Send this page to someone via emailThe Nova Scotia government is changing how residents on income assistance receive employment support, in a shift that will impact as many as 85 provincial positions and result in some layoffs. Officials with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration say beginning next month, income assistance recipients who are ready to look for work will be referred to Nova Scotia Works — the province’s free employment support network. Get breaking National news Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story. The associate deputy minister with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development says the move will streamline access to support and reduce duplication of services. Shelley James says it will also contribute to removing some stigma, because all Nova Scotians can soon access the same employment services.