In Nova Scotia Canada could a deceased person's state be forced to pay old credit card debt (over 8 years old)?

The answer to the debt question is it depends. If there was a judgment while the card holder was still alive, then the estate does owe the debt.

I assume you meant estate. When an estate is submitted for probate all creditors need to be contacted. If the creditor does not respond, then, when probate is closed, the debt is cancelled.

So its hard to specifically answer without knowing more details.

Thank you Scott. The credit card debts were passed to collection agencies which were never replied to. What happens if the executor of the estate does not know how to contact them?

Has probate been closed?

If probate is still open, you post creditor notices in the local paper. The probate court can help you.