Nova Scotia introduced legislation Tuesday aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and attracting investment, particularly in the mining and clean energy sectors, as the province positions itself to compete globally in critical mineral extraction.
The Making Business Easier Act builds on Nova Scotia’s national leadership in red tape reduction while positioning the province to compete globally in sectors such as critical minerals and clean energy.
Since 2021, the provincial government says it has helped save businesses over $21 million by cutting red tape and removing regulatory burden. The new legislation is expected to generate additional annual savings of more than $800,000 for businesses and residents.
“Nova Scotia is open for business,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Service Efficiency. “This legislation will build on that success.”
The legislation focuses heavily on streamlining mining operations while maintaining environmental and safety protections. Key provisions include eliminating several low-risk permits, introducing service standards for faster processing, and modernizing outdated regulations across multiple sectors.
By making it easier and faster to move mining projects forward, Nova Scotia expects to build stronger supply chains, grow exports, increase revenues, and create more jobs, especially in rural areas.
Business groups welcomed the initiative. “Nearly nine in 10 small businesses cite red tape as a significant impact to their business,” said Duncan Robertson, Director of Legislative Affairs for Nova Scotia at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
The mining industry also endorsed the changes. “We need to cut red tape, while maintaining the highest environmental standards, in order to take advantage of our mineral potential and create more jobs for Nova Scotians,” said Sean Kirby, Executive Director of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia.
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