All Nova Scotia employers must implement written harassment prevention policies by September 1 under new provincial regulations, affecting thousands of workplaces across the province.
The Harassment in the Workplace Regulations under the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act require employers to establish clear procedures for preventing and responding to physical and psychological harassment, according to the provincial government.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work – physically and psychologically,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “These new rules will help employers take clear, proactive steps to prevent and address harassment, support their teams and build stronger, safer workplaces for everyone.”
Policy requirements
Employers must create written policies that outline staff expectations, reporting procedures for concerns, and investigation processes for complaints, according to the government. The policies must include commitments to confidentiality and non-retaliation protections for complainants.
Companies must also train all employees on the harassment policy and review it at least every three years, the regulations state.
Workplace safety concerns
The new rules address growing concerns about psychological harm in Nova Scotia workplaces, according to the province. Workers’ Compensation Board Nova Scotia reported 194 psychological workplace injuries in 2024, up from 150 three years earlier.
The regulations follow a 2024 review of the workers’ compensation system that identified workplace harassment as a key issue requiring action, the government said. A 2022 report by the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism also found systemic racism and lack of psychological safety in many provincial workplaces.
More than 600 Nova Scotians participated in public consultation sessions to help develop the regulations, sharing personal experiences and requesting clearer policies and better training, according to the province.
Union support
The Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union endorsed the new requirements as an important workplace safety measure.
“The NSNU welcomes regulations requiring employers to institute an anti-harassment policy,” said Janet Hazelton, union president. “Psychological safety is as important as physical safety.”
Provincial coverage
The regulations apply to all provincially regulated workplaces in Nova Scotia, covering harassment including bullying, intimidation, threats and unwanted behaviour that causes harm, according to the government. Other provinces are also updating workplace safety laws to address psychological health concerns.
