taekwondo

By Stephen Puddicombe, CBC News, 29 December 2016.  Amer Turkmani beams as he watches his five children twist, punch and kick pads at Chimo Taekwondo in Halifax. The children are just a few of the 60 or so young Syrian refugees who have signed up to study the Korean martial art since the summer and … Read more

Gerry Mills

NowNS: Immigrant Services Association plays part in growing Nova Scotia

by Heather Laura Clark, Chronicle Herald.  The night Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, NovaScotiaStart.ca crashed, right around the time Citizenship & Immigration Canada’s site did. ISANS executive director Gerry Mills says she’s not sure how many U.S. citizens will actually follow through with their threats to move to … Read more

Halifax Heroes: Local woman strives to create welcoming environments for all

By Yvette d’Entremont, Metro News Halifax, 28 October 2016.  Extra-curricular work for Gaye Wishart has included helping new Canadians and ensuring inclusivity at Dalhousie University. From leading an initiative to ensure gender-neutral washrooms at Dalhousie University to more than 20 years volunteering with immigrants, Gaye Wishart is all about creating … Read more

Rebuilding their future in Antigonish

by Zane Denoncourt, The Chronicle Herald, 16 October 2016.  “Being here in Canada, in Nova Scotia, in Antigonish, gives us hope,” says Rabiaa Al Zhouri, the matriarch of the Al Zhouri family who arrived in Antigonish from Lebanon earlier this year. The family had been living as refugees for three … Read more

Welcome to Halifax – How we are opening our city to immigrants

By Even Webster, Chronicle Herald, 21 July 2016.  In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis, Halifax has proven to be an inclusive, supportive and welcoming city for immigrants. But helping immigrants succeed is about more than just putting a roof over their heads and food on their plates. Before … Read more