Advocacy Wins

Look at what we’ve achieved to help businesses – of all sizes and sectors succeed.


We are pleased to see several key advocacy successes this year, many of which stemmed directly from our ongoing advocacy efforts or from policy recommendations we outlined in our pre-budget submissions. These wins reflect our continued commitment to supporting a strong and competitive business environment.

Advocacy Wins (Affordability)

March 31, 2025 – the Nova Scotia government is cutting the small business tax rate from 2.5% to 1.5% and raising the income threshold from $500,000 to $700,000. This move will deliver approximately $47 million in savings to around 19,000 small businesses across the province. By lowering taxes and allowing more income to qualify for the reduced rate, the changes help small businesses reinvest in growth, hire more staff, and stay competitive in today’s economy.

March 31, 2025 – the Province has increased the basic personal amount from $8,744 to $11,744 and introduced indexing for tax brackets and several non-refundable tax credits. These changes mean Nova Scotians can earn more before paying income tax and will see tax adjustments that better reflect inflation. For businesses, this helps ease financial pressure on employees, supports consumer spending, and reduces payroll stress—creating a more stable and resilient workforce and economy.

March 31, 2025 – Nova Scotians will see lower prices at the checkout as the Province reduces its portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) by one per cent, bringing the overall rate down to 14%. This tax cut puts more money back in consumers’ pockets, encouraging spending and boosting demand for goods and services. For businesses, this means increased sales potential, improved customer confidence, and a stronger local economy.

March 28, 2025 – While the tax rate in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) remains unchanged, rising property values mean the average homeowner will see a 4.7% increase in their property tax bill. For businesses, a stable tax rate offers predictability and helps manage operating costs, even as residential tax contributions rise. This stability supports better financial planning and encourages continued investment in the region.

Advocacy Wins (Labour)

April 10, 2025 – The new Journeyperson Financial Incentive Program offers up to $2,500 to journeypersons who actively mentor apprentices, aiming to boost the number of certified tradespeople in Nova Scotia. For businesses, this helps strengthen a steady pipeline of qualified skilled trades needed to build the critical infrastructure like housing, transportation, and healthcare required for economic growth in the local economy.

March 28, 2025 – While the tax rate in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) remains unchanged, rising property values mean the average homeowner will see a 4.7% increase in their property tax bill. For businesses, a stable tax rate offers predictability and helps manage operating costs, even as residential tax contributions rise. This stability supports better financial planning and encourages continued investment in the region.

Advocacy Wins (Infrastructure)

9 July 2025 – The Province is supporting 23 projects in municipalities across the province with funding for infrastructure upgrades, development and innovation. The support more than doubles the amount of money available through a program for water, sewer and other priority infrastructure projects.

February 25, 2025 – New legislation introduced on February 25 aims to reduce barriers to trade and investment between Nova Scotia and other provinces and territories that offer reciprocal access. By streamlining interprovincial business, this move opens new markets, encourages investment, and makes it easier for Nova Scotia businesses to grow and compete across Canada.

20 February 2025 – The government is amending the Joint Regional Transportation Agency Act to expand the agency’s mandate, enabling it to address transportation challenges provincewide. This broader scope will help ease congestion, improve infrastructure planning, and support more efficient movement of people and goods. For businesses, better transportation solutions mean reduced delivery times, lower operating costs, and improved access to markets and talent.

24 April 2025 – The Province is investing nearly $26.8 million in 35 municipal infrastructure projects through the Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development (GRID) Program, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. These investments improve essential infrastructure like roads, water systems, and public facilities, creating jobs, supporting local economic development, and making communities more attractive for business growth and investment.