Available through Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

•The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, and by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies.

Benefit to Employers

• Offers business advice and guidance.
• Can help finance your business idea.
• Assist in making your business become more competitive.
• Provides free forms, templates, fact sheets, research studies and tools to help you with your project.

Available through Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund supports:

• Innovation to encourage new products and technologies.
• Infrastructure to encourage capital investments in new products, processes or technologies.
• Science partnerships between industry, academia and other research institutions to improve our knowledge.

Benefit to Employers

• The AFF is intended to help Canada’s fish and seafood sector to transition to meet the growing demand for seafood globally.
• Its aim is to bring high value, high quality and sustainable products to markets at home and around the world.

Contact Information

For support with your application contact
[email protected] or 1-844-795-9718

Available through the Province of Nova Scotia

• This program offers cost-shared grants to businesses for accessibility related improvements.
• Grants are intended to improve overall accessibility and create welcoming environments that persons with disabilities can access for business and employment opportunities.
• We pay up to 2/3 of accessibility improvements and up to $50,000.

Benefit to Employers

• Removes barriers and promotes inclusion within your business.

Contact Information

Email:
[email protected]
Fax:902-424-0710

Contact:
Program Officer, Kayla Arsenault
902-220-8812

Available through the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development

• The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) offers customized one-on-one Business Advisory Services.
• You’ll be matched with a member of their Senior Business Advisory Team, who will meet with you for the number of hours you feel you need to get the expert advice and support your business needs.
• The fee for Business Advisory Services is $49 per hour, plus HST.

Benefit to Employers

• Can help answer your business-related questions.
• Offers the flexibility of meeting in person at their CEED offices or online via Adobe Connect (must have a computer equipped a with camera, speaker and microphone).

Available through Efficiency Nova Scotia

• Available to small businesses with annual electrical energy consumption of less than 600,000 kWh (approx. $6,000/month in electricity costs) for electric upgrades.
• Apply for rebates to cover a portion of your project costs for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades.
• Available on your Nova Scotia Power bill for businesses with eligible electric upgrades (24-month interest-free financing).

Benefit to Employers

• Rebates on high quality, efficient equipment, and programs that identify energy saving opportunities—helping it run at peak performance.

Contact Information

E-mail: [email protected] or phone: 1-877-999-6035

Available through Efficiency Nova Scotia

• The Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund helps prepare the commercial fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Nova Scotia to reduce their energy use and reduce climate change impacts.
• Apply for non-repayable, claims-based contributions covering 50% to 75% of costs.

Four pathways to participation:

• Study Path
• Electrification Path
• Renewable Path
• Operational Efficiency Path

Benefit to Employers

• Incentives up to $250,000.

Contact Information

If you have questions about eligibility, how to apply once Funding Round 3 is open, or about the FAEEIF in general, we encourage you to contact [email protected].

Available through Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc

• Nova Scotia-based farm, seafood and food and beverage companies can get up to $20,000 to meet and maintain food safety requirements for specific retailers, institutions or customers.
• Intake opened on May 1st ,2025.

Benefit to Employers

• Applicants can receive funding for quality and food safety training, audits, program development, facility upgrades, and general food safety support.

Contact Information

[email protected]

Fax: 902-678-7266

Available through Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc

• Perennia is providing non-repayable financial assistance to Nova Scotia commercial entities in the fishing, aquaculture, marine plant harvesting and seafood buying/ processing sector to increase productivity, competitiveness, quality and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector under NS-ITAP.
• Depending on the nature and scope of the project, funding may also be awarded to Nova Scotia-based industry groups or associations.

Eligible Activities

• Innovation
• Infrastructure

Intake is ongoing until funds are fully subscribed. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2025.

Benefit to Employers

• NS-ITAP is offering up to $99,900 in non-repayable assistance per project inclusive of all operations per fiscal year at a maximum assistance rate of 70 percent depending on the nature of the project.

Contact Information

Ashley Sprague
[email protected]
902-955-0248

Available through Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc

Perennia works with companies in the fisheries sector in three key areas:
• Quality and food safety initiatives and training
• Product development and research to commercialize new products or improve current ones.
• Sector development projects with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other industry partners.

Benefit to Employers

• Product Development
Accelerating clients with technical support and scale up of new products or processes or enhancements in those areas.

• Quality & Food Safety
Their quality and food safety specialists can help you maintain and access new markets.

Contact Information

To discuss your needs in all areas, we encourage seafood companies to reach out to:

Ashley Sprague
(902) 955-0248
[email protected]

Available through Regional Enterprise Networks

• The Regional Enterprise Networks are business-led and business-facing organizations.
• Each REN builds on the strengths and values of their region through a collaborative approach to economic development that supports business growth outside the capital city (Halifax Regional Municipality).

Business retention and expansion services

• BusinessNOW
• Continuous Improvement Program
• Business Transition Program
• Employer Immigration Support
• Connector Program

Benefit to Employers

• Assist businesses and entrepreneurs in navigating available resources.
• Help you prepare to sell your business and to help you reach buyers.

Available through Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc

• In response to the immediate and emerging needs of the seafood sector due to global market uncertainty, Perennia is launching a new short-term emergency funding program. This program helps Nova Scotia-based fish and seafood companies with increasing their long-term business productivity and market competitiveness.
• Get up to $99,900 in cost-shared funding for eligible expenses
• All funded activities must be completed by December 31, 2025

Benefit to Employers

• The fund supports the engagement of external technical and operational expertise to better inform future decisions related to market diversification and access, competitiveness, business structure and the adoption of innovative technologies and processes.

Contact Information

If you require assistance or have questions, please contact Ashley Sprague at [email protected]

Available through Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

• The objective of the Apprenticeship START program is to encourage employers to register, retain and support their apprentices to completion during their apprenticeship journey.
• The program has a focus of small to medium-sized businesses/organizations that have business locations and jobs in Nova Scotia.
• Employers can receive up to $25,000 in funding for the duration of the apprenticeship. If the employer hires an apprentice from an under-represented group, the funding increases to $30,000.

Benefit to Employers

• Apprentices become highly specialized in your processes, equipment and customers.
• Many employers find that those who started as apprentices end up being their future leaders.
• It’s a great way to develop the right talent for your workplace.

Contact Information

[email protected]

[email protected]

Halifax Office: (902) 424-5651

Toll Free (NS): 1-800-494-5651

Available through the Government of Canada

•  The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in 1 of Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The program helps employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally.

Benefit to Employers

• Can help employers in Atlantic Canada hire foreign skilled workers who want to immigrate to Atlantic Canada and international graduates who want to stay in Atlantic Canada after they graduate.

Available through the Government of Canada

• Canada Summer Jobs is a program that aims to provide quality summer employment opportunities for youth to develop skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.
• Provides wage subsidies to support employers from not-for-profit organizations and the public sector, as well as private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years.

Benefit to Employers

• Creates quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years.

Contact Information

For more information, call 1-800-935-5555 (TTY: 1-800-926-9105) or visit a Service Canada Office.

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

• The Co-operative Education Incentive provides wage assistance to organizations that offer career-related work experiences for university and college co-operative students.
• Employers can hire a co-op student for a work term of 12-16 weeks. You’ll receive a subsidy of $8 an hour ($9.50 if the student is a member of designated diversity group) for the wages you pay the student.

Benefit to Employers

• Receive wage assistance to hire post-secondary co-operative education students for work placements.

Contact Information

Phone: 902-424-6000
Toll-free: 1-800-424-5418
[email protected]

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

• The Graduate to Opportunity program is helping to build a stronger workforce and retain young people in Nova Scotia with a salary incentive that makes it easier to hire recent graduates.

GTO Grow is for Nova Scotia employers looking to hire a recent graduate into a new, permanent, full-time position that pays at least $37,500 a year.

• Employers receive 25% of the first year’s salary and 12.5% of the second year’s salary.
• Employers can be from any sector and hire graduates for jobs related to their field of study.

GTO Innovate is for Nova Scotia businesses looking to hire a recent masters or PhD grad for an innovation-focused job that pays at least $60,000 a year.

• Eligible employers receive 30% of the first year’s salary and 15% of the second year’s salary.

Other eligibility criteria
The graduate you hire must have successfully completed a post-secondary program within 1 year of their first day of work.

Benefit to Employers

• Hire a recent graduate and the Government of Nova Scotia will cover a portion of their salary.

Contact Information

Phone: 902-424-6000
Toll-free: 1-800-424-5418
[email protected]

Available through Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)

• The GradWorks: Employer Incentive Program matches small to medium-sized businesses across Nova Scotia with skilled and talented NSCC graduates from three eligible programs.
• Receive up to 66 per cent salary support – to a maximum of $30,360 – when you hire a qualified NSCC graduate for up to a one-year period.
• Eligible candidates for employment include graduates who have successfully completed an eligible program within the last three years.
• GradWorks is available to graduates from the following programs: Human Resource Management (Graduate Certificate), Industrial Engineering Technology (Diploma) and Occupational Health & Safety (Diploma).

Benefit to Employers

• Receive salary support by hiring skilled NSCC graduates as part of GradWorks.
• Gain the professional expertise of a recent graduate in their field of study.

Contact Information

Contact us at [email protected] for any questions about GradWorks.

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

• The START Program helps connect employers with unemployed Nova Scotians who can fill their job vacancies.
• For employers, START offers a wage incentive and other types of funding if they hire an unemployed Nova Scotian.

Employment Nova Scotia determines wage incentive amounts on a case-by-case basis, considering :

• type of employment offered
• wages offered
• employee’s skill level
• how long the employee has been looking for work

Benefit to Employers

• The provided incentive can be used to pay for the individual’s wages, training costs and/or other related costs associated with hiring a new employee.
• Incentives vary and are based on an evaluation.

Contact Information

Employment Nova Scotia
1-877-223-0888

Available through Food Processing Skills Canada

• SWPP+ has been uniquely designed for businesses in the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry to hire students in post-secondary education for work terms and post-graduate employment.

Funding Structure

STREAM 1 – 70% of wages (max $7K) for under-represented students

STREAM 2- 50% of wages (max $5K)

Benefit to Employers

• Students bring their enthusiasm and skills to the workplace while exploring career pathways.
• Employers facilitate student introductions to the industry while benefiting from bright minds.

Contact Information

Program Manager
Camille Paultre
613.691.9403
[email protected]

Available through the Government of Canada

• The CanExport SMEs program is designed to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to export Canadian goods and services to new international markets.
• Each project must require from the program at least $10,000 CAD and no more than $50,000 CAD per year. This means that the total cost of each project must be between $20,000 and $100,000 CAD, with 50% funded by the applicant and 50% funded by the program.

Benefit to Employers

• By sharing the costs of certain international business development activities and thereby reducing risk associated with entering new markets, the program enhances the export diversification efforts of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises.

Contact Information

If you have questions on the program, please contact [email protected].

Available through Export Development Canada

• Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage.

Their services include:

• Trade knowledge: We provide expertise that enables our customers to make informed decisions and learn more about international markets.
• Financial solutions: We help companies get access to capital and credit by working with financial institution partners.
• Risk mitigation: Insurance that lowers the risk of doing business abroad.
• Global connections: We connect Canadian and international companies to help both parties grow their business.

Benefit to Employers

• Their export advisors work with Canadian businesses to support your global growth.

Contact Information

Call our Customer Care Team at 1-800-229-0575 for assistance with any of EDC’s financial and advisory products.

Available through Invest Nova Scotia

• The Export Development Program provides financial incentives to offset the cost of projects that assist a business’s ability to overcome barriers to export growth.

EDP offers two streams to support your business growth:

• Stream 1: Travel, Trade Shows, Conferences, and Trade Missions
• Stream 2: Hire a Consultant or Service Provider

Eligible businesses can apply for up to a maximum of $15,000 CAD across the two streams.

Benefit to Employers

• Increase sales outside Nova Scotia.
• Improve competitiveness.
• Positively impact the Nova Scotia economy.

Contact Information

For more information, contact a Regional Business Development Advisor in your region.

Available through Invest Nova Scotia

•  The Feasibility of International Trade courses examines the critical steps and decisions needed to ensure the success of new international ventures.
• You’ll learn how to analyze your organizational readiness, identify promising opportunities, and decide if the potential outcomes fit with your company’s strategic direction and improve your bottom line.

Benefit to Employers

• Access resources to assess your company’s readiness to take advantage of them and determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks and costs.

Contact Information

Available through the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

• The toolkits identify what you need to know to drive an effective diversity and inclusion strategy as a leader.

Benefit to Employers

• Help you to gain a better understanding and become more proactive on a number of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Available through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia

• ISANS’ Employment Language Programs provide sector-specific and advanced-level English training to help newcomers improve workplace communication, build confidence and enhance employability.

Additional employment-focused language courses include:

• English in the Workplace
• Workplace Writing Skills
• Listening and Speaking at Work
• Pronunciation and Communication at Work

Benefit to Employers

• Each course focuses on language and communication skills required in specific sectors or roles, helping participants succeed in real-world work environments.
• Programs are delivered online, in-person or hybrid, offering flexibility to meet individual needs.

Contact Information

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

Available through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia

• The Intercultural Workplace Program (IWP) helps employers across Nova Scotia foster inclusive and respectful work environments that embrace diversity and support the integration of international talent.
• Through training, tools and personalized guidance, IWP equips employers with the resources to build intercultural awareness, strengthen team cohesion and enhance employee retention.

Benefit to Employers

• Foundational workshops delivered online or in person.
• Intercultural assessment tools to support team development.
• Customized consultations to meet your workplace needs.

Contact Information

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

Available through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia

• The Professional Practice Program gives employers in Nova Scotia the chance to host skilled immigrants in short-term paid or volunteer placements for up to six weeks. These placements allow employers to assess talent in a real work setting, with no obligation to hire.
• For newcomers, the program offers valuable opportunities to gain Canadian work experience, expand professional networks and build local references in their field.

Benefit to Employers

• Flexible placements, available full-time or part-time.
• Talent matched to business needs and sector.
• A short-term way to build team capacity with no hiring commitment.

Contact Information

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

Available through Nova Scotia Works

• Nova Scotia Works offers a FREE online guidance tool for creating a welcoming workplace.
• Provides downloadable guides and templates to assist companies in keeping and managing valued employees in a diverse workforce.

Benefit to Employers

• Employers who tap into the full potential of the province’s workforce by building an inclusive work environment are poised to better attract and retain workers.

Available through Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

• The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission’s public education and training initiatives help employers and their employees promote respect for diversity and reduce discriminatory practices, thereby ultimately creating healthier work environments.

Available courses:

• Serving All Customers Better
• Safe Spaces Make Great Workplaces
• Working with Abilities

Benefit to Employers

• FREE eLearning tools and resources.

Available through Community Business Development Corporation

• The Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) provides consultant advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada.
• Employers can access technical and financial assistance from consultants.

Eligible CAS activities include:

• Diagnostic Assessments
• Business Management Development Practices
• Access to Capital
• Market Readiness/Export Potential
• Specific Studies/Business Plan Mentoring
• Aftercare/Mentoring and Follow-Up
• Business Valuation
• Diversity and Inclusion

Benefit to Employers

• Can increase the profitability of your business.
• Gain more knowledge about best business practices through experienced professionals.

Contact Information

Phone: 1-888-303-2232

Available through the Government of Canada

• The Government of Canada provides information on Payroll, wages and other resources for recruiting, training and managing employees.

Benefit to Employers

• Access hiring and managing employee resources for your business.

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

• The purpose of this Guide is to help people understand how Nova Scotia Labour Standards legislation applies to employment relationships and the role of the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Division in enforcing the legislation.
• Labour Standards legislation establishes the minimum employment rules in Nova Scotia that employers and employees must follow. It includes rules specific to recruiting workers and hiring foreign workers. These rules also include minimum standards for wages, deductions from pay, vacation pay, overtime pay, holidays with pay, leaves, ending employment and other things.

NOTE: This Guide deals only with Nova Scotia Labour Standards legislation. There are other laws that might apply to employment relationships such as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation and Human Rights legislation.

Benefit to Employers

• Help your business make well informed employment related decisions.

Contact Information

Phone
1-888-315-0110 (toll free in NS)
(902) 424-4311 (HRM)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/

Available through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

• Our Employer Engagers work with businesses in Nova Scotia to help them attract, hire and keep skilled workers from around the world.
• They connect employers to support services, job-ready candidates and programs that make it easier to build a diverse and welcoming workplace.

Benefit to Employers

• Connect employers with ISANS support services.
• Help employers understand and use the AIP and EMPP programs.
• Provide training and resources to support immigrant employees.
• Work with local organizations to build stronger partnerships
• Host in-person and ORIS – Online/Onsite Recruitment and Information Sessions.

Contact Information

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

Available through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

• SkillsMatch is an online job recruitment tool that helps employers in Nova Scotia find qualified immigrant job seekers. This free platform gives employers access to a growing database of internationally educated, job-ready candidates ready to work in Canada.
• Employers can search using keywords, post job opportunities and connect directly with candidates whose skills match their hiring needs. Job seekers can create detailed profiles and upload resumes, making it easy to find the right fit.

Benefit to Employers

• Access pre-screened, internationally educated professionals.
• Post jobs and search resumes using keywords.
• Connect with job-ready candidates at no cost.

Contact Information

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

Available through Nova Scotia Works

• Nova Scotia Works centres have hands-on staff who specialize in assisting employers and business owners with their unique needs.
• Employer Engagement Specialists provides tools, links and resources related to Human Resources.
• Navigates federal and provincial funding programs to find a match based on your business needs.
• Provides follow up and support to employers during the job search process.
• For more information about Nova Scotia Works visit: https://novascotia.ca/works/

Benefit to Employers

• Informs employers about government-funded programs.
• Assistance with the creation of job descriptions and ads.
• Posting of job vacancies online and in-house.

Available through Nova Scotia Works

• The HR Toolkit is a FREE online resource containing information and tools for small and medium-sized employers in Nova Scotia.
• The toolkit was designed to provide information and resources to help employers in Nova Scotia achieve their goals and compete in today’s marketplace.

Benefit to Employers

• The web page includes ideas and tips, practical guides, checklists, downloadable templates and links to other relevant resources that will help you find, keep and develop valued employees.

Available through Nova Scotia Works

• Employers with vacancies to fill are welcome to post their openings on our site. There is no charge for this service.
• Your job posting will be viewed provincially at: http://www.novascotiaworks.ca

Benefit to Employers

• Create job postings and advertise on our digital job board.
• FREE for employers.
• Have your job posting reach more job seekers (NS Work’s clients).

Available through the Employer Advisor Nova Scotia Society

• The Employer Advisor Nova Scotia Society (OEA) assists businesses with a broad range of programs and services from Workers’ Compensation, Occupational Health and Safety, Human Resources management issues to employment matters.
• A range of their services are FREE!

Benefit to Employers

• Advocate for employers.
• Provide employer focused training.
• Promote healthy and safe workplaces and workplace practices.

Contact Information

Call us: 902-401-8490
Email us: [email protected]

Available through Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

• The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) connects skilled refugees with Canadian employers to help with labour shortages.
• ISANS provides tailored resources and support to help employers integrate and retain skilled refugee employees, both before and after they arrive in Nova Scotia.
• Our EMPP Employer Engager is the main point of contact for guidance, tools and training that support a smooth and inclusive hiring experience.

Benefit to Employers

• Access settlement information to prepare for your new hire.
• Learn practical strategies through the Intercultural Workplace Program.
• Understand the value of hiring internationally trained refugees.
• Take part in ISANS’ Building Intercultural Competence Workshop to better understand how to reduce barriers and create welcoming work environments.

Contact Information

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

Available through the Government of Canada

• The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety offers FREE online safety training to the residences of Nova Scotia.
• There are 33 online courses to choose from – a limit of 8 courses per person, per calendar year.

Benefit to Employers

• Provides up-to-date and relevant topics in both health and safety.
• All CCOHS courses are available in both English and French.

Available through a variety of organizations

Slips, Trips & Falls

http://www.worksafeforlife.ca/Home/Injury-Prevention/Protecting-your-Body/Slips-Trips-Falls

Musculoskeletal Injuries

http://www.worksafeforlife.ca/Home/Injury-Prevention/Protecting-your-Body/Musculoskeletal-Injuries

Your Return-to-Work Program

https://www.wcb.ns.ca/Return-to-Work/Your-Return-to-Work-Program.aspx

Regulations

https://novascotia.ca/lae/healthandsafety/pubs.asp#regs

Nova Scotia OHS Act

https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/occupational%20health%20and%20safety.pdf

Benefit to Employers

Provides valuable safety information that can be shared within your business.

Available through Occupational Health & Safety Division

• This guide is designed to help employers and employees to understand the requirements to implement a JOHSC or a Health and Safety Representative.

Benefit to Employers

•  Employers and employees working together to improve occupational health and safety in the workplace, to proactively identify health and safety concerns and hazards, and promptly work together to address issues with corrective actions.

Contact Information

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 902-424-5400
Toll-free (within Nova Scotia): 1-800-9LABOUR
Fax: 902-424-5640

Available through Occupational Health & Safety Division

• Nova SAFE is a new Safety Branch resource that offers a modern and convenient way for Nova Scotian employers, supervisors, and workers to access important safety information on regulatory requirements for a variety of Occupational Health and Safety and Technical Safety topics.

Benefit to Employers

• Provides clear plain language summaries with helpful definitions, direct links to relevant sections in our legislation, and additional resources that help make it easier to achieve compliance with our Acts and Regulations.

Contact Information

Occupational Health & Safety Division
PO Box 697
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T8

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 902-424-5400
Toll-free (within Nova Scotia): 1-800-9LABOUR
Fax: 902-424-5640

Available through Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)

• The Create a Program contains eight simple steps to help you make working safe a top-of-mind concern throughout your organization.
• The eight steps give you the basics for starting an effective and sustainable health and safety program.

Benefit to Employers

• Improve your workplace safety culture.

Available through Workers’ Compensation Board

• The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) provides resources that are available to help you make your next safety meeting engaging and informative.

Topics Include:

• Protecting yourself: find out how small changes can make a big difference to reduce the injuries in NS.
• Tools for a safer workplace: safety education is required for all workplaces. These tools can help you get started!
• Examples of safe and healthy workplaces begin with everyone stepping in. See where these journeys have led.

Benefit to Employers

• WCB provides tools and resources to help employers and workers create safe workplaces.
• The provided resources can help support and promote a safety culture within your business.

Available through Workers’ Compensation Board

• WCB Nova Scotia provides a resource centre to support you in navigating through the key principles and best practices associated with PH&S.

Benefit to Employers

• As you navigate through the site, you will find a range of additional links, tools, and resources including definitions, FAQs, best practices, infographics, action plan templates and videos.

Available through Workers’ Compensation Board

• A WCB Safety Certified accreditation is issued to companies who have passed an audit of their health and safety management system.
• A WCB Safety Certified audit measures the effectiveness of a company’s health and safety management system across 23 elements.

Benefit to Employers

• Improve workplace health and safety.
• Attract new business and employees.

Contact Information

If you have questions about becoming WCB Safety Certified or how a health and safety management program could benefit your organization, please contact us at [email protected].

Available through Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)

• The Small Business Safety Toolkit provide tools for management including information on how to create a safe workplace.

Benefit to Employers

• Contains informative tools to increase knowledge on workplace safety, legal requirements, health and safety policies and more.
• Can help you better understand how health and safety plays a role in day-to-day operations.

Available through Food Processing Skills Canada

• The Canadian Food Processors Institute offers cost-effective courses created by industry.
• Through a simple log in process – individuals, businesses, human resource professionals and educators can navigate through a comprehensive selection of high quality, online training (prices vary).
• Their courses are developed with subject matter experts – for industry by industry. Course content is applicable to real world scenarios and is engaging and informative.

Benefit to Employers

• All content is built on the official Canadian National Occupational Standards.
• Providing cost effective training for the food industry.

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, CBDC and Bluedrop

SkillsPass is a workforce skill development hub for seafood employers and employees. Upgrade your skills from the comfort of your own home.

Visit our training marketplace, where you can browse their library of available FREE on-line courses!

• Leadership Essentials
• Working with Difficult People
• Business Essentials – Communication
• Business Essentials – Workplace Conflict

Benefit to Employers

• Employees have the ability to build their own courses.
• Increase productivity at NO COST.

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

• The One Journey Initiative provides skill development and employment opportunities to unemployed or underemployed Nova Scotians where there is an identified industry labour shortage.
• Essential skills and customized training are a part of every project.

Benefit to Employers

• Is a responsive and ‘hands-on’ operational program for the employee and employer.
• The program has a 90 % employee retention rate in hard to fill jobs.

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

• The Workplace Education Initiative promotes and supports business skills development by increasing knowledge and enhancing critical workplace skills.
• Regional Workplace Education and Training Coordinators will help assess the learning needs of individual businesses or groups of businesses, and will recommend education programs to fill those training needs.
• The Coordinator will also assist with the application for funding, which covers the cost of instruction, and provide support while a program is taking place.

Benefit to Employers

• Helping meet new challenges
• Improving overall business processes
• Increasing productivity
• Improving communication and teamwork
• Increasing the ability to embrace and manage workplace change
• Creating a culture of learning

Contact Information

Contact a Regional Workplace Education and Training Coordinator in your region to discuss in more detail.

Available through NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration

• The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI) provides funding to businesses, industry associations and sector councils to enhance workforce skills and improve innovation and productivity.

Funding amount

• 75% of eligible training costs may be covered. The applicant needs to fund the remaining balance of the costs.

Benefit to Employers

Eligible costs include:

• Training fees
• Instructor costs
• Course materials
• Travel

Contact Information

Manager, Workplace Education and Training
Phone: 902-221-0442

WIPSI Program Coordinator
Phone: 902-719-5096

WIPSI Program Officer
Phone: 902-456-7614