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The Camping Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) is a non-profit residential camping association that was established in May 1941 in partnership with other international, national, and provincial associations. The association supports the development and promotion of organized camping by providing opportunities for the training and development of camping leaders, acting as a referral source for information pertaining to camping, establishing and promoting accreditation standards for camping in Nova Scotia, and educating the public regarding camps and camping.

The national Commission to Inquire into the Problems of Marketing Salted and Cured Fish Produced in the Atlantic Provinces, also referred to as the Atlantic Salt Fish Commission, was created by Privy Council Order-in-Council (PC#1964-1672) dated October 29, 1964. Dr. D.B. Finn, former Deputy Minister of Fisheries for Canada, was appointed sole Commissioner. His mandate was to inquire into and report upon the export marketing problems of the salt fish industry in the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec, and the advisability of establishing a marketing board to control exports of cured fish. Commissioner Finn made a detailed study of existing reports, especially the Newfoundland Salt Fish Marketing Report 1963. He held public hearings in St. John’s NF, Halifax NS, Fredericton NB, and Quebec PQ from February 1 to 15, 1965. He submitted his final report to the Governor General of Canada in 1965 and the Commission disbanded.

In 1890 the British Parliament formally abolished colonial courts of vice-admiralty when it enacted legislation empowering self-governing dominions to establish their own courts of admiralty. The Parliament of Canada conferred admiralty jurisdiction on the Exchequer Court of Canada in 1891 when it passed the Admiralty Act. Canada was divided into several admiralty districts, each with its own judge. The chief justice of Nova Scotia was appointed judge of the Admiralty District of Nova Scotia. Cases pending in the Court of Vice-Admiralty were transferred to the newly established district court of admiralty. The Exchequer Court of Canada retained admiralty jurisdiction until 1971, when it was superseded by the Federal Court of Canada.

This federal Royal Commission was appointed by Order in Council on 7 October 1927 in response to depressed economic conditions in the fishing industry at a time of good catches. The commission was to investigate what could be done to increase the demand for fish, examine the price spread between the producer and consumer, determine how to further develop the inshore fisheries, examine the need for restrictions on the use of steam trawlers, review the privileges available to American fishing boats in Canadian waters and vice-versa, determine if fishing bounties should be continued, whether a system of inspection of product quality was warranted and to determine if modifications to the lobster fishery laws were needed. Alexander Kenneth MacLean, President of the Exchequer Court of Canada, was appointed as commission chair. The commissioners apppointed were Henry Ryder Locke Bill of Lockeport, Nova Scotia; the Hon. Joseph George Mombourquette (MLC) of L'Ardoise, Nova Scotia; Professor Cyrus MacMillan of Montreal and John George Robichaud of Shippigan, New Brunswick. G. Fred Pearson of Halifax was appointed as commission counsel. The commission reported on May 4, 1928.

The national Royal Commission on Dominion-Provincial Relations was established by Privy Council Order-in-Council (P.C.1908) on August 14, 1937 under Prime Minister William L. Mackenzie King. Chief Justice Newton W. Rowell of Ontario was appointed chairperson, subsequently replaced by Professor Joseph Sirois of Laval University Quebec City in 1938, with Justice Thibaudeau Rinfret of Supreme Court of Canada, John Wesley Dafoe, lawyer of Winnipeg MB, Professor Robert Alexander Mackay of Dalhousie University Halifax NS, and Professor Henry Forbes Angus of University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC appointed as co-commissioners.
Its mandate was to examine the divisions of power and revenue between the federal and provincial governments; investigate the current taxation system for efficiency and equity; examine the public spending accounts and debts; and to investigate the existing system of federal grants and subsidies paid to the provincial governments. Their goal was to determine the facts of the situation and make recommendations for stabilizing government finances and strengthening the federation of Canada.
The Royal Commission made visits to each provincial premier in September and October 1937 before conducting 85 days of public hearings at Ottawa and at each provincial capital city starting in Winnipeg, MB on November 29, 1937 and ending in Ottawa on December 1, 1938. Only governments, recognized public organizations, and selected individuals were eligible to appear at hearings and/or submit briefs. The Commission collected over 10,000 pages of evidence, 427 exhibits, and 154 briefs.
At the same time as hearings were being conducted, they launched a detailed research programme on the economic history of Dominion-provincial relations including the national income, the financial history of Canadian governments, the economic effects of the Canadian taxation system, the role of municipalities, transportation, social welfare services, and labour legislation. In addition, they researched constitutional and legal matters such as the historical context of Confederation and the growth of governmental functions from 1867 to 1940. They also conducted a comparative study of public finances from questionnaires sent to all provincial Ministers of Finance covering 1915 to 1940.
Professor Joseph Sirois submitted their final report to Prime Minister William L. Mackenzie King on May 3, 1940 and the Royal Commission disbanded.

The national Royal Commission on Financial Arrangements Between the Dominion and the Maritime Provinces was created by the Committee of the Privy Council’s Order in Council (P.C. 2231) on September 14, 1934. Sir Thomas White, lawyer of Toronto, was appointed chairperson of the Commission, with Justice John Alexander Mathieson, Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island, and Edward Walter Nesbitt of Woodstock, Ontario as co-commissioners. It was set up at the request of the three Maritime Premiers of the day: L.P.D. Tilley of New Brunswick, Angus L. Macdonald of Nova Scotia, and W.J.F. MacMillan of Prince Edward Island. Its mandate was to deal with the recommendation of the national Royal Commission on Maritime Claims of 1926 (also called the Duncan Commission), to change the financial arrangements under which the Maritime Provinces joined Confederation. The aim was for a more equitable sharing of revenues between the Maritimes and the rest of Canada. Sir White submitted their report to the Federal Government on February 9, 1935. A dissenting opinion was submitted by Commissioner John A. Mathieson on February 16, 1935, and the Royal Commission disbanded.

The national Royal Commission on Maritime Claims, also referred to as the Duncan Commission, was created by Prime Minister Mackenzie King by Privy Council Order on April 7, 1926 (P.C. 505). It was established in response to the claims of the Maritime Rights movement. Sir Andrew Rae Duncan, British expert on coal industry regulation, was appointed Chairperson along with Hon. William Bernard Wallace, Justice of the County Court of District One in Nova Scotia, and English Professor Cyrus Macmillan from Prince Edward Island, working at McGill University in Montreal, as co-commissioners. (Professor Macmillan would later become federal Fisheries Minister.) The Royal Commission’s mandate was 1) to examine and make recommendations to address the Maritimes’ grievances against higher costs for transporting goods by the Canadian National Railway (freight rates), formerly called the Intercolonial Railway, as compared with other parts of Canada; 2) the lack of overseas shipping of Canadian trade goods through Maritime ports; and 3) the lack of action on economic policies promised at the time of Confederation. Public hearings were held in Halifax NS, Saint John NB, Charlottetown PE, Sydney NS, Amherst NS, Yarmouth NS, and in Montreal PQ from July 21 to August 31, 1926. In addition, many informal visitations to local Boards of Trade in the 3 provinces were made, along with a visit to Winnipeg to investigate the transport of grain, and private meetings held in Montreal and Ottawa ON. Evidence was received from over one hundred witnesses, including representatives from Government, trade, commerce, railway administration, and private citizens. The final report, submitted on September 23, 1926, recommended freight rate reductions, an increase in federal payments to the provinces (equalization payments), and new port management for Halifax and Saint John New Brunswick. After fulfilling its duties, the Commission ended.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Oil and Gas Board’s Socio-Economic Review Panel (SERP) was created on December 8, 1982 under Section 7 of the Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement on Offshore Oil and Gas Resources Management and Revenue Sharing. A two-person panel was set up with Mr. Hector Hortie, retired federal official, appointed by the Canadian Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Mr. Walter Miller, retired president of Scott Maritimes Ltd., appointed by the Nova Scotia Executive Council. The Review was initiated by Mobil Oil Canada Ltd.’s proposed development of the Venture oil well just east of Sable Island. The Review Panel’s mandate was to examine the socio-economic implications of production system options related to this development, in particular the economic aspects, labour and employment requirements, social services such as health care and education, infrastructure requirements such as transportation and municipal services, and socio-cultural impacts. The Review Panel worked jointly with the Sable Island Environmental Assessment Panel. Together, they held public information sessions in 11 towns in NS from Apr 30 to May 14, 1983, held public meetings in Guysborough, Port Hawkesbury, Sydney, New Glasgow, Dartmouth, and Halifax from September 25 to October 14, 1983, and accepted written submissions (briefs) from all stakeholders and interested citizens. The Panels’ main focus was the Socio-Economic Impact Statement (SEIS), part of the larger Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), written by Mobil Oil Canada Ltd. The Panel submitted its final report to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Oil and Gas Board in January 1984 and then disbanded.

The Arthritis and Rheumatism Society (ARS) is the Nova Scotia division of the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society.Sub-series consists primarily of correspondence between the ARS and the MSNS in regard to the establishment of physiotherapy treatment centres and other j related matters. Also includes general reports of the ARS and handbooks on arthritis.

The Dartmouth Association for the Help of Retarded Children was established in October 1956 in Dartmouth, N.S. by a group of parents interested in establishing educational services for children with mental disabilities. It opened its first classroom at Grace United Church. In 1960 the Department of Education assumed responsibility for the education of mentally challenged children. However, the branch remained actice, lobbying for an increased number of classes in the school system, and establishing a pre-school program in 1966. Other activities included operating vocational training centres and workshops such as the Activity Centre and later Dartmouth Adult Services Centre. The branch opened its first group home on Hawthorne Street in May 1977, which later became part of the Regional Residential Services Society. The organization has had several changes in name and jurisdiction. In 1958 it became a local branch of the Nova Scotia Association for Retarded Children. From 1962 it operated under the name Canadian Association for Retarded Children, Dartmouth Branch. It was re-named the Canadian Association for the Mentally Retarded, Dartmouth Branch in 1968 to reflect its commitment to serving mentally challenged persons of all ages. In 1987, the national association adopted its current name of the Canadian Association for Community Living and the Dartmouth branch became the Halifax Association for Community Living.

Founded in 1951, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (C.A.U.T.) is the national voice for academic staff representing 70,000 teachers, librarians, researchers, general staff and other academic professionals at some 123 universities and colleges across the country. CAUT is an outspoken defender of academic freedom and works actively in the public interest to improve the quality and accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada.

The Nova Scotia District of the Canadian Bible Society began in 1810 in Truro and 1813 in Pictou and Halifax as separate Auxiliary units of the British and Foreign Bible Society in London, United Kingdom (UK). The purpose of the Society was to translate and distribute the Christian Bible to the world. In 1814 Truro joined the Halifax society while Pictou remained independent until 1910. There was also a Yarmouth Auxiliary for a time. By 1840 the NS Auxiliary had 28 branch societies throughout the province. In 1848 the branches and independent auxiliaries (except Pictou) joined to form the Nova Scotia Auxiliary. In 1904 all bible society auxiliaries in Canada joined together and Nova Scotia became an Auxiliary of the Canadian Bible Society. From 1923 to 1950 Nova Scotia District included Newfoundland. In 1929 the national society changed its name to British and Foreign Bible Society in Canada and Newfoundland until 1961, when the name changed back to the Canadian Bible Society and Nova Scotia became a District once more, without Newfoundland. Activities of the Nova Scotia society end after 2009, and the national society’s status as a non-profit association in the province ended in 2023.

The Canadian Club of Halifax was founded on 7 February 1907 as part of the national movement of Canadian Clubs formed to provide a forum for speakers on Canadian issues. The Women's Canadian Club of Halifax was formed on 19 February 1939. In 1969, the two Halifax clubs amalgamated. In addition to its main service of organizing lectures for its members, other activities of the club include sponsoring projects for Canadian citizenship, supporting historical and archaeological studies and sites, promoting tour programs, and participating in the national Association of Canadian Clubs.

The Canadian Conference on Historical Resources (CCHR) is a non-profit association of federal and provincial government agencies responsible for or concerned with the protection and maintenance of historic sites and heritage property. It was formed in 1961, and was known until 1969 as the "Conference on the Development of Canada's Historical Resources". Its primary purpose is to act as an information exchange mechanism in the heritage field. While primarily a federal-provincial inter-governmental body, it permits representation from government agencies such as the National Archives, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. -- The Conference meets at least annually and consists of senior heritage managers from each member provincial, territorial and federal government body. One liaison officer is appointed for each member government, and each member government can send up to six senior government administrators as delegates. In 1982 the Inter provincial Heritage Council was formed of provincial liaison officers to act as an advisory council to the Conference.

The Maritime Division of the Canadian Council of the Blind was formed on 22 January 1949 in Sydney, N.S. by delegates from local CCB clubs (chapters) including the Fundy Club of St. John, N.B., Fraser Club of Halifax, N.S. and Island Wide Club of Sydney, N.S. The principle objectives of the council are "to promote the wellbeing of the blind through higher education, profitable employment, social association, and to create a closer relationship between the blind and sighted..." It also aims to promote measures for the conservation of sight and prevention of blindness. The Maritime Division convenes an annual conference for its chapters, coordinates activities within its jurisdiction, and acts as a voice for provincial concerns both within the CCB and in relation to government and other organizations. The division is governed by an executive committee and is financed by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind which acts as the national service agency for the blind in Canada. The division was later reorganized with new divisions and jurisdictions established. As of 2002, these divisions are the Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island Division and New Brunswick Division. As of 2024, each province has its own Division.

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) was founded in 1919. The organization is a voluntary, non-profit, self-funded non-governmental organization of close to 10,000 women graduates and students in 118 clubs (branches)in every province of Canada as of 2009. The Halifax Club traces its history back to 5 May 1936, when the first organizational meeting was held. The first general meeting took place on 23 October 1936 and affiliation with the national body was completed in 1937. Members are active in public affairs, work together for equality for women and girls, to raise the social, economic, political and legal status of women, as well as to improve education, the environment, peace, justice and human rights. The CFUW is the largest of the 79 member affiliates of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW).

The Canadian Gypsum Company began in 1907 in Windsor, NS as a private business quarrying and exporting gypsum rock from Nova Scotia to the United States. In the early 1920s it became part of the United States Gypsum Company (USG) but operated in Canada under its own name. In 1926 the Canadian Gypsum Company absorbed the nearby Wentworth Gypsum Company (begun in 1875) and a year later the Newport Plaster Mining and Manufacturing Company (begun in 1912) was added. Starting in 1962 it operated as the Fundy Gypsum Company, still a part of the larger holding company USG, until the plant in Windsor was closed in November 2011, ending gypsum mining operations in Nova Scotia. As of April 2019, the Canadian Gypsum Company (called CGC Inc.) and its parent United States Gypsum are both part of Knauf Group.

The Nova Scotia Society for Mental Hygiene, founded in 1908 and incorporated by Act of the Legislature in 1931, became the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association in 1961. Its objective is to promote mental health through education, research, and advocacy to increase the mental health knowledge and services of Nova Scotians. The division office, located in Dartmouth, has juridiction over the local branches located throughout Nova Scotia which are responsible for direct delivery of services.

The Canadian National Railway is a transcontinental railway system that amalgamated several railway companies that were in financial difficulties during the early twentieth century (including the Nova Scotia Railway/Intercolonial Railway). CNR was incorporated in June 1919 and operated primarily as a freight railway. It's passenger service was taken over by VIA Rail in 1978.

The Gladstone Court, No. 745 was formed in Pictou, N.S. ca. 1898 as a subordinate court under the Maritime District High Court of the Canadian Order of Foresters fraternal society. Its principal activity was to provide life insurance, medical, and funeral benefits for its members.

The Nova Scotia branch of the Canadian Red Cross, originally named the Central Red Cross Committee of Nova Scotia, was organized on 5 August 1914 to provide medical and other supplies for the British military during the First World War. The branch received its provincial charter on 20 October 1914. By 1921, it was known as the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Red Cross Society. The Nova Scotia Division and local branch offices deliver Red Cross programs and services in the areas of disaster and emergency relief, first aid, water safety, home care, and fundraising for local initiatives. They provide information on the international activities of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement, assist with the dissemination of International Humanitarian Law, and co-ordinate appeals for funds on behalf of victims of natural disasters or political conflicts.

The Canadian Society of Safety Engineering was established in 1949. The Bluenose Chapter of the organization was organized by 1968. The mandate of the organization is "to promote arts and sciences connected with engineering in its relation to the conservation and protection of life and property, and to encourage the development of safety engineering as a profession." It remains a leading health, safety and environmental organization for professionals in Canada. It works with industry, governmental agencies, and other safety organizations to promote a greater awareness of health, safety, and environmental issues in workplaces and communities.

Hon. Col. Thomas Cantley was born at New Glasgow, N.S. on 19 April 1857, the son of Charles and Catherine (Fraser) Cantley. He attended the public schools of New Glasgow and worked several odd jobs beginning as messenger for Western Union Telegraph Co. In 1878 he opened a crockery store, Thomas Cantley and Company, on Provost Street which he operated for seven years with silent partner James D. MacGregor. He joined the Nova Scotia Steel Company Ltd. (later BESCO) in 1885 as a general sales agent and was elected to the board of directors in 1901, followed by president and general manager on 13 July 1915. Between 1895 and 1919, he travelled extensively throughout Europe where he successfully marketed Wabana iron ore and coal. He was also instrumental in introducing the manufacture of ammunition for Great Britain during the First World War. Cantley served as MP for Pictou from 1925 until his appointment to the Senate on 20 July 1935. He was active in several professional and civic organizations including: founder, trustee, and president of the Aberdeen Hospital; first member, Canadian Shell Committee; president, Canadian Manufacturers' Association; Chairman, Canadian Munition Resources Commission; and president, Nova Scotia Mining Society. He was honoured with the degree of LLD from Dalhousie (1919) and appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts of Great Britain. In 1893 he married Maria Jane Fraser of Pictou. The couple had five children: Charles Lang, Howard, Donald, Helen and Marian. He died at New Glasgow at his residence, "Bonniebrae", on 24 February 1945.

Cape Breton Island was made a separate colony in 1784, due primarily to the lobbying of American Loyalists looking for positions and land. The new colony's first lieutenant-governor was Joseph F.W. Des Barres, who governed with an executive council. The British government did not provide funds for an elected assembly, seeing little value in the island, its only resources being coal and fish, which were plentiful and cheaper elsewhere. Despite serving for only two years, Des Barres was an active governor. He opened coal mines, attracted settlers, and began to build the capital, Sydney. He was dismissed for spending unauthorized money to aid starving settlers. A lack of funds plagued succeeding governors, as the island's post-Loyalist settlers were mainly poor Highland Scots forced off their land by closure. The colony faced a crisis when Richard Gibbons, Jr., a lawyer, began a revolt against the levying of a rum tax, claiming that it was illegal to tax people without representation. However, the British government believed the population was too poor and ill-educated to support an elected assembly and refused to grant one. The inability of the council to raise funds, combined with pressure from the governors of Nova Scotia to have Cape Breton returned to their control, resulted in the colony being re-annexed to Nova Scotia in October 1820.

The Cape Breton Court of Chancery was established in 1784, when Cape Breton became a separate colony. Following Cape Breton's re-annexation to Nova Scotia in 1820, the Cape Breton court became part of the Nova Scotia Court of Chancery.