Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Monday 30 March 2026
On Monday, March 30, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings including petitions against arts and program funding cuts, tabling of documents, and government notices of motion — among them a tribute to hockey trailblazer Bill Riley that passed with a moment of silence — along with notices of motion on extended sitting hours and the child welfare framework, both denied waiver. Members delivered extensive statements recognizing community organizations, businesses, athletes, individuals, deceased community members, and legislative staff, with repeated calls to reverse budget cuts. In Committee of the Whole on Bills, Bills No. 190 and No. 204 were reported without amendment and passed at third reading, while Bill No. 198, the Financial Measures (2026) Act, was considered with progress reported. Member Paul Wozney of Sackville-Cobequid delivered an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, framed around the Mi'kmaw concept of Msit No'kmaq and reflecting on his family, community, teaching career, union membership, and environmental stewardship, before moving to adjourn the debate, and numerous notices of motion under Rule 32(3) were given.
Members' Statements
Palm Sunday recognition
C. Palmer
Recognized Palm Sunday and the start of Christian Holy Week, extending warm wishes to Nova Scotians of the Christian faith.
Daniel P. Sampson wrongful conviction
S. Hansen
Recognized the 1934 wrongful conviction and execution of Daniel P. Sampson as an example of systemic anti-Black racism in the justice system and called for justice for his family.
Tribute to Bill Riley
E. Smith-McCrossin
Honoured Bill Riley, the first Black NHL player from Nova Scotia, for his character and trailblazing hockey career, sending condolences to his family. Unanimous consent to hold his jersey was denied.
P.E.I. lowered colon cancer screening age
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Congratulated P.E.I. for becoming the first province to lower colon cancer screening to age 45 and urged the Nova Scotia government to follow suit.
Tribute to Bill 'Billy' Riley
Hon. T. Rushton
Paid tribute to Bill Riley, recalling his impact on hockey in Amherst, his 1998 Sport Hall of Fame induction and retired Ramblers number, and extended sympathies to his family and the hockey community.
Gorsebrook Junior High student comments on bus pass program
L. Lachance
Read quotes from Grade 8 students describing their reliance on transit bus passes to get to school and activities and the hardship cuts would cause.
Angus Reid poll on social media ban for youth
Hon. I. Rankin
Highlighted a poll showing 75 percent of Canadians support a social media ban for children under 16 and called for Nova Scotia to lead in protecting youth online.
Social Workers' Month recognition
D. MacGillivray
Recognized Social Work Month, honouring his wife Tonya and sister Shannon and all child protection social workers for their difficult and vital work.
Recognition of musician Aquakultre
C. Chender
Recognized Halifax-Dartmouth R&B soul artist Aquakultre (Lance Sampson) and his album 1783 celebrating African Nova Scotian history and Black Loyalists, and his community work with youth.
Tribute to William 'Bill' McCurdy
Hon. S. Armstrong
Paid tribute to Bill McCurdy, a WWII veteran and longtime Colchester-Musquodoboit resident who died at 102, recognizing his community service and offering condolences to his family.
Tribute to Bill Riley
S. Hansen
Honoured Bill Riley as the first African Nova Scotian NHL player and later coach of the Amherst Ramblers, offering condolences and asking members to remember his legacy.
Thanks to South Shore Open Doors Association
Hon. B. Druhan
Recognized SSODA for supporting vulnerable community members and noted it is filling a gap created by the government's closure of Cedar Place in Bridgewater without alternative programming.
Recognition of business owner Heather Donald-Reagh
Hon. B. Adams
Recognized Heather Donald-Reagh of Heather's jewellery shop in Fisherman's Cove for her craftsmanship and registration with Nova Scotia Loyal.
Call to reverse remaining budget cuts
K. Coombes
Listed remaining budget cuts including food security supports, Mi'kmaw education services, inclusive education funding, domestic violence courts, and youth programming, calling them cruel cuts created by the PC government.
Best wishes to Special Olympian Nikki Speichts
Hon. J. Balser
Congratulated Nikki Speichts on his silver-medal performance and selection to Team Nova Scotia to compete in golf at the Special Olympics National Games in Medicine Hat.
Thanks to Nova Village
L. Hamid
Recognized Nova Village (formerly Fairview Resource Centre) for nearly 40 years of community programs and called for restoration of community grant funding cut in the budget.
Recognition of Village Fitness
Hon. T. Boudreau
Recognized volunteers who built a new not-for-profit gym, Village Fitness, in St. Peter's, thanking the board and manager for fostering healthy living in Richmond County.
Recognition of Prescott House National Historic Site
L. Lachance
Shared Sarah Emsley's words praising Prescott House in Port Williams as a national treasure and one of the finest Georgian houses in Canada with tourism potential.
Recognition of Bill Linley's community efforts
D. Bowlby
Recognized Bill Linley for 32 years of civil service and extensive community and railway heritage volunteer work, congratulating him on his 80th birthday.
Call to reverse CCTH cuts devastating community
K. Coombes
Spoke about the devastating impact of proposed cuts to the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage on museums and organizations in Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.
Thanks to legislative staff for hard work during unpredictable hours
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Recognized and thanked legislative staff for putting in long, unpredictable hours and keeping the House running smoothly.
Recognition of hardworking legislative staff
The Speaker
The Speaker recognized staff who have worked long hours over recent weeks.
Sullivan Nakatsu - 2025 Sailing Athlete of the Year
Rick Burns
The member congratulated Hammonds Plains sailing star Sullivan Nakatsu for being named Junior Male Athlete of the Year at the 2025 Support4Sport Awards.
Lunenburg County Wheels - local service recognition
Hon. Susan Corkum-Greek
The member celebrated the success of Lunenburg County Wheels, which grew from Senior Wheels in 1992 into a county-wide transportation service, marking its second anniversary of rebranding and expansion.
RCCG Dominion Sanctuary - 7th anniversary
Adegoke Fadare
The member congratulated the RCCG Dominion Sanctuary and Pastor Dayo Adedeji on their seventh anniversary and their commitment to community.
DB Embroidery Solutions - local business recognition
Hon. Twila Grosse
The member recognized DB Embroidery Solutions and owner Denis Benoit for 25 years of commercial embroidery service to noteworthy clients including NASA and the Prime Minister's Office.
Perry Miller / Humble Harvest - recognition
Hon. Timothy Halman
The member recognized Perry Miller, driving force behind Humble Harvest in Dartmouth East, for his work fighting food insecurity.
Valley Voices - 2025 Queens of Harmony
Hon. John Lohr
The member congratulated the Valley Voices women's a cappella chorus for their first-place win at the 2025 Area Contest and the Synergy Quartet for winning the international competition as 2025 Queens of Harmony.
West Bay Community Centre - community services recognition
Kyle MacQuarrie
The member recognized the West Bay Community Centre and its volunteers for hosting a variety of activities and fostering community connection.
Tribute to John Lively
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The member paid tribute to the late John Lively, known as the Wheelie King, offering condolences to his family and the Whitehead Road community.
Legislative Library - keepers of history thanks
Hon. Becky Druhan
The member recognized the Legislative Library, established in 1862, and thanked librarians David McDonald, Anne Van Iderstine, and Heather Ludlow for their non-partisan support to members.
The Social Boutique - 10th anniversary
Tim Outhit
The member congratulated The Social Boutique, a non-profit social enterprise whose profits benefit Dress for Success Halifax, on its 10th anniversary, and recognized founder Brenda Saunders/Todd.
Lisa Doucette - community efforts thanks
Ryan Robicheau
The member thanked Lisa Doucette, General Manager of Radio CIFA, for her leadership and her contributions to Acadian heritage, sustainability, and community.
Kabab Land - grand opening
Damian Stoilov
The member congratulated Kabab Land, an Iranian-owned business, on its grand opening in Bedford South.
Extended House hours - staff and MLAs exhausted
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member criticized the government for pushing the House into extended hours and late nights, arguing that fatigue impairs judgment and that worker well-being should not be secondary.
Bay St. Lawrence Community Centre - community events recognition
Dianne Timmins
The member recognized the Bay St. Lawrence Community Centre and its partners for hosting a spring health fair with 25 service providers, and encouraged attendance at the April 29th fair.
Banks Bikes - Best Bike Shop 2025
Hon. John Lohr
The member congratulated Colin Banks of Banks Bikes in Kentville for being named one of Canadian Cyclist magazine's Best Bike Shops of 2025.
Charlie Martin - Lion's Den President recognition
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The member recognized Charlie Martin, President of the Lion's Den in Spryfield and former pro wrestler, for his community volunteer work.
Titans Gymnastics competition recognition
Hon. Nolan Young
The member recognized athletes at the Titans Gymnastics competition, including his daughter Rosa who placed third in floor.
Address in Reply - unions and connection to the land (Sackville-Cobequid)
Member for Sackville-Cobequid
The member recounted how their experience as a teacher and Nova Scotia Teachers Union member shaped their understanding of solidarity and collective bargaining, then drew lessons from the rivers, lakes and wetlands of Sackville-Cobequid about conservation, rest, letting people go, and living responsibly on the land, framing the reflection within Msit No'kmaq and the Peace and Friendship treaties before moving to adjourn the Address in Reply debate.
Routine Proceedings
Petition to reverse arts sector funding cuts
L. Lachance
Tabled a Nova Scotia Arts Coalition petition with nearly 300 signatures calling on government to reverse cuts to Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Arts NS in the 2026 budget.
Petition to reverse program and grant cuts
K. Gallagher
Tabled a petition of approximately 50 signatures calling on government not to proceed with proposed grant cuts and to fully restore funding to 287 affected programs.
Tabling of Gorsebrook Junior High letters on bus passes
L. Lachance
Tabled letters from Grade 8 students at Gorsebrook Junior High opposing cuts to the student bus pass.
Tabling of letter from author Sarah Emsley on Prescott House cuts
L. Lachance
Tabled a letter from local author Sarah Emsley regarding cuts affecting Prescott House.
Resolution No. 457 - Oppose new federal NDP leader policies
Hon. C. LeBlanc
Gave notice of a resolution opposing federal NDP leader Avi Lewis's policies on reducing military spending and shutting down resource projects; waiver was requested but denied and the notice was tabled.
Resolution No. 458 - Tribute to Bill Riley
Hon. T. Grosse
Gave notice of a resolution honouring William 'Bill' Riley, the first Black Nova Scotian in the NHL, extending condolences and observing a moment of silence; passed by waiver and a moment of silence was observed.
Resolution No. 459 - Extended sitting hours
E. Smith-McCrossin
Gave notice of a motion directing the Committee of Assembly Matters to recommend rule changes limiting extended sitting hours without notice, citing strain on staff and members; waiver was denied and the notice was tabled.
Resolution No. 460 - Improve child welfare framework
L. Hamid
Gave notice of a motion directing the Standing Committee on Community Services to review the Senate's 2025 report on youth aging out of care and make recommendations; waiver was denied and the notice was tabled.
Resolution No. 461 - Amber Hart, Devoted to Diversity Guysborough
Hon. Greg Morrow
Notice of a resolution thanking Amber Hart for founding Devoted to Diversity Guysborough and winning the Recreation Nova Scotia Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access Award for her inclusive community programming.
Resolution No. 462 - Bianca Surette scholarship
Hon. Greg Morrow
Notice of a resolution congratulating Guysborough Academy graduate Bianca Surette on receiving the Tory-Bagnall MacDonald Scholarship and beginning nursing studies at Acadia University.
Resolution No. 463 - Festival du Tamarin
Hon. Greg Morrow
Notice of a resolution congratulating organizers, volunteers and participants of the Festival du Tamarin in Guysborough, a celebration of Acadian culture led by La Société acadienne de Torbé.
Resolution No. 464 - Buckwild Picnic
Hon. Greg Morrow
Notice of a resolution thanking Lawrence and Amanda Borden for hosting and self-funding the Buckwild Picnic at Lincolnville Community Centre during Guysborough Come Home Week.
Resolution No. 465 - Guysborough-Antigonish Journal
Hon. Greg Morrow
Notice of a resolution commending owners Allan and Helen Murphy and staff of the rebranded Guysborough-Antigonish Journal for their dedication to local journalism.
Resolution No. 466 - Maud Peters, Treasure Mountain Inc.
Hon. Greg Morrow
Notice of a resolution congratulating Maud Peters of Boylston on launching Treasure Mountain Inc. Canoe and Kayak Rentals, guided trail walks, and a community farm stand.
Resolution No. 467 - Legislative Budget Office
Lisa Lachance
Notice of a resolution criticizing the government's fiscal management and credit downgrade and referring to the Standing Committee on Internal Affairs the establishment of a non-partisan, independent Legislative Budget Office.
Resolution No. 468 - Budget process transparency
Lisa Lachance
Notice of a resolution alleging financial mismanagement and cruel budget cuts and referring to the Public Accounts Committee recommendations to make the budget process more transparent, with more citizen consultation and data-driven analysis.
Resolution No. 469 - Nova Scotia Health Authority oversight
Rod Wilson
Notice of a resolution citing a 70 percent budget increase and non-competitive procurement at the Nova Scotia Health Authority and calling on the government to re-establish an independent board to oversee it.
Orders of the Day
Committee of the Whole House on Bills report
The Clerk
The Committee of the Whole House on Bills reported that it considered Bill No. 190 (St. Matthew's Church consolidation) and Bill No. 204 (Kentville taxation), recommending both to the favourable consideration of the House without amendments.
Unanimous consent to move Private Members' Bills to third reading
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The Government House Leader sought and received unanimous consent to move Bills No. 190 and No. 204 to third reading.
Bill No. 204 - Kentville industrial park taxation, third reading
Hon. John Lohr
The Minister of Finance moved third reading of Bill No. 204, which amends a 1993 Act to create stronger definitions for food storage, processing and packaging businesses in the Annapolis Valley Regional Industrial Park at the request of the Town of Kentville; the bill passed.
Bill No. 190 - St. Matthew's Church consolidation, third reading
Lisa Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island moved third reading of Bill No. 190, which brings together three United churches on the Halifax peninsula to build a shared community for the future; the bill passed.
Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne
Paul Wozney
The member for Sackville-Cobequid delivered his Address in Reply, framing it around the Mi'kmaw concept of Msit No'kmaq ('all my relations'), and reflecting extensively on his family and heritage, his community of Sackville, his teaching and union career, and the mentors and campaign team who shaped him.
Motion to adjourn Address in Reply debate and go into Committee of the Whole
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The motion to adjourn the Address in Reply debate was carried, after which the Government House Leader called Government Motions and moved that the House resolve into Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
Committee of the Whole on Bills - Bill No. 198, Financial Measures (2026) Act
The Speaker
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole on Bills, considered Bill No. 198, the Financial Measures (2026) Act, and reported that the committee had made progress and begged leave to sit again.
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.