Month in Review – Nova Scotia

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Month in Review – Nova Scotia

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LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hiring & Recruiting

Jun 11: Nova Scotia nonprofits, community organizations, and municipalities can now apply for Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment (OHPR) Community Fund grants of up to $25,000 for recruiting and retaining healthcare workers. Deadline to apply: July 16.

New Laws

Jun 1: New safety regulations took effect requiring licensed bar establishments to perform criminal record checks on bouncers and other security staff and report the results to the employer. Other changes include monetary penalties for liquor licensing infractions and allowing employees under 19 to serve—but not pour—alcohol in lounges to address labour shortages.

Action Point: Find out how to avoid legal risks when performing criminal record checks on job applicants and current employees.

New Laws

Jun 4: The newly launched Nova Scotia Mining Roundtable will help the provincial government identify and improve opportunities for the mining sector. The roundtable’s mission: identify policy, regulatory, and investment barriers and contribute to the development of the provincial mining strategy. Mineral exploration contributes $35 to $50 million per year to the province’s communities.

Health & Safety

May 6: Construction reached an all-time low injury rate of 1.39 per 100 covered workers in 2025, according to a new WCB Nova Scotia report. What makes this new low especially noteworthy is that it occurred at a time when construction in the province has been surging. Meanwhile, the manufacturing injury rate reached its lowest point in a decade in 2025 with a 45% decrease over the past 10 years.

Workers’ Compensation

Jun 10: With injury rates at a record low and a funding surplus of 117%, WCB Nova Scotia announced its first rate cut in over 20 years. Specifically, the agency is proposing to reduce 2027 average employer premiums 15%, from $2.65 to $2.25 per $100 of assessable payroll.

Action Point: Find out how to create a vibrant workplace health and safety culture to prevent injuries and workers’ compensation claims at your company.