News release

Nova Scotia Expands Paid Domestic Violence Leave

Labour, Skills and Immigration

Nova Scotia is increasing paid domestic violence leave from three to five days, effective April 1. The change aims to give employees more time to access essential medical, legal and social support services.

Currently, employees with at least three months of service are eligible for up to 16 continuous weeks of domestic violence leave. In addition, an employee can take 10 continuous or intermittent days, which includes three paid days.

“Domestic violence affects too many Nova Scotians,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “By extending paid leave, we are helping employees seek the support they need without the added concern of lost income.”

This decision was made after consultations with community partners, including unions, employers and advocacy groups. It also aligns with the 2024 bill declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic, as well as recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission, the Desmond Fatality Inquiry and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Quotes:

“Increasing paid domestic violence leave from three to five days is a powerful step that will provide Nova Scotian workers fleeing violence with more time to safely seek out supports and community resources while protecting their income. We know that worrying about your next paycheque is a major barrier to escaping violence. Unifor is pleased to see this step forward. We are eager to continue working with the Nova Scotia government to combat intimate partner violence following our meetings and the unanimous passing of the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act."
— Jennifer Murray, Regional Director, Unifor Atlantic

Quick Facts:

  • an estimated one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime
  • the cost of domestic violence to the Canadian economy is estimated to be more than $7 billion annually, including lost productivity and healthcare costs
  • in the past year, more than 10,000 Nova Scotians accessed domestic violence services through public and community-based programs

Additional Resources:

Domestic violence leave in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/leaves.asp#domestic-violence

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