Fewer Permits. Faster. Improving permits to support growth in Nova Scotia

N.S. — January 2026

The Province of Nova Scotia is continuing work to modernize its permitting system, following the launch of its first comprehensive review of provincial permits in more than a decade.

The “Fewer Permits. Faster” initiative, launched in early 2025, aims to streamline government processes, reduce red tape, and lower costs for individuals and businesses across the province. As part of the effort, the Province is improving approximately half of its nearly 300 permits.

“A key role of government is to regulate activities to protect people and the environment. Our permitting system helps us fulfil this role,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Service Efficiency. “But getting a permit shouldn’t be a source of unnecessary burden or cost, which is why we’re modernizing our permitting system without compromising our high standards.”

Representatives from government departments across Nova Scotia participated in a full review of provincial permits. Improvements introduced through the project include:

• Eliminating permits associated with low-risk activities
• Lengthening renewal time frames
• Adding mandatory service standards for all new permits
• Streamlining application processes and restructuring fees

The Office of Service Efficiency released its annual report during Red Tape Awareness Week, a Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) initiative running from January 26 to 30.

“Nearly nine in 10 small businesses cite red tape as a significant impact to their business. With these permitting improvements, Nova Scotia is continuing to lead the way cutting red tape and making it easier to do business in our province. Legislating the requirement for service standards is a great signal of accountability and transparency that goes above the ask of CFIB’s 2025 Red Tape Challenge.”

— Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Vice-President, Atlantic, Canadian Federation of Independent Business