2025–2026
Annual Report
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Our Mission
To improve the lives of Nova Scotians by delivering quality audiology and speech-language pathology services.
Our Vision
Every person deserves a voice. Every voice deserves to be heard.
Our Values
Foundational to HSNS core values is our commitment to honour the cultural heritage and diversity of our communities, always doing our best to promote equity, accessibility, and inclusion in all that we do.
Message from the Board Chair and CEO
This year at Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS) reflects a sustained focus on quality, partnership, and continuous improvement. Across governance, clinical practice, and community engagement, our work has been guided by a shared commitment to strengthen care for Nova Scotians today while building a stronger foundation for tomorrow.
Accessibility
Improving access, one reminder at a time
For busy families, older adults, and clients juggling appointments, a reminder can go a long way. At Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia, it’s also helping improve access to care. Over the past year, HSNS expanded appointment reminders across nearly all community audiology sites in Nova Scotia after a successful initial rollout in Sydney, Sydney Mines, and Eskasoni in late 2024.
A voice made possible through access and support
For CJ, a Mother’s Day gift made at daycare became an opportunity to express himself in ways that weren’t possible before. With support from an iPad and a speech-generating app, he answered questions about his mom by choosing images for her favourite food, where she works, and even what he loves most about her.
Expanding support for people living with aphasia
For people living with aphasia, a communication disorder that can affect speech and language, staying connected after hospital care can be one of the biggest challenges. Addressing this gap is a priority for Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia. First introduced through the HSNS Innovations Fund, the Life After Stroke project was designed to support people with communication challenges during the often-isolating period between hospital discharge and outpatient services.
A more accessible and welcoming start to every appointment
For many people with hearing challenges, the effort to hear clearly can begin at the reception desk.
“In any public setting, someone who is hard of hearing might experience barriers to hearing well,” says Laura Hart, an Audiologist at HSNS. “Background noise, plexiglass, and ventilation systems that most of us don’t think about can make communication more challenging right from the beginning.”
Communication
Client/Patient & Family Experience Survey 2025
HSNS is committed to providing high-quality services, which can be measured in many ways. One vitally important way is to ask HSNS clients how they feel about the quality of services they received. HSNS conducts a client survey annually, and the results help identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Performance indicators
HSNS provides high-quality audiology services to all Nova Scotians and speech-language pathology services to preschool children, home-schooled children and adults. HSNS is accredited by Accreditation Canada and provides services from 37 clinics in 25 communities throughout Nova Scotia.
Risk and Safety Report
Health, safety, and risk are foundational to HSNS’s mission. By supporting staff and maintaining this focus across the organization, we’re better positioned to serve clients, families, and communities across Nova Scotia with consistency, compassion, and excellence.
Engagement
How staff wellness strengthens client care
At HSNS, staff wellness is central to delivering high-quality care. Over the past year, that commitment has been put into action through continued progress on the Talent Management Plan and insights from the Health Standards Organization Workforce Wellness and Safety Survey. Together, these efforts reflect a more holistic approach to workforce wellbeing, encompassing the full employee experience across recruitment, onboarding, retention, and growth.
Protecting hearing from factory floors to fishing communities
Paul Kempster understands how closely hearing is connected to the experiences people love most. For him, some of life’s best moments are tied to the sounds of birds singing in the early morning, waves moving across St. Margarets Bay, and conversations shared at work sites throughout Nova Scotia. Since joining HSNS in 1991, Paul has been part of the Industrial & Community Audiology program.
Turning commitment into action: progress on EDIRA and reconciliation
Over the past year, HSNS has made notable strides in applying its equity and reconciliation work in everyday practice. This includes the continued advancement of both the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Accessibility (EDIRA) Framework and the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). One major milestone has been the formation of the RAP Committee, bringing together staff from across HSNS to guide this work and improve accountability.
Building a board that reflects the communities HSNS serves
For Dr. Anuroop Kaur, community service has always centred around helping people feel supported, included, and heard. Those values were instilled early in life by her father, who taught her the importance of kindness, compassion, and helping others in whatever way possible. Today, they continue to guide her work in education, leadership, and community involvement, including her role on the HSNS Board of Directors.
Where care feels more welcoming: Inside the Halifax Community Clinic
Nearly one year after opening, Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia’s (HSNS) Halifax Community Clinic is delivering on its promise: a space that’s easier to access, more comfortable, and better aligned with how care is delivered today. Located at 6940 Mumford Road, the clinic was designed with direct input from staff, clients, and families.
