February 22, 2023 Halifax, Nova Scotia Employment and Social Development Canada
In Canada, we all deserve to live in a society that is diverse and inclusive. For Black Canadians, it is important to acknowledge that they have faced-and continue to face-discrimination, inequalities and systemic barriers, which prevent them from fully participating in society. Through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada is taking meaningful steps to address the significant and unique challenges Black communities face in Canada by investing in Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving organizations, initiatives and community spaces.
Today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Darrell Samson, on behalf of Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced funding of approximately $2.2 million under the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative provided to refurbish the former Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children (or the Old Home), which is owned by Akoma Holdings Inc.
On October 23, 2022, the Old Home celebrated 101 years since opening its doors in 1921 by renaming the centre to Kinney Place and announcing the completed renovation and refurbishment. The Old Home has now been transformed into a community centre that provides services to the African Nova Scotian communities and will serve as an incubator for Black businesses.
The completed transformation of the Old Home will also serve as a memorial to acknowledge the tragic history and systemic racism experienced by its former residents and to commemorate its complicated history. Investing in Black communities and tackling systemic anti-Black racism head on are important parts of building an inclusive and resilient country that leaves no one behind.
