Economy
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.
Nova Scotia’s small business community is showing renewed optimism, ranking second highest in the country for confidence, according to the latest Monthly Business Barometer released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
The March 2026 report highlights a notable shift in sentiment among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with Nova Scotia emerging as one of the strongest-performing provinces in Canada. The CFIB’s Business Barometer is a widely followed indicator that measures business owners’ expectations for their performance over the next 12 months, with scores above 50 indicating optimism.
Strong showing despite national dip
Nationally, small business confidence declined in March, with the long-term index falling to 55.8 and the short-term outlook also weakening.
However, Nova Scotia stood out as a bright spot, maintaining relatively strong confidence compared to most other provinces. Provincial trends showed that while many regions experienced declines, Nova Scotia saw stable or slightly improved sentiment, helping it secure a top-tier ranking nationwide.
Atlantic resilience
The Atlantic region continues to demonstrate resilience, with Nova Scotia’s performance reflecting a broader trend of cautious optimism among local entrepreneurs. Earlier in 2026, confidence levels in Nova Scotia were already among the stronger in Canada, with business sentiment climbing alongside provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick.
Outlook
While uncertainty remains in the broader economic environment, Nova Scotia’s strong ranking signals confidence in future growth and stability. As CFIB’s latest data shows, Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurs are not just weathering current challenges—they are positioning themselves as among the most optimistic in the country heading into the year ahead.
The landscape of affordable housing in Pictou is seeing a significant shift as construction begins on a new 27-unit development on Beeches Road, part of a broader provincial effort to increase long-term housing stability.
The announcement was made Friday by Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, on behalf of Housing Minister John White. The Beeches Road project, a partnership between the Province, the federal government, and the Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative, aims to provide a mix of market-rate and permanently affordable homes.
More housing is on the way for Pictou, and more residents will soon have a place to call home.
— Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) March 21, 2026
Our government is proud to support the construction of a new 27-unit development on Beeches Road, including 11 homes that will remain affordable permanently, helping provide long-term… pic.twitter.com/cm7LH49X0w
Stability Through Affordability
Of the 27 units currently under construction, 11 are designated as permanently affordable. This unique structure ensures that these homes remain accessible for generations, rather than expiring after a set number of years.
“Each new home strengthens our community, and these 27 units are more than a construction project – they are future homes for people in Pictou,” said Pictou West MLA MacLeod. “By working with our partners, we’re helping to give people a home where they can build their lives, raise their families, and stay connected to the community they love.”
The financial breakdown for the Beeches Road development includes:
- Federal Government: $9.4 million via the Affordable Housing Fund.
- Province of Nova Scotia: $1.639 million via the Affordable Housing Development Program.
- Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative: $390,958.
Rent for the affordable units is set at $785 for one-bedroom, $912 for two-bedroom, and $1,140 for three-bedroom units. Notably, these rates are inclusive of electricity, heat, hot water, laundry, and parking.
Stonehouse Manor
The announcement also highlighted the completion of Stonehouse Manor, a 132-year-old historic municipal building in downtown Pictou that has been repurposed into 15 residential units.
The conversion, which is already fully occupied, provides 10 affordable units. This project was made possible through a $1 million provincial contribution, $1.3 million from the federal government, and $237,350 from the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.
The dual announcements represent a multi-million dollar investment aimed at addressing the diverse housing needs of the North Shore, blending historic preservation with modern new builds.
Nova Scotia’s PC government will reinstate $53.6 million in grants and funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year, restoring support for programs that assist seniors, people with disabilities and education initiatives serving African Nova Scotian and Indigenous communities.
Premier Tim Houston said the decision follows feedback from Nova Scotians who made it clear how important these supports are to communities across the province.
“Nova Scotians have spoken. We listened, and we are reinstating supports to disabilities programming, seniors programming and African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students. These are grants that help people meet their basic daily needs,” said Premier Houston.
The reinstated funding includes $21.4 million in grants aimed at supporting seniors and people with disabilities, while also helping African Nova Scotians and Indigenous people access educational opportunities.
In addition, $10 million will be restored for organizations that provide direct support and services to those communities.
The province is also re-establishing $22.2 million in funding for community programs, ensuring continued support for initiatives serving seniors, disability groups, and African Nova Scotian and Indigenous communities.
While the government is restoring these programs, Premier Houston noted that the province continues to balance priorities within its current fiscal situation.
“We wish we could do more,” he said. “We will continue to look for opportunities to support all Nova Scotians as our fiscal picture improves.”
Together, these investments aim to strengthen programs that help many Nova Scotians meet their daily needs and access opportunities in their communities.
