Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees to build their futures in Nova Scotia. As Atlantic Canada’s leading immigrant settlement agency, we have over 45 years of experience supporting newcomers from more than 180 countries. Each year, we assist over 17,500 individuals and families to settle and grow in communities across the province.
Our comprehensive range of services includes language services, settlement support for families and children, employment programs, business development, community integration, and pre-arrival services, offered both in person and online. Our dedicated and caring team offers services in English, French, and more than 24 other languages, ensuring accessibility and support for all.
At ISANS, we believe in the power of collaboration. By working closely with immigrants, staff, funders, community partners, and advocacy groups, we foster a sense of belonging, promote inclusion, and contribute to building a stronger Nova Scotia and Canada for all.
We are also committed to supporting Canada’s Francophone Integration Pathway. Through partnerships with Francophone organizations across Nova Scotia, we help French-speaking immigrants settle successfully, raise awareness of Canada’s bilingual reality, and connect newcomers to Francophone settlement services, resources, and oral interpretation.
ISANS is proud to champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility—including advocacy and support for equity-deserving communities—so that every newcomer can find opportunity and belonging in Nova Scotia.
ISANS Strategic Plan 2025-2030
Our Vision
A community where all can belong and grow
Our Mission
Empowering immigrants to build a future in Nova Scotia
Our Core Values
Our Wellness Culture Values
Our Performance Culture Values
Voice of Immigrant Empowerment
Building on ISANS’ history and impact, we will continue to advance dialogue that recognizes the positive impact and economic value created by immigrants who choose Nova Scotia as their home.
Thriving Modern Workforce
Creating a thriving modern workforce delivers high-quality service and organizational success by ensuring staff have the tools necessary to be effective in their roles, clear pathways for development, and programs designed to support their well-being. Valuing volunteers through enhanced engagement and support is key to our success and that of ISANS’ clients.
Our Goals:
- Improved staff engagement and well-being
- Attracting and retaining skilled and diverse talent
- Enhanced volunteer experience
- Effective internal communication
Community Belonging and Immigrant Success
Focusing on community belonging and immigrant success ensures that immigrants are empowered to build their lives in Nova Scotia through high-quality programs and service delivery. Broadening awareness of ISANS’ programs and opportunities for integrated settlement services across the province will foster inclusivity and community connection for newcomers and their families.
Our Goals:
- Integrated service delivery model and client experience
- Increased awareness of ISANS’ programs and services
- Increased access to settlement services across Nova Scotia
Organizational Excellence and Resilience
Achieving organizational excellence and resilience ensures long-term sustainability and adaptability that aligns with environmental factors. Financial controls, facility optimization and streamlined internal systems will create an efficient operations function designed to withstand environmental fluctuations and seize new opportunities that advance organizational goals.
Our Goals:
- Achieve financial sustainability through revenue diversification and continuous improvement of program and service delivery
- Achieve organizational resilience
- Financial and accounting structures that support revenue diversification
- Improved space “One ISANS One Space”
- Improved internal systems and processes
Immigrant Workforce and Economic Development
Championing an immigrant workforce is a driver of economic development and growth. It empowers newcomers to contribute their experience and expertise and builds a strong labour market for employers. Innovative and strategic sector initiatives that enhance support for employment and entrepreneurship in Nova Scotia are essential to achieving this goal.
Our Goals:
- Alignment of immigrant strengths, skills and experience with job markets
- Innovative and strategic sector initiatives, including construction and healthcare
- Enhanced support for immigrant employment and entrepreneurship
- Growth in strategic business partnerships
Voice of Immigrant Empowerment
Building on ISANS’ history and impact, we will continue to advance dialogue that recognizes the positive impact and economic value created by immigrants who choose Nova Scotia as their home.
Central to our new strategy will be a Thought Leadership Framework with the following goals:
- Nova Scotia continues to be positioned as a welcoming and inclusive province
- Increased and sustained awareness of the values and benefits of immigration and settlement services
- Trusted voice for newcomers at immigration and settlement policy tables
- Reduced systemic barriers facing immigrants working together with partners
- Unified with partners advancing a collective impact
- Championing of Nova Scotia’s role in supporting humanitarian needs
- Pride amongst ISANS’ employees
Our Culture
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are committed to helping immigrants learn about the rich cultural histories and diverse communities in Nova Scotia. Our provide relevant resources to our clients, community members, partners and staff, helping us all learn about the people around us. By collaborating with members from our communities, we aim to highlight first-voice perspectives and create spaces for sharing the important contributions of the diverse communities in our province.
Anti-Racism
Our Commitment to LGBTQIA+ Newcomers
At ISANS, inclusion is more than a value—it’s how we serve and support every newcomer who trusts us on their journey. We understand that many LGBTQIA+ newcomers arrive in Nova Scotia not only seeking safety but also searching for a true sense of belonging. Here, your identity is recognized, your story matters, and your well-being is at the heart of what we do.
Land acknowledgment
We acknowledge that we are in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded past and present lands of the Mi'kmaq people. We recognize their ongoing stewardship and deep connection to these lands, waters, and resources.
As newcomers or non-Indigenous residents in this territory, it is our responsibility to learn, reflect, and act. We are committed to engaging with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and integrating them into our practices alongside the Peace and Friendship treaties.