Minimum Wage
What is minimum wage? By law, it is the lowest wage that an employer can pay an employee. This is a basic employment law specific to the province or territory in which your business operates.
Do you have questions about paying your employees? Our experts can help. Here’s what employers need to know about minimum employment standards for paying wages.
Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage is $13.60 an hour
The minimum wage in Nova Scotia increased to $13.60 from $13.35 on October 1, 2022. Provincially regulated employers must pay their minimum wage employees the correct minimum wage.
Employers can deduct the following amounts for board and lodging from an employee’s minimum wage:
- For board and lodging for each week: $68.20
- For board only for each week: $55.55
- For lodging only for each week: $15.45
- For a single meal: $3.65
But employers can’t deduct the cost of a uniform from staff wages if doing so will bring the employee’s hourly wage below the Nova Scotia minimum wage.
It is important to be aware of the rules around minimum wage in Nova Scotia as well as any exempt occupations. If you are concerned about paying your employees and managing the minimum wage increase effectively, ask Employer Line.
What does this mean for employers?
As the minimum wage in Nova Scotia increases annually, you’ll have to prepare your business by:
- Updating contracts and policies to reflect these changes.
- Communicating any transition to your staff.
- Ensuring your payroll systems are updated.
Managing minimum wage updates is a big job – and between running your business and managing your staff, payroll changes can sometimes be forgotten. Get expert support from Employer Line today.
Questions about paying wages? Ask an HR expert today.
Employer Line is here to help employers understand Nova Scotia’s regulations around compensation. Call our complimentary HR and employment standards helpline to speak with one of our HR experts: 1-902-332-8632.