The Nova Scotia Works Employer Award celebrates businesses that lead the way with inclusive and diverse workplaces. This one-of-a-kind award highlights the incredible efforts of Nova Scotia Works employers across the province who go above and beyond to create equitable environments, ensuring every employee feels like they belong. 

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​Employer Eligibility Criteria ​​

• ​Your business is currently working with—or has previously worked with—one of the Nova Scotia Works (NSW) centres across the province, AND

• You have demonstrated a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEIBA) through hiring, onboarding, and retention practices. 

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Apply Today

Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your organization's inclusive practices and be recognized for making a difference! ​The deadline for applications is Friday, August 28, 2026.

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Award Categories

Small Business (25 employees or less)

Large Business (26 employees or more)

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Nominating an Employer​

Select one of the application forms below for Small Business or Large Business. The deadline to apply is August 28, 2026.
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To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation, applicants are encouraged to provide specific, evidence-based responses to the questions asked. The strongest submissions move beyond describing policies or programs, and make an effort to demonstrate how those initiatives have created meaningful change. 

 

When responding, please include the following:  

• Specific examples of inclusive hiring, workplace accommodations, or employee support. 

• Success stories or case studies that illustrate the impact on employees, teams, or the organization. 

• Evidence of continuous improvement, including how your organization has adapted practices based on employee feedback, changing workforce needs, or lessons learned. 

• Data that desmonstrate the difference your efforts have made, such as customer/client feedback, positive outcomes, and survey results.*

*This could include reviews from Google or Yelp, online testimonial, comments from social media, staff feedback, employee success stories, feedback from community members, and any recognition or other award nominations. 

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Evaluation & Selection Process

To ensure unbiased evaluations, selected judges are representatives from the community and are not employed by any Nova Scotia Works Centre. They will evaluate each application with a weighted scoring system of criteria based on the nominee's responses and the impact of their DEIBA practices. The award winners for both Small and Large Business will be notified by early October 2026​.  

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​​​Awards Ceremony for Finalists

The award winners for both Small and Large Business will be announced at the Ability to Rise Event at the Cedar Centre in Halifax on Thursday, December 3, 2026. This is also known globally as International Day for Persons with Disabilities and is the perfect setting to honour all nominees, finalists, and winners of this award. The three finalists in both categories (Small and Large Business) will receive two complimentary tickets to attend the event. ​​​​​​