Elections Nova Scotia

Our Province's legislation defines a registered party as a group of individuals whose primary purpose is the fielding of candidates for election as members of the House of Assembly.

Perhaps you have some ideals you want to share with Nova Scotia and feel that forming a new registered party is the best way to do that. Choosing to become involved in the history and direction of our province is a great commitment.

However, before you can become a registered party, you must meet certain registration criteria established by the Elections Act.

You'll find all the details in the Elections Act Section 180

Party Registration:

• Form 3 Registration of Political Party
   

This registration is required under the Elections Act should take place before an election is called. A political party registered with the Chief Electoral Officer becomes a recognized political party in Nova Scotia.

Annual reporting, in addition to post-election reporting is required. The forms for this reporting are 3-1 through 3-5:

• Form 3-1, Renewal of a Registered Political Party
• Form 3-2, Registered Party Update Information
• Form 3-3, Financial Reporting of a Registered Party, Statement of Income and Expenses
• Form 3-3A, Financial Return for a Registered Party, Statement of Monetary Contributions and Fundraising Events
• Form 3-3B, Financial Return for a Registered Party, Statement of Donations in Kind
• Form 3-3C, Financial Return for a Registered Party, Statement of Transfers to and from EDAs and Candidates
• Form 3-3D, Financial Return for a Registered Party, Loan or Line of Credit
• Form 3-3F, Financial Return for a Registered Party, Summary of Election Expenses
• Form 3-3Fa, Financial Return for a Registered Party, Detail of Election Expenses
• Form 3-4, Financial Return for a Registered Party, Party Balance Sheet
• Form 3-5, Report Respecting Tax Receipts for a Registered Party

The deadlines for filing these reports are:

• Change in information: 10 days after effective date of change
• Annual Report: April 30
• Election Expenses: 120 days after return of writ
• Fundraising: 120 days after event
   

Registered Political Parties in Nova Scotia

There are four registered political parties in Nova Scotia. These are:

Green Party of Nova Scotia
Website: www.greenpartyns.ca

Nova Scotia Liberal Party
Website: www.liberal.ns.ca

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party
Website: www.nsndp.ca

Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia
Website: www.pcpartyns.ca

Please note the following parties were deregistered in 2024:

Atlantica Party Association of Nova Scotia - Effective April 30, 2024, the Atlantica Party Association of Nova Scotia voluntarily deregistered as a political party in Nova Scotia under Section 187 of the Elections Act.

Nova Scotians United - Effective December 10, 2024, that Nova Scotians United was deregistered as a political party in Nova Scotia under Section 186 of the Elections Act. Nova Scotians United did not endorse any nominated candidates for the 42nd provincial general election held on November 26, 2024.