Your rights

Know your rights. Understanding your entitlements to paid and unpaid sick leave.

Quick facts

195,000 Nova Scotia workers lack paid sick days.

This represents 39.2% of the workforce. According to Statistics Canada (2023), only 60.8% of Nova Scotia workers have access to any paid sick leave.

Current Sick Leave Entitlements

(as of January 1, 2025)

As of January 1, 2025. Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code provides workers with the following unpaid sick leave entitlements:

General Illness & Injury

5 days unpaid per calendar year. For your own illness or injury.

Family & Medical

3 days unpaid per calendar year. To care for family or attend medical appointments for yourself or family.

Serious Illness or Injury

27 weeks unpaid per 52-week period. Must have worked 3+ months. Taken in 1-week blocks.

Important: These are unpaid absences. You may qualify for federal Employment Insurance benefits.