Nova ScotiaBill 219First Reading
Bill 219: Labour Standards Code (amended)
Sponsor: Iain RankinIntroduced March 3, 2026Checked September 4, 2026
Read the official textOfficial version — Nova Scotia House of Assembly
What this bill does
This Nova Scotia bill amends the Labour Standards Code to give employees who have experienced gender-based violence the right to a paid leave of absence (up to 10 days paid per year, plus up to 16 weeks unpaid) for purposes such as seeking medical or psychological help, relocating, or pursuing legal action.
Plain-language summary by Legisail — not legal advice.
Business impact
EmploymentCompliance
This bill affects virtually every employer in Nova Scotia, from solo operators to large businesses, across all industries. If you run a restaurant, retail shop, construction crew, office, or any other workplace with staff, you'll need to approve and track this new type of leave when an employee requests it. You'll be required to pay employees for up to 10 days of this leave per calendar year, adding a new paid leave obligation on top of existing ones. You'll also need to handle confidential and sensitive documentation from employees claiming the leave, and ensure you don't penalize or discipline anyone for taking it.
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Where this bill is
First ReadingMarch 3, 2026
Next: Second Reading debate
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- Bill number
- NS-219
- Type
- Private Member's Public
- Jurisdiction
- Nova Scotia
- Session
- 65-1