One Government Place – Halifax, NS

Provincial Administration and Public Service

The Heart of the Civil Service

One Government Place, situated on Barrington Street directly across from the Legislature, is a cornerstone of the Government of Nova Scotia’s administrative infrastructure. This building serves as the headquarters for the Public Service Commission (PSC), the central human resources agency responsible for hiring, labour relations, and policy development for the provincial workforce. Strategically located in the downtown Halifax ‘Government Precinct,’ it facilitates the seamless operation of the executive branch. Additionally, the building houses the main offices for the Department of Environment and Climate Change, making it a critical hub for regulatory oversight and environmental stewardship within the province.

Regulatory and Employment Services

While much of the building is dedicated to internal government operations, it serves specific public functions related to employment and environmental compliance:

• Civil Service Recruitment: The PSC manages the ‘Jobs Nova Scotia’ competitions. While applications are primarily digital, this office oversees the fair hiring policies and adjudication of employment competitions.
• Environmental Permitting: The Department of Environment processes applications for water rights, industrial approvals, and pesticide certifications. The registry here maintains public records regarding environmental assessments.
• Executive Council Support: The building often supports the overflow functions of the Premier’s Office and Cabinet support staff due to its proximity to Province House.

Visitors to One Government Place are typically there for scheduled meetings with government officials or to access specific environmental registries. The building enforces standard government access controls, requiring visitors to sign in at the security desk in the main lobby.