Permits and Licenses

Every type of business in Nova Scotia has its requirements for permits and licenses. Ensure that you are adequately prepared to deal with the government, other businesses, and the Canadian public.

Early in the business development process, discover which permits and licenses you require for your business. BizPal is an online, searchable directory for business permits and licenses. BizPal takes you through a series of questions about the nature of your business, and provides a complete and personalized list of permits and licenses you may need to obtain, based on your responses. For more information, visit www.bizpal.ca

Business Navigators is a service provided by the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia that can also provide information about permits and licenses.

https://novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity/business-navigators.asp

BusNavigation@novascotia.ca or 1-844-628-7347

 

Municipalities process zoning requirements, signage regulations, occupancy permits, development permits, and fire prevention inspections.

https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/building-development-permits

 

Halifax Regional Municipality:

contactus@311.halifax.ca or Dial 311 or 1-800-835-6428

First Aid training Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training information on violence in the workplace and, smoke-free places to name a few

https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/ohsworkplace.htm,

If you intend to have 3 or more employees, it is mandatory to register your business with the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and pay premiums. If you are interested in coverage for yourself, contact the General Inquiry Line at 1-800-870-3331 to discuss your options.

http://wcb.ns.ca/Workplace-Injury-Insurance/Do-I-Need-to-Register.aspx

The Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code sets minimum employment standards for most provincially regulated businesses in Nova Scotia. There are a number of topics included in the Guide to the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code and how they might relate to you.

http://www.novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/docs/labourstandardscodeguide.pdf