Dave Ritcey, MLA

It was great to connect with my colleague Danny MacGillivray, MLA for Pictou Centre & my former colleague & friend Pat Dunn last week with visits to the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame, Museum of Industry & the Carmichael- Stewart House museum.

Thank you everyone for the amazing visits!

Applications are now open through the Emergency Services Provider Fund.

Volunteer fire departments, ground search and rescue teams, hazardous materials units, and other emergency response organizations can apply for funding to purchase equipment that helps keep Nova Scotians safe.

From firefighting and rescue equipment to communications gear, emergency power systems, training programs, and specialized regional resources, this funding helps ensure our volunteer first responders have the tools they need when emergencies happen.

Our volunteer first responders give so much to their communities. This is one way we can support them as they continue protecting Nova Scotians every day.

Applications for individual organizations are open until July 31.

Learn more: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/06/01/funding-applications-open-emergency-response-organizations

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS RECRUITMENT--Applications Open for Healthcare Recruitment, Retention Funding
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Community groups working on recruiting and retaining healthcare workers can apply for up to $25,000 in support from the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR) Community Fund.

“Nova Scotians know and love their communities and understand how to make our province more welcoming and attractive for healthcare professionals,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister responsible for the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment. “I look forward to seeing what new projects and innovations will come from this next round of the community fund.”

Non-profits, other community organizations and municipalities can apply for funding by July 16.

OHPR Community Fund grants are for projects that support:
- planning, recruitment and retention efforts aimed at healthcare professionals
- reducing social and cultural barriers that may impact recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals
- creating a welcoming environment for healthcare professionals.

Virtual information sessions will be held for those interested. Fund guidelines, the application form and the information session schedule are available at: https://novascotia.ca/ohpr-community-fund

Quotes:
“New healthcare professionals and their families want to feel part of their new communities, find family friendly activities and build meaningful connections and friendships. Thanks to the OHPR Community Fund, our very successful Welcome to Our Community program provides a year-round series of family and children’s events, cultural celebrations and recreational opportunities. We value our new doctors and nurses, and this fund plays a crucial role in helping them feel welcome, settle in and stay on the South Shore.”
— Anne Fownes, Executive Director, South Shore Multicultural Association

Quick Facts:
- since it launched in 2022, 82 grants have been awarded across the province for initiatives such as recruitment videos, career fairs, multicultural events, recognition events, mentorship programs and housing assistance
- a total of $400,000 is available for 2026-

Apply for funding to recruit and retain healthcare professionals: OHPR Community Fund The Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR) Community Fund provides funding to help communities recruit, welcome and retain healthcare professionals.