Nova Scotia: New 'job-protected' leave will take effect on 1 January 2025

At a glance

• The Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act, that was previously introduced by the government of Nova Scotia, is set to introduce new sick leave protections.
• The new protections will take effect on 1 January 2025. 

On 1 January 2025, new sick leave protections will take effect.

The Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act (previously introduced by the government of  Nova Scotia) will introduce new leave protections under the Labour Standards Code.

Employees will be entitled to five additional days of unpaid leave for an employee’s own sickness or injury, meaning employees are now entitled to a total of eight days of unpaid leave.

Employees diagnosed with a 'serious illness' or 'serious injury' will also be eligible for unpaid leave of up to 27 weeks within any 52 week period.