Nova Scotia minimum wage to increase on April 1

The minimum wage in Nova Scotia will increase to $15.20 per hour on April 1.

Minimum wage was increased to $15 per hour on Oct. 1, 2023. According to a provincial government press release, starting this year, the rate is to be adjusted by the national consumer price index plus one percentage point from the minimum wage rate set the preceding April. This year the rate will increase 4.7 per cent over the April 2023 rate.

“This year has been very difficult for many Nova Scotians – business owners and workers alike,” said Minister Balser in a statement. “I am grateful to the Minimum Wage Review Committee for putting forward the perspective of both employers and employees so we can ensure a balanced approach to increasing the minimum wage.”

On average, six per cent of workers in Nova Scotia worked for minimum wage from April 2022 to March 2023.