Nova Scotia to hire Arabic-speaking welfare case worker to help refugees

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia is hiring an Arabic-speaking welfare case worker as it prepares for the end of federal sponsorship support for Syrian refugees.

About 1,300 Syrian refugees have come to Nova Scotia since last December, sponsored both federally and privately, with more expected to arrive before January.

Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard said Thursday an Arabic-speaking case worker will be hired in the coming weeks as her department readies for an expected influx of Syrians requiring income assistance.

Bernard said she expects an initial group to begin seeking help in January, as federal sponsorship support for refugees expires after a 12-month period.

“We have French-speaking case workers, we have Mi’kmaq-speaking case workers,” Bernard said. “We’re trying to be pro-active — it’s much easier for people to come seek services from government if there’s someone there that can speak their language.”

Writing Group

Writers group host inaugural May 2 at Meadow Lake Library

May 01, 2024

Ekweskeet Healing Lodge

Province announces new detox spaces at Onion Lake Cree Nation

May 01, 2024

Leaving a Legacy

Remembering Ray Mitsuing: A CPCA legend on and off the track

May 01, 2024

She said there are always strains on the income assistance budget, but the department has the capacity to provide the needed help.

“People who come to us — there’s no cap on it. If you qualify, you’re approved,” she said. “There’s always fluctuations.”

The Canadian Press