Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will rise to $15.70 per hour on April 1, a 50-cent increase aimed at helping low-income workers manage the rising cost of living.
The change marks the first of two planned hikes in 2025. A second increase will bring the minimum wage to $16.50 per hour on Oct. 1.
“Inflation is putting pressure on Nova Scotians, and as a government, we must find ways to help,” said Labour, Skills and Immigration Minister Nolan Young in a statement.
The April adjustment follows an annual formula tied to the consumer price index, with an additional one per cent added as required under provincial regulations. This fall’s extra boost responds to affordability concerns raised during public consultations, the province said.
Combined, the 2025 changes represent a $1.30 hourly increase—the largest year-over-year rise in Nova Scotia’s minimum wage in recent memory.
Roughly 7.3 per cent of the province’s workforce—about 33,700 workers—earned minimum wage between April and October 2024, according to provincial data.
The changes come as inflation continues to challenge both workers and employers. For businesses, particularly in sectors such as retail, food service, and hospitality, the adjustments may increase payroll costs. But for workers at the lowest pay levels, the government said the move is aimed at preserving purchasing power.
