The Spring 2026 ABC recruitment
The campaign kicks-off this Saturday, April 4, 2026. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about the important work agencies, boards, and commissions (ABCs) do and to encourage potential applicants to apply.
Although applications for are accepted year round, applications for the current list of board opportunities are due by Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Please apply here
https://www.novascotia.ca/agencies-boards-and-commissions-abcs
Province Receives Approval for Avon River Aboiteau Construction
2 April 2026 | 11:38 AM
The Province has received approval from the federal government to begin replacing the Avon River aboiteau in Hants County.
Constructing the new aboiteau will allow the Highway 101 twinning project through the Windsor area to be completed. The work will include construction of two highway bridges, the aboiteau, a new control building and permanent dikes, as well as realignment of the Avon River estuary channel.
“We have been seeking approval on this project since 2020, and I am glad that we have come to an agreement that will allow us to get this job done,” said Hants West MLA Melissa Sheehy-Richard, on behalf of Public Works Minister Fred Tilley. “We have looked at all options, and the result is a solution that delivers flood protection while also improving fish passage.”
The aboiteau design, approved under the Fisheries Act, will enable the aboiteau to operate under a range of water management scenarios to allow for greater flexibility and adaptability in the future.
Construction is expected to take about three years, and future operations will include a long-term monitoring plan to evaluate the aboiteau’s impact on fish passage and the environment.
Quick Facts:
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an aboiteau is a gated structure that controls tidal flow
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this was the fourth proposal the Province submitted to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) since 2020
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the aboiteau was constructed in the late 1960s and is at the end of its intended design life
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the existing aboiteau and causeway function as a system that prevents tidal water from flowing upstream, protecting community infrastructure and 1,619 hectares of agricultural marshland from saltwater flooding
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a Fisheries Act authorization is required by DFO for work that may impact fish or fish habitat
Additional Resources:
Statement from federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bu5xn8jDa/
Department of Public Works on X: https://x.com/NS_PublicWorks
Minimum Wage Rises to $16.75
1 April 2026 | 8:35 AM
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $16.75 per hour today, April 1.
A second increase will bring the minimum wage to $17 per hour on October 1, 2026. The adjustments reflect the consumer price index plus one per cent, as outlined in the minimum wage regulations.
The previous rate was $16.50 per hour. This is the eighth increase to Nova Scotia’s minimum wage since April 2021, when it went up to $12.95 per hour.
“Minimum wage workers show up every day in workplaces across Nova Scotia,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “This increase means more money in the pockets of hard-working Nova Scotians to help pay for groceries, rent and everyday expenses. We will continue to raise the minimum wage in a fair and predictable way.”
The increases follow the unanimous recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which includes representatives of employees and employers.
The Province continues to invest in programs and services that support people who need it most and help people participate in the workforce, including:
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delivering more than $680 million in tax-saving measures that will save the average Nova Scotian family more than $1,400 this year
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making the Heating Assistance Rebate Program permanent at $400 per year
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investing $1.7 billion through Our Homes, Action for Housing, the government’s five-year housing plan
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increasing support for people on income assistance and indexing it to inflation
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providing skills development and training programs to connect more people to jobs.
Additional Resources:
More information on Nova Scotia’s minimum wage: https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/minimumwage.asp
The Minimum Wage Review Committee’s report is at: https://news.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/25-55705%20-%20%20Minimum%20Wage%20Review%20Committee%20Report%20-%20ENG.pdf
Funding for Food Relief Programs
31 March 2026 | 12:51 PM
The Feeding Communities Fund is providing $5.3 million – more than the $4 million forecast in December – to community organizations across the province to support local food relief initiatives.
The fund has provided one-time grants for programs that help Nova Scotian households experiencing food insecurity access safe, nutritious food. It was supported by proceeds from the sale of alcohol products from the United States.
“This funding will help people access healthy food in their communities and support the organizations behind that work,” said Premier Tim Houston. “It helps ensure Nova Scotians can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.”
Funding is going to 315 non-profits and charities that deliver food programs in urban, rural and Mi’kmaw communities. The fund supports both established organizations and smaller, community-based initiatives.
Quotes:
“Food insecurity touches every part of our province. The Feeding Communities Fund has been instrumental in helping us, along with our incredible partner organizations, make a meaningful difference. With this funding, we can reach more people, strengthen collaboration and stay focused on supporting those in need. In difficult times, one silver lining is how communities come together to support their neighbours – and this funding plays a vital role in making that possible.”
— Ken Cleveland, President, Acts of Kindness Society, Yarmouth
Quick Facts:
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on November 27, the Province announced it would sell its remaining U.S. alcohol inventory and direct net proceeds to community food organizations
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U.S. alcohol products were removed from Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. shelves on March 4, 2025, in response to U.S. tariffs
Additional Resources:
A list of funding recipients is available at: https://www.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2-4153/feeding-communities-fund-one-time-food-relief-grant-recipients-en.pdf
News release – New Grant Program Funds Food Security Initiatives: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/12/23/new-grant-program-funds-food-security-initiatives
News release – Province to Sell Remaining U.S. Alcohol: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/11/27/province-sell-remaining-us-alcohol
Feeding Communities Fund: https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-feeding-communities-fund-grant