Bill 234: Helping Working People Get Ahead Act

This bill affects virtually any Nova Scotia employer with hourly, salaried, tipped, or contract workers — from restaurants and hotels to trucking companies, construction firms, retailers, and office-based businesses. Day-to-day payroll will change significantly: overtime kicks in after 40 hours per week (down from 48) and after 8 hours in a day, vacation entitlements increase, and workers must get at least 32 consecutive hours off per week instead of 24. Businesses that hire staff will need to post salary ranges in job ads, disclose AI use in hiring, and follow up with interviewees within 45 days. Employers in hospitality and food service will face strict new rules around tips — no deducting credit card fees, no counting tips toward minimum wage, and written disclosure of any tip-pooling policy at hire. Company directors and officers face personal exposure for up to six months of employees' unpaid wages, which is a serious concern for small incorporated businesses where the owner is also a director.