The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Division of the Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration is seeking feedback on key components of the proposed Harassment in the Workplace regulations that will be effective on September 1, 2025.
Your comments will help support the development of regulations that will provide guidance to workplaces when preventing and addressing harassment in the workplace.
The Government of Nova Scotia is committed to strengthening workplace protections to build psychologically healthier and safer workplaces.
All Nova Scotians are invited to review the key components of the proposed Harassment in the Workplace regulations and submit their feedback.
Background
The OHS Division is responsible for Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and Regulations. The proposed Harassment in the Workplace regulations were informed by input from the Preventing Harassment in the Workplace Engagements (2023). A What We Heard Report (2024) (PDF) was created highlighting key themes from the engagement. A key theme of this report described a need from government for clearer rules and guidance related to harassment prevention. As a result, the province of Nova Scotia passed the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act (2024) (PDF) which included changes to the OHS Act.
Amendments to the OHS Act recognize “health and safety” as being both physical and psychological and gives government the ability to create regulations respecting workplace harassment. Workplaces will be required to create a policy respecting the prevention of harassment in accordance with the upcoming regulations.
For more information related to the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act, a guide has been published to help employers and employees understand how these new requirements affect them.
How to Participate
You can participate in two different ways, by completing an online survey or attending one of three scheduled webinar sessions.
Online Survey
Please complete the survey by following the link below.
The survey will be open from April 24, 2025, to May 16, 2025.
Your input is essential in shaping the upcoming regulations that will contribute to stronger and safer workplaces in Nova Scotia.
Webinars
To further support Nova Scotian workplaces with the requirements of the Harassment in the Workplace regulations, the Safety Branch is pleased to provide three webinars running:
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025 – 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – 10:00 am to 11:00 am
The webinar will cover key aspects of the regulation and provide further resources to help employers understand and comply with the new requirements.
We encourage all Nova Scotians to attend and gain valuable insights into creating healthier and safer workplaces in Nova Scotia.
Related Information
- Nova SAFE
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (PDF)
- The Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Guide: How does the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act affect you? (PDF)
- What We Heard Engagement on Preventing Workplace Harassment (PDF)
- Workers’ Compensation Act (PDF)
- Workers’ Compensation General Regulations
Stay Connected
Stay informed about workplace and technical safety. Join the Safety Branch Contact List.
Contact
Safety Branch
Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Toll-free: 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
SafetyBranch@novascotia.ca