Launch Your Halifax Assisted Living Facility: Start Strong Today
This page guides you through starting an assisted living facility in Halifax under NAICS 623312. Learn the seven essential requirements, plus the permits, costs, and realistic timeline you’ll face from concept to licensed operation. With clear, practical steps and a local focus, you’ll move from idea to compliant facility faster and with fewer surprises.
On this page you’ll uncover the seven key requirements you need to meet, plus the permits you’ll likely need (business license, facility licensing, occupancy and building permits), expected costs (licensing, renovations, staffing, insurance), and a realistic Halifax timeline for approvals. We’ll give you a practical checklist, simple budgeting tips, and a rough schedule you can adapt to your plans, so you can forecast cash flow and stay on track.
Why Halifax makes sense: a growing senior population, excellent healthcare networks, and a supportive business climate help you build a trusted, local care option for families that meets high standards of safety and comfort.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Halifax is the Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and serves as your central hub for tax-related accounts and program registrations. For an assisted living facility, you’ll use the BN to manage payroll, GST/HST, and other withholdings and remittances. Without a BN, you cannot legally start or run the business.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety and staff compliance. You must have Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board Coverage for your employees, which protects workers and keeps you compliant with provincial rules. In addition, if you hire staff, you’ll need to set up Payroll Deductions Registration to withhold and remit income tax, CPP/EI, and other withholdings. These employee-related obligations are essential to run the facility lawfully and responsibly.
Business Registration & Tax: Your next step is to handle the formal registration of your business name or structure. Register your Nova Scotia Business Name (RJSC) or, if you plan to operate as a corporation or partnership, complete the corresponding Nova Scotia Corporation or Partnership Registration. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if your revenue crosses the threshold, and it’s customary to use your BN to coordinate these accounts with CRA and provincial authorities.
Encouragement: Starting a facility is a big step, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Start with BN, then lock in your business name or structure, set up payroll and WCB, and get GST/HST as needed. If you’d like, I can map out a simple checklists and a fast-track plan with the exact forms and timelines for Halifax.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a assisted living facilities for the elderly in Halifax:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) RequiredBusinesses in Nova Scotia must register their business name with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies if operating under a name other than the owner's personal name. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and obtaining licenses. Registration can be completed online or in person. Business registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in Nova Scotia: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($53.09 Atlantic or $66.30 Federal) 2. Complete business name registration through RJSC Connect 3. Pay registration fee ($68.55 sole prop, $93.40 LLP) 4. Receive certificate of registration 5. Renew annually before expiry 6. Report any changes within required timeframes
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Nova Scotia Corporation ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Nova Scotia. Incorporation under NS law. Apply to Province of Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Corporation: 1. Contact relevant Province of Nova Scotia department for requirements 2. Complete application form 3. Submit required documentation 4. Pay applicable fees 5. Await approval Check Province of Nova Scotia government website for current requirements and processing times.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Nova Scotia Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Nova Scotia government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Nova Scotia. Employers in Nova Scotia must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage if they employ workers. WCB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers with one or more workers are required to register, with some industry exemptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of hiring the first worker. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification and assessable payroll. To register with WCB Nova Scotia: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register within 10 days of hiring third worker 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($2.65/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Optional: Special Protection for proprietors/partners
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your assisted living facilities for the elderly:
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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SUAP provides contribution funding for a wide range of projects including substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Individual project awards have ranged from approximately $1.6 million to $6.3 million in recent announcements. Eligible recipients include not-for-profit health organizations, universities, Indigenous organizations, and other levels of government. For-profit organizations …
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CIHR Catalyst Grants are short-term seed grants (up to 1 year) designed as a first step toward larger, longer-term research projects. The Digital Health stream specifically targets early and mid-career researchers and Indigenous Health researchers working on digital health technologies. Application deadline: March 17, 2026. Total pool: $1,000,000 (approximately 10 …
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