As of September 1, all provincially regulated workplaces in Nova Scotia must comply with the new Harassment in the Workplace Regulations under the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act. The regulations require every workplace to have a written policy aimed at preventing and responding to both physical and psychological harassment.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work – physically and psychologically,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “These new rules will help employers take clear, proactive steps to prevent and address harassment, support their teams and build stronger, safer workplaces for everyone.”
Key requirements for employers
Under the new regulations, employers must:
- adopt a written harassment prevention policy that sets out expectations, reporting procedures, and investigation processes
- train employees on the policy, which must be reviewed at least once every three years
- commit to confidentiality and protect employees from retaliation when complaints are made
Harassment is defined broadly and may include bullying, intimidation, threats, or any unwanted behaviour that causes harm.
Addressing psychological health and safety
The government noted that the regulations recognize the significant impact of harassment, bullying, and psychological harm in the workplace. The changes were informed by several recent reviews and consultations, including:
- a 2024 workers’ compensation system review that stressed the need to address workplace harassment
- a 2022 report by the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism that identified systemic issues of racism, inequity, and a lack of psychological safety in workplaces
- more than 600 Nova Scotians who participated in public engagement sessions, sharing personal stories and calling for clearer policies, stronger leadership, and better support for workers affected by harassment
The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia reported 194 cases of psychological workplace injuries in 2024, an increase from 150 reports three years earlier.
Support from Labour Groups
Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, welcomed the new requirements:
“The NSNU welcomes regulations requiring employers to institute an anti-harassment policy. It was rewarding for me to work with the WCB review committee that recommended this change to help make our workplaces more respectful and psychologically safer for workers. Psychological safety is as important as physical safety.”
Part of a Broader Workplace Safety Effort
The new rules are part of Nova Scotia’s wider push to strengthen workplace protections. The Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act, passed in 2024, also introduced a duty to co-operate on return-to-work programs for injured employees, which came into effect in July.
Nova Scotia joins other provinces that are updating workplace safety laws to better safeguard workers’ psychological health and safety.
Source: New Workplace Harassment Regulations Effective September 1 | Government of Nova Scotia News Releases
HRC Tip: We’ve updated our Nova Scotia Harassment Policy in line with the changes in the regulations. Do you have the latest version of the policy from our HR Hub?
