Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Wednesday 11 March 2026
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings largely dominated by opposition to the 2026 austerity budget, particularly cuts to arts, culture, heritage, caregivers, African Nova Scotian and Indigenous programs, recreation, and education. Members presented petitions, tabled constituent letters opposing budget cuts, introduced two bills, and moved several notices of motion, including one referring the Minister of Emergency Management to the Conflict of Interest Commissioner. Extended Members' Statements and a Question Period-style exchange saw the Premier and ministers defending the controversial (and partially reversed) cuts while opposition members pressed on transparency and specific constituent cases. The sitting also included numerous notices of resolutions and motions recognizing community volunteers, organizations, and individuals for their contributions.
Members' Statements
Recognition of mother and future in-laws
Hon. K. Smith
Introduced and recognized his mother Bev, a retired teacher, and future in-laws Hal and Mary Eliza Humphries, retired bankers and community volunteers, thanking them for their contributions to his family.
Congratulations to N.S. Federation of Labour President Melissa Marsman
P. Wozney
Congratulated Melissa Marsman on being acclaimed as the first woman and first person of colour to serve as President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.
Recognition of Christina Schaump and inadequate health care
E. Smith-McCrossin
Read a statement about constituent Christina Schaump, whose complex illness (a cerebral spinal fluid leak) was denied MSI coverage, forcing her to spend over $74,000 out of pocket seeking care in the U.S.
Recognition of local artist Lynette Richards
Hon. I. Rankin
Recognized stained-glass artist and author Lynette Richards and urged the government to reverse cuts to arts, culture, publishing, and heritage grant programs.
Thanks to Pastor Greg Nicholson, Halifax Christian Church
A. Fadare
Recognized Pastor Greg Nicholson's more than three decades of leadership at Halifax Christian Church and its community initiatives, along with co-pastor Jim Stevenson.
Constituent letter opposing austerity budget
S. Leblanc
Read a letter from constituent Daniel Peters, PhD, condemning the government's pursuit of austerity and cuts to arts and culture as catastrophic economic policy.
Recognition of NSCC students and staff over budget cuts
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Recognized NSCC faculty, students, and staff gathering across the province in concern over more than $9 million in budget cuts to the college.
Congratulations to Marlee Smith, Brain Injury Association of N.S.
T. Outhit
Introduced and congratulated Marlee Smith of the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia for her recognition on National Staff Appreciation Day and her support work for brain injury survivors.
Recognition of The QCreative Network and 2SLGBTQIA+ budget concerns
L. Lachance
Recognized The QCreative, a non-profit for 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, and relayed their concerns that approximately $14 million in cuts would dismantle infrastructure, eliminate jobs, and harm queer and trans Nova Scotians.
Recognition of Women's World Curling Champs / Grand Slam of Curling in Sydney
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Recognized that Sydney will host the Grand Slam of Curling in November 2026 and praised CBRM staff and volunteers for bringing world-class events to the community.
Birthday wishes to wife Starla
R. Burns
Recognized his wife Starla's birthday, praising her role as his EDA president, mother, and recent MBA graduate. The Speaker added birthday wishes to her own son Logan.
Letter about rural cultural cuts (Part 1)
K. Coombes
Read a letter from Keltie MacNeill of Kings South, an NSCAD graduate, expressing enrage over budget cuts to Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and to conservation and social programs.
Recognition of CANU educational programs
E. Smith-McCrossin
Recognized CANU (Cumberland Adult Network for Upgrading) and its executive director Donna Farrell, opposing budget cuts affecting the literacy and life skills non-profit.
Thanks to community members reaching out
Hon. B. Maguire
Thanked numerous constituents who reached out about their experiences over recent days, framing course correction and apology as leadership.
Support for Shoulder to Shoulder to Shoulder Rally against austerity budget
S. Hansen
Highlighted constituent concerns and a rally opposing the austerity budget's cuts to arts, culture, and heritage, urging members to vote no on the budget.
Recognition of Kingston Fire Banquet
C. Palmer
Recognized the annual Kingston Fire Banquet, congratulated Long Service Award winners and Chief Troy Bruce, and noted the department's youth firefighter program.
Emails from community on disastrous consequences of cuts
Hon. B. Druhan
Read excerpts from letters by artist Stephanie Yee and filmmaker Joe Bender condemning the austerity budget and urging members to vote no.
Support for N.S. students' walk-out protest
L. Hamid
Expressed solidarity with students who walked out of classrooms to oppose the budget, listing their demands including restoring the student transit pass and protecting arts and culture.
Recognition of Kidzact 5th Annual Dancing with the Stars
Hon. C. LeBlanc
Congratulated the non-profit dance group Kidzact on its 5th annual Dancing with the Stars sold-out event featuring local celebrity partners.
Support for N.S. students protesting against cuts
P. Wozney
Recognized students across the province protesting the budget, emphasizing youth as citizens with rights and voices that deserve serious consideration.
Congratulations on retirement of Lawrence Shebib
Hon. F. Tilley
Recognized and congratulated Lawrence Shebib on his retirement from the North Sydney Food Bank, praising his years of compassionate community service.
Recognition of artist Vanessa Iafolla's exhibition
S. Leblanc
Congratulated Dartmouth North artist Vanessa Iafolla on her thesis exhibition 'It Is What It Is' at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, exploring grief following her brother's death.
Congratulations to Vanessa on MFA and art exhibition
Unknown
A member congratulated Vanessa on completing her MFA and reflected on her artist talk about grieving and the power of art to communicate shared experiences.
Tribute to Frankie MacInnis
Hon. Trevor Boudreau
The member for Richmond paid tribute to the late Frankie MacInnis, a well-known Cape Breton horseman, educator, coach and musician who co-founded the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association, and offered condolences to his family.
Dr. Farah Kapur letter on arts and culture cuts
Lisa Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island read a tabled letter from family physician Dr. Farah Kapur urging government to reconsider cuts to arts, culture and heritage, citing their importance to health and wellbeing.
Mira Ferry Market local business recognition
Hon. Brian Comer
The member for Cape Breton East congratulated Michelle and John D. Balcom on purchasing and improving the Mira Ferry Market in Albert Bridge, including renovations to Missy's Diner and a new café.
Letter on rural cultural cuts, part 2
Kendra Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier continued reading Keltie McNeill's letter describing how arts and marketing work built a wine tourism industry and generated economic benefits across the province.
Acadia Axemen AUS basketball championship
Julie Vanexan
The member for Kings South congratulated the Acadia Axemen basketball team on winning the AUS Men's Basketball Championship, their first conference title since 2012.
Government cuts - voters remember
Suzy Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham argued the lasting impact of government cuts lies in the emotions they evoke and that the impression will last a lifetime.
Congratulations to daughter Rachel on veterinary practice
Chris Palmer
The member for Kings West celebrated his daughter Rachel starting her veterinary practice in Ontario, noting her longtime dream to be a large animal vet.
Routine Proceedings
Petition to reverse arts, culture, and heritage funding cuts
S. Hansen
Presented a petition with 70 signatures calling on the government to reverse the decision to cut funding from Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage in the 2026 Budget, citing the sector's economic and social contributions.
Petition to expand Cobequid Community Health Centre capacity
P. Wozney
Presented a petition with 250 signatures calling on the government to immediately expand capacity at the Cobequid Community Health Centre facing record overcapacity.
Tabling of documents re budget cuts
Multiple
Several members tabled documents including a petition signed by 1,098 Nova Scotians (I. Rankin), constituent letters and emails opposing budget cuts (S. Leblanc, K. Coombes, B. Druhan, L. Lachance, S. Hansen, P. Wozney, L. Hamid), and consent forms and an MSI denial letter (E. Smith-McCrossin).
Introduction re Project Hammertime and RCMP recognition (Resolution No. 426)
Hon. S. Armstrong
Introduced RCMP officers, fisheries and conservation officers involved in the 13-month Project Hammertime investigation and moved a resolution commending their service, which passed by waiver without debate.
National Emergency Management Awards recognition (Resolution No. 427)
Hon. K. Masland
Moved a resolution recognizing Nova Scotia's emergency management experts and encouraging nominations for national Emergency Management Exemplary Service Awards, which passed by waiver without debate.
Introduction of Bills No. 242 and No. 243
Hon. I. Rankin
Introduced Bill No. 242, An Act to Establish a Small Business Commissioner and Improve Fairness in Business Disputes and Commercial Tenancy, and Bill No. 243, An Act to Establish a Construction Mitigation Fund for Businesses, both ordered for second reading on a future day.
Notice of Motion re Conflict of Interest referral (Resolution No. 428)
Hon. B. Druhan
Moved to refer the Minister of Emergency Management to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, alleging her department's fire department funding was used for partisan political purposes; waiver was denied and the notice was tabled.
Notice of Motion re public debate on revised Estimates (Resolution No. 429)
Hon. I. Rankin
Moved that amended spending resolutions in Committee on Supply be considered for four additional hours and certain Rules be suspended; waiver was denied and the notice was tabled.
Resolution No. 430 - thanks to Donald Carney
Krista Gallagher
The member for Halifax Chebucto gave notice of a resolution thanking volunteer Donald "Don" Carney for his generosity of time and commitment to community.
Resolution No. 431 - recognition of Jim Houston
Krista Gallagher
The member for Halifax Chebucto gave notice of a resolution recognizing James "Jim" Houston, longtime treasurer of the Halifax Chebucto Electoral District Association, for his dedication and care.
Resolution No. 432 - Thanks to Suzanne MacNeil
Krista Gallagher
Notice was given of a resolution to have the House express heartfelt gratitude to Suzanne MacNeil for her dedicated leadership as president of the Halifax Chebucto Electoral District Association during a period of transition, and to wish her success in her new chapter.
Resolution thanking James Houston
Unknown
A resolution called on all members to offer sincere thanks to James Houston for his ongoing commitment and quiet but invaluable contribution to their shared work.
Orders of the Day
Transparency over budget decisions
Claudia Chender
The Leader of the Official Opposition pressed the Premier on who is making budget decisions and why government created chaos, while the Premier said government takes responsibility, acknowledges mistakes, and got "too clinical and a little less human" during the process.
Out-of-budget spending and deficit
Hon. Iain Rankin
The Leader of the Liberal Party questioned the Premier on over-budget spending, the growing $1.2-billion deficit and proposed cuts in future years; the Premier defended additional appropriations for health care and housing and expressed confidence in future revenue growth.
Caregiver Benefit program cuts
Claudia Chender
Chender pressed the Premier on cuts to the Caregiver Benefit (frozen at about $400/month for 16 years) and asked whether it would be doubled; the Premier said the benefit was never under threat and cited fiscal limits.
Arts and culture cuts and their impact on newcomers
Claudia Chender
Chender raised the case of artist Andrew Stauffer, who no longer sees a future in Nova Scotia due to arts cuts; the Premier touted a $66-million arts investment and, after being corrected by the Speaker for addressing people outside the Chamber, said he'd welcome newcomers.
MSI out-of-province care reimbursement
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North raised Christina Schaump's case involving $74,000 in unreimbursed U.S. medical expenses for a CSF leak; Minister Michelle Thompson explained the out-of-province claim protocol and the need to contact the department in advance.
African Nova Scotian Affairs budget cuts
Suzy Hansen
Hansen questioned the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs on which cuts would not be rolled back; Minister Twila Grosse listed reversed cuts (scholarships, grants, Black social workers) and said she would attend Estimates in time.
Chaos and lack of trust in government
Lina Hamid
The member for Fairview-Clayton Park pressed Minister Barbara Adams on the admitted chaos and restoration of organization funding; Adams said she has been calling organizations and highlighted the department's $1.8-billion investment.
Safeguards for cannabis enforcement officers
Hon. Becky Druhan
Druhan questioned safeguards protecting enforcement officers under Bill No. 200 from political interference; Minister Scott Armstrong discussed peace officers, layered policing from the Mass Casualty Commission review, and Operation Hammertime.
Importance of arts and reversing cuts
Susan Leblanc
The member for Dartmouth North urged the Premier to reverse arts and culture cuts, noting the Cumberland South MLA had reportedly pledged to fight the cuts; the Premier defended the $66-million investment and praised his caucus.
Public school job losses
Paul Wozney
The member for Sackville-Cobequid raised proposed 3 percent cuts costing hundreds of school jobs and school violence incidents; Minister Brendan Maguire said the budget is up $115 million with no front-line cuts and cited safe school programs.
L'nu Affairs involvement in department cuts
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou asked the Minister responsible for L'nu Affairs to clarify her role and table a full list of affected Indigenous programs; Minister Leah Martin cited tripled Mi'kmaw investments and listed continuing programs.
Active Communities Fund cuts
Krista Gallagher
The member for Halifax Chebucto called on the minister to reverse cuts to recreation programs and centres; Minister Dave Ritcey cited more than $10 million invested in sport and recreation and the Kehoe Forum women's hockey rink.
Victoria General power outage and care reliability
Rod Wilson
The member for Halifax Armdale raised the VG operating room closures due to power failure and asked for a plan; Minister Michelle Thompson pointed to the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project and defended NSHA business continuity planning.
Maggie's Place funding cuts
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North asked for restoration of cuts affecting Maggie's Place programs in Cumberland-Colchester; Minister Michelle Thompson highlighted public health investments and continued work with organizations like Maggie's Place.
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.