Nova Scotia proposes changes to overtime threshold and establishes tip protection

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNewsNova Scotia Nova Scotia proposes changes to overtime threshold and establishes tip protection Proposed change would lower overtime threshold from 48 to 44 hours, create new tip rules to go in place April 1 Author of the article: By Ally Bowes Published Sep 08, 2026 Last updated 7 minutes ago 3 minute read Labour Minister Nolan Young answers questions from reporters at One Government Place on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. PHOTO BY RYAN TAPLIN Article content Just as the province opens the legislature for the fall sitting, the Nova Scotia government announced proposed changes to the Labour Standards Code it says will protect tips and allow earlier access to overtime pay for workers.  Article content Among the province’s announced plans were changes to the threshold to qualify for overtime pay from 48 hours to 44 per week and establishing rules to ensure tips go to those who earned them, with both coming into effect April 1, 2027.  Article content Article content Article content At a briefing explaining the changes, Nolan Young, the labour minister, said the measures come as many workers are feeling the strain of rising living costs.  Article content “It will mean more money in the pockets of Nova Scotians at a time when affordability is top of mind,” Young said Tuesday.  Article content Overtime changes Article content Under the proposed overtime rules, employees who qualify would get paid 1.5 times their regular pay after exceeding 44 work hours in a week.  Article content The province said this is in line with other jurisdictions. New Brunswick’s overtime threshold is 44 hours a week, while Newfoundland and Labrador is 40 , with both requiring pay at 1.5 times the wage.  Article content During the briefing it was explained that changes around overtime would provide clarity regarding what work would qualify.   Article content Ryan Grant, deputy minister for the Department of Labour, said the legislation expands eligibility so overtime isn’t only applicable when the employer requires the overtime work but when the employee volunteers to work, too.  Article content Article content He said the amendments will make it “clear that workers do qualify for overtime pay when extra hours are voluntary and permitted, not just when overtime is required by the employer.” Article content Article content This doesn’t apply…