On April 8, 2025, Municipal Council approved and endorsed the Nalikitquniejk, Antigonish Equity, Anti-Hate, and Anti-Racism Plan, which was then submitted to the Province of Nova Scotia.
This is a joint initiative between the Town and County of Antigonish, reflecting a shared and ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable Antigonish for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
Why This Plan Matters
This work was completed in alignment with the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act passed by the Province in 2022. The Act requires all municipalities in Nova Scotia to develop and publish an equity, anti-hate, and anti-racism plan by April 1, 2025.
The Plan was developed collaboratively by staff from both municipalities, guided by Council leadership and grounded in best practices in equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Four Key Commitments
The Plan is a living document, designed to guide long-term change. It is built around four central commitments:
- Engaging underserved communities through intentional listening, dialogue, and action.
- Dismantling systemic discrimination by reviewing and improving municipal policies, services, and decision-making frameworks.
- Building an anti-racist and anti-hate community through ongoing education, awareness, and inclusive programming.
- Maintaining accountability through public reporting, advisory committees, and a formal review of the plan every three years.
What’s in the Plan
The plan outlines more than two dozen action items to be implemented between 2025 and 2028, across six focus areas:
- Community Engagement
- Internal Policy and Infrastructure
- Public Awareness
- Equity in Service Delivery
- Support for Community Initiatives
- Evaluation
Some key actions include:
- Hosting regular Tri-Council meetings with Paqtnkek First Nation
- Establishing a joint Equity Advisory Committee to provide insight and guidance on implementation
What’s Next
This is a foundational step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive Antigonish. As a living document, the plan will grow and evolve based on ongoing community input, regular progress reviews, and a shared commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
We invite everyone in our community to be part of this work. Whether you’re planning an event, offering a learning opportunity, or have ideas to share.
View the Plan here: Nalikitquniejk – Antigonish Equity Anti-hate and Anti-Racism Plan
To share your ideas or get involved, contact:
Tammy Feltmate
tammy.feltmate@antigonishcounty.ca
902-863-1117