Women in Local Government Bursary

Background

The Women in Local Government Bursary Program was developed as a result of a report entitled "Untapped Resources: Women and Municipal Government in Nova Scotia." The report, a project of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Halifax YWCA, Association of Municipal Administrators, NS and Nova Scotia Advisory Council of the Status of Women , revealed that in Nova Scotia, women are under-represented in municipal government. Women make up more than 50 per cent of Nova Scotia's population yet only 21 per cent of municipal councilors, 7 per cent of mayors and wardens and 20 per cent of chief administrators.

The Women in Local Government Bursary is designed to assist women employed in municipal government to pursue training, education and development opportunities to enhance their career.

What is the Women in Local Government Bursary Program?

The Women in Local Government Bursary Program provides an educational bursary to assist women in pursuing more advanced career opportunities within the municipal sector. The objective is to encourage women who work for municipal government to further their knowledge and skills and to ultimately provide more career opportunities for them within the municipal sector.

Through this program, financial assistance is made available to deserving women to assist them in undertaking studies in public administration, accounting, human resources, urban and rural planning, civil engineering, recreation and other recognized courses or programs of skill upgrading and professional development.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for consideration under the Women in Local Government Bursary Program, an applicant must:

• be a female;
• be a current full-time or part-time permanent employee of a NS municipality;
• have been employed by a NS municipality in a permanent capacity for a minimum period of two years
• There is also an expectation that the bursary recipient will continue employment in a NS municipality beyond the completion of the training program equivalent to the duration of the training (i.e. two years of continued employment for a two-year program)

What education and training qualify for the bursary?

Bursaries are conditional upon proof of acceptance (where possible)
into a program of study. The Committee will give preference to applicants:

• Entering programs of study leading to a diploma, degree or professional accreditation;
• Enrolling in short courses, workshops or seminars; or
• Joining a relevant professional association or attend association sponsored activities.

How do I apply?

To apply for a Women in Local Government Bursary you must:
Complete the attached bursary application. 
Attach the following to the application:
a cover letter outlining:

• your career goals;
• why you are applying for this bursary;
• how the bursary will benefit you in meeting your career goals
• If applicable, any barriers you face in meeting your goals
• a "form of acknowledgement" which has been competed and signed by your supervisor;
• a professional letter of recommendation.

Forward your completed application to the Women in Local Government Bursary Evaluation Committee c/o UNSM, 1809 Barrington St. Suite 1106, 1809 Barrington St., Halifax, NS  B3J 43K8 for receipt on or before October 15th of each year. Applications will be reviewed by the Women in Local Government Bursary Committee by November 15th of each year. Selections will be made based on pre-determined criteria.

To download a printable PDF application click here (293 kB) .

  For more information contact: Lyle Goldberg, Policy Analyst UNSM

Tel: (902) 423-8673
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: Women in Local Government