Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase twice in 2026, rising to $16.75 on April 1 and $17 on Oct. 1, following a unanimous recommendation from the province’s Minimum Wage Review Committee.
The staged increases will add 25 cents per hour in total to the current rate of $16.50. The committee, composed of employer and employee representatives, recommended splitting the increase into two phases to give businesses more time to adjust after larger increases in 2025.
The increases follow 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 Nolan Young, minister of labour, skills and immigration.
Minimum wage earners in Nova Scotia work primarily in retail, accommodations and food industries. According to the province, 57 per cent are women, 39 per cent have post-secondary education and 38 per cent are over age 30. The province said 72 per cent hold permanent jobs and 41 per cent work full time.
The minimum wage increased by $1.30 per hour in 2025.
The province has also introduced frozen university tuition for Nova Scotia students, reduced child-care fees and expanded housing supports for low- and moderate-income residents, according to Young.
