Submission: Strengthening Workers’ Rights and Protections

The following submission was made by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour to the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration ahead of the fall 2026 sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

Going forward, it will take workers, employers, advocates and decision makers working together to truly protect workers’ rights in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is willing to work as a partner in these efforts.

Together we can: 

-Update Nova Scotia’s labour standards to give workers in Nova Scotia the same protections as their peers across Canada.

-Ban tip theft.

-Start pro-active enforcement of labour standards and protect more workers from unjust termination, so the rules are applied evenly and fairly in all workplaces.

-Make it easier for workers to form a union, a right that is enshrined in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and defend collective bargaining by banning scab labour.

We know that we must do better for the working people of Nova Scotia. The gap between the minimum protections we offer our workers and those offered by other jurisdictions, has grown too large. 

When asked about how to move forward, the government has said that improving minimum labour standards is a priority, but that it must be achieved through a balanced approach. In seeking this balance, it would be a serious mistake to view workers’ rights and employers’ rights as a zero-sum game. 

Increasing the quality of work in Nova Scotia will improve productivity and increase employee retention. It will boost public health and reduce burnout. Supporting workers’ dignity and economic growth are mutually reinforcing goals.

It is in this spirit that the Federation continues to work with all interested parties to improve the lives of working people in Nova Scotia.

If you have any questions about this document, don’t hesitate to direct them to our office by emailing david@nslabour.ca or calling (902) 454-6735.