Workplace harassment policy for Nova Scotia: the rules and a free template
Since 1 September 2025, provincially regulated employers in Nova Scotia must have a written workplace harassment prevention policy. It must set out expectations, how to report concerns and how complaints will be investigated, and commit to confidentiality and no reprisals. You must train employees on the policy and review it at least once every 3 years.
What the law requires in Nova Scotia
| The law | Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, Part 27 (workplace harassment) |
|---|---|
| In force | In force since 1 September 2025 |
| Who it applies to | Provincially regulated employers in Nova Scotia. The rules we checked do not set a minimum number of employees. |
| Investigations | Your written policy must set out investigation procedures and confidentiality, and commit to investigating all complaints and taking corrective action. |
| Training | Make sure employees are trained in the workplace harassment prevention policy. |
| Review | Review the policy at least once every 3 years and update it if necessary. |
What your written policy must include
- A statement that every employee is entitled to employment free of workplace harassment
- Your commitment to take reasonable steps to prevent workplace harassment
- A commitment to take corrective action against anyone who harasses
- How to report a concern or make a complaint
- How complaints will be investigated, and a commitment to investigate all complaints
- Confidentiality
- No reprisals against anyone who makes a complaint in good faith
Human rights law also applies
Harassment related to a protected ground such as sex, race or disability can also be a human rights issue for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
Key terms: Workplace harassment · Sexual harassment · Workplace violence · Harassment investigation · Psychological harassment (Quebec) · Duty to accommodate · Human rights code (protected grounds)
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Questions
When did Nova Scotia's harassment policy rules start?
On 1 September 2025. Since then, provincially regulated employers need a written workplace harassment prevention policy.
How often must I review my harassment policy in Nova Scotia?
At least once every 3 years, updating it if necessary. Employees must be trained on the policy.
Can one incident be harassment in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Nova Scotia's rules cover a single significant incident, as well as repeated conduct.
Official sources
- Government of Nova Scotia, New workplace harassment regulations effective September 1 (2025)
- Nova Scotia, Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
- Nova Scotia Royal Gazette Part II, 22 August 2025
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
General information for Canadian employers, not legal advice. This policy is a starting point: read it, change anything that doesn't fit your workplace, and check it against your province's current rules, or ask an employment lawyer or HR professional to review it. Rules were checked against official sources on 5 November 2026.
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