Employers must pay their employees at least twice a month for all wages earned during that period. The payment must be made within five working days after the pay period ends.

If an employee is absent at the time of payment or for any other reason does not receive their pay, they are entitled to receive it at a later time, upon request during regular working hours.

employers cannot withhold, deduct or require payment of an employee's wages to cover losses incurred while on the job unless allowed by law, court order or written authorization from the employee.

If the employer receives written authorization from the employee to deduct wages, it must be for a loss that is verified to be the fault of the employee.

• the authorization is also not lawful if the deduction would result in the employee's wages being below the minimum wage.

The forms in which wages may be paid. Employers must pay their employees:

• in the lawful currency of Canada, or

• by cheque or bill of exchange or demand for payment drawn upon a chartered bank, credit union, trust company or other company insured under the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act.

• Alternatively, the employer may deposit the wages in the employee's account in a

  • chartered bank,

  • credit union,

  • trust company or

  • other companies insured under the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act.

If an employer fails to pay their employees as required by the act, the employee can file a complaint with the Director within six months of the failure to pay.

NS LSC s.79-80