Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Tuesday 31 March 2026
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly opened with the national anthem and daily routine, including the tabling of several papers such as letters from Ash Lee Jefferson Elementary students supporting libraries and PC Party sponsored ads. Two government resolutions passed without debate, congratulating Gordon Hebb on his 2025 Distinguished Service Award and recognizing National Indigenous Languages Day. Members' statements dominated the sitting, focusing on International Transgender Day of Visibility, National Indigenous Languages Day and Mi'kmaw language revitalization, alongside numerous local community, business, athlete, and volunteer recognitions, condolences, and personal tributes, including a notice of motion to honour the late Keith Bridgeo of Yarmouth. The member for Cumberland North also raised concerns about the Auditor General's findings on Nova Scotia Health Authority procurement practices.
Members' Statements
International Transgender Day of Visibility
Hon. Kent Smith
Smith rose to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, asking members to honour transgender and non-binary Nova Scotians and reaffirm commitment to protecting their rights.
Recognition of Curtis Whiley and Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust
Lina Hamid
Hamid recognized Curtis Whiley, founder of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, which secured over $60 million to build 136 co-operative homes, the largest Black-led housing development in the province's history.
Trans Day of Visibility flag raising
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
Mombourquette recognized Trans Day of Visibility, noting the morning flag-raising at the Legislature and thanking the Cape Breton Youth Project and its executive director for supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
National Indigenous Languages Day - Mi'kmaq as first language
Dianne Timmins
Timmins marked National Indigenous Languages Day, highlighting the 2022 recognition of Mi'kmaq as Nova Scotia's first language and the government's collaboration with the Mi'kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy.
Condemnation of PC Party sponsored targeted ads
Hon. Becky Druhan
Druhan responded to PC Party ads claiming her questions weren't about Lunenburg West, defending her right to ask questions about justice and fairness and noting she is bound by privilege from her time as Attorney General.
Congratulations on Marg Murray's retirement from CMHA
Rod Wilson
Wilson recognized the CMHA and highlighted Marg Murray, Branch Co-Director of CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service and advocacy.
Congratulations to Gordon Hebb on Distinguished Service Award
Hon. Iain Rankin
Rankin added his caucus's congratulations to Gordon Hebb on his 2025 Distinguished Service Award, praising his decades of service as Chief Legislative Counsel and noting a family connection.
Halifax Hawks hockey championships
Adegoke Fadare
Fadare congratulated three Halifax Hawks teams who won tournament championships, recognizing players, coaches, volunteers, and parents.
Quinpool Mainstreet District Association Oodles of Noodles Festival
Krista Gallagher
Gallagher recognized the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association for organizing the Oodles of Noodles Festival featuring noodle dishes from local restaurants.
Recognition of author Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail
Hon. Iain Rankin
Rankin recognized award-winning author Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail for her book The Children of the SS Atlantic and noted concern that government cuts are forcing local publishers to make tough choices.
Cole Harbour High Prom Committee
Hon. Leah Martin
Martin recognized five Cole Harbour District High students for leading and organizing their graduation prom at the school to keep it local and accessible.
Recognition of Evie Sweeney
Susan Leblanc
On Trans Day of Visibility, Leblanc recognized Evie Sweeney, a 15-year-old trans girl, athlete, artist, and drag performer who spoke at Public Bills Committee against Bill No. 198 and at the flag-raising about being trans.
Locker Room Health & Fitness Club
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Sheehy-Richard recognized the Locker Room Health and Fitness Club and owner Janice Forand after nearly 40 years, while welcoming Iron Valley Fitness Ltd. as the new owner.
Transgender Day of Visibility - Raise Awareness
Lisa Lachance
Lachance recognized Transgender Day of Visibility and urged members to raise awareness of ongoing discrimination and violence and to fight for trans and gender-diverse people's access to public spaces, safety, and full human rights.
Spring Into Motion YMCA event
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
Mombourquette recognized the YMCA's Spring Into Motion fundraiser in Sydney, marking the 140th year of the branch, and thanked everyone involved.
Sydney River Volunteer Fire Department 75th anniversary
Hon. Brian Comer
Comer congratulated the Sydney River Volunteer Fire Department on its 75th anniversary, recognizing Chief Dave Witzell and all volunteers past and present.
Trans Day of Visibility - Proper Representation
Suzy Hansen
Hansen spoke on Trans Day of Visibility, calling for real representation, safety, legal protections, and funding rather than symbolic gestures, and urging allies to act now.
Yarmouth Hospital Foundation WE CARE Radiothon
Hon. Colton LeBlanc
LeBlanc recognized the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation's 10th anniversary WE CARE Radiothon, which raised over $143,000 for a new automated tablet packager for the pharmacy department.
International Trans Day of Visibility - Trans Rights are Human Rights
Kendra Coombes
Coombes marked International Transgender Day of Visibility, standing in solidarity with trans people and recognizing Cape Breton organizations doing the work.
East Hants Family Resource Centre 15th anniversary
Hon. John A. MacDonald
MacDonald recognized the East Hants Family Resource Centre's upcoming 15th anniversary and its work supporting children, parents, and caregivers.
International Indigenous Languages Day - Mi'kmaw Importance
Lina Hamid
Hamid recognized National Indigenous Languages Day and raised concern over a 20 percent cut to the Mi'kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy, calling on government to reinstate the funding.
Thanks to Terrena Parnell
Hon. Kim Masland
Masland thanked Queens County resident Terrena Parnell for serving 10 years as co-chair of the Liverpool Firefighters Association Christmas Parade as she steps down.
Indigenous Language - Link to Culture and Communities
Lisa Lachance
Lachance spoke about language as a target of residential schools and colonial structures, noting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and encouraging members to support Mi'kmaw language revitalization.
Treasure Canoe and Kayak Rentals
Hon. Greg Morrow
Morrow congratulated Maud Peters of Boylston on her new business, Treasure Mountain Canoe and Kayak Rentals, and her community farm stand offerings.
Ian Pygott - Theatre N.S. Legacy Award
Susan Leblanc
Leblanc congratulated Ian Pygott on winning the Theatre Nova Scotia Legacy Award, celebrating his four decades as a technical director, designer, mentor, and builder of theatre community.
Thanks to Steve Eadie and Joey McVicar for palliative care fundraiser
Hon. Michelle Thompson
Thompson congratulated Steve Eadie and Joey McVicar for their poultry box fundraiser for the Antigonish Town and County Palliative Care Society, which has raised over $152,000 since 2020.
Fiscal Year End - Program Cuts
Suzy Hansen
Hansen decried that provincial program cuts take effect April 1st, listing affected programs including Artists in Schools, Hope Blooms, and various funding, warning of layoffs and community impacts.
Recognition of Pastor Jon Dixon
Julie Vanexan
Vanexan recognized Pastor Jon Dixon of New Minas Baptist Church for youth ministry and the youth Alpha series providing hope and belonging to young people across the province.
Tribute to Jimmy Baldwin
Kendra Coombes
Coombes paid tribute to her great-uncle Jimmy Baldwin, who passed away March 26th at 87, sharing memories of the Mira River, his humour and music, and sending love to his family.
Tribute to Uncle Jimmy
Unknown
A member paid tribute to a deceased relative, Uncle Jimmy, honouring his family and offering condolences.
Valley Care Pregnancy Centre Recognition
Chris Palmer
The member for Kings West recognized the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre in the Annapolis Valley for its compassionate support of women and families facing unplanned pregnancies, thanking Executive Director Bill Davenport, staff, and volunteers.
Retro Now Local Business Recognition
Hon. John White
The member for Glace Bay - Dominion recognized and congratulated the opening of a new business, Retro Now, in Glace Bay, celebrating its collection of nostalgic memorabilia.
Hannah Cole Motocross Athlete Recognition
Hon. Scott Armstrong
The member for Colchester - Musquodoboit Valley recognized Hannah Cole of Cooks Brook for being named to the Honda Canada GDR Fox Racing Team, a prestigious motocross team.
OK Tire Local Business Recognition
Julie Vanexan
The member for Kings South recognized OK Tire in New Minas, co-owned by Mike Coggins and Brent MacNeil, for winning the Community Grassroots Store of the Year Award and its community involvement.
Relay for Life Fundraiser Recognition
Hon. Scott Armstrong
The member for Colchester - Musquodoboit Valley celebrated Relay for Life and South Colchester Academy's in-school fundraising competition for cancer research, encouraging support.
Vic Fraser 80th Birthday
Damian Stoilov
The member for Bedford South wished a happy 80th birthday to constituent Vic Fraser, recounting the lively birthday event in West Bedford.
Mavillette Mechanical Local Business Recognition
Ryan Robicheau
The member for Clare congratulated Devin Robicheau on opening Mavillette Mechanical and completing his first year of business in Clare.
Constable Stacey MacRae RCMP Recognition
Hon. Trevor Boudreau
The member for Richmond recognized RCMP Constable Stacey MacRae for 15 years of service and her community volunteerism, and noted her 2025 Nova Scotia Police Long Service Award.
Richmond Cheer Athletics Awards
Hon. Greg Morrow
The member for Guysborough - Tracadie recognized several young cheer athletes from his constituency for their competition accomplishments and invitations to international tournaments.
Lakeland Plant World 50 Years in Business
Hon. Twila Grosse
The member for Preston congratulated Lakeland Plant World, a third-generation family-owned garden centre in Dartmouth, on 50 years of business.
Health Care Procurement Auditor General Concerns
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North raised concerns over the Auditor General's report finding the Nova Scotia Health Authority inappropriately used alternative procurement and did not follow provincial policy, referencing her earlier bill proposing a clinical procurement office.
Tribute to Foster Lyne
Tim Outhit
The member for Bedford Basin expressed condolences to the family of Foster Lyne, a well-loved math teacher at Charles P. Allen High School who passed away on March 19th.
Recognition of Maia Rei Smith
Hon. Kent Smith
The member for Eastern Shore recognized his daughter Maia Rei Smith, noting her Citizenship Awards and her role as class president at École du Carrefour.
Recognition of Noah Palmer
Chris Palmer
The member for Kings West recognized his son Noah, praising his character and his start in the construction industry.
Recognition of Seemeen Khan
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The member for Halifax Atlantic thanked Seemeen Khan for her volunteer work delivering English classes to more than 30 students and her broader community contributions.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of letters from Ash Lee Jefferson Elementary students
Claudia Chender
Chender tabled a set of papers dropped off at the Legislature from Grade 4-5 students at Ash Lee Jefferson Elementary expressing support for libraries and Ms. Lake.
Tabling of Chronicle Herald article
Lina Hamid
Hamid tabled a newspaper article relating to a member's statement she planned to make.
Tabling of PC Party sponsored targeted ads
Hon. Becky Druhan
Druhan tabled a snapshot of sponsored PC Party ads claiming her House questions were not about Lunenburg West, along with her post and community comments in relation to her member's statement.
Resolution No. 470 - Gordon Hebb 2025 Distinguished Service Award
Hon. Scott Armstrong
Armstrong introduced Gordon Hebb to the House and moved a resolution congratulating him on receiving the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society 2025 Distinguished Service Award; waiver of notice and passage without debate were granted and the motion carried.
Resolution No. 471 - National Indigenous Languages Day
Hon. Leah Martin
Martin moved a resolution recognizing National Indigenous Languages Day and honouring language champions, especially those working on Mi'kmaw language revitalization; passed without debate.
Resolution No. 472 - Tribute to Keith Bridgeo
Nick Hilton
The member for Yarmouth gave notice of a resolution honouring the late Keith Bridgeo, known as 'Mr. Baseball,' for his lifelong dedication to baseball and community in Yarmouth.
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.