Firsthand Experience in Local Government for Youth in Halifax

A rapidly growing Halifax needs civic leaders who bring a fuller range of its residents’ voices, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Beginning today, seven African Nova Scotian youth fellows will gain firsthand experience in local government, strengthen their leadership skills, and build meaningful professional networks across the eight week program.  

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is proud to support the African Nova Scotian Municipal Youth Fellowship, and is grateful for the leadership and collaboration of Councillor Virginia Hinch, Managing Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Tracey Jones-Grant, and Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute’s CEO Sylvia Parris-Drummond. 

African Nova Scotian Municipal Youth Fellows will work alongside the mayor, members of the Halifax Regional Council, and senior municipal staff, developing a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how public policy can create lasting impact. At the end of their fellowship, youth will present their project on shaping municipal policy to City Council, meaningfully influencing civic decision-making. 

Halifax is growing fast and making decisions that will define its future. African Nova Scotian youth — whose community has shaped this province for over 400  years — need to be in the room when they’re made. This fellowship opens that door, building the experience, mentorship, and access they need, while giving city leaders something equally valuable: the ideas and lived expertise of the next generation” – Mohammed Hashim, CEO, Canadian Race Relations Foundation 

The African Nova Scotian Municipal Youth Fellowship Program will run until August 31, 2026. 

To learn more about this program and other CRRF youth leadership initiatives, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.