PCs promised to raise the minimum wage in their 2024 campaign — and delivered

Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $16.75 per hour on April 1, fulfilling a commitment made by the Progressive Conservatives during the 2024 election campaign.

The increase is part of a broader plan to raise wages in a predictable way. A second increase is already scheduled for October 1, 2026, when the minimum wage will rise to $17 per hour. Both adjustments follow a formula set out in provincial regulations, tying increases to the consumer price index plus one per cent.

The previous minimum wage was $16.50 per hour. Since April 2021, the PC government has raised the minimum wage eight times—from $12.95—reflecting a steady upward trend across the province.

The increases are based on the unanimous recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which includes representatives from both employees and employers.

In addition to raising the minimum wage, the provincial government points to a series of affordability measures aimed at supporting Nova Scotians and encouraging workforce participation. 

These include cutting the HST and increasing the basic personal amount to $11,744 from $8,744—meaning every Nova Scotian can earn an additional $3,000 tax-free.

Other measures include making the Heating Assistance Rebate Program permanent at $400 annually, investing $1.7 billion through the government’s five-year housing plan, Our Homes, Action for Housing, increasing income assistance and indexing it to inflation, and expanding skills training and workforce development programs.