Nova Scotia Reverses Policy on 50/50 Fundraisers for Minor Sports
Following backlash from parents and sports associations, the Nova Scotia government has reversed a policy that would have prevented 50/50 fundraiser proceeds from being credited to individual player accounts in minor sports organizations.
The Nova Scotia government has reversed a policy change regarding 50/50 fundraisers for minor sports organizations following significant backlash from parents and associations. Service Nova Scotia Minister Jill Balser announced on Thursday that clubs can resume previous practices where ticket sale proceeds benefit individual players or families.
The original policy document was issued by Service Nova Scotia's gaming division in December 2025 and was scheduled to come into effect in January 2026. It stated that transferring funds directly to individual participants was not permitted and that proceeds must remain with the organization in a dedicated charitable gaming bank account. The reversal allows sports associations to return to normal fundraising practices where proceeds from ticket sales go directly to individual player accounts.
Minister Balser stated that while benefits to individual players are permitted, there will be no undue benefits to individuals, and associations must oversee the money to ensure it goes toward a charitable purpose related to sport participation.
Cape Breton MLA Derek Mombourquette wrote a letter to Minister Balser raising concerns about the rule changes and posted it on social media two days before the announcement.
The initial policy had already disrupted operations. Rob Nurnber, president of the Sackville Minor Hockey Association, noted that his association had to cancel its November 50/50 draw due to fears it wouldn't meet the new provincial rules. With the reversal, the Sackville Minor Hockey Association plans to resume draws for December.
Parents expressed relief at the decision. Kelsey Harriet, a parent from Whitney Pier, said losing player accounts would have made it difficult to afford registration fees, equipment, and travel costs for her four children playing minor hockey. Under the standard model, 25 cents per ticket is credited to a player's account, helping families offset costs for registration, equipment, travel, and ice time.
Local minor hockey associations expressed relief and gratitude for the policy reversal, which helps avoid potential increases in registration fees that were feared under the previous rules. The Cape Breton Minor Hockey Partners Draw includes associations such as Cape Breton County, Cape Breton Blizzard, Sydney minor hockey, Cape Breton Jets, Cape Breton Lynx, Joneljim Cougars, and Sydney Mitsubishi Rush. As of early Friday morning, the jackpot for the second draw of the Cape Breton Minor Hockey Partners Draw was $24,921.