Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Friday 13 March 2026
On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly opened with the tabling of numerous constituent letters and emails opposing budget cuts to arts and culture and the student transit program, and passed without debate two government resolutions recognizing wildfire structure-protection efforts and the forestry sector. Members delivered a lengthy series of statements, including tributes to deceased community members, congratulations to local businesses, students, athletes, organizations, and community leaders, awareness statements on issues such as the Sudan crisis and racism, personal milestone recognitions, March Break wishes to students and staff, and repeated Opposition calls to reverse the government's budget cuts. Under Routine Proceedings, notice was given of a resolution congratulating the Charitable Irish Society of Halifax on its 240th anniversary and St. Patrick's Day.
Members' Statements
Tribute to Frankie MacInnis
K. MacQuarrie
Kyle MacQuarrie paid tribute to the late Frankie MacInnis of Inverness County, remembered for his love of people, sports, harness racing, hockey, and Cape Breton music.
Bicentennial School students on bus pass program
C. Chender
Claudia Chender recognized Bicentennial School students who wrote about the student bus pass program, sharing quotes and asking the House to thank them for speaking out against cutting the program.
Recognition of artist Nicholas Overton
Hon. I. Rankin
Iain Rankin recognized Nicholas Overton, an artist living with a disability who draws birds in pen and ink and participates in the Halifax festival organized by Independent Living Nova Scotia.
Tribute to Bruce Hubbard
Hon. C. LeBlanc
Colton LeBlanc paid tribute to Bruce Hubbard of Argyle, a custodian, volunteer firefighter, municipal councillor, and deacon who died March 9 at age 75.
Tribute to Dr. Paul J. van Boxel
E. Smith-McCrossin
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin honoured the late Dr. Paul van Boxel, a surgeon and mentor who died February 23 at age 86 and played a key role in Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.
Social Work Month recognition
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance recognized March as Social Work Month and the centenary of the Canadian Association of Social Workers, asking the House to honour social workers.
Support for Breanna Beazley Nickerson and Prescott Group
Hon. I. Rankin
Iain Rankin recognized Breanna Beazley Nickerson, who lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, and urged continued stable, long-term funding for the Prescott Group and Club Inclusion.
Recognition of Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms
T. Taggart
Tom Taggart congratulated Jason Giffin and Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms of Colchester North on its growth to a new 37,000-square-foot facility in Debert.
Recognition of Wile Carding Mill
Hon. B. Druhan
Becky Druhan recognized the historic Wile Carding Mill museum in Bridgewater and criticized its removal from the government website, urging members to vote against the Appropriations Act.
Recognition of author Briana Corr Scott
S. Leblanc
Susan Leblanc congratulated Dartmouth author-illustrator Briana Corr Scott on her ninth children's book, 'I Lost a Day.'
Thanks to Nova Scotians for democratic engagement
E. Smith-McCrossin
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin thanked tens of thousands of Nova Scotians who contacted MLAs and attended Province House to oppose budget cuts, urging the government to pause and listen.
Recognition of Lobster Trap Christmas Tree Lighting
Hon. J. Balser
Jill Balser celebrated Digby's Lobster Trap Christmas Tree Lighting, thanking Waylon Mosher and community volunteers.
Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week
K. Coombes
Kendra Coombes recognized National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week and highlighted Karen MacLeod's struggle with GvHD and advocacy for ECP treatment in Nova Scotia.
Recognition of Flourish 55+ Society
Hon. B. Druhan
Becky Druhan recognized the Flourish Centre 55+ Healthy Activity Society in Bridgewater for supporting healthy aging for over 200 members.
Thanks for Poppy Wall tribute ceremony
Hon. T. Halman
Timothy Halman thanked those involved in a November 2025 poppy tribute at Woodlawn United Church, which displayed over 13,000 handmade poppies and a Wall of Honour.
Birthday wishes for Shayden Hansen
S. Hansen
Suzy Hansen wished her eldest son Shayden an early happy 21st birthday, describing his love of cooking and academic and athletic achievements.
Congratulations to Spartans volleyball provincial champions
Hon. K. Masland
Kim Masland congratulated the North Queens Community School boys and girls volleyball teams and their coaches on winning provincial banners.
Recognition of Kee Heong Cantonese Dim Sum
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney recognized the opening of Kee Heong Cantonese Dim Sum in Sackville by Yulei Yu and Fengzhen Xia, celebrating their return to the restaurant business.
Thanks to co-op student Ava Bonell
Hon. B. Johns
Brad Johns thanked Ava Bonnell, a Grade 11 co-op student from Millwood High School, for her work in his constituency office.
Awareness of the Sudan war displacement crisis
L. Hamid
Lina Hamid raised awareness of the deepening crisis in Sudan, citing 15 million displaced and 30 million facing famine, and asked members to stand in solidarity with Sudanese communities.
Recognition of Fraser Lake Memorial Basketball Classic
R. Wilson
Rod Wilson highlighted the upcoming Fraser Lake Memorial Basketball Classic honouring the late Fraser Lake, funding bursaries and supporting J.L. Ilsley students.
Recognition of Venture Thrift Boutique
B. McGowan
Brad McGowan recognized Venture Thrift Boutique in Cole Harbour, a non-profit social enterprise run by Affirmative Ventures that employs individuals facing employment barriers.
Recognition of Shoot for Inclusion Easter Seals tournament
S. Leblanc
Susan Leblanc recognized the Shoot for Inclusion pool tournament supporting Easter Seals programs in Dartmouth North and thanked participating businesses and people.
Congratulations to Cora Lukeman, Heritage Fair winner
Hon. M. Thompson
Michelle Thompson congratulated Grade 5 student Cora Lukeman on winning the National Heritage Fair with her project on women in farming.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance recognized March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and invited members to honour the day and combat systemic racism.
Birthday shout-out to Frank Gervais
A. Fadare
Adegoke Fadare gave a quick shout-out to Frank Gervais on his 90th birthday.
Recognition of Hillside Church Celtic Christmas Kitchen Party
A. Fadare
Adegoke Fadare applauded Hillside Church for hosting its first Celtic Christmas Kitchen Party in December 2025.
Recognition of BGC Cape Breton Smilezone makeover
K. Coombes
Kendra Coombes congratulated BGC Cape Breton in Whitney Pier on their Smilezone makeover, praising the club's work for youth.
50th anniversary of Edgar and Margaret Mombourquette
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Derek Mombourquette recognized his parents Edgar and Margaret on their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary.
Recognition of Gary Rideout and Northside Soup Kitchen
Hon. F. Tilley
Fred Tilley thanked and congratulated Gary Rideout on opening the Northside Soup Kitchen, along with its volunteers and partners.
Call to reverse government cuts
S. Hansen
Suzy Hansen criticized the language of 'fiscal responsibility' and argued cuts land hardest on marginalized communities, asking the government to reverse the cuts.
1st anniversary of West Bedford Transitional Health facility
D. Stoilov
Damian Stoilov recognized the first anniversary of the West Bedford Transitional Health facility at Hogan Court, noting it freed 18,000 hospital bed days and saved $2.5 million, with Phase 2 adding 110 beds in April.
March Break wishes for public school students and staff
Paul Wozney
The member for Sackville-Cobequid wished public school students and staff a happy and safe March Break, praising their hard work and community engagement.
March Break events in CBRM
Derek Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou wished everyone a safe March Break and encouraged time with family and participation in community events across the CBRM.
Recognition of Henry Green of Trenton
Danny MacGillivray
The member for Pictou Centre paid tribute to Henry Green, a beloved local icon known for singing 'O Canada,' remembering birthdays, and spreading community warmth.
Retirement of Bud and Cathy Anderson
Tory Rushton
The member for Cumberland South congratulated Tim Horton's franchise owners Bud and Cathy Anderson of Springhill on their retirement after three decades of service.
Chelsea Barnhill-Weatherbee named Chamber of Commerce Staff Person of the Year
Dave Ritcey
The member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River congratulated Chelsea Barnhill-Weatherbee on being named staff person of the year at the Chamber of Commerce Executive of Canada Conference.
Les Amarreuses 500th quilt
Ryan Robicheau
The member for Clare congratulated Les Amarreuses on completing their 500th quilt, each donated to community members facing illness or in need of comfort.
Giant Bicycle relocation to Bedford
Tim Outhit
The member for Bedford Basin congratulated Mark Gavin and Zach Steinman on relocating their Giant Bicycle business to Bedford Highway, bringing a bike store back to the community.
Samantha 'Sammy' Russell named U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian
Julie Vanexan
The member for Kings South congratulated Samantha 'Sammy' Russell of Acadia University on being named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian.
Logan Taylor's NFL Scouting Combine participation
Susan Corkum-Greek
The member for Lunenburg congratulated Logan Taylor, a Lunenburg offensive lineman, on attending the NFL Scouting Combine and highlighted his athletic achievements and character.
Recognition of Lil B's Home Baking
Barbara Adams
The member for Eastern Passage recognized Lil B's Home Baking, owned by Brenda and Scot Welton, for sourcing local ingredients and joining the Nova Scotia Loyal program.
Tribute to the late Bill Hay
Scott Armstrong
The member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley paid tribute to the late Bill Hay, a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist behind businesses including Greco Pizza and Mastodon Ridge, who passed away August 11, 2025.
Recognition of Robert Sheppard
John White
The member for Glace Bay-Dominion recognized Robert Sheppard for his community volunteering, including completing income tax returns free of charge for people in need.
Birthday wishes for son Bayley
Tory Rushton
The member for Cumberland South wished his son Bayley a happy 19th birthday.
Northville Farms Heritage Centre 25th anniversary
John Lohr
The member for King's North recognized the Northville Farms Heritage Centre on its 25th anniversary, preserving Annapolis Valley farming history.
St. Margaret's Bay Skating Club medallists
Rick Burns
The member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville congratulated the St. Margaret's Bay Skating Club skaters and coaches on their medal-winning performances in Kitchener-Waterloo and Montréal.
New baby congratulations to daughter Emma
Chris Palmer
The member for Kings West spoke about his daughter Emma's resilience and congratulated her as she prepares to have a baby girl.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of letters opposing arts and culture cuts
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance tabled letters from Halifax Citadel-Sable Island constituents calling for reversal of cuts and recognition of arts and culture's contribution to the economy.
Tabling of student letters against transit program cut
C. Chender
Claudia Chender tabled letters from the Grade 8 class at Bicentennial School junior high opposing the cut to the transit program.
Re-tabling of previously tabled document
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney re-tabled a previously tabled document at the Speaker's direction.
Tabling of letters opposing arts and culture cuts
K. Gallagher
Krista Gallagher tabled letters from Halifax Chebucto constituents calling for reversal of the arts and culture cuts.
Resolution No. 438 - Long Lake Wildfires structure protection
Hon. K. Masland
The Minister of Emergency Management moved a resolution recognizing regional operations staff and partners for the largest-ever structure protection effort, saving 85 of 88 homes during the Long Lake wildfires; passed by waiver without debate.
Resolution No. 439 - Forestry sector and locally sourced wood
Hon. K. Masland
The Minister of Natural Resources moved a resolution recognizing the forestry sector's role in renewable energy and the use of Nova Scotian wood products in public buildings; passed by waiver without debate.
Resolution No. 440 - Charitable Irish Society of Halifax 240th anniversary
Claudia Chender
The member for Dartmouth South gave notice of a resolution congratulating the Charitable Irish Society of Halifax on its 240 years and wishing them a happy St. Patrick's Day.
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.