Labour Standards
The relationships between most employees and their employers in Nova Scotia are governed by the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code. The Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code sets out the basic rights of employees and employers.
While your employment contract may exceed the basic entitlements, your employer cannot deny any rights or protections guaranteed/provided under Labour standards legislation.
The Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code is enforced by the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Division. This organization provides information to employers and employees about their rights and obligations and investigates and resolves Labour Standards complaints.
Important: The Nova Scotia Labour Standards code does not apply to:
Federally regulated employees
Unionized employees
Independent contractors
Persons employed to perform domestic services and personal care to an immediate family member OR for less than 24 hours per week in a private home *
Some provincial workers are also exempted from certain sections of the Labour Standards Code. These include certain sales roles (e.g. real estate agents), farm workers, or athletes. The full list of these workers and which sections do or do not apply is outlined in Section 2(1) of the Labour Standards Regulations.
* NOTE: foreign worker protections do apply to this group, just not the whole of the Labour Standards Code.