GEO Nova Scotia celebrates the people, organizations and partnerships helping more Nova Scotians connect to opportunity.
From helping someone access healthcare to opening doors to learning and employment, digital inclusion can make a life-changing difference. This October, GEO Nova Scotia is celebrating the people and organizations making those connections possible.
GEO is pleased to announce 13 finalists across five categories for the 2026 Nova Scotia Digital Inclusion Awards, recognizing efforts to reduce digital barriers and help more people participate fully in their communities.
The winners will be announced throughout GEO Forum 2026, taking place online October 20–22. The free, three-day event will bring together speakers, panelists and participants from around the world to explore Digital Inclusion: The Super Social Determinant of Health.
This year’s finalists show how many forms digital inclusion can take: a coding workshop, a reliable phone, support with an online application, or a trusted person who helps someone get connected.
Community Champion of the Year
This category celebrates community organizations helping people access and use technology in ways that support their everyday lives.
Alnaas Community and Youth Development Association
Alnaas is helping young people build digital skills through coding workshops, digital content creation and access to laptops they can borrow for use at home. Its work also includes basic computer instruction for adults. By giving participants opportunities to learn, practice and help shape activities, the association is building confidence and supporting connections to education and future opportunities.
NS Works–Community Inc
For Community Inc., digital inclusion is part of helping people move toward their employment goals. Through its NS Works offices and employment services in Kings and Hants counties, the organization provides access to technology and practical assistance. Its approach recognizes that devices, connectivity and digital skills are essential tools for finding work and participating in community life.
Pathways Cape Breton / Pathways to Employment
Pathways combines peer support, practical digital learning and access to GEO resources to support people living with mental health and substance use challenges. Its nomination highlights more than 25 workshops and 500 digital literacy support engagements in 2025. From using online employment platforms to reconnecting with family and accessing mental health resources, its work puts participants’ individual goals at the centre.
Business of the Year
This category recognizes businesses contributing to a more digitally inclusive Nova Scotia.
Rogers Communications
Through its Connected for Success program, Rogers helps reduce the financial barriers that can keep people offline. Affordable internet and mobile options, dedicated application support and partnerships with housing and community organizations help eligible Nova Scotians access reliable connectivity. The program supports households to pursue education and employment, access essential services and stay connected with family and community.
Dr. Phone Fix (formerly Geebo Device Repair)
Dr. Phone Fix helps turn donated technology into a practical resource for people who need it. The business has contributed device assessment and repair labour at no cost and provided donation drop-off locations. Through its work with GEO’s Digital Inclusion Drive, it helps give unused devices a new purpose: connecting Nova Scotians to services, support and the people who matter to them.
Government Champion of the Year
This category recognizes public-sector efforts to advance digital inclusion and reduce barriers to participation.
SchoolsPlus
SchoolsPlus makes digital inclusion part of its support for children, youth and families across Nova Scotia. A longstanding GEO partner, it has helped families access approximately 925 Chromebooks, 260 smartphones, 160 iPads, 270 phone plans and 430 internet plans. These connections support learning, communication with schools, access to mental health services and greater safety for youth and families facing difficult circumstances.
Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
LSI collaborated with GEO Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Works and the NS Career Development Association to create printable “Desk Aids”—step-by-step guides to essential digital tasks involved in job searches and applications. Designed for Nova Scotia Works staff and self-serve job seekers, the resources build digital literacy and confidence while helping people access employment opportunities. Their usefulness has extended beyond employment services, with other government departments, community organizations and members of the public now using the guides.
Program Partnership of the Year
This category celebrates partnerships that combine resources, expertise and trusted relationships to help close the digital divide.
Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH)
MOSH brings digital access directly into its healthcare outreach with people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Through its partnership with GEO, the team has provided phones to 30 people, helping them stay connected to healthcare, housing workers, emergency services and loved ones. By pairing connectivity with trusted outreach relationships, MOSH helps ensure people can be reached when timely support matters most.
Halifax Refugee Clinic
The Halifax Refugee Clinic makes digital inclusion part of its legal and settlement support for refugee claimants. Its partnership with GEO has supported approximately 127 clients or households, helping people communicate with legal counsel, search for housing and employment, participate in language learning and stay connected with family. Individualized support helps participants navigate digital barriers alongside the challenges of establishing their lives in a new community.
Aboriginal Peoples Training & Employment Commission (Native Council of Nova Scotia)
The Aboriginal Peoples Training & Employment Commission combines its employment and training expertise with GEO’s technology and connectivity resources. Together, they help Indigenous Nova Scotians overcome financial barriers to devices and service, supporting job applications, education, training and virtual appointments. The partnership gives participants practical tools to move toward their goals.
Referral Agent of the Year Award
This category recognizes the individuals who help people navigate GEO’s programs with care, compassion and a commitment to getting them connected.
Jamie Gray — Pathways to Employment
As a Peer Support Coordinator, Jamie brings compassion, humour and respect to helping participants overcome digital barriers. His work combines referrals with education and ongoing support, including help with digital safety and device use. Through trusted relationships and close collaboration with GEO, he supports people living with complex mental health and substance use challenges to pursue their own goals.
Courtney Crowe — Colchester Adult Learning Association
Courtney helps community members understand and access GEO’s programs, taking time to answer questions and follow up after referrals. Her work extends beyond the classroom through community presentations and workshops that help other organizations learn where to turn for connectivity support. Her nomination highlights a patient, non-judgmental approach to helping people overcome financial barriers and isolation.
Emily Atkinson — YMCA of Cumberland
Emily makes digital access part of her housing stability case management, recognizing how closely connectivity is linked to safety and access to services. She has facilitated more than 35 GEO referrals, helping people connect to housing, healthcare, employment and education. By supporting applications, following up and working with GEO to address barriers, she helps participants build greater stability and stay connected.
Join us to celebrate!
Behind every nomination is work that helps someone take a next step: attend an appointment, apply for a job, learn a new skill or reach someone they trust.
Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists, and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and helped shine a light on digital inclusion in action.
Join us at GEO Forum 2026, October 20–22, from 1–5:00 p.m. ADT each day, to celebrate the finalists and hear the winners announced throughout the event. Registration is free, and everyone is welcome.