Nova Scotia. Department of Community Services

Other forms of name:
Nova Scotia. Department of Social Services
Nova Scotia. Department of Public Welfare

The Department of Public Welfare was created in 1944 to bring under the minister of public health all matters relating to social welfare, including family and children's services, public charities, old age pensions, mothers' allowances, children's aid societies, juvenile court and reform schools. In 1946 a separate minister of public welfare was appointed. In 1973 the department was renamed Social Services, and in 1987 Community Services. The department is responsible for income assistance and employment support, children and family services, child protection, and community supports for disadvantaged adults and disabled persons. In 2000, the department assumed responsibility for the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation.

Notes: Authority record based on Statutes of Nova Scotia: 1944 c. 2, 1946 c. 2, 1973 c. 54, 1988 c. 30, 2001 c. 4; Orders in Council 87-1455 (3 December 1987), 2000-341 (16 June 2000).