Nova Scotia Bills
New Law for ER Closures, Wait Times
Residents get quarterly public reports on ER closures, wait times, staff vacancies, and consultations. Communities with repeat closures get formal meetings to suggest local fixes.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Seniors Gain Pharmacare Hearing Aid Coverage
Seniors in Pharmacare could get hearing aids paid or partly paid. A health professional must authorize them and the Legislature must approve funding.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Partner Risk Disclosure and Safety Act
People can ask police if a current or former partner has a violent past. The law widens domestic violence definitions and requires training, risk checks, and privacy safeguards.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Creates 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee
Sets up a committee of mostly 2SLGBTQIA+ people to advise government on health, housing, schools and jobs. Ministers must publish the committee's recommendations within 90 days.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Raise Wage Replacement to 85%
If you are hurt at work, benefits rise to 85% of your pay. Benefits use a $120,000 earnings cap in 2026, indexed to inflation after.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Restrict Social Media Use for Under-16s
Social media companies must stop children under 16 from using the apps covered by the law. Accounts can be blocked and users may face new age checks.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Protect and Restore Island Rail Line
This law protects the island rail corridor and stops track removal. It orders repair plans, creates a trade infrastructure fund, and seeks partners to revive freight service.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Stronger Overtime, Tip and Hiring Rules
Workers get more overtime pay, stronger tip rights, and clearer hiring rules. Employers must post pay ranges and say if they use automated hiring tools.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Businesses Must Repay Incentives After Labour Convictions
Employers convicted of certain labour or union offences must repay provincial tax credits, grants, or loans given in the five years before the offence through the conviction date.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Stop Employer Closures That Weaken Unions
If your workplace is unionizing, employers can't shut or move it to stop the union. The Labour Board can order reopenings, rehires, or require wages if closures happen.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Environmental Racism and Equity Act
Creates a commission and fund to fix unfair pollution in racialized communities. Requires environmental reviews and municipal plans to use an equity checklist and publish data.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Trade Corridor Infrastructure Study and Plan
Requires a public study and plan to fix roads, ports, rail, and airports that move goods. It sets priorities, costs, and timelines for improvements.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Locking In Park Protections
Parks are protected from industrial uses and cannot be changed without a Legislature vote. The minister must list candidate areas and aim for 20% protection by 2030.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Ban Grocery Lease Exclusivity
Stops lease and title rules that block new grocery or stores that sell fresh produce. More stores can open and no compensation is paid for lost exclusives.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Rapid Transit Infrastructure Fund
Creates a fund to plan and build faster bus and rail service. It pays for routes, stations, and vehicles but needs future budget approval.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Protect Rewards, Ban Surveillance Pricing
Your rewards points cannot expire and must be added automatically. Sellers cannot set prices using your personal data, and many appliances get 3-6 year parts and labour warranties.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Craft Beer Markup Review for Brewers
Orders a full review of beer markups to study effects on small brewers. No immediate price change; possible size-based markups could be proposed in 2027.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Stop NDAs That Hide Abuse
Stops secret NDAs that hide violence, harassment, or discrimination. Survivors can still ask for privacy but get legal advice and can later speak to police or health workers.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Speed Up Housing with Catalogue Plans
Pre-approved home designs can be built without extra local approvals. Faster permits mean quicker homes, more prefab jobs, and fewer delays.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Job-Protected Leave for Gender-Based Violence
Allows workers to take up to 10 paid days a year and up to 16 weeks unpaid for gender-based violence. Employers must protect jobs and follow new proof rules.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Caps Rent Hikes and Strengthens Tenant Rights
Limits annual rent increases to inflation and bans rent jumps between tenants. Gives 90-day notice, refunds for lost services, and stops blanket no-pet bans.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Independent Review of Victim Services
Sets up an independent panel to review victim services and find gaps. Could lead to better access, safer supports, and public progress reports.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Housing Accountability and Supply Act
Sets yearly housing-supply targets and public reporting. It expands public and non-market housing and boosts tenant protections to improve affordability.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Student Housing Strategy and Aid Review
Requires a public plan to grow affordable student housing and review student aid and data. It sets plans only; no new funding now.
Status
First Reading
Timeline