Bill 13: Non-disclosure Agreements Act

This bill affects employers of all sizes across Nova Scotia — from small family-run businesses to large corporations — particularly anyone who manages staff or workplaces where harassment or discrimination complaints can arise. If a dispute involving workplace harassment or discrimination is resolved through a settlement, the employer can no longer use an NDA to silence the affected person unless the NDA is genuinely the employee's own wish. Businesses will need to ensure any settlement NDAs meet specific requirements: the employee gets independent legal advice, the agreement has an expiry date, the employee can waive confidentiality later, and the NDA doesn't interfere with public safety or lawful investigations. Employers who enter into non-compliant NDAs face fines between $2,000 and $10,000, so HR practices and standard settlement templates will likely need to be reviewed and updated before January 1, 2026.