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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
Nova Scotia Simplifies Zero Per Cent Interest Program for Student Loan Borrowers
14 April 2026 | 9:40 AM
Nova Scotia graduates no longer need to reapply to keep their provincial student loans interest-free.
The Province has streamlined its zero per cent interest program, removing the annual application requirement for all new graduates and ensuring continuous support for eligible borrowers during their repayment period.
“Graduates should be able to focus on the new, exciting stage they are starting – not worrying about whether they have filled out the paperwork to keep loan repayment affordable,” said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Advanced Education. “By removing the need to reapply each year, we’re making the zero per cent interest program simpler and more reliable for the Nova Scotians who depend on it.”
The program supports graduates who remain in Nova Scotia after completing their studies. Before this change, graduates had to reapply each year to confirm they were still eligible.
The change reduces paperwork and helps prevent interruptions in support, making it easier for borrowers to stay focused on paying down their loans. People currently repaying provincial loans were recently notified of the change by email.
This improvement also supports the Province’s broader efforts to reduce red tape and improve service delivery, making it easier for Nova Scotians to access programs and supports.
The Province eliminated interest on Nova Scotia student loans in 2014, saving graduates more than $2 million annually.
Quotes:
“Today's announcement is a positive step towards ensuring that graduates feel supported as they begin repaying their student loans. Removing this annual reapplication requirement reduces unnecessary administrative burden and lets graduates focus on what matters – paying down their debt and building their lives in Nova Scotia. Students Nova Scotia looks forward to continuing to work with the Department of Advanced Education to build on this progress and continue to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable for students.”
— Brendan Roberts, Executive Director, Students Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
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more than 7,000 Nova Scotia student loan borrowers accessed the zero per cent interest program in 2024-25
Additional Resources:
Information on the zero per cent interest program through Nova Scotia Student Assistance: https://novascotia.ca/studentassistance/Financing/Zero_Interest.asp
Student loan borrowers can ask questions through the MyPATH portal: https://lae.novascotia.ca/sans/StudentPortal/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/sans/studentportal
News release – Province Reduces Red Tape, Supports Development During Legislative Session: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/10/03/province-reduces-red-tape-supports-development-during-legislative-session