Archived Government & Industry Relations Issues
In December 2021, CANS submitted a formal response to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency outlining concerns with proposed amendments to the General Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification Act.
Effective Oct. 19, 2023, the standard journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio increased from 1:2 to 1:3 in most trades. The Province also removed final-level apprentices from ratio requirements across all trades.
CANS had advocated for these changes to improve workforce capacity and flexibility.
Apprenticeship & Skilled Trades
CANS has been working side-by-side with several member companies for the last two years on changes to the Apprenticeship Act through an Apprenticeship Agency committee. The announcement of the changes, made in February 2018, are intended to move toward a more level playing field and benefit our members who choose to invest in training, safety, etc.
CANS president, Duncan Williams, was mentioned in the media on CBC News Nova Scotia, Global News, CTV News Atlantic, Truro Daily News, and The Chronicle Herald.
CANS supported amendments to the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act that were accepted on Nov. 6, 2014.
These amendments allowed Nova Scotia apprentices pursuing on-the-job training in another province to do so without registering in that province and ensured that out-of-province training was recognized.
In 2013, CANS provided recommendations to the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education aimed at strengthening the apprenticeship system. These included increasing employer involvement and accountability, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, enhancing supports, and establishing a Special Operating Agency.
CANS continued to play an active role in developing the industry-led Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
Learn more about Amendments to Apprenticeship Trade Qualifications Act.
Late payment practices remained a significant issue for Nova Scotia’s construction industry, and CANS consistently advocated for provincial legislation to establish minimum standards for payment timelines.
To support this advocacy, CANS conducted member surveys in June 2015, December 2016, and February 2018 to gather input and validate industry concerns. The findings were compiled into a comparative report that analyzed trends across the three survey periods and informed CANS’ ongoing efforts on behalf of its membership.
For more than a decade, CANS has advocated for prompt payment legislation, highlighting the serious consequences of delayed and delinquent payments. During this period, hundreds of construction-related companies declared bankruptcy and thousands of workers lost their jobs as a result of payment delays.
The Nova Scotia Prompt Payment Coalition, led by CANS, brought together contractors, unions, suppliers, general contractors, trade contractors, and other stakeholders. The coalition worked collaboratively to encourage the provincial government to implement prompt payment legislation that would create greater certainty, fairness, and consistency across the industry.
Following a widespread media campaign in 2021, led by the coalition, the provincial government committed to developing a regulatory and adjudication framework. During consultations, three potential adjudication models were presented. CANS supported a short-form adjudication model based on Saskatchewan’s framework, with the expectation of alignment with a future national model.
In October 2022, legislation was introduced granting the Province authority to appoint an external body to adjudicate payment disputes between developers and contractors or subcontractors.
Throughout the winter of 2022–23, the provincial government, CANS, and the Nova Scotia Prompt Payment Coalition worked collaboratively to draft regulations establishing prompt payment and adjudication processes for the construction industry.
As of summer 2023, draft regulations were under review by the Office of the Registrar of Regulations prior to consideration by Executive Council. CANS also expressed interest in establishing an entity to serve as a third-party adjudication authority.
In advance of changes to Nova Scotia’s Building Code Regulations effective April 1, 2025, CANS partnered with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Nova Scotia to deliver a province-wide training initiative.
The initiative provided free, expert-led education sessions to support industry understanding of the regulatory changes and promote preparedness.
This work reflected a shared commitment to strengthening industry capacity, supporting compliance, and advancing professional development across residential and industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
CANS raised concerns regarding amendments to the Noise By-law (By-law N-200), which came into effect on Nov. 21, 2022.
The changes included reduced end times for construction-related noise, fewer permitted days and hours for rock breaking, and the introduction of a staff exemption process for certain construction activities under specific conditions.
CANS noted that these significant changes, along with related motions affecting construction noise policies, could have broad implications for construction activity within the Halifax Regional Municipality. These included potential impacts on housing affordability and supply, as well as effects on the economy, labour force, environment, and public safety.
Learn more about CANS advocacy on municipal noise by-law changes.
CANS supported the Province of Nova Scotia’s decision to include three industry-recommended amendments to the Builders’ Lien Act, which came fully into effect on June 30, 2017.
In 2012, CANS—supported by industry stakeholders—proposed amendments during the public consultation process. While amendments were incorporated into legislation in 2013, implementation was delayed pending supporting regulations.
The adopted amendments included:
- Progressive release of holdbacks
- Revised provisions for the disbursement of finishing holdbacks
- Establishment of a centralized publication system for notices of substantial completion
CANS advocated for a mandatory, industry-based centralized platform that would allow contractors to register for automated notifications, improving efficiency and transparency.
Click HERE to learn more about our involvement with the Builders’ Lien Act and SubstantialPerformance.com
Nova Scotia’s construction industry made significant investments to improve safety across the commercial and industrial sectors. CANS worked closely with the Office of the Employer Advisor, industry stakeholders, and the Province to support these efforts. This included hosting public consultations and information sessions for members to review proposed regulations and discuss their impact on employers and businesses across Nova Scotia.
In June 2017, amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act were passed and came into full force, strengthening protections and helping to improve workplace safety across the province.
Click here to learn more about CANS involvement with the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
“Access and freedom of movement is vital to a vibrant and inclusive community, economy and society for all people. CANS is committed to working collaboratively with community stakeholders to make Nova Scotia a more accessible place for everyone. We strongly encourage industry and Nova Scotians to provide feedback on the proposed built standard that will help address barriers in the spaces where Nova Scotians live, work, learn and play.”
– Duncan Williams, President and CEO, Construction Association of Nova Scotia
Learn more about the proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations
An agreement reached by the Council of Atlantic Premiers on July 1, 2023, aimed to streamline and harmonize training, certification, and licensing for skilled tradespeople across the four Atlantic provinces.
CANS viewed the agreement as an important step toward reducing administrative barriers affecting contractors working across provincial borders. The agreement also sought to accelerate registration processes and improve labour mobility and safety.
CANS continues to advocate on improved labour mobility pathways.
Learn more about the harmonization of a labour mobility agreement.
In 2017, CANS raised concerns with the federal government’s proposed changes to Canada’s tax code, highlighting potential impacts on small businesses across sectors.
In response, CANS joined 34 local businesses and associations to form the Nova Scotia Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness, advocating for balanced and equitable tax policy.