Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Wednesday 4 March 2026
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings including the tabling of two petitions and a French-language services progress report, government notices of motion, the introduction of four bills, and an extensive series of members' statements. Members recognized athletes, local businesses, community initiatives, constituents such as a lifelong volunteer and a retiring couple who operated a longstanding general store, and paid tributes, while several opposition members protested government budget cuts to arts, culture, disability services, and youth programs. A resolution recognizing Women in Construction Week passed without debate, while a resolution on Iran and a motion on establishing a child and youth advocate were denied waiver.
Members' Statements
Kendall Doiron - IIHF 2026 Silver Medal
Hon. G. Morrow
Greg Morrow introduced and congratulated hockey player Kendall Doiron of Boylston for her silver medal at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship, where she scored five points and was named Team Canada MVP in the gold medal game, and for leading Team Atlantic to a historic finish.
Craft Brewers Association - Vital Industry
K. Gallagher
Krista Gallagher introduced local brewers and recognized the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia for advocacy, promoting local breweries, and fostering industry growth in the province's thriving craft beer sector.
Heart 'n Hockey - Community Initiative
Hon. D. Ritcey
Dave Ritcey introduced founder John Guinan and recognized the Heart 'n Hockey initiative for ensuring cardiac emergency plans and AED availability in arenas, noting Guinan visited more than 70 arenas across Nova Scotia.
Riverport Repair Café - Local Initiative
Hon. B. Druhan
Becky Druhan introduced Etienne Baqué and recognized the success of Bridgewater's first Repair Café, which brings people together to repair household items free of charge, reducing waste and strengthening community connections.
Kaiser's Subs - 50 Years in Business
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney introduced the Baker family and congratulated Kaiser's Subs, a Sackville staple, on five decades in business, noting its Business of the Year Award and reputation as the 'King of Subs.'
Alex Wilson - Future Success
E. Smith-McCrossin
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin thanked her former legislative assistant Alex Wilson for his service and wished him success as he moves closer to family in Bridgewater.
Krista Grear - Farming Contributions
D. Bowlby
David Bowlby introduced and recognized Krista Grear, owner of Village Roots nursery in Lawrencetown and manager of the Lawrencetown Exhibition Grounds, for her contributions to the Annapolis County farming community.
Ingram River Wilderness Area - Community Initiative
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance recognized the community-led campaign to establish the Ingram River Wilderness Area, which would protect nearly 11,000 hectares and offer recreational and economic opportunities, with over 50 supporting organizations including the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq.
CCTH Cuts - Savoy Theatre Affected
K. Coombes
Kendra Coombes decried the budget cuts to Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, noting the impact on the Savoy Theatre as it approaches its 100th anniversary and calling for the cuts to be reversed.
Butt's Auto Service - Local Business
Hon. J. Lohr
John Lohr congratulated Butt's Auto Service of Kentville, a family-owned business since 1975, for being recognized as the 2025 Best Automotive Business by the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Arts and Culture - Necessary Support
S. Leblanc
Susan Leblanc joined protesters outside supporting arts and culture, arguing that arts, culture, and heritage funding is not discretionary but necessary, being economic drivers, jobs, tourism, and essential to community wellbeing.
Charlie Wentzell - Sport Contributions
Hon. K. Masland
Kim Masland recognized Brooklyn resident Charlie Wentzell for his decades of contributions to sports in Queens, including developing ballparks and arenas, coaching, and receiving recognition from Nova Scotia Minor Hockey.
Cst. Brent Bowden - Stand Against Racism
S. Hansen
Susy Hansen introduced Constable Brent Bowden and his family and recounted his experience of anti-Black racism within the Truro Police Service, calling it a structural failure and urging leaders to take action against racism.
Lois Glibbery - Campaign Support
B. McGowan
Brad McGowan recognized volunteer Lois Glibbery, who cast her first vote in 1957 and has helped his campaign and EDA Board, thanking her for her wisdom and experience.
Osprey's Roost - Local Business
K. Gallagher
Krista Gallagher recognized Osprey's Roost on Oxford Street for its regenerative farming practices, ethically sourced meats, and contributions to a sustainable local food economy.
Courtney Harnish - Book about daughter Natalie
M. Sheehy-Richard
Melissa Sheehy-Richard honoured Courtney Harnish, who wrote the children's book 'The Adventures of Natalie Hazel: A Trip to the Zoo' in memory of her six-year-old daughter Natalie, who died in the 2023 flood.
Jaylee MacKinnon - IIHF 2026 Silver Medal
Hon. N. Young
Nolan Young recognized 17-year-old Jaylee MacKinnon of Clark's Harbour for winning silver at the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship and her impressive hockey resume with various teams.
DIRECTIONS Council - Impact of Cuts
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance called on the government to reverse budget cuts, citing DIRECTIONS Council and 34 disability service providers who say the funding cut impairs their ability to help persons with intellectual disabilities.
Glace Bay Fire Department - Acts of Bravery
Hon. J. White
John White recognized the firefighters of Glace Bay Fire Department Station 23 and colleagues for their bravery during two major structure fires in early July, thanking dispatch, police, paramedics, and Fire Chief John Chant.
iShine Optical Outlet - Local Business
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney recognized iShine Optical Outlet, a new Sackville business founded by Kelly Yang and Andrew Shang who emigrated from China in 2022, welcoming them to Nova Scotia.
Shaun Whynacht - Marketing Initiatives
J. Vanexan
Julie Vanexan recognized Shaun Whynacht, creator of Blue Cow Marketing, for helping entrepreneurs strengthen their brands and for offering marketing workshops and classes through the Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Maria Angwin Memorial Health Clinic - Opening
S. Leblanc
Susan Leblanc celebrated the opening of the Dr. Maria Angwin Memorial Wyse Road Health Clinic in Dartmouth North, named for the first woman licensed to practise medicine in Nova Scotia, and credited nearly a decade of community organizing for its creation.
Charles Henry 'Bussy' Grimes - Death Tribute
Hon. B. Wong
Brian Wong paid tribute to the late Charles Henry 'Bussy' Grimes, a pillar of the Windsor Junction and Rockingham communities, remembered as a dedicated boilermaker and community connector.
C.B. Centre for Arts & Design - Cultural Anchor
K. Coombes
Kendra Coombes warned that budget cuts to arts, culture, heritage, and tourism will devastate the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design and its 300-plus artists, noting every dollar invested in arts generates $29 in the economy.
Jacob Melanson - Hockey Career
Hon. T. Rushton
Tory Rushton recognized Cumberland County's Jacob Melanson, a right winger with the NHL's Seattle Kraken, for his hockey career and his hockey school in Springhill.
HRCE Junior High Basketball Semi-Finals - Friendly Rivalry
C. Chender
Claudia Chender humorously noted that her daughter and the daughter of the member for Halifax Needham were competing in the HRCE Junior High Division A Girls Basketball semi-finals.
Lloyd Patrick Sepidoza - Death Tribute
D. Stoilov
Damian Stoilov extended condolences to constituency assistant Noah Baldwin Sepidoza and his family on the passing of his father, Lloyd Patrick, who died on February 2nd at age 45.
Recognition of Allan Murray's volunteer work
Danny MacGillivray
The member for Pictou Centre recognized Allan Murray as a lifelong volunteer, noting his decades of service as treasurer for First Presbyterian Church in Stellarton and the Aberdeen Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, his annual help with seniors' tax forms, and his roles as Pictou Centre association treasurer since 2013 and sign chair for six provincial elections.
Congratulations to Raymond and Pearl LeBlanc on retirement
Hon. Trevor Boudreau
The member for Richmond recognized Raymond and Pearl LeBlanc, who are retiring after 58 years operating the Shamrock Store in D'Escousse, praising the couple's generosity and the store's role as an old-fashioned general store and community hub.
Routine Proceedings
Petition to cease clearcutting in Ingram River Wilderness Area
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance introduced guests working on the Ingram River Wilderness Area and tabled a petition with 1,143 signatures calling on the government to stop clearcutting in and adjacent to the proposed area and to declare it protected in perpetuity.
Petition on rural midwife access in Cape Breton
K. Coombes
Kendra Coombes tabled a petition on behalf of Friends of Cape Breton Midwifery, with 229 signatures, calling for legislation to allow midwives to practice in hospitals, have open catchment, and give patients birthing choices.
Progress Report on French-language Services
Hon. C. LeBlanc
The Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie tabled the Progress Report on French-language Services Provided by the Government of Nova Scotia 2024-2025.
Resolution No. 394 - Women in Construction Week
Hon. N. Young
The Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration moved recognition of March 1-7 as Women in Construction Week, citing women's contributions to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project; passed without debate.
Resolution No. 395 - Support for military action taken in Iran
Hon. B. Adams
The Minister responsible for Military Relations moved a resolution standing in solidarity with the people of Iran regarding recent military action; waiver was denied after several Noes and the notice was tabled.
Introduction of Bills 224, 225, 226, 227
Multiple
Four bills were introduced: Bill 224 (Increasing Grocer Competition Act) by K. Gallagher, Bill 225 (Rapid Transit Infrastructure Fund Act) by Hon. I. Rankin, Bill 226 (Strengthening Consumer Protection Act) by S. Leblanc, and Bill 227 (Supporting Local Craft Brewers Act) by K. Gallagher.
Resolution No. 396 - Child poverty and youth program funding cuts
L. Hamid
Lina Hamid gave notice of a motion to debate the immediate establishment of a child and youth advocate office, citing Nova Scotia's high child-poverty rate and $9 million in cuts to youth programs; waiver was denied after several Noes and the notice was tabled.
Speaker's remarks on inaudible Noes
The Speaker
The Speaker asked members to be louder when objecting to motions during Notices of Motion, noting that quiet Noes could have allowed items to pass unintentionally.
This is Tabled's summary of the sitting, written from the official record; Hansard is only ever quoted at the link above. Search Nova Scotia Hansard for the words themselves, or read this sitting in the archive.