Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Monday 9 March 2026
On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings including petitions to reverse arts, culture and heritage funding cuts, a committee report on private and local bills, tabling of documents, introduction of four bills, and a series of member statements recognizing local residents and organizations and urging reversal of budget cuts. The House spent most of the sitting on second reading of Bill No. 212, An Act Respecting Administrative Measures for Housing, with opposition members criticizing the ministerial powers to override municipal planning, expand urban boundaries, and download infrastructure costs; the bill passed a recorded vote (36-13) and was referred to the Standing Committee on Public Bills. The House then approved extended sitting hours and took up second reading of Bill No. 198, the Financial Measures (2026) Act, where opposition members criticized the omnibus bill and moved a hoist amendment, debating provisions on taxation, Crown lands, tolls, and cuts to public services and vulnerable populations. Debate on Bill No. 198 was adjourned, the House resolved into Committee of the Whole where Bill No. 186 (Support for Fire Protection Services Act) was reported without amendments, notices of motion were entered, and the House rose late in the evening.
Members' Statements
International Women's Day recognition
Hon. S. Corkum-Greek
Susan Corkum-Greek recognized International Women's Day (March 8), celebrating women's leadership across health care, trades, sciences, business, fisheries, and public service throughout Nova Scotia.
Introduction and recognition of ACE Team
R. Wilson
Rod Wilson introduced members of the ACE Team of NS (Advocates for the Care of the Elderly) in the gallery and recognized their advocacy for seniors in long-term care and their role holding government accountable.
Recognition of artists Koumbie and Taylor Olson
Hon. I. Rankin
Iain Rankin recognized artists Koumbie and Taylor Olson, highlighting their careers made possible through arts funding programs now threatened by cuts, and urged the House to consider the impact of arts funding cuts.
Recognition/introduction of Karen Barclay for 25 years of constituency work
Hon. T. Rushton
Tory Rushton introduced constituency assistants Karen Barclay and Wanda Nicholson and thanked Karen for 25 years of service in his Cumberland South constituency office.
Recognition of Dr. Ismail and Fatima Cajee
K. Gallagher
Krista Gallagher recognized Dr. Ismail Cajee, an emergency physician, and Fatima Cajee, a human rights advocate, for their community contributions and their recent Ummah Mosque award.
Cape Breton communities affected by budget cuts
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Derek Mombourquette described the impacts of the proposed budget across Cape Breton, warning of devastation to tourism, arts, culture, museums, theatres and adult day centres, and urged the government to reconsider.
Congratulations to Rita Caissie
Hon. B. Druhan
Becky Druhan congratulated Rita Caissie, plant manager at Michelin's Bridgewater facility, named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in Atlantic Canada.
Recognition of pharmacist Adam Somers
Hon. T. Halman
Timothy Halman recognized Adam Somers, co-owner of Westphal PharmaChoice in Dartmouth East, for his community care, expanded pharmacy scope of practice work, and generosity supporting local seniors.
Congratulations to Scotia Square custodial staff
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney congratulated Scotia Square custodial staff for securing a new contract preserving their collective agreement, noting the vulnerability of janitorial workers due to Nova Scotia's lack of successorship rights.
Bridge Adult Service Centre and disability day program cuts
E. Smith-McCrossin
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin spoke about the impact of budget cuts to disability day programs, including the Bridge Adult Service Centre in Amherst, and asked government to change direction on these cuts.
Recognition of psychotherapist Jan Morrison
Hon. I. Rankin
Iain Rankin recognized Prospect psychotherapist Jan Morrison for nearly 40 years of work and connected healing to arts and culture programs supported by government funding.
Congratulations to Missy Searl
Hon. B. Adams
Barbara Adams congratulated Eastern Passage resident Missy Searl, named Business Leader of the Year for her Period Equity Alliance Society addressing period poverty.
Recognition of fibre artist Gwen Mader
Hon. B. Druhan
Becky Druhan recognized Pentz fibre artist and needle felter Gwen Mader for her craftsmanship, self-taught practice, and contributions to the local arts community.
Endometriosis Awareness Month recognition
S. Hansen
Suzy Hansen recognized March as Endometriosis Awareness Month with the theme 'Endometriosis Doesn't Wait,' urging year-round understanding of the chronic disease.
Recognition of community leader Ramona Scott
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Derek Mombourquette recognized Ramona Scott of Plymouth, Yarmouth County, for decades of volunteer work and her leadership restoring the Plymouth Community Hall.
Healing wishes for Gregory Evans
D. Timmins
Dianne Timmins recognized Gregory Evans, who has battled hidradenitis suppurativa through nine surgeries, and sent healing wishes as he awaits further surgery at the Halifax Infirmary.
Disability Support Program cuts
K. Coombes
Kendra Coombes described numerous constituent contacts over the weekend regarding cuts to the Disability Support Program and asked government to reverse the cuts affecting people with disabilities and their caregivers.
Community transportation funding cuts
E. Smith-McCrossin
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin warned that cuts to community transportation funding will harm seniors, persons with disabilities, and rural residents who rely on such services for essential access.
Recognition of Cole Harbour Candle Co.
Hon. T. Grosse
Twila Grosse recognized Cole Harbour Candle Co., founded by Lauren Gerow in 2020, now run by her mother Adrienne, crafting hand-poured soy candles shipped across Canada and internationally.
Brain Repair Centre research institute (Part 1)
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance recognized the work of the Brain Repair Centre at Dalhousie University and lamented the cut to all provincial funding, noting its role in leveraging research funds and inspiring students in science careers.
Tribute to Agnes Madeline Potter
Hon. J. Balser
Jill Balser paid tribute to Agnes Madeline Potter of Bear River First Nation, a Mi'kmaw spiritual Elder and Indigenous rights advocate who received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, who passed away in March 2025 at age 85.
Recognition of Hojo's Japanese Cuisine
S. Leblanc
Susan Leblanc recognized the opening of Hojo's Japanese Cuisine in Dartmouth North's Wise Road food district, welcoming Yuichi Hojo's authentic Japanese restaurant.
Recognition of Circles of Grief
R. Robicheau
Ryan Robicheau recognized Circles of Grief, a volunteer-led grief support group in Clare, and thanked its volunteers for the comfort they provide to those coping with loss.
Family resource centres crisis centre cuts
L. Hamid
Lina Hamid highlighted the vital role of family resource centres, noting stagnant funding since 2021 and now cuts that could force closures, and called on government to reverse the cuts.
Recognition of Guysborough-Antigonish Journal
Hon. G. Morrow
Greg Morrow congratulated the Guysborough Journal on its rebranding as the Guysborough-Antigonish Journal, commending its role in local journalism since 1994.
Recognition of FluffyCat Books
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney welcomed FluffyCat Books, a new used bookstore on Sackville Drive owned by long-time resident Sophia.
Recognition of United Way of Colchester Soup Fest
Hon. D. Ritcey
Dave Ritcey recognized the United Way of Colchester's annual Soup Fest fundraiser and welcomed Shelly DeViller as the new executive director.
United Way and tribute to former Executive Director Sarah McCurdy
Unknown
A member thanked former Executive Director Sarah McCurdy for her leadership and noted the United Way's continued positive impact in the community.
Celtic Colours funding cut
Kendra Coombes
The member criticized the government for cuts to Cape Breton tourism, including closed visitor centres, Cossit House Museum, and a 20 percent reduction to the Celtic Colours operating grant, noting the festival brings $18 million to the local economy.
Recognition of Heather Knight Clothing and Gifts
David Bowlby
The member recognized Heather Knight, owner of a Nova Scotia–themed clothing and gifts business in Springfield, for her entrepreneurial courage in building a rural business celebrating provincial heritage.
Brain Repair Centre research recognition
Lisa Lachance
The member highlighted the Brain Repair Centre at Dalhousie University, criticized cuts to its provincial funding, and stressed its role in leveraging research funding and supporting commercialization work on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and collagen fibre.
Recognition of Talay Thai restaurant
Brad McGowan
The member recognized Talay Thai, an award-winning Thai restaurant in Cole Harbour run by Niem and Jimmy Dao for 15 years, for its food and welcoming environment.
Ward 5 Neighbourhood Centre recognition
Suzy Hansen
The member recognized the Ward 5 Neighbourhood Centre in north-end Halifax and expressed disappointment over a 100 percent cut to its provincial funding through OSD, urging the government to stop cuts to community organizations.
Bedford United Church wellness fund recipient
Tim Outhit
The member congratulated Bedford United Church for receiving the 2025 Cobequid Community Health Board Wellness Fund Grant for its free community meal program addressing food insecurity and social isolation.
Solidarity with CUPE 3912 NSCAD strike
Susan LeBlanc
The member expressed solidarity with striking CUPE 3912 members at NSCAD University, sharing her own experience as a part-time academic worker and speaking against budget cuts.
Tribute to Lydia Helen Fortune
John White
The member paid tribute to the late Lydia Helen Fortune of Dominion, honouring her as a devoted mother and grandmother who served her community and chose organ donation in her passing.
Recognition of Cicely LeBlanc, Goalie of the Month
Brian Wong
The member congratulated Beaver Bank goaltender Cicely LeBlanc for being named Goalie of the Month for December in the Maritime Major U18 female hockey league, noting her 3-0 record and .960 save percentage.
Congratulations on U15A soccer championship
Dave Ritcey
The member congratulated his daughter Alex and the CC Riders U15A soccer team on winning a Nova Scotia Soccer League provincial championship in a shootout.
Routine Proceedings
Petition to reverse Arts, Culture and Heritage funding cuts
S. Hansen
Suzy Hansen tabled a petition of 543 signatures calling on the government to reverse the decision to cut funding from Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Arts NS in the 2026 budget, citing the sector's economic and social contributions.
Petition to reverse Arts, Culture and Heritage funding cuts
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Derek Mombourquette tabled a petition of approximately 105 signatures from Nova Scotians across the province calling to reverse the funding cuts to Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage in the 2026 budget.
Petition to reverse Arts, Culture and Heritage funding cuts
Hon. B. Druhan
Becky Druhan tabled petitions totalling 636 signatures calling to reverse the cuts to Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage in the 2026 budget.
Report of Committee on Private and Local Bills
Hon. B. Wong
Brian Wong, as Chair, reported that the Committee on Private and Local Bills considered Bill No. 190 (church incorporation/consolidation) and Bill No. 204 (Kentville industrial/commercial taxation), recommending both to the House without amendment; they were referred to Committee of the Whole.
Tabling of constituent letters on community transportation
E. Smith-McCrossin
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin tabled two letters received from constituents related to her member statement.
Tabling of housing vacancy rate document
Hon. J. White
John White tabled a document related to the affordable housing vacancy rate (Vacancy Rates by Rent Quartile).
Introduction of Bills
Multiple
Four bills were introduced and ordered read a second time on a future day: Bill No. 237 Emergency Department Accountability Act (Rod Wilson), Bill No. 238 Seniors' Hearing Care Act (Lina Hamid), Bill No. 239 Gender-based Violence Prevention Act (Susan Leblanc), and Bill No. 240 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee Act (Lisa Lachance).
Request to revert to Government Notices of Motion
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The Government House Leader sought unanimous consent to revert to Government Notices of Motion after arriving late, but consent was denied following several Noes.
Resolution No. 406 — Remembrance of Nolan Gerald Delaney Allen
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Notice of a resolution honouring Nolan Gerald Delaney Allen of Windsor, who passed away at 18 after a battle with cancer, and extending condolences to his family.
Resolution No. 407 — Donkin Memories Facebook Group
Derek Mombourquette
Notice of a resolution recognizing Robert MacDougall for organizing the Donkin Memories Facebook Group, which memorializes local miners, hockey players, and war veterans of the Donkin area.
Resolutions Nos. 408–418 — Cole Harbour Rockets gold medal players
Susan Leblanc
A series of notices of resolutions congratulating the Cole Harbour Rockets, coached by Tara Lawrence, for winning their February 15, 2026 gold medal game, recognizing individual players including Blake Snow, Damien MacLeod, Darius MacLeod, John Handerek, Jonah McKenna, Kairo McKenna, Lorenzo DePetris, Makel Norrie-Brown, Marcus Barreiro, R Allan, and Tye Lawrence.
Orders of the Day
Bill No. 212 – An Act Respecting Administrative Measures for Housing, second reading (call and opposition to bill)
Multiple
The Government House Leader called Public Bills for Second Reading and Bill No. 212. Lina Hamid argued at length that the bill gives the minister sweeping powers to override municipal planning, force urban boundary expansion, order costly water/wastewater/stormwater infrastructure, and unilaterally decide cost-sharing, while doing nothing for housing affordability given cuts to the GRID program; she raised concerns about affordability ratios, rent control, and fixed-term leases.
Bill No. 212 debate – questions on rationale and costs
Krista Gallagher
The member questioned why the bill is needed, arguing it strips powers from municipal government and could drive up property taxes and infrastructure maintenance costs, asked whether the government consulted the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, and called for collaboration rather than the centralized approach.
Bill No. 212 debate – pattern of centralizing power
Susan LeBlanc
The member argued the bill is one of many transferring municipal authority to the province in the name of solving the housing crisis, called it a power grab or 'bait and switch,' noted the crisis persists after five years, and criticized giving the unelected Housing Minister decision-making power over HRM.
Bill No. 212 - HRM municipal/housing powers (second reading)
Susan LeBlanc
LeBlanc argued the bill gives the Minister sweeping powers to override HRM planning, expand urban boundaries, order Halifax Water to build infrastructure and unilaterally decide who pays, which she characterized as forcing municipalities to raise taxes while the province claims it isn't raising taxes. She criticized the nebulous definition of 'affordable,' called for real rent control tied to units, closing the fixed-term lease loophole, and warned about sprawl costs, elimination of the GRID infrastructure program, land speculation, and job losses in the Financial Measures Act.
Bill No. 212 - HRM municipal/housing powers (second reading)
Rod Wilson
Wilson summarized the bill's five main provisions and questioned their basis and lack of consultation, warning 'be careful what you ask for.' He raised concerns about missing infrastructure considerations beyond water and sewage—transportation, education, health care and adequate/safe water supply—the elimination of the $15 million GRID program, absence of a master plan tied to population growth, and the risk of investing all authority in a single 'minister of the day' who may not always be reasonable.
Order in the House and Chamber conduct
The Speaker
The Speaker required the member for Dartmouth North to retract the words 'sly' and 'sneaky' as unparliamentary, and repeatedly called for order regarding noise, and warned against taking pictures, making noise or crawling over benches in the gallery.
Second reading of Bill No. 212 - concerns over consultation and centralized authority
Unknown
A member with a medical background criticized Bill No. 212, arguing it centralizes authority in one person without adequate data, cost projections, or consultation, comparing it to an 'emperor with no clothes' and questioning who will pay for future infrastructure. The member urged government to revisit the bill, warned that authority brings responsibility and accountability, and cited the Beechville fire infrastructure example as evidence of poor planning.
Second reading of Bill No. 212 - Cumberland North clause-by-clause analysis
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North spoke on Bill No. 212, sharing appalling housing stories from her constituency and pleading for more rural housing initiatives, while questioning why there is no Department of Housing. She walked through the five statutes amended by the omnibus bill (Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, Housing in the HRM Act, Housing Supply and Services Act, Municipal Government Act, and Short-Term Rentals Registration Act), highlighting mandatory councillor orientation training, expanded ministerial powers including commissioner powers under the Public Inquiries Act, urban service area boundary changes, and the making of the housing advisory board optional.
Second reading of Bill No. 212 - governance, cost-sharing and transparency concerns
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Continuing, the member expressed concern that Bill No. 212 gives the Minister of Housing power to order HRM or Halifax Water to build infrastructure and decide cost apportionment, potentially downloading costs onto municipal taxpayers and utility ratepayers, and questioned what defines 'provincial interest' and whether appeal or transparency mechanisms exist. She argued the bill fits a broader government trend of centralizing power and weakening independent boards, citing the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Act, Invest Nova Scotia Act, Build Nova Scotia Act, Municipal Finance Corporation Dissolution Act, Financial Measures Act, and Bill No. 329, and called for a consultative, accountable approach that includes rural Nova Scotia.
Bill No. 212 – Housing legislation (conclusion of second reading debate)
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member concluded her debate remarks, raising concerns about housing office centralization forcing residents to MLA offices/libraries to send rental subsidy documents, and about loss of municipal autonomy and community input in governance, urging consultation with municipalities.
Bill No. 212 – Recorded vote on second reading
The Speaker
Following a recorded vote of 36 yeas to 13 nays, the motion for second reading carried and the bill was ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Public Bills.
Motion to change sitting hours for Tuesday, March 10
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
The Deputy Government House Leader moved under Rule 5C to change Tuesday's hours to 11:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.; after a recorded vote of 38 yeas to 10 nays, the motion carried.
Bill No. 198 – Financial Measures (2026) Act, second reading (minister's introduction)
Hon. John Lohr
The Minister of Finance moved second reading, outlining measures including new EV ($500) and hybrid ($250) biannual levies, an increase in the Financial Institutions Capital Tax from 4% to 6%, harmonized vaping tax, forestry/mineral/Crown lands changes, dissolution of the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission, casino permit exemptions, and other efficiency measures, noting further easement amendments would come at Committee of the Whole.
Bill No. 198 – Opposition debate and amendment to withdraw
Lisa Lachance
The member criticized the government's fiscal management, out-of-budget spending, deficits and credit downgrade, and objected to the omnibus bill hiding natural resources, agriculture, easement, mineral, forestry and provincial parks policy changes without consultation; she moved an amendment that the bill be not now read a second time but withdrawn and the order discharged.
Bill No. 198 – Debate on amendment to withdraw
Kendra Coombes
The member confirmed she was speaking to her colleague's amendment, explaining they consider the bill so bad it should be removed from second reading and taken off the order paper, and began enumerating problems with the FMA.
Hoist motion on the Financial Measures Act - critique of budget cuts
Kendra Coombes
Coombes argued the budget makes life more expensive for Nova Scotians and cuts programs relied on by vulnerable populations, including day programs for people with disabilities, mental health care, early childhood education, income assistance dental programs, and Domestic Violence Courts, while padding backbench salaries and ministerial budgets. She cited a CCPA news release warning that planned 5% civil service and 3% broader public sector cuts each year will not create prosperity.
FMA - Community Easements Act amendments (Clause 52)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes objected to amendments allowing the Supreme Court to terminate community/conservation easements on grounds of undefined 'severe hardship' and removing notice to eligible organizations (municipalities, First Nations, non-profits) when an easement holder ceases to exist, speculating it may relate to allowing development on protected lands such as Dartmouth Cove infilling.
FMA - Crown Lands Act and forestry licensing amendments (Clauses 56-58)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes questioned granting the Minister of Natural Resources power to issue or renew timber and resource licences for up to five years without Governor in Council approval, and raised concerns about a new provision allowing conservation officers or others to impound vehicles on Crown land, suggesting it targets protesters against clear-cutting.
FMA - Department of Natural Resources restructuring concerns
Kendra Coombes
Coombes read constituent letters expressing concern that cuts and restructuring at DNR shift its mandate away from stewardship toward accelerated resource extraction, weakening wildlife science, oversight, and public accountability.
FMA - Forests Act woodlot taxation (Part V)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes criticized provisions that would tax woodlot owners who conserve rather than actively cut their land, arguing this punishes conservation and good environmental stewardship and contradicts the province's mandate to protect land by 2030.
FMA - Electric vehicle levy
Kendra Coombes
Coombes attacked a $500 biannual levy on electric vehicles as a hidden tax contradicting the government's 'no new taxes' claim, noting it penalizes owners of cleaner vehicles, does not track actual road use, may apply to hybrid models, and discourages EV adoption at a time when federal government incentivizes it.
FMA - Land transfer tax casino exemption and non-resident deed transfer tax (Clauses 99-101)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes criticized exempting casinos (linked to Great Canadian Entertainment's Halifax casino relocation to Dartmouth Crossing) from land transfer taxes and municipal planning powers, and raised concerns about the vaguely-worded non-resident deed transfer tax provisions, penalties, and reliance on regulations to define exemptions.
FMA - Provincial Parks Act fees and vehicle impoundment
Kendra Coombes
Coombes noted that fee provisions in the Provincial Parks Act are not limited to campgrounds in the legislation despite the minister's assurances, raising concern about potential park entrance fees, and again questioned whether vehicle impoundment powers target homeless people or protesters. She closed noting she did not reach concerns about gypsum and mineral rights on private land.
Hoist motion on the FMA - fiscal management and Halifax bridge tolls
Derek Mombourquette
Mombourquette supported returning the FMA for revision, arguing the government inherited a $350-million surplus and $16.5-billion debt but now faces a $1.2-billion deficit and $27.9-billion net debt. He focused heavily on the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission Act, criticizing the removal of $40 million in annual bridge toll revenue, the $300 million added to the books, written-off equipment, and the loss of Canada Infrastructure Bank eligibility for replacing the aging MacKay Bridge.
Hoist motion on the FMA - long-term planning and program cuts
Derek Mombourquette
Mombourquette argued the government's financial mismanagement resulted in the largest deficit in provincial history, listing cuts to art centres, Mi'kmaw and African Nova Scotian education, adult day centres, and programs for women and seniors. He defended prior long-term investments in child care, pre-Primary, and hospital redevelopment, and expressed concern the Glace Bay hospital expansion may not proceed.
Debate on Bill No. 198, Financial Measures (2026) Act (hoist motion)
Derek Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou spoke at length in support of a hoist motion to send the FMA back, arguing the budget disproportionately harms vulnerable Nova Scotians, arts and culture organizations, theatres, museums, and adult training centres, and asserting government MLAs were not fully informed about the budget's contents. He urged the government to take a sober second look and reverse cuts to some 287 programs worth over $130 million.
Adjournment of debate on Bill No. 198
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
The Deputy Government House Leader moved to adjourn debate on Bill No. 198, Financial Measures (2026) Act, and the motion was carried.
Committee of the Whole House on Bills — Bill No. 186
The Speaker
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole on Bills, which considered Bill No. 186, Support for Fire Protection Services Act, without amendments; the bill was ordered read a third time on a future day.
Adjournment of the House
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
The Deputy Government House Leader concluded government business and moved that the House rise to meet again Tuesday, March 10, outlining tomorrow's business including Supply, second reading of Bill No. 198, and Committee of the Whole on Bills for Bill Nos. 196, 193, 201, and 187. The motion carried and the House rose at 11:20 p.m.
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.