EDIRA Statement
The Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists is committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation and Accessibility. Together, the EDIRA principles help create a welcoming, and inclusive environment in which everyone has equitable access to opportunities and services. They foster a regulatory approach that is representative of Nova Scotia’s diversity, and promote culturally aware, safe, and equitable treatment of the public we serve.
NSCCT recognizes that equity-deserving groups, particularly those with significant cultural histories within Nova Scotia, have experienced health disparities, poorer health status, and valid distrust of the healthcare system and the institutions that govern professional practice. As the public-interest regulator for all counselling therapists in Nova Scotia, we exist to prevent harm to the public by scrupulously curating entry to the profession, and by providing a robust and fair response to public concerns and complaints about the care they receive from our registrants.
In order to fulfill this legislative mandate, we strive to eliminate racism and oppression in all of our policies and practices. To do so we must acknowledge truths of the past and hold ourselves accountable for expanding our knowledge and commitment to providing culturally competent care and removing systemic barriers to full participation for all.
We seek to empower our leadership and every member of our staff to create inclusive environments and implement strategies to enhance a sense of belonging, respect, and healing by harnessing the strength that lies in recognizing the differences of each individual we work with and serve.