LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Workers’ Compensation

Sep 1: For the first time in a decade, the Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is cutting premiums. In 2027, the average rate will decrease 40 cents to $2.25 per $100 of assessable payroll. That’s still among the highest rates in Canada, but the cut will put an expected $75 million back into the province’s economy.

Action Point: In addition to earning workers’ compensation rebates, studies show that companies with COR or similar recognition have lower injury rates.

Work Injuries

Aug 10: WCB Nova Scotia published its 2025 Annual Report. Highlights: Time-loss claims per 100 covered workers dropped from 1.38 to an all-time low of 1.21. Return-to-work outcomes also improved year-to-year with average days lost to injury falling from 269 to 226 per 100. The WCB’s funded position also improved with the surplus increasing from 106.7% to 117.1%, allowing the agency to cut premium rates.

Emergency Response

Sep 1: From now through October 31, emergency responders in Nova Scotia can apply for Emergency Services Provider Fund support for shared projects led by a volunteer first responder organization, municipality, or group of municipalities. The Fund covers up to 90% of project costs, to a maximum of $200,000. Eligible projects include shared equipment and vehicles, training facilities and exercises, emergency planning, public education, and FireSmart improvements.

Emergency Response

Aug 17: The Nova Scotia Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) Capacity Grant Program announced more than $800,000 in funding for 12 emergency management organizations across the province.  The organizations will use the money to improve emergency communications systems, hire emergency management staff, rent office space, provide emergency preparedness training, and develop emergency management plans.

Industry Challenges

Aug 10: The federal government is offering oyster harvesters in Nova Scotia a one-time payment of $40,000 for voluntarily agreeing to the permanent retirement of their wild oyster licences and permits. The new Oyster Licence Retirement Grant Program is designed to ease pressure on wild oyster stocks which have diminished by the spread of the diseases MSX and Dermo.

Transportation Safety

Aug 13: Tidal Transit will receive $10 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments to improve rural transit services in the counties of Kings, Annapolis, and Digby, as well as surrounding communities. In addition to replacing six aging buses with five new conventional buses and one new electric bus, Tidal Transit Authority will use the money to install three charging stations and upgrade their maintenance facility.

Industry Challenges

Aug 7: Nova Scotia began accepting applications for demonstration permits allowing tidal energy development companies to test their smaller-scale in-stream devices in the Bay of Fundy. Applicants may propose projects of less than two megawatts each, giving them the chance to evaluate emerging tidal energy technologies in real-world conditions while collecting technical, operational, and environmental data. Projects will be connected to the power grid. Deadline to apply: September 30.

Industry Challenges

Jul 21: Nova Scotia is investing $2.22 million to help 20 seafood and aquaculture companies across the province reduce their fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. The funding is being provided under the third round of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund designed to help companies adopt innovative technology. The fourth round of funding is now open.

Workers’ Compensation

Jan 1: Starting in 2027, WCB Nova Scotia will index injured workers’ benefits to 100% of inflation, up to 3% per year (as measured by the Consumer Price Index). The increase without a corresponding increase in employer premiums was made possible by the WCB’s strong financial position with a surplus of over 117%.

CASES

There are no cases to report on for this month.