Provincial release:

The Province is supporting local research on how social and environmental factors influence mental health and addictions.

Grants of up to $100,000 over two years are available for projects that examine how addictions and mental health intersect with key social determinants, such as housing, food security, education, employment and social inclusion.

“Mental health and wellness are influenced by many factors, like social environments, access to housing, education and more,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “Research that is focused on Nova Scotia and what shapes mental health and addiction here at home will help us build a stronger system of care for all.”

A total of $400,000 in research funding is available. More information on the grants, to be distributed through Research Nova Scotia, and how to apply is available at: https://researchns.ca/mharfa/. The deadline for expressions of interest is February 11 at 1 p.m.

The government continues to work with healthcare providers and community partners to identify and reduce social barriers that influence health outcomes. This includes investments in food security initiatives such as the school lunch program, free bus passes for people on income assistance and funding for community organizations delivering mental health and addictions programs that support community wellness.

Investing in research that leads to more responsive healthcare is a key part of Action for Health’s Solution 6 – addressing the factors that influence health and well‑being – and an important step in building universal mental health and addictions care that works for everyone.

Quotes:
“This funding has been essential in supporting me to establish my lab at StFX and has enabled me to start building a program of research that seeks to improve equitable access to mental healthcare in rural Nova Scotia. As a researcher is who new to Nova Scotia, I’ve really appreciated the support provided throughout the application process and since I received the award. The team is very accessible and is always helpful when I have questions.” 
— Jill Murphy, 2025 grant recipient, St. Francis Xavier University

Quick Facts:
– in 2025, the Office of Addictions and Mental Health funded grants of up to $100,000 through Research Nova Scotia to four early‑career investigators studying the mental health experiences of underrepresented Nova Scotians
– research and innovation is one of the funding streams under the Mental Health and Addictions Community Wellness Framework; there is also multi-year funding available for community organizations, as well as funding for projects/events that are usually a year or less
– the framework strengthens accountability to ensure services meet the needs of Nova Scotians
– the government made a commitment to create universal access to mental health and addictions care in Nova Scotia
     – there has been significant progress, and collaboration continues across the public health system, community organizations, academic institutions and the private sector to connect more people to timely support

Additional Resources:
News release – Funding Awarded to Researchers Focused on Addictions, Mental Health: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/06/05/funding-awarded-researchers-focused-addictions-mental-health

Mental Health and Addictions Community Wellness Framework: https://www.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/1-3703/community-wellness-framework-en.pdf

Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare: https://actionforhealth.novascotia.ca/

Research Nova Scotia: https://researchns.ca/