According to the Federation of Labour, the minimum wage increase is a good start towards a living wage

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) is pleased to see the increase beyond what the review committee’s report recommended, reaching $16.50 in October 2025. The Federation is concerned we are not getting to a living wage fast enough for the hardworking Nova Scotians who need and deserve to make ends meet. For too long, our province’s minimum wage workers have struggled to survive on wages that do not reflect the rising cost of living. Minimum wage workers need a living wage to thrive, not just survive. Every worker deserves a wage that reflects their worth and contributions for their labour.

As we look to the future, we must demand a new direction on minimum wage increases in Nova Scotia. This wage increase gives a beacon of hope, and we urge the new administration to get to a living wage sooner. It is time for decisive action that prioritizes the economic well-being of our province’s minimum-wage workers.

We call on our government to engage in meaningful dialogue with workers, unions, and community organizations to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve a living wage. It is not just about dollars and cents but about dignity, respect, and the right to a better life for all Nova Scotians.

Front-line workers are the backbone of our economy. They deserve no less than a fair wage that allows them to provide for themselves and their families without the constant stress of financial instability. We must do better. The NSFL stands ready to collaborate with the government to craft a future where all workers are valued and compensated fairly. Together, let us work towards a Nova Scotia where a living wage is not just a dream, but a reality.