Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Friday 27 March 2026
During this Friday, March 27, 2026 sitting, members delivered extensive Members' Statements recognizing local volunteers, community leaders, athletes, authors, business owners, and personal milestones, alongside tributes and concerns about government budget cuts. Routine proceedings included tabling constituent letters, a government resolution thanking Bluenose II Captain Phil Watson, and legislative business in which the Committee on Public Bills reported Bill No. 198 (Financial Measures 2026 Act) and the House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider Bill No. 200 (Cannabis Control Act amended) without amendments and report progress on Bill No. 193 (Powering the Economy Act). A procedural attempt to condemn the Leader of the Opposition's comments on paramedics was ruled out of order and a request to revert to report from Public Bills failed, while numerous Notices of Questions for Written Answers were submitted by Kendra Coombes to various ministers and Notices of Motion under Rule 32(3) were tabled by Hon. Greg Morrow.
Members' Statements
Brenda Wilson, Pictou Centre Constituency Coordinator - Thanks
D. MacGillivray
The member for Pictou Centre recognized Brenda Wilson, constituency coordinator since 2013, praising her as a strong advocate who gets results for residents.
CUPE long-term care staff strike - Support
P. Wozney
The member for Sackville-Cobequid stood in solidarity with 5,000 long-term care workers poised to strike, criticizing the government's refusal to bargain and noting many earn nearly $10 less per hour than in neighbouring provinces.
The Old Sydney Society - Recognition
Hon. D. Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou recognized the Old Sydney Society for telling the region's history and raised concerns about its sustainability following the closure of Cossit House and funding cuts, imploring the government to reconsider.
Lawrence Borden, Buckwild Picnic - Recognition
Hon. G. Morrow
The member for Guysborough-Tracadie recognized Lawrence Borden and his wife Amanda for organizing and funding the annual Buckwild Picnic in Lincolnville celebrating community and heritage.
Paarsh Rathi, Spelling Prodigy - Recognition
L. Hamid
The member for Fairview-Clayton Park recognized nine-year-old Paarsh Rathi, a Grade 4 competitive speller heading to his third consecutive national competition representing Nova Scotia.
Maggie's Place - Lack of compassion from government
E. Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North highlighted cuts affecting Maggie's Place and Family Resource Centres in Amherst and Truro, noting over $20,000 in cuts from Opportunities and Social Development and imploring the government to reverse them.
Geraldine Virginia Gillis - Tribute
Hon. B. Wong
The member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank honoured the late Geraldine Virginia Gillis of Waverley, remembered for her gardening and decades of community service through the Ladies Auxiliary.
Lunenburg County Christmas Trees - Recognition
Hon. B. Druhan
The member for Lunenburg West recognized the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers' Association for its globally-renowned balsam fir industry, resilience amid challenges, and charitable donations, while noting late Legislature hours may prevent her attending their spring session.
Dr. John Anderson, Family SOS - Recognition
R. Wilson
The member for Halifax Armdale recognized pediatrician Dr. John Anderson, who founded Family SOS in 1978 to support families in crisis.
National Quilting Day, March 21 - Recognition
Hon. C. LeBlanc
The member for Argyle recognized National Quilting Day, celebrated locally by Patchwork Pals in Ste. Anne du Ruisseau and quilters at the Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos.
Brooke Herrington letter - Recognition
K. Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier read a letter from constituent Brooke Herrington opposing budget cuts to the civil service and community organizations, arguing vulnerable Nova Scotians and frontline services would be harmed.
Roger Daniel MacIsaac - Tribute
E. Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North paid tribute to the late Roger Daniel MacIsaac of Amherst, who served in economic development roles including 18 years as Director of Community and Economic Development for the Town of Amherst.
Chief Terry Paul, Friendship and Leadership - Recognition
Hon. D. Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou recognized Chief Terry Paul of Membertou, set to be inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, for 42 years of leadership growing the community's revenues past $100 million annually.
Milford & Area Community Centre 50th Anniversary - Congratulations
Hon. J. Balser
The member for Digby-Annapolis congratulated the Milford & Area Community Centre on its 50th anniversary and thanked its many volunteers.
World Theatre Day, March 27 - Celebrate
S. Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham recognized World Theatre Day, urging investment in arts and culture as central to Nova Scotian identity.
Dartmouth Titans Provincial Championships - Recognition
Hon. T. Halman
The member for Dartmouth East recognized the Dartmouth Cole Harbour Titans Gymnastics & Trampoline Club hosting the provincial championships, giving a personal shoutout to athlete Ella Halman.
Jeff McNeil letter - Recognition
K. Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier read a letter from Jeff McNeil, president of the Port Morien Wildlife Association, expressing concern over the restructuring of DNR and removal of the province's dedicated Wildlife Division.
KS Wellness Services, Canadian Choice Award - Congratulations
Hon. K. Masland
The member for Queens congratulated Kailey Smith of KS Wellness Services in Liverpool on receiving a 2026 Canadian Choice Award in osteopathy.
School Libraries - Importance
S. Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham spoke on the importance of school libraries as places for friendship, research, and learning, urging members to stand with librarians.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 165 New Cenotaph - Recognition
Hon. B. Johns
The member for Sackville-Uniacke congratulated the Uniacke & District Royal Canadian Legion Branch #165 on the unveiling of their new cenotaph in Mount Uniacke.
Wife and sister-in-law's birthdays - Best Wishes
Hon. F. Tilley
The member for Northside-Westmount wished his wife and her twin sister Janet happy birthdays, acknowledging their strength after recently losing a brother.
New Minas Sunrise Rotary, 25 Years of Service - Congratulations
J. Vanexan
The member for Kings South congratulated the Rotary Club of New Minas Sunrise on 25 years of dedicated community service and volunteerism.
Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Launch - Congratulations
T. Outhit
The member for Bedford Basin congratulated the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine on launching a TCM Centre and an AI-powered remote teaching and consultation platform.
Joe Anthony, Drone Donation - Thanks
D. Timmins
The member for Victoria-The Lakes thanked Joe Anthony of A&L Seafoods for donating a DJI Mavic 3 Thermal drone to Cape Breton Search and Rescue.
Wendy Gaudet, Riverview Kennels - Recognition
R. Robicheau
The member for Clare recognized Wendy Gaudet, owner of Riverview Kennels, a trusted local pet care business built on compassion and strong work ethic.
Herbie Clark, Challenger Baseball - Recognition
Hon. J. White
The member for Glace Bay-Dominion recognized Herbie Clarke for years of volunteering with Challenger Baseball, providing inclusive opportunities for children, youth, and adults with disabilities.
Lee VanAmerongen, Local Artist - Recognition
Hon. J. Lohr
The member for Kings North congratulated Lee Van Amerongen, a local artist living with autism, on the 25th anniversary of Lee's Shop in Canning, which creates inclusive employment for people with disabilities.
Rod DeViller, Retirement - Congratulations
Hon. D. Ritcey
The member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River congratulated Rod DeViller on his retirement from Cat Country 99.5 after years hosting Mornings with Rod.
Gage Gilby, Race Car Driver - Recognition
Hon. J.A. MacDonald
The member for Hants East recognized young East Hants race car driver Gage Gilby, who secured a third-place finish at the Alabama 200 despite a two-lap penalty.
Musical Gift Concert Series, Local Fundraisers - Thanks
C. Palmer
The member for Kings West highlighted the Musical Gift Concert Series that raised over $7,000 this year for the Upper Room and Berwick food banks, and over $100,000 over its history, thanking volunteers and artists.
Musical Gift Concert Series
Unknown
A member thanked those who make the Musical Gift Concert Series a holiday and winter tradition in Kings West.
Bob Hamilton - Local Volunteer at NUMA Judo
Hon. Brendan Maguire
Recognized Bob Hamilton for his volunteer work with the Little Ninjas Judo programs, praising his patience, warmth, and dedication to the kids.
Kristina Giovanetti and Pegasus Boxing
David Bowlby
Recognized Kristina Giovanetti, who joined Pegasus Boxing at age five and became the youngest licensed female amateur boxer in Atlantic Canada, and congratulated her on her accomplishments.
Judique Community Centre Volunteers
Kyle MacQuarrie
Recognized volunteers with the Judique Community Centre, which has served as a vibrant venue for community events for over 30 years.
Wura Fakiyesi 40th Birthday
Adegoke Fadare
Congratulated Wura Fakiyesi, managing partner of Flenjor Foods, on her 40th birthday and thanked her for her contributions to the community.
Joy Akinkunmi - Local Student
Damian Stoilov
Recognized Bedford South student Joy Akinkunmi, who developed an automated medication dispenser and app for seniors and earned recognition at science fairs and a 2024 Discovery Awards youth award.
Greg Warren - Community Service
Hon. Brian Wong
Congratulated Greg Warren of Beaver Bank on graduating from the RCMP depot and beginning his career as a police officer close to home.
Lyndon McLellan - Community Service
Tom Taggart
Recognized Bass River mechanic Lyndon McLellan, who purchased a declining local church, repaired it, and made it available to the community.
Judge Clyde MacDonald - Local Icon
Danny MacGillivray
Recognized retired Judge Clyde MacDonald of New Glasgow for preserving Pictou County history through 28 books and organizing the Sunny Brae Remembrance Day ceremony.
Chris King - Author of Big Baddeck
Dianne Timmins
Recognized Chris King, author of 'Big Baddeck: A Little History from Cape Breton,' for over two decades of research documenting the area's history.
Anne Pentecost - Community Efforts
Hon. Fred Tilley
Thanked Anne Pentecost and her Westmount team for organizing events and creating welcoming spaces for youth in the community.
Driftwood Greenhouse - Local Business
Hon. Jill Balser
Recognized Driftwood Greenhouse in Gullivers Cove, owned by Tim and Heather Halliday, and their participation in the Nova Scotia Loyal program.
Festival du Tamarin - Local Event
Hon. Greg Morrow
Recognized the Festival du Tamarin in Guysborough celebrating Acadian culture, congratulating the organizers, volunteers, and participants.
Graziella Grbac - Village on Main
Hon. Tim Halman
Thanked Graziella Grbac for her leadership as executive director of the Village on Main Community Improvement District and welcomed new director Fredrick Brown.
Helen MacRae - Retirement
Hon. Michelle Thompson
Wished her mother Helen MacRae a happy retirement after a 47-year nursing career.
Bayley Rushton - Firefighter
Hon. Tory Rushton
Shared a proud father moment congratulating his son Bayley on joining the Oxford Fire Department, following in his footsteps.
Hants West Team - Community Efforts
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Began a statement thanking her constituency team back home but was called to order by the Speaker for talking to the camera.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of constituent letters
K. Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier rose to table two documents related to her member statements.
Resolution No. 453 - Captain Phil Watson, 26 years on Bluenose II
Hon. D. Ritcey
The Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage gave notice and moved a resolution recognizing and thanking Captain Phil Watson for 26 years of service as captain of Bluenose II; waiver of notice was granted and the motion carried.
Notice of motion condemning Opposition Leader's paramedic comments
Hon. C. LeBlanc
The Minister of Growth and Development attempted a notice of motion condemning the Leader of the Opposition for allegedly diminishing paramedics as 'ambulance drivers,' but the Speaker ruled it did not relate to the business of the House; LeBlanc noted he moved it as an MLA.
Request to revert to report back FMA from Public Bills
Hon. B. Maguire
The member for Halifax Atlantic sought unanimous consent to revert to report back the FMA from Public Bills, but the request failed with several members voting No.
Report of Committee on Public Bills - Bill No. 198
Hon. Scott Armstrong
As Chair of the Committee on Public Bills, reported that the committee considered Bill No. 198 (Financial Measures 2026 Act), which was ordered referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
Committee of the Whole House on Bills
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The Government House Leader moved that the House resolve into Committee of the Whole; the committee considered Bill No. 200 (Cannabis Control Act amended) without amendments and reported progress on Bill No. 193 (Powering the Economy Act).
Adjournment
The Speaker
Ordered Bill No. 200 be read a third time on a future day and adjourned the House to reconvene Monday, March 30th.
Notices of Questions for Written Answers
Kendra Coombes
Submitted numerous written questions to ministers covering Emergency Management (NGO grants, Nova Scotia Guard, fire services), Natural Resources (job cuts, forestry, Lahey triad model, uranium and mining, protected areas, provincial parks), and Public Works (highway improvement plan, potholes, road safety, transit, cycling grants, municipal override powers).
Written questions to the Minister of Public Works on Bill No. 24 powers and municipal consultation
Kendra Coombes
Coombes submitted questions asking whether the Minister or Premier initiated use of new powers under Bill No. 24 regarding HRM, whether council was consulted, prior contemplated uses of the powers, and how many municipalities were consulted on the budget.
Written questions on Link Nova Scotia rebranding and regional transportation (Question No. 18-19)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes questioned the $20,000 logo change for Link Nova Scotia's rebrand, the doubling of its budget, funding for the Halifax Regional Transportation Plan, inter-municipal and bus rapid transit routes, bridge toll removal effects, McKay Bridge replacement, Auditor General bridge recommendations, bridge inspections, and warranty repairs.
Written questions on school construction (Question No. 20)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes asked about timelines for the Reserve Mines School, blasting-damage compensation, schools with shovels in the ground, land purchases, use of modulars/portables, and road-safety consultation with Centres for Education.
Written questions on Boat Harbour remediation (Question No. 21)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes asked about the rising Boat Harbour liability of $405 million, the status of the federal Decision Statement, remediation start dates, and whether the Minister had read the environmental racism panel's report.
Written questions to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on budget cuts (Question No. 22)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes questioned discrepancies in departmental grant reductions, cuts to municipal relations and governance funding, consultation with municipalities, impacts on infrastructure and housing, federal matching funds, and Accessibility Act funding.
Written questions on mayoral powers for HRM and CBRM (Question No. 23)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes asked whether the government intends to legislate additional powers for the mayors of HRM and CBRM, and what consultation and jurisdictional scans have been done.
Written questions on climate adaptation and coastal protection (Question No. 24)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes asked whether legislation needs updating to allow municipal collaboration, the rationale for downloading coastal protection to municipalities, and how many municipalities have adopted coastal protection measures.
Written questions on municipal funding formula, NS Power grant-in-lieu, cannabis revenue, and equity (Question No. 25)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes questioned the revised municipal funding formula's account for population growth, the calculation and distribution of Nova Scotia Power's grant-in-lieu of taxes, cannabis tax revenue distribution, and funding for local anti-racism and equity work.
Written questions on private well water testing and droughts (Question No. 26)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes asked whether the government is considering a permanent subsidization program for private well water testing and what steps are being taken to prepare municipalities for future droughts.
Written questions on municipal housing tools (Question No. 27)
Kendra Coombes
Coombes questioned the refusal of HRM's vacant land tax request, the uptake of inclusionary zoning and affordable units created, and requests for legislative authority to enter Community Benefit Agreements.
Notice of Motion - Resolution No. 454, Dorrington cheer competitors
Hon. Greg Morrow
Morrow gave notice of a resolution congratulating Ainlee and Langston Dorrington of Sunnyville for their fourth-place finish with Richmond Cheer Athletics at an international cheer competition at Disney World.
Notice of Motion - Resolution No. 455, U18 AAA Female Hockey Champions
Hon. Greg Morrow
Morrow gave notice of a resolution congratulating Ainslee Connolly and Carrie Dorion and the Northern Selects on winning the Nova Scotia U18 AAA Female Hockey Championship and wishing them luck at the Atlantic championship.
Notice of Motion - Resolution No. 456, Kendall Doiron
Hon. Greg Morrow
Morrow gave notice of a resolution congratulating Kendall Doiron for a silver medal at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship, being named Team Canada's MVP in the gold medal game, and leading Team Atlantic to a historic silver.
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.