The communications support team issues news releases that keep Nova Scotians informed about everything from traffic tie-ups on major highways to government's newest policies and programs. We help to make sure that Nova Scotians know what's going on — even in the throes of a winter storm or emergency situation. We also provide departments with editing and writing support for news releases and feature stories.

We provide event and logistics planning for:

• Government news conferences
• Visits by dignitaries
• Government conferences

We are in daily contact with hundreds of media representatives across the province, and the country, ensuring that they:

• Are advised of news conferences and events
• Receive all government-issued news releases and advisories
• Get the technical support and access they need to cover government events

We administer the province's Emergency Public Information Plan. We:

• Provide communications support to Emergency Management Office during storms and emergencies
• Release information to media and the public
• Coordinate and manage all communications during emergency situations
• Train emergency communicators

Contact Information

Carla Burns
burnsca@gov.ns.ca
(902) 424-2876

Media Monitoring

What made the news? Who said what, and when?
We can help find the answers to these questions through our print and electronic media monitoring service. The service is provided under contract by a private sector supplier.

Through us, you can access:

• News summaries of radio and television coverage
• Tapes, transcripts, CDs and DVDs
• Print summaries and clippings from daily and community newspapers
• Specialized coverage of national and international print and/or electronic coverage

Contact Information

Carla Burns
burnsca@gov.ns.ca
(902) 424-2876

Departmental Support

Communications Nova Scotia staff help government departments and agencies share their programs and itiatives with Nova Scotians.

Communications directors, advisors and officers work with three managing directors to provide the following services and products to their clients:

• Media relations
• Issues management
• News releases and speeches
• Communications strategies and programs

Contact Information

Rick Alexander
alexanrj@gov.ns.ca
(902) 424-1719

Donna MacDonald
macdondc@gov.ns.ca
(902) 424-5083

Michele McKinnon
mckinngm@gov.ns.ca
(902) 424-1718