The Nova Scotia government has announced measures aimed at making it easier and more affordable to work in skilled trades. The changes, effective immediately, target certification processes and exam fees for tradespeople.

Certification Renewal Requirement Removed

Most trades will no longer require journeypersons to renew their certification every five years, a move designed to save time, money, and paperwork. The only exception is the blaster trade, which will maintain the renewal requirement.

Exam Fees Reduced

The province has also lowered the fee for challenging certification exams, cutting it from $644 to $350. This reduction is intended to make certification more accessible to aspiring tradespeople.

Positive Industry Response

Michelle Bussey, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, welcomed the reforms. She said,
"These changes simplify the certification process and remove unnecessary administrative steps for both tradespeople and our staff. By reducing red tape, we can put more focus on apprentices, employers, and reducing response times."

Broader Recognition Across Provinces

These reforms follow a recent initiative to recognize provincial certifications from Alberta and Quebec for Red Seal trades. This allows professionals from those provinces to work in Nova Scotia without additional applications or approvals, further streamlining the path for skilled workers.

By eliminating administrative hurdles and reducing costs, the provincial government aims to attract more workers to Nova Scotia’s skilled trades, supporting both the workforce and local economy.