Starting today, October 1, Nova Scotia’s minimum wage has increased to $16.50 per hour, up from $15.70. This is the second increase in 2025, bringing the total rise this year to $1.30.
“Affordability continues to be a priority for our government,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Increasing the minimum wage twice this year will help to put more money in the pockets of thousands of workers and help them manage the rising cost of living.”
By law, the minimum wage is updated each April 1 based on the consumer price index for the previous year plus one per cent. This year, our PC government introduced an additional increase on October 1 to respond to concerns about rising living costs.
The minimum wage increase is part of a broader effort to make life more affordable for Nova Scotians. Other measures include:
✅ More than $500 million in tax-saving measures, saving the average family over $1,000
✅ Quadrupled investment in rent supplements, helping 12,000 Nova Scotians last year
✅ Expansion of the school lunch program to 334 schools, reaching 104,000 students daily
✅ A 50% reduction in child-care fees on average
Together, these steps from our PC government are helping Nova Scotians keep more money in their pockets while supporting families across the province.