The province has announced increases to minimum wage set for next year.
But the official opposition says it doesn’t go far enough to help Nova Scotians deal with the cost of living.
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase to $16.75 in April 2026, and then $17 in October.
Government says that decision was made on recommendations from the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which said the province should continue to apply the legislated formula of the consumer price index plus one per cent.
“These changes reflect a balanced, responsible approach that helps workers keep more money in their pockets while supporting predictability for employers,” said Labour, Skills and Immigration Minister Nolan Young. “Cost of living continues to be a major concern for families, and our government is taking steps across the board to make life more affordable,” said Labour Minister Nolan Young.
The opposition New Democrats, however, are not so sure.
NDP MLA Lina Hamid says the increases to minimum wage won’t put workers on a path to a living wage, as people are finding it harder to cover basic costs.
“More and more Nova Scotians are finding it hard to cover the basics, and the planned minimum wage increases won’t put workers on a path to a living wage. We hear every day from people working full-time who can’t keep up with rent, power bills, and groceries. Since the Houston government was elected, rents are up $4,400 a year, power bills are up $400, and food bank use has jumped 66 per cent,” said Hamid.
Government meantime says it is doing more, pointing to tax breaks, lower child-care fees and more.
The province says 57 per cent of minimum wage workers are women, and 39 per cent have a post-secondary education.
