From Broken to Better: Fighting for Workplace Justice
When the laws don’t protect us, it’s time to change the laws.
Nova Scotia has some of the weakest labour standards in Canada. Too many workers face low wages, unsafe jobs, unpaid work, or unfair treatment; and the laws aren’t keeping up.
This one-day conference will bring together workers, unions, and community organizations to talk about how we can change that. We’ll learn from each other, identify needed changes, and start building a plan to fix what’s broken and protect workers better.
If you’ve faced unfair conditions at work or want to help change them, this event is for you.
We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation about how we move from broken systems to bold solutions. Because just surviving shouldn’t be the standard.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Schulich School of Law*, Dalhousie University, Halifax
Hosted with support from the Innis Christie Chair in Employment Law
Lunch will be provided. The event is free, and all are welcome — workers, union members, students, activists, and allies. Please register below.
Register Here
Draft Agenda
We ask that registered participants try to attend every session. If you would like to attend just one session or panel discussion, please email us at the email below to arrange.
9:30 – 9:45 a.m. – Coffee and Registration
9:45 – 10:00 a.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. – What’s Wrong With Labour Standards in Nova Scotia?
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. – Panel: Building Solidarity Across Race, Gender & Status
11:50 – 12:30 p.m. – What’s Wrong with Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Regime? with Equity Watch
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch Break
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. – Breakout Sessions: Turning Struggles into Solutions
3:00 – 3:45 p.m. – Plenary: Report Backs & Building Our Demands
3:45 – 4:00 p.m. – Wrap-Up & Next Step
Questions?
Contact our organizer at margaretannem@halifaxwac.ca or the Halifax WAC main line at info@halifaxwac.ca
Organizations interested in tabling or handing out materials should reach out before September 20th, 2025.
Accessibility information will be shared closer to the date or via email by request. For accommodation requests, including travel costs or child care, please contact the Halifax WAC.
We may not be able to accommodate all requests.
Thank you to all organizations that sponsored this event and have made this possible:
*Note: In solidarity with the striking workers of the Dalhousie Faculty Association, in the event of an ongoing labour dispute the conference will be rescheduled. We will inform registrants by September 20th, 2025 if the event will be rescheduled.