Nova Scotia Justice Minister Favors National Approach to NDA Reform as Opposition Demands Provincial Action
Following New Brunswick's introduction of legislation restricting non-disclosure agreements in harassment and abuse cases, Nova Scotia Justice Minister Scott Armstrong says he prefers a national approach. Opposition leaders Claudia Chender and Iain Rankin have criticized the government's delay, urging immediate provincial legislation to protect survivors.
New Brunswick introduced legislation this week to restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of harassment and abuse, becoming the second province to do so after Prince Edward Island. The move has intensified debate in neighboring Nova Scotia over how to address the issue.
Nova Scotia Justice Minister Scott Armstrong stated on Thursday that he believes a national approach to changing NDA rules would be better than individual provincial actions. Armstrong argued that many companies have employees across the country, making consistent national regulations preferable. He plans to raise the issue of NDAs with federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts at a meeting scheduled for December.
Opposition leaders have pushed back against waiting for a national consensus. NDP Leader Claudia Chender criticized the continued delay, stating it is hurtful to survivors when ministers oppose NDA misuse but refuse to legislate against it. The NDP has repeatedly pushed for legislation banning NDAs in abuse and harassment cases unless the survivor voluntarily enters an arrangement with independent legal advice.
Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin accused the Nova Scotia government of being unwilling to take a leadership stance on the issue. Rankin noted that all opposition MLAs have supported proposed changes regarding NDAs for some years, while the government side holds up action.