Privacy, Safety, and Tenancy Reforms

Summary#

This bill makes a wide set of changes to protect privacy and safety, tighten rules around funerals and cremation, adjust rental rules in special cases, and strengthen wildlife and Crown lands enforcement in Nova Scotia. It also sets new expectations for bar and nightclub security staff and updates when health information can be shared to prevent serious harm.

• Limits when businesses can ask for or keep your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Adds strong ID and record-keeping rules for cremation and funerals, and sets standards for equipment and practices.
• Lets the Province remove unsafe or blocking structures on Crown land without notice and seek costs from those responsible.
• Sets minimum standards for security staff at licensed bars and clubs, with possible background checks.
• Eases sharing of health information to prevent a significant danger, even if not “imminent.”
• Changes rental rules for people who share a kitchen or bathroom with a live‑in landlord, and adds new protections so victims of domestic violence can keep their home at the same rent.
• Expands inspection powers and raises fines for wildlife offences.

Timing:

• Liquor security changes take effect June 1, 2026.
• The health information change takes effect April 1, 2026.
• The SIN rules and some other parts take effect on a date set by the government.
• Other parts take effect once the bill becomes law, unless stated otherwise.

What it means for you#

• Consumers and residents

  • SIN requests: Businesses generally cannot ask for or collect your SIN unless the law requires it or the regulations allow it. This should cut down on risky, unnecessary collection.
  • Health privacy: Health providers can share information to prevent a significant danger to someone’s health or safety, even if the danger is not imminent. This may help earlier interventions.
  • At bars and clubs: Expect more consistent standards for bouncers and other security staff.

• Tenants and landlords

  • Shared homes: If you rent a room and share a kitchen or bathroom with a landlord who lives there (and you are not in a domestic relationship with them), the Residential Tenancies Act will not apply. Either side can end the arrangement with at least 7 days’ written notice.
  • Victims of domestic violence: If you end your lease under the existing domestic violence rules, you can ask to sign a new lease for the same unit at the same rent and terms. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. If they do not apply to deny it within 10 days, a new lease is assumed. Your certificate must be kept confidential.

• Funeral and cremation customers

  • Identification: Funeral directors must match identification to the remains before cremation or burial, offer a chance to visually identify remains before cremation (or get a written waiver), and keep written records.
  • Safety and standards: Funeral homes that cremate must keep equipment in good order, follow rules for containers, and meet new operating standards set by regulation.

• Hunters, anglers, and trappers

  • Inspections: Conservation officers can inspect weapons and ammunition in wildlife habitats, stop and inspect vehicles or vessels, and enter certain places related to wildlife activities (not people’s homes without consent or a warrant).
  • Penalties: Maximum fines increase sharply (up to $500,000 for individuals and $1,000,000 for corporations), with higher penalties for repeat or multi‑day offences.

• Users of Crown land and protesters

  • Structures: The Minister can remove and dispose of structures on Crown land without notice if they are unsafe, harm economic interests or lawful users, or are used to block or impede lawful use or access. Costs may be recovered from those responsible, and offences can lead to fines or jail. No compensation is owed for removals.

• Licensed bars and restaurants (licensees)

  • Security staff: You must ensure security workers meet any required standards, understand the rules, and comply with them. Background checks may be required for some roles. Regulators can ask about your employees during applications and compliance checks.

• Businesses generally

  • SIN rules: You will likely need to update forms, databases, and practices to stop collecting SINs unless clearly allowed. You may also need to follow retention limits and provide information if asked by the regulator.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Reduces identity theft risk by stopping needless SIN collection in the private sector.
• Improves dignity and accuracy in funerals and cremations through clear ID checks, records, and equipment standards.
• Helps keep bar patrons and staff safer by setting baseline requirements for security staff and allowing background checks.
• Allows earlier sharing of health information to prevent serious harm, potentially saving lives.
• Protects public access and safety on Crown land by quickly removing dangerous or blocking structures.
• Deters poaching and other wildlife offences with stronger inspection tools and much higher fines.
• Helps victims of domestic violence stay housed by letting them keep their unit at the same rent and terms.

Opponents' View#

• Crown land powers may be too broad, allowing removal without notice and citing “economic interests,” which could be used against peaceful protests or encampments, with no compensation.
• Expanded wildlife inspection and stop powers may raise civil liberties concerns and create burdens for law‑abiding hunters and anglers.
• Large wildlife fines could be disproportionate for minor or accidental violations.
• Privacy change in health law could lead to more sharing of personal health information and weaken consent.
• New bar security and background check requirements may increase costs for small venues.
• Removing Residential Tenancies Act protections for shared homes could make room renters less secure, with only 7 days’ notice.
• Funeral home rules may add paperwork and compliance costs that could raise prices for families.