Publications

Statement from Melissa Marsman, Secretary-Treasurer, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour: Recognizing Mi’kmaq History Month – October 2025

Every October in Nova Scotia, we mark Mi’kmaq History Month. This month is a time to learn, reflect, and honour the Mi’kmaq people, the original caretakers of this land we share. It is also a call to action for all of us to deepen our understanding of Mi’kmaq history, culture, and rights, and to continue the work of reconciliation in…

Minimum Wage Increases Help Workers and Communities do better

Nova Scotia’s minimum wage is set to rise to $16.50 this October 1, 2025. While any increase helps, the truth is this wage is still far too low for people to make ends meet. In Halifax, the living wage is calculated to be $28.30 per hour. In Cape Breton, the cost is $24.00. The provincial average is over $27. The…

The NS Federation of Labour welcomes improvements to the Workers’ Compensation Act, but more needs to be done

The NS Federation of Labour welcomes improvements to the Workers’ Compensation Act, but says more needs to be done, including the introduction of universal coverage. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour welcomes the government’s announcement of long-overdue improvements to the Workers’ Compensation Act, which will provide improved support for injured workers and their families. However, the Federation warns that lowering employer rates is…

Statement from Melissa Marsman, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour – Truth and Reconciliation

This week, September 22 to 26, is Truth and Reconciliation Week in Canada. On September 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Nova Scotia and across Canada. These days are important days of recognition for everyone. They are a call to action for all of us to honour survivors, remember the children…

Statement on the Anniversary of September 11

Today, on the anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives and the many more whose lives were forever changed. We honour the courage of first responders, workers, and people who stepped up in the face of tragedy. As a labour movement, we recognize the many workers, firefighters, police, health care staff, and…

Today is Stand Up Against Bullying Day

Statement from Secretary-Treasurer Melissa Marsman Today, students and staff across Nova Scotia are marking Stand Up Against Bullying Day. This day started here at home when two students took a simple act of courage and turned it into a movement. We honour that spirit by choosing kindness, speaking up, and making sure every child feels safe at school. Bullying is…

Standing with teachers and education workers as they return to classrooms

As September begins, classrooms across Nova Scotia once again fill with the excitement and energy of a new school year. At the heart of it all are the teachers and education workers in the primary to grade12 system who give their time, knowledge, and care to help our children learn, grow, and succeed. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour proudly…

Workers make our country strong

This Labour Day, as families gather at parades, barbecues, and community events across Nova Scotia and Canada, we should remember what we’re really celebrating: the power of working people. From hospitals to long-term care facilities, our classrooms to the grocery aisles, our construction sites, factory floors, and the front lines of emergency response workers, it’s workers who keep this country…

NSFL President joins Dalhousie Faculty Members on the picket line

Danny Cavanagh, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, will be joining members of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) on the picket lines today in Halifax to show solidarity with the more than 1,000 professors, instructors, librarians, and counsellors who the university has locked out. “It is shameful that Dalhousie University has chosen to lock out its faculty members…

Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour in support of faculty at Dalhousie University

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour strongly condemns Dalhousie University’s decision to lock out the 1,000-plus members of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA). This is a reckless and damaging step that undermines both fair labour relations and the university’s core mission of education. The DFA represents close to 1,000 professors, instructors, librarians, and counsellors, the people who teach, mentor, research,…