Problems and disputes in Nova Scotia: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid

Who to contact in Nova Scotia for a problem with a business, an unpaid debt, a workplace injury or when you cannot afford a lawyer.

What to do and who to contact when something goes wrong in Nova Scotia. Each section gives the usual order of steps, then the official body and page. Rent disputes are on the renting page.

A problem with a business (consumer complaint)

Write to the business first, say what happened and what you want, and keep copies. If you paid by credit card you can ask the issuer about a chargeback. Then complain to the regulator.

Service Nova Scotia. Service Nova Scotia can only investigate complaints about businesses it licenses; for others it points you elsewhere. Insurance complaints go to the Superintendent of Insurance.

Official page: consumer complaints ↗

Money owed to you or damage caused (small claims)

Small claims court is a last resort. Send a written demand with a deadline, keep proof of delivery, and check the time limit to sue and the maximum amount in your province: both differ and have changed recently.

Small Claims Court of Nova Scotia. You can fill in the Notice of Claim form online, but the court still requires a printed copy to be filed at the justice centre.

Official page: small claims ↗

Hurt at work (workers' compensation)

Get medical attention, tell your employer straight away and report to the compensation board: deadlines differ by province and being late can cost you benefits. In several provinces it is illegal for an employer to ask you not to report.

Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. Tell your supervisor, fill in the injury report with them (fastest way to start a claim) and ask your health care provider to report if needed.

Official page: report an injury ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

You cannot afford a lawyer (legal aid)

Legal aid covers some problems only, often criminal, family and some civil matters, and uses a financial test. Duty counsel at the courthouse is often available without applying. Ask early: waiting lists exist.

Nova Scotia Legal Aid. Apply online, in person at a regional office or by phone. Qualifying is a three-part test: finances, area of law and legal merit. Criminal duty counsel needs no application.

Official page: apply for legal aid ↗

Scams and fraud

If you were scammed or your identity was stolen, see the step-by-step help under where to start.

Procedures only: fees, limits, forms and time limits change and differ, so each official page is the authority. General information, not legal advice; a community legal clinic can help. Quebec has its own rules: see AtlasQuébec.