The Nova Scotia Builders' Lien Act stipulates who has a lienable interest, and governs how liens must be established and lien claims filed and prosecuted.
Contractors, subcontractors, laborers and suppliers who performed work or provided materials or services to a property are entitled to file a lien against the property, within the time period specified by the Act. The property owner is entitled to use the holdback funds to pay the lienholders and have their liens discharged.