Nova Scotia Bills
Wide Government Overhaul: FOI, Pay, Land Access
Reorganizes government, raises elected officials' pay, and tightens access-to-information rules. Private land access for resource users moves to court; some non-union civil servants can be dismissed.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Lease Roll-Over Protection for Renters
Landlords must offer month-to-month leases 30 days before a fixed term ends. Tenants who stay keep rent increase limits and gain more stability.
Status
Second Reading Debates
Timeline
More Public Reporting on ER Closures
Hospitals must report ER closures and wait times publicly each quarter. Communities get consulted if their ER often closes.
Status
Second Reading Debates
Timeline
Minister Gains Control Of Higher Education
The minister can order changes at colleges, universities, and research bodies. NSCC may add bachelor degrees after quality checks and funding can be withheld.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Farming, Energy and Mining Law Overhaul
Updates weed rules, farm-professional licensing, onshore oil rules, and energy rebates. Homeowners and farmers face weed duties; fracking and uranium exploration could be allowed with permits.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Work-Integrated Learning For All Students
Colleges and universities must offer work placements to students in every program. It uses funding deals but does not guarantee paid or available spots.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
New Whistleblower Protections for Healthcare Workers
Health staff can report safety or wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. Employers face fines for punishing whistle-blowers.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
PrEP Medicines Covered, No Pharmacy Copays
PrEP drugs will be covered and pharmacies cannot charge copays. You still need a prescription and may pay for doctor visits or tests.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Priority Power Restoration for Medically Dependent Homes
Creates a registry so homes using electric medical devices get priority for power restoration. Contact and address are stored securely and shared with the utility and emergency office.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Tax on Empty Homes and Lots
Municipalities can charge extra tax on empty homes or empty residential lots. Money must go to affordable housing programs.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Default In-Person Special Education Rules
Sets in-person special education as the default. Parents need a written learning plan and superintendent agreement for online learning, and government can pause in-person services for 90 days in emergencies.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Roadside Worker Protection and Tow Lights
Drivers must slow down and move over for more roadside work vehicles. Tow and service trucks can use flashing red and amber lights when helping broken-down vehicles or crashes.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Annual Report on Laws Waiting to Start
Government must publish a yearly list of passed laws not yet in effect and explain why. After three years the law must be delayed by vote or repealed.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Fund and Warning Signs for Prenatal Alcohol Harm
Sets up a fund to help people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder if money is approved, and requires clearer pregnancy warning signs where alcohol is sold.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Restrict Gambling Ads That Reach Minors
Stops gambling ads in places that reach people under 19 once rules are set. Businesses and media must move ads to adult-only channels.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
No Ambulance Fees for Medical Emergencies
You will not be billed for medically necessary ambulance trips, including hospital transfers. Non-urgent rides may still cost you.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Allow Vehicle Retrieval After Bow Hunt
Certified bow hunters may drive into wilderness areas only to pick up animals they killed with a bow. Other rules and visitors still apply.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Veterans Get Free Hunting and Fishing
Veterans who show a Veteran's Service Card can hunt and fish without a provincial licence or fee. They must follow seasons, limits, tags and carry the card.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Presumed PTSD Coverage for Mine Rescuers
If a mine rescue worker is diagnosed with PTSD by a clinician, it will be treated as work-related so they get quicker pay and treatment.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Free Testing for Private Well Water
The government would offer free tests for bacteria, arsenic, lead, and uranium in private wells if funded by the Legislature. Households still pay to fix problems.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Municipal Stabilization and Growth Plan
Provides a municipality temporary grants and five-year relief from some provincial charges. It sends planners to update rules and funds an immigration pilot to attract workers.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Routine Ultrasounds for Dense Breast Tissue
People with dense breasts will be offered a screening breast ultrasound in addition to mammograms. This becomes routine publicly funded care starting January 1, 2026, if funding is approved.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
New Pay Equity and Transparency Rules
Employers must post pay ranges and stop asking past pay. Public employers must fix gender pay gaps; workers can discuss pay without penalty.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
New Midwife Access Targets and Reports
Sets a goal to provide a midwife to anyone who asks and a target of one midwife per 14,000 residents in each health zone. Requires yearly public reports.
Status
First Reading
Timeline