May 14th Press Conference
Federal investment of additional $19.8 million over 4 years to help reach goal of building 9,500 $10-a-day child care spaces in Nova Scotia by March 2026. Every child deserves the best start in life. But for young families, including Millennial and Gen Z parents, the costs of child care can add up to a second rent or mortgage payment, making it harder to start and support a family. As a result, parents—especially moms—often face impossible choices between their careers and child care fees. On Tuesday, May 14th, The Lunenburg County YMCA, Bridgewater, was proud to host the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and the Honourable Becky Druhan, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, in their announcement of a federal investment of an additional $19.8 million over four years to help reach the collective goal of building 9,500 $10-a-day child care spaces in Nova Scotia by March 2026. “Child care spaces are in high demand across the province. To meet those demands, we need to use innovative approaches to make child care more accessible,” says The Honourable Becky Druhan, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “The major infrastructure program, the minor infrastructure program and the family home start-up program, all play important parts in the expansion and transformation of child care in Nova Scotia.” The government is taking action to make life cost less for young families, enable parents to join the workforce and increase their family income, and build a Canada where every generation can get ahead. Already, the federal government’s affordable child care system has all provinces and territories offering, or on track to offer, $10-a-day child care. This progress, made possible by nearly $40 billion in federal support, is making life more affordable for young families, “who don’t yet have access to affordable child care spaces are paying as much as a second rent or mortgage payment for unregulated child care. This is unfair to today’s generation of parents, especially Millennial and Gen Z parents, who need and deserve the relief of $10-a-day spaces,” says the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. “Today’s new agreement with Nova Scotia will build more affordable spaces, so that more families can access affordable child care and save thousands of dollars every year.” Today’s investment to build more spaces in Nova Scotia through the new $625 million Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund will help more families save up to $6,000 per year, per child. This includes creating more spaces for underserved communities, including Indigenous, rural, and remote communities, as well as for children with disabilities and French language minority communities. To build more spaces, help more families save thousands of dollars on child care, and ensure the next generation of parents don’t have to choose between raising a family or having a career. Budget 2024 also includes: Launching a $1 billion Child Care Expansion Loan Program to help public and not-for-profit child care providers to build more child care spaces and renovate their existing child care centres; Expanding the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to early childhood educators who work in rural and remote communities. $48 million investment over four years, student loan forgiveness. This will increase the longer an educator works in a rural or remote area, attracting and retaining the talent, similar to the programs we’re offering rural doctors and nurses; Increasing training for early childhood educators by investing $10 million over two years for Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to build up the talent needed for the expansion of affordable, high-quality child care; and, improving child care access for military families by investing $100 million to provide Canadian Armed Forces personnel and their families with better access to child care on bases across Canada. “Every family should have access to high-quality, inclusive child care. More child care spaces mean more high-quality spots for kids, and more relief for parents as they access affordable child care,” says The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “The Government of Canada remains committed to working with Nova Scotia so children in Canada have the best possible start in life. The Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund will help child care providers across the province so they can continue to provide access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care to underserved communities.” For more information on all Child Care programs and services offered by the YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia, contact Kim Roy, Childcare Manager, or Bronté James, YMCA Director of Funds Development and Community Relations. You can also reach out by calling 902-543-6399. Communities we provide services
Keep On Track!
Keep On Track With the YMCA & HB Studios Balance, Confidence & Fall Resilience Join us at HB Studios Sports Centre on the last Friday of every month for a journey towards wellness! Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for older adults, but many falls can be prevented through improved balance, strength, and awareness. Join Denise for this month’s Keep On Track session as we explore Balance, Confidence & Fall Resilience. Participants will walk the indoor track together and take part in a relaxed discussion about practical ways to improve balance, strengthen key muscles, and build confidence in everyday movement. We’ll also talk about simple strategies that can help reduce fall risk both at home and during daily activities. This session is welcoming, social, and designed for all ability levels. Whether you’re already active or just getting started, it’s a great opportunity to move your body, learn something new, and connect with others in the community. Session Date: Friday, March 27th Time: 10:30am Cost: it’s 100% free! You’ll learn how scams work, what red flags to watch for, and how to keep your personal information safe. Your upcoming dates & topics are: March – Balance ,Confidence & Fall Resilience April– Spring Mobility & Joint Comfort May– Brain Health Through Movement June– Hydration , Heat Tolerance and Signs of Dehydration For more information on this program: Lunenburg County YMCA Wellness Lead Denise Daury,(902) 212-1431 or by email at: [email protected] stop by your Lunenburg County YMCA Membership Desk
GuysWork
A Free 3-Day Camp for Young male-Identified Youth Energize Guys is a FREE program where young men (ages 12-15 years), participate in skill-building activities and recreation to improve their health, and the health of their peers. This 3-day camp is designed to help guys open up and discuss topics such as boundaries, relationships, substance use, and more. Sessions are facilitated from a guy-focused lens, on topics most relevant to them through team-building activities, and recreation. A great way for guys to meet new friends, gain self-esteem all in a fun, safe and non-judgmental setting. ENERGIZE GUYS, LIVERPOOL INFORMATION WHO Male-Identified Youth, ages 12-15 years WHEN 9AM – 3PM, Tuesday, July 16th – Thursday, July 18th WHERE Astor Theatre219 Main StreetLiverpool AM + PM Morning Sessions will be activity based and afternoon sessions will be recreational based. Lunch is provided. SPACES AVAILABLE The maximum number of registrants: 15 ENERGIZE GUYS, LUNENBURG COUNTY INFORMATION WHO Male-Identified Youth, ages 12-15 years WHEN 9AM – 3PM, Tuesday, August 6th – Thursday, August 8th WHERE King Street YMCA Youth Centre416 King StreetBridgewater AM + PM Morning Sessions will be activity based and afternoon sessions will be recreational based. Lunch is provided. SPACES AVAILABLE The maximum number of registrants: 15 Register For Energize Guys Liverpool Register For Energize Guys Lunenburg County
GirlsOnFire
A Free 4-Day Camp for Young Female-Identified Youth A great way to meet new friends, gain self-esteem all in a fun, safe and non-judgmental setting. Girls on Fire is a 4-day camp designed to help girls, teens and young women ages 12-18yrs learn lifelong strategies for empowerment, self-care and promote self-worth, confidence, and resilience, while recognizing the infinite potential that lies within. GIRLS ON FIRE, LIVERPOOL INFORMATION GIRLS ON FIRE, LUNENBURG COUNTY INFORMATION WHO Female-Identified Youth, ages 12-18 years WHEN 9AM – 3PM, Monday, July 8th – Thursday, July 11th WHERE Astor Theatre219 Main StreetLiverpool AM + PM Morning Sessions will be activity based and afternoon sessions will be recreational based. SPACES AVAILABLE The maximum number of registrants: 15 WHO Female-Identified Youth, ages 12-18 years WHEN 9AM – 3PM, Monday, July 29th – Thursday, August 1st WHERE King Street YMCA YOuth Centre416 King Street, Bridgewater AM + PM Morning Sessions will be activity based and afternoon sessions will be recreational based. SPACES AVAILABLE The maximum number of registrants: 15 Register For Girls On Fire Liverpool Register For Girls on Fire Lunenburg County
Ignite Your Entrepreneur
YMCA Ignite is hosting the League of Innovators entrepreneurship courses! Join us for an information session May 2nd to learn more about this innovative course. Join us and ignite your inner entrepreneur and changemaker! Date: May 2 Time: 1-2pm PST Details: This 6-week course is geared for youth between 14 and 30 years old. Through self-directed learning, mentorship and guest speakers, youth will learn how to ideate and take that idea from concept to product. Enroll now!: https://YMCA.myabsorb.ca?KeyName=LOIEntrepreneurshipSeriesMay
Fitness Courses
Become a Certified Cardio & Strength Instructor! Fitness Training Courses Ready to inspire and lead? Our YMCA Cardio & Strength Instructor Training equips you with the skills to plan, teach, and manage group fitness classes with confidence. Through hands-on practice, mentorship, and evaluation, you’ll develop the expertise to motivate and support participants in their fitness journey. Group Fitness Instructor Course: Cardio & Strength Online – Basic Theory Must be completed before attending first in-person session. Must pass with an 80% or higher. Online – Cardio & Strength Instructor Course INTRODUCTION CLASS STRUCTURE BASIC EXERCISES EXERCISE VARIATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS MUSICALITY, CUEING, TECHINIQUE AND TRANSITIONS CLASS DESIGN EVALUATION AND NEXT STEPS In Person – Cardio & Strength Instructor Course PART 1 – Class Planning & Teaching FundamentalsPART 2 – Coaching, Modifications & Class PlanningPART 3 – Practical Teaching & Evaluation Prep Apprenticeship Gradually progress from assisting to leading a full class, with guidance and feedback. Sessions run 1-2 times per week. Two (2) Practical Assignments Class Observation & Quality Review Practice Teach with Feedback Evaluation Complete a successful evaluation by a YMCA Champion. YMCA of Southwest Nova ScotiaGroup Fitness Instructor Course: Cardio & Strength75 High Street, Bridgewater, NS 📅 April 25 & 26 | 9 AM–5 PM📅 May 9 | 9 AM–1 PM Cost:$175 / per person Pre-Requisites: • Minimum 16 years of age at the time of certification• Current CPR A (Adult)• Recommended: minimum 30 hours as a participant in cardio and strength group fitness classes Ready to follow your passion for fitness? Reach out to your YMCA Centre Manager, Samantha Green at [email protected]
IYS
Morgan Garnhum, an advocate for youth in Bridgewater, shares his personal story during the Integrated Youth Services announcement in Stellarton today, April 10. (Communications Nova Scotia) YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia becomes lead agency in Bridgewater for Integrated Youth Services (IYS) Young Nova Scotians and their families will soon have easier access to mental health and addictions services and related supports in their communities. Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, announced the locations of seven new Integrated Youth Services sites … each offering multiple services; which can include counselling and peer support, primary healthcare, employment and training supports, and social services such as housing and income assistance support. “It can be hard for youth and caregivers to know where to turn when it comes to mental health and addictions issues,” said Minister Comer. “These new sites offer a clear path during what is already a difficult time. When a young person walks through the doors of an Integrated Youth Services site, they and their caregivers are immediately connected with the services and supports they need – all under one roof and close to home.” Integrated Youth Services – co-ordinated by community organizations with oversight from the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program, in partnership with several government departments – helps youth aged 12 to 25 through in-person, outreach and virtual services. Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia, Yvonne Smith, says the YMCA is proud to partner in the Integrated Youth Services (IYS) movement, and work with the IWK, our IYS coalition partners and directly with youth and their caregivers to improve outcomes for Nova Scotian youths. As a charity that ignites the potential in people, the YMCA prides itself on providing a safe space where everyone feels a valued member of their community. For decades, the YMCA has been a place that fosters – and advocates for – youth empowerment and youth mental health and wellbeing in Nova Scotia. CEO, Yvonne Smith Integrated Youth Services – co-ordinated by community organizations with oversight from the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program, in partnership with several government departments – helps youth aged 12 to 25 through in-person, outreach and virtual services. The government is investing $8.4 million over the next several years to set up eight Integrated Youth Services sites, including a site in western Nova Scotia to be announced later. The IWK Foundation, Medavie Foundation, the Bell-Graham Boeckh Foundation Partnership and other philanthropic partners have committed an additional $10 million. Integrated Youth Services has been identified as a solution in Action for Health, the Province’s plan to improve healthcare, and is an important part of the government’s commitment to universal mental health and addictions care for all Nova Scotians. I can’t think of one friend who hasn’t struggled at one point in their lives with a mental health issue. It seems youth are more and more affected by mental health issues these days, which can create a slippery slope towards formulating unhealthy addictions. Whether that be substance, or a different type of addiction entirely, it is common to turn mental struggles into obsession over something that will make us feel relief momentarily. I hope to be a part of a safe haven that is formulated to help youth through dark times. I hope to be a part of the solution. Paige Carvey More Mental Health, Addictions Support for Youth, Caregivers: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/06/15/more-mental-health-addictions-support-youth-caregivers-0 IWK Health’s overview of Integrated Youth Services: https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/iys Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/ Mandate letter for the Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-CNS-AMH-Youth.pdf Our purpose is to help individuals grow in spirit, mind, and body through a supportive network, and we work hard to make sure that money is not a barrier for anyone to join us. Through charitable donations, fundraising, and other sources, the YMCA of Southwest NS is able to offer assistance so anyone in our community can participate in YMCA programs. Need help getting started, or have questions? Come see your Membership Staff at the Lunenburg County YMCA! Co-ordinating community organizations by site* *Site selection is currently underway, and the first sites are expected to open in early 2025, with the others opening over the next few years. 1 Amherst YMCA of Cumberland, Maggie’s Place, In the Works, Cumberland County Transition, House/Autumn House, Autism Nova Scotia, Cumberland Restorative Justice Society, Municipality of Cumberland County, Town of Amherst, Eating Disorders Nova Scotia 2 Bridgewater YMCA Southwest Nova Scotia, John Howard Society of Nova Scotia, South Shore Sexual Health, South Shore Open Doors Association, Liz McCurdy Therapeutic Art, Compassionate Connections Therapeutic & Consulting Services, SchoolsPlus Regional Centre for Education 3 Eskasoni (serving youth in six First National communities) Eskasoni Health Centre, Eskasoni Mental Health Services, Potlotek Health Centre, Wagmatcook Health Centre, Paqtnkek Health Centre, Membertou Health Centre, Waycobah Health Centre 4 West-End Halifax YWCA Halifax, MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, Prescott Group Society, The Youth Project 5 North-End Halifax Halifax YMCA, One North End, North End Community Health Centre, Hope Blooms 6 New Glasgow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County, Pictou County Roots for Youth Society, John Howard Society of Nova Scotia-Northeastern Regional Office, Pictou County Community Health Centre, YMCA of Pictou County 7 Sydney New Dawn Enterprises, Undercurrent Youth Society, Whitney Pier Youth Club, Cape Breton Youth Project Society For Media Inquiries: Bronté JamesDirector of Funds Development and Community RelationsYMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia(902) 534-9622 About YMCA of Your Associate NameThe YMCA is a charity igniting the potential in people. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, in welcoming spaces that are both nurturing and fun – a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families can thrive.
IDERD
March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This date was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 to commemorate the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa. On March 21, 1960, Sharpeville police opened fire on a demonstration against the apartheid ‘pass laws,’ killing 69 people and wounding many more of the mostly Black protestors. On March 21, we commemorate the Sharpeville massacre and commit to end racism in all its forms. Background: Apartheid and Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions.Apartheid was a system of racial segregation that legislated where people could live, work, and study, based on how they were racially classified. In South Africa, apartheid was passed into law in 1948 by the ruling National Party. Apartheid rule was based on a white supremacist ideology, which privileged the white minority, while condemning the majority Black population to impoverished living conditions. The white minority had 80% of the land, while Black people were deprived of citizenship and were relegated to inferior education. The ‘pass laws’ regulated the movement of Black people between racially segregated spaces, since their labour was necessary to the nation. Apartheid also dictated the lives of other racialized groups, whose race was defined by law.Black people resisted apartheid since its inception. In 1958, the African National Congress (a South African Black liberation party and movement) advocated for an academic and cultural boycott of South Africa, calling on performers, artists, and academics not to visit South Africa. This led to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement to end apartheid. The call for BDS came from Black South African civil society and was adopted by many around the world. The song Sun City, performed by Artists Against Apartheid, became emblematic of the movement. Nelson Mandela, one of the leaders of the African National Congress, was released from 27 years imprisonment in 1990 and helped to negotiate the end of apartheid in 1994. Apartheid’s Canadian RootsWhile South Africa has been duly demonized for its apartheid system, the pattern of settler colonialism and racial segregation was not unique but is on a continuum with European conquest of many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The Canadian state has a direct, but seldom acknowledged, connection to South African apartheid. In the 1940s, white South African government representatives were “inspired” by Canada’s Indian Act and the reserve system, which influenced the creation of Bantustans – separate townships for Black people. Racism in Canada TodayOn this day, and throughout the year, it is important to examine how systemic racism and colonialism continue to impact every sphere of life: economic, political, and social. A recent report notes that the COVID-19 pandemic sharpened racial inequalities in terms of access to health-care, job loss, poor housing, and economic disparity. Other forms of racism heightened by the pandemic were anti-Asian racism, anti-Indigenous racism in health-care, and the targeting of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people by police. Anti-racism at the YMCASince the 2020 Anti-racism Town Hall, YMCA Canada has amplified our commitment to addressing racism at the YMCA. This commitment is shown through our pledge to the Black North Initiative, our commitment to reconciliation, and our Board Diversification Initiative, which seeks to include the voices of underrepresented communities in our leadership. In 2023, we launched the Board Diversification Handbook for Associations. The Handbook consists of recommendations, wise practices, and tools that support and enable YMCA Member Associations in their journey to recruit board members who are from underrepresented communities, including those who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled. We remain committed to supporting and enabling Associations to view their work through an anti-racist lens.In addition, YMCA Canada hosts national webinars on anti-racism. In February, we held a National Black History Month Webinar with Dr. Mark V. Campbell who spoke about his research on how Afro-diasporic music and creativity enrich our understanding of the connections between art, struggle, and survival. How to Take Action• Read the Canadian Labour Congress report on Islamophobia and how to fight it in the workplace• Check out the anti-racism resources from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion• Learn more about, and support, anti-racist organizations in your community. For instance, Migrant Rights Network campaigns for the rights of migrant workers in Canada• Take the Black North Initiative pledge and take measures to remove barriers to Black inclusion in the workplace• Learn about and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to ActionReferences• https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day• https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/2021/03/20/reflections-on-racism-and-canadas-dark-history.html• https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/07/09/human-rights-watch-responds-reflections-apartheid-and-persecution-international-law• https://www.amnesty.ca/human-rights-news/israels-apartheid-against-palestinians-a-cruel-system-of-domination-and-a-crime-against-humanity/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfGU7_mXt9Yces8nLIDpH9mpr4-eTiH2GS2Fy7hOBHFlybOUQx-cE-saAunxEALw_wcB• https://www.britannica.com/topic/apartheid• https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/south-africas-academic-and-cultural-boycott• https://www.thepost.on.ca/news/local-news/decolonizing-our-minds-and-redeeming-our-essential-humanity• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9862348/• https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/no-single-fix-for-anti-indigenous-racism-in-canada-s-health-care-system-doctor-1.6090855
CDBplan
Join us Wednesday, March 20th (12pm – 2pm) at the Lunenburg County YMCA! 75 High Street, Bridgewater, NS What to expect:David Costello, from Service Canada, will share information on the Canadian Dental Benefit Plan, as well run an Application Clinic after his presentation (working one-on-one to get you registered in the plan). Entertainment by: Janice Rahme and the FUN Ukelele BandJoin us from 12pm – 1pm and the musical stylings of the FUN Ukelele Band! We will also having Coffee & Tea from one of our local cafes, Fancy Pants! Can’t make it? That’s okay! Download information sheets below: Pamphlet CDB Plan Info Application Guide
NHLSTREETs2
NHL STREET season 2 is coming to the South Shore! Having fun, staying active, making friends and creating great memories. For Youth ages 6 to 16, NHL STREET athletes will feel like the pros when they suit up in authentic uniforms to play in high-energy, team-first leagues. NHL STREET is designed to provide kids and their families the best of what youth sports can be: having fun, staying active, making friends, and creating great memories. That’s why the NHL is inviting you to join a local street hockey league—or launch a new league in your community—where kids of all skill levels can learn and play. When you join NHL STREET™, you can expect a fast-paced game that teaches teamwork, creativity, and resilience. Created with parents in mind, we’re ensuring the pressure, schedules, and costs typically associated with hockey (and other youth sports) are kept in check. No ice. Limited rules. Unlimited fun. Discover hockey more accessible and affordable than ever before. Looking to register? Head HERE! If you are looking for more information, have any questions, or would like to be put on a waiting-list for the next season of NHL STREET, please contact Tate Vachon, Recreation Program Lead at: [email protected]