Nova scotia workers’ compensation changes and minimum wage increase

At a glance

• Amendments to Nova Scotia’s Workers’ Compensation Act are effective 1 January 2026.
• Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island increased the minimum wage to CAD16.50 on 1 October 2025.

Nova Scotia’s Workers’ Compensation Act

On 1 January 2026, changes to Nova Scotia’s Workers’ Compensation Act will take effect. Employers will be required to report a workplace injury within two days instead of five. The deadline to appeal a decision of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia will be 90 days instead of 30.

Survivor benefits will be expanded to establish a hierarchy for the payment of benefits, including that they may be paid to an estate when no dependents exist. The definition of 'spouse' for the payment of death benefits will be modernised from 'husband and wife'.

Employers will be able to access reports on functional abilities to better support people injured at work in their recovery.

Minimum wage

From 1 October 2025, the minimum wage in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward island increased to CAD16.50 per hour.