Nova Scotia User Fees to Increase

The province will increase most user fees and charges by three per cent to better recover costs.

Most increases will take effect Wednesday, April 1. Some increases will be later because of notification and system requirements.

"User fees and other charges offset the costs of running important programs and services for Nova Scotians," said Finance Minister Jamie Muir.

The increase will affect most fees for services, licensing and regulatory functions by departments. Fees for government service organizations, such as school boards and health boards, will not be affected.

The amount reflects the inflation rate over the past year.

Aside from the general increase, some fees will increase by more than three per cent to better reflect the cost of services. These fees are:

• Agriculture lab fees
• Environment motive fuel and fuel oil fees
• Natural Resources lease and administration fees for wilderness recreation campsites on Crown land.
• Utility and Review Board motor carrier licence fees

There are about 1,400 fees charged by departments that are subject to increase. The increase will generate about $5.2 million in revenues to offset higher government expenses.

A detailed summary of all increases to user fees and government charges is available at www.gov.ns.ca/finance/en/home/publications/userfees .