Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial help and social supports

Support for individuals, families and seniors

Federal support for individuals

The Government of Canada has funding and resources available for individuals.

Pharmacare changes

The Government of Nova Scotia is covering additional dispensing fees for Pharmacare (drug coverage) program prescription refills. This covers the extra fees for prescriptions that are usually filled for longer periods and are now only being filled for 30 days at a time.

Protection for renters

As part of legislative changes to the Residential Tenancies Program that come into effect 1 February 2022, a rent cap will be in place from 1 February 2022 until 31 December 2023.

A ban on renovictions (landlord ending a residential lease for renovations) is in place until the state of emergency or renovictions ban is lifted (whichever comes first).

Learn more: Protection for Renters: overview (PDF 44 kB)

Red Cross Friendly Calls Program

The Friendly Calls Program provides pre-scheduled calls to individuals who are feeling isolated due to the pandemic. Callers are trained in a variety of areas, including psychological first aid. Callers can also help connect you with other support services available in your community.

Anyone 19 or older can register for the program by calling 1-833-729-0144, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Red Cross will arrange to call you at a mutually agreed time, in English or French.

Salvation Army Nova Scotia COVID Relief Fund

The Salvation Army Nova Scotia COVID Relief Fund helps Nova Scotians who have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic pay their home heating or electric bills. Each household may be eligible for up to $400 in support.

Support for businesses

Agriculture Response Program

Applications are closed. The COVID-19 Agriculture Response Program helps Nova Scotia's agriculture industry mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry's competitiveness, productivity and profitability.

Federal support for businesses

The Government of Canada has funding and resources available for businesses and industries.

Paid Sick Leave Program

Nova Scotians who missed less than 50% of their scheduled work time in a 1-week period because of COVID-19 may qualify for up to 4 paid sick days through the COVID-19 Sick Leave Program.

Sector Impact Support Program

Applications are closed. The Sector Impact Support Program provided a one-time grant of up to $7,500 to help small business owners that were impacted by province-wide public health restrictions.

Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program is available for qualifying businesses.

Targeted Sector Impact Program

Applications are closed. The Targeted Sector Impact Program provided a one-time grant of $2,500 to help cosmetology businesses and practitioners directly affected by recent health orders that prevented the removal of masks during cosmetology services.