The NABC Community Newsletter is a weekly look into the resources and events of interest to our communities. Vibrant Black communities are cultivated through knowledge sharing and a commitment to long-term learning.



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Canada announces humanitarian assistance in response to Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa has severely affected the Caribbean region, causing loss of life, as well as damage to homes and infrastructure, impacting local communities and economies.

Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced $7 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to support emergency relief efforts in the Caribbean region.

Of this amount, $5 million will be allocated to humanitarian partners to provide life-saving assistance, such as emergency food, water, sanitation and health services, as well as protection and logistics services. The remaining $2 million has been allocated to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub, which is dispatching food and relief items to Jamaica.

Canada has also offered to deploy relief supplies from its emergency stockpiles via the Red Cross Movement should they be requested.

Read more here

Government of Canada Announces Support for Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses in British Columbia

Across British Columbia, Black entrepreneurs and small business owners are driving innovation, generating prosperity, and shaping the province’s future.

To support their growth, the Government of Canada is investing $3.8 million in British Columbia through the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund.

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, announced that PacifiCan will deliver this funding in the province, providing services such as business acceleration, financial planning, and business development and advisory support.

Read more here

Federal Government Has Spent More Than $15M Fighting Black Class-Action Lawsuit

Documents filed in Parliament reveal that the federal government has spent over $15 million defending against a class-action lawsuit brought by Black public servants.

According to a Department of Justice document, the government’s legal expenses totaled roughly $15,024,452 as of September.

The proposed class-action lawsuit, launched in 2020, was filed by Black public servants who alleged systemic racism within the public service.

Read more here

'This is a Big Deal': Health Canada Approves 1st Drug to Slow Alzheimer's Disease

or the first time, Health Canada has approved a drug that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, offering new hope for early intervention.

On Monday, the agency announced its approval of lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi.

The drug has already received approval in several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, Mexico, and China, and is currently under regulatory review in 15 more countries and regions, including the European Union.

Read more here

Trump Says Canada Trade Talks Won't Resume, Contradicting Wright

U.S. President Donald Trump said he received an apology from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over a television ad criticizing tariffs but indicated that trade talks between the two countries are unlikely to resume.

When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One if negotiations between the White House and Carney’s government would continue, Trump replied, “No, but I have a very good relationship. I like him a lot. But what they did was wrong. He was very nice—he apologized for the commercial.”

Read more here

Want to Support Relief Efforts for Jamaica? Here's What Londoners Are Doing to Help

London’s Jamaican community is rallying together in response to Hurricane Melissa, the Category 5 storm that devastated the island on Tuesday.

One local group is organizing a benefit concert to raise funds for relief efforts, while others are launching donation drives to collect essential supplies for those affected.

Read more here

O Canada! Summer Tourism Numbers Hit All-Time High

Canada’s tourism sector posted record revenue of $59 billion between May and August, marking a six per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

The growth was largely driven by Canadians spending more on domestic travel, which rose seven per cent. Revenue from international visitors also remained strong, with overseas markets up 10 per cent, according to new figures released Thursday by Destination Canada.

Read more here

Canada's Economy Shrank By 0.3% in August

Canada’s economy contracted in August, defying widespread expectations of zero growth, according to data released Friday by Statistics Canada. However, an advance estimate suggests the country may still avoid a recession in the third quarter.

The agency reported a 0.3 per cent decline in GDP for August, following an upwardly revised 0.3 per cent increase in July, effectively canceling out any overall growth for the quarter so far.

Read more here

Bank of Canada Eyeing Effects of AI Disruption on Economy, Financial Stability

Bank of Canada officials say they are closely monitoring the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the Canadian economy, both positive and negative.

The central bank highlighted AI in its monetary policy report, released alongside today’s announcement of a rate cut.

Governor Tiff Macklem noted that AI could influence global commerce and living standards in a way similar to the transformative effects of computers and the internet.

Read more here

Hugh Stephens: Canada Must Defend its Creative Sector From AI Thievery

Australia has made a significant move in the ongoing global debate over how tech companies can use copyrighted content—such as text, music, and images—to train AI systems by reproducing or analyzing it without permission or compensation to rights-holders.

Attorney General Michelle Rowland announced that while Australia will consult on updates to its copyright laws to accommodate the AI industry, it has decided against introducing a Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception.

Read more here

$510M in Lawyers' Fees in Treaty Case Unreasonable, Judge Says

An Ontario court judge has ruled that a $510 million legal fee sought by lawyers in a First Nations treaty rights case was excessive, ordering it reduced to $23 million.

“A lawyer’s professional retainer is not a lottery ticket offering a bonus prize of generational wealth if the clients hit the jackpot and win a mega-award,” Justice Fred Myers wrote in his decision released Tuesday.

The 2023 Robinson Huron Treaty settlement aimed to address unpaid treaty annuities for 21 First Nations.

Read more here

Canadian Armed Forces Apologizes for Racial Discrimination and Harassment

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) issued a formal apology Thursday for the racial discrimination and harassment experienced by both current and former members during their service.

The apology was delivered in Ottawa by Gen. Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, and Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann.

Read more here

Inuit Leaders Call on Ottawa to Help With 4 Nation-Building Projects

Leaders from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and two regional Inuit associations traveled to Ottawa this week to urge the federal government to take action in closing Nunavut’s infrastructure gap.

Watch more here

Best Practice Guidelines for Screening Volunteers

Volunteers are the foundation of many small to medium non-profit organizations. Volunteers help these organizations achieve their mission and objectives. However, a key challenge for any organization is to select volunteers who are competent and contribute to the delivery of service in a safe environment.

This booklet outlines the essential steps for screening persons applying to work as volunteers.

Read more here

Foundation for Black Communities Black Ideas Grant 3.0

The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) is excited to launch the Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.) 3.0, which will distribute at least $8 million to support Black-led, Black-mandated, and Black-serving (B3) organizations across Canada.B.I.G. 3.0 offers three funding streams to meet different community needs. The Core Stream provides up to $30,000 to support essential organizational operations. The Catapult Stream offers up to $80,000 to help organizations launch new programs and initiatives. Finally, the Community Capital Stream provides up to $200,000 for physical space projects that deliver lasting benefits to communities.

Apply here

Deadline for application

The application deadline is November 5, 2025.



Please contact communications@forblack.ca with any questions.

Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant

Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grants provide between $100,000 and $600,000 over a period of 2 to 3 years. These grants support proven programs and services that address community needs, offering funding to expand, enhance, or adapt existing initiatives.

Apply here

Deadline for application

The application deadline is November 5, 2025.

Please contact otf@otf.ca with any questions.

Ontario Power Generation Province-Wide Empowerment Grants

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is committed to creating a sustainable future by electrifying life in one generation. If your organization is passionate about driving positive change in Ontario. Grants of up to $100,000 are available.

Apply here

Deadline for application

The application deadline is November 15, 2025.

Please contact hrsc@opg.com with any questions.

Black Entrepreneurship Program

The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund is designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs by strengthening the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem across Canada’s Prairie provinces. The program offers non-repayable contributions of $250,000 to $3,000,000 per project, enabling Black-led not-for-profit organizations to provide high-impact business services such as mentorship, networking, training, outreach, and capacity building. Projects can run for up to five years and must be completed by March 31, 2030.

Apply here

Deadline for application

The application deadline is November 27, 2025.

Please contact wd.contactus-contactez-nous.deo@prairiescan.gc.ca with any questions.

Black Youth Housing Equity Summit

Hosted by Restoration and Empowerment for Social Transition Centres in collaboration with national and regional partners, this forum focuses on addressing the high rates of homelessness and housing insecurity among Black youth. Sessions highlight youth perspectives and showcase innovative programs. The forum also explores policy and funding approaches that prioritize cultural responsiveness and sustainability.

Date: Thursday, November 20-21, 2025

Register here

Nova Scotian Black Men's Health Conference

Join the 6ᵗʰ Annual Nova Scotian Black Men's Health Conference for a day focused on empowerment, education, and community support. The full-day event features expert-led workshops, breakout sessions, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue and connection. Participants will gain practical tools for personal and collective growth, with breakfast and lunch provided. While primarily in-person, virtual participation is also available.

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Register here

The Hope Centre

The Hope Centre offers a wide range of services to support individuals and families in Welland who are experiencing challenges related to poverty, including mental health issues, addictions, food insecurity, and housing instability. It assists, empowers, and advocates for the most vulnerable members of the community.

The Hope Centre is hiring for the following position:

• Manager of Shelter Services (Full-Time)

If you require any accommodations during the hiring process, please contact info@thehopecentre.net

Deadline for application

The deadline for applications is Monday, December 1, 2025.

Indwell

Indwell is dedicated to creating affordable housing communities that foster health, wellness, and a sense of belonging. Guided by a faith-based mission and values-driven culture, it serves people experiencing marginalization through housing and health supports. For more than 50 years, Indwell has provided supportive housing that transforms lives, with each home opened contributing to solutions for homelessness.

Indwell is hiring for the following position:

• Executive Director (Full-Time)

If you require any accommodations during the hiring process, please contact info@indwell.ca.

Deadline for application

The deadline for applications on Friday, November 7, 2025.