How to Start a Halifax Skilled Nursing Facility
This page lays out a practical roadmap for launching a skilled nursing facility (NAICS 623110) in Halifax. You’ll get a concise overview of the seven regulatory requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, and a realistic view of costs and timelines from concept to opening your doors. It’s designed to be friendly, actionable, and easy to follow.
You’ll learn the seven core requirements and how they fit together: regulatory licensing with Nova Scotia’s health authorities, proper zoning and site approvals, building and fire code compliance, health and safety planning, staffing and care standards, privacy and records handling, and financial planning with insurance. We’ll outline typical permit processes, the expected costs (licensing fees, build-out, equipment, and working capital), and a practical timeline from approvals to opening.
Halifax is a welcoming, growing city with a strong healthcare ecosystem, skilled workforce, and nearby universities—making it a solid foundation for a new long-term care facility. If you’re focused on compassionate seniors’ care and community impact, this city–facility pairing offers supportive partners, potential funding avenues, and accessible markets to serve.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nursing care facility in Halifax is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This government identifier is essential for filing taxes, opening payroll accounts, and handling dealings with the federal tax authorities. You cannot legally operate a facility without a BN, so securing it upfront is non-negotiable and foundational to everything else you’ll do.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and routine administration. If you hire staff, you must have Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board coverage to protect employees and residents. You’ll also need to handle payroll deductions to withhold and remit CPP, EI, and income taxes for your workers. In addition, GST/HST registration may be required if your taxable activities exceed the relevant thresholds, ensuring you collect and remit the appropriate taxes.
Business Registration & Tax: beyond the BN, you’ll formalize your business name and structure. Register your Nova Scotia business name with the Nova Scotia RJSC (Registrar of Joint Stock Companies) to protect your facility’s name. Decide on your business structure—Nova Scotia Corporation or Partnership Registration—and complete the appropriate registration. For ongoing tax compliance, register for GST/HST as needed and set up Payroll Deductions Registration for payroll tax withholdings. WCB coverage sits alongside these as a safety and regulatory requirement for employees.
Encouragement: you’ve got a clear start. Begin with securing your BN, then complete your RJSC/name registration and decide your business structure. Set up WCB coverage, payroll deductions, and any GST/HST needs, and consider consulting a local accountant or business advisor to keep you on track as you launch in Halifax. You’re taking solid, practical steps toward compliant operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) 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 nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities):
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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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