**** NS Gov Release
Minimum Wage Rises to $17
--------------------------------------------------------
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $17 per hour today, October 1, helping more workers keep up with the cost of living.
The second minimum wage adjustment this year – following the April 1 increase to $16.75 – follows the unanimous recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which includes employee and employer representatives.
“Raising the minimum wage means more money in the pockets of Nova Scotians who need it most,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “This increase supports workers and recognizes the valuable work they do every day. We’re also helping employers manage costs by lowering taxes and investing in programs that help businesses attract and keep skilled workers.”
The adjustment reflects the consumer price index plus one per cent, as outlined in the minimum wage regulations. The phased approach is designed to help workers while giving employers time to adapt.
To help Nova Scotians get ahead, the Province is also:
- delivering more than $680 million in tax-saving measures that will save the average Nova Scotian family more than $1,400 this year
- providing the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades and Occupations Tax Refund for eligible workers under age 30
- making the Heating Assistance Rebate Program permanent at $400 per year
- investing $1.7 billion through Our Homes, Action for Housing, the government’s five-year housing plan
- increasing support for people on income assistance and indexing it to inflation
- providing skills development and training programs to connect more people to jobs.
The Province also supports employers through programs and services that help businesses recruit, train and retain workers, including:
- supports for workers and businesses affected by tariffs and global market shifts
- business development resources through the Grow Your Business website
- employment and training programs, such as Apprenticeship START and Nova Scotia Works, that help employers recruit talent and build the skills businesses need
- reduced small business tax rate and increased income threshold.
Quick Facts:
- about 6.5 per cent of workers, or 31,000 Nova Scotians, currently earn minimum wage
Additional Resources:
More information on Nova Scotia’s minimum wage: https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/minimumwage.asp
The Minimum Wage Review Committee report: https://news.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/25-55705%20-%20%20Minimum%20Wage%20Review%20Committee%20Report%20-%20ENG.pdf
More Opportunity for Skilled Trades and Occupations Tax Refund: https://www.novascotia.ca/more-opportunity-skilled-trades-and-occupations-tax-refund
Grow Your Business: https://novascotia.ca/grow-your-business/
Tariff response: https://novascotia.ca/tariffs/
