Minimum wage, HST changes take effect in Nova Scotia

Various denominations of Bank of Canada polymer banknotes. THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Bayne Stanley Copyright Bayne Stanley 2019

By Mark Hodgins

Posted Apr 1, 2025 07:19:32 AM.

Last Updated Apr 1, 2025 11:53:50 AM.

Several cost-of-living changes take effect in Nova Scotia today, including a higher minimum wage and lower sales tax.

The minimum wage has increased by 50 cents to $15.70 an hour.

A second increase scheduled for Oct. 1 will bring it to $16.50, for a total increase of $1.30 this year.

The province says about 33,000 Nova Scotians earned minimum wage last year.

Also taking effect today, the harmonized sales tax in Nova Scotia is now 14 per cent, down one point from the previous rate.

In addition, the basic personal amount — the income you can earn before paying provincial tax — has increased from $8,744 to $11,744.

The small business tax rate has been reduced by one point, and changes to the Pension Benefits Act have come into effect to make it easier for people 55 and older to access their retirement savings.

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