Nova Scotia amends welfare rules to redefine qualifying housing

Nova Scotia has implemented legislative amendments to its income assistance regulations, effectively excluding individuals living in tents, cars, or trailers from qualifying for higher assistance rates. The new rules, which took effect on August 25, redefine a “home” as a self-contained unit that must include private living, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, specifically requiring a plumbed water supply and sanitary sewer disposal.

The amendment follows a ruling by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal regarding the estate of Bradley Lowe. Lowe, who died of an overdose in December 2023, had been denied enhanced assistance rates because his tent was not classified as accommodation. Chief Justice Michael Wood had previously ruled that Lowe’s tent did constitute accommodation under existing regulations.

Under the updated framework, a single person receiving income assistance receives $410 per month without a home and $738 with a home. The rate increases to $1,022 for those with a home who also meet specific criteria, such as having a disability or being 55 or older. The new definition of a home also includes rooms in licensed lodging houses or supportive housing, but the previous definition of a mobile home has been repealed.