Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Wednesday 1 April 2026
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings including the tabling of constituent letters and two Auditor General reports on health procurement and audit follow-ups. The government passed a resolution recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month without debate, while an opposition notice of motion calling for Public Accounts Committee review of the AG's procurement report was tabled after Noes were heard. The bulk of the sitting was devoted to Members' Statements marking occasions such as Daffodil Month, Passover, Easter, and Autism Acceptance Month, recognizing local businesses, volunteers, firefighters, military children, sports teams and athletes, and community achievements, paying tribute to deceased community members with a moment of silence, and denouncing government budget and program cuts.
Members' Statements
Daffodil Month - Cancer Awareness
Brad McGowan
McGowan recognized Daffodil Month and the Canadian Cancer Society's 'Help Hope Bloom' campaign, describing the daffodil as a symbol of renewal, hope, and solidarity with those fighting cancer.
Passover - Best Wishes
Lisa Lachance
Lachance recognized Passover, noted rising antisemitism including attacks on synagogues in Halifax and Toronto, and called on members to act against all forms of hate.
Rosalee Peppard Lockyer - SS Atlantic Tragedy Recognition
Hon. Iain Rankin
Rankin recognized Rosalee Peppard Lockyer for writing a 'Song Portrait' retelling the SS Atlantic tragedy from a women's perspective, on the anniversary of the April 1, 1873 wreck.
Kelly Porter - Tribute
Hon. Kent Smith
Smith paid tribute in French and English to Kelly Porter, a passionate early childhood educator at École des Beaux-Marais who died March 18 at age 53, followed by a moment of silence.
Nova Scotia Legislature - Day 23 of Spring Sitting
Hon. Becky Druhan
Druhan noted this was the longest sitting under the current government and argued that lengthy, unrushed debate is expected of legislatures, pledging the opposition would continue asking questions and debating legislation.
DiscNS - Local Organization Recognition
Krista Gallagher
Gallagher acknowledged DiscNS for promoting disc sports across Nova Scotia through education, resources, and inclusivity at all levels.
Cobequid Tolls - Debt Paid, Remove
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Smith-McCrossin urged the Premier to remove the Cobequid tolls, noting the Highway 104 Act requires their removal once the debt is paid, and opposed a proposed New Brunswick toll in Aulac.
Federal $3.8 Billion Nature Investment - Support
Hon. Iain Rankin
Rankin celebrated the federal Carney government's $3.8 billion investment in nature, urged the province to take federal funding to protect more land, and highlighted the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes national urban park opportunity.
Cyril Albert Clayton - Tribute
Hon. Brendan Maguire
Maguire paid an extended tribute to Chief Warrant Officer Cyril Albert Clayton, a distinguished Canadian Armed Forces veteran and the first African-Canadian Base Regimental Sergeant-Major, followed by a moment of silence.
Constituency Team - Thanks
Hon. Becky Druhan
Druhan thanked her constituency team members Sandy Mair Dodman, Madeleine Kendall, and Stephen Cusick for their dedicated support, especially as an Independent without a caucus.
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Awareness Day - Recognition
Kendra Coombes
Coombes wore yellow to mark April 6 as Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Awareness Day and recognized advocates Chantal and Adam Woods and their children.
Daffodil Month - Cancer Awareness
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
Mombourquette marked Daffodil Month, called for colorectal cancer screening to start at age 45 (as PEI recently adopted) and improved breast cancer screening, arguing more can be done to save lives.
Northern Nova Scotia - Program and Grant Cuts
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Smith-McCrossin read a constituent letter from Amherst opposing government funding cuts to organizations serving women, children, and vulnerable families, including Autumn House, and urged reversal of the decisions.
Passover - History and Traditions
Damian Stoilov
Stoilov recognized the start of Passover, describing its commemoration of liberation from slavery and wishing Nova Scotia's Jewish community a meaningful holiday.
April Fools' Day - Program and Grant Cuts
Suzy Hansen
Hansen used April Fools' Day to criticize government layoffs, program cuts, and closures, wishing the cuts were a prank and calling on the government to reverse course.
Grandchildren Births - Congratulations
Hon. Barbara Adams
Adams entered into the record the births of her first granddaughter Pippa Rae Lavoie and grandson Jack Christopher Lavoie, receiving a standing ovation.
Daffodil Month - Fight Cancer
Lina Hamid
Hamid recognized Daffodil Month, sharing the personal loss of her grandmother Sahab to leukemia in 2025 and calling for continued support of cancer research and patient care.
Autism Acceptance Month - Call to Action
Marco MacLeod
MacLeod recognized April as Autism Acceptance Month, framing it as a call to action and encouraging Nova Scotians to listen to autistic voices and build inclusive spaces.
Greenwood Para PowerPlay Association - Recognition
Chris Palmer
Palmer recognized the Greenwood Para PowerPlay Hockey Team's inaugural game and thanked organizer Justin Gauthier and para hockey advocate Paul Rosen.
Mike's Auto Detailing - Local Business Recognition
Susan Leblanc
Leblanc recognized Mike's Auto Detailing ('Mike on Wyse') on Wyse Road for 17 years of service and thanked Mike and his team for their work.
Allison Martell - Local Volunteer Recognition
Hon. Trevor Boudreau
Boudreau recognized Allison Martell for her volunteer work as commanding officer of the L'Ardoise Legion Army Cadet Corps and involvement in numerous community initiatives in Richmond County.
Cape Breton - Cuts Affecting Community
Kendra Coombes
Coombes denounced April 1 cuts affecting Cape Breton and Nova Scotia, including the Community Trail Leadership Fund, Let's Get Moving and Active Communities Fund, and the Student Advisory Council Innovation Fund.
Owen Blair LaPierre - 90th Birthday
Hon. Timothy Halman
Halman wished Owen Blair LaPierre a happy 90th birthday on April 12.
Easter - Holy Celebrations
Suzy Hansen
Hansen celebrated the Easter season, sharing her family's sunrise service tradition and wishing all members a happy Easter.
Halifax West HS Canadian Improv Games Team - Congratulations
Adegoke Fadare
Fadare congratulated Halifax West High School's improv team, Mission Incrossables, for winning the regional Canadian Improv Games tournament and advancing to nationals in Ottawa, coached by April Cross.
Bill Cruickshank - Tribute
Tim Outhit
Outhit paid tribute to Bill Cruickshank, a recreation facility manager who died March 23 at age 64, praising his integrity, warmth, and dedication, and sent condolences to his family.
Andrew Crouse and Anne Gavey - Christmas Tree Selections Thanks
Hon. Susan Corkum-Greek
Corkum-Greek thanked Lunenburg County Christmas tree growers Andrew Crouse and Anne Gavey for annually selecting a tree for her constituency office and recognized the Christmas Tree Producers Association.
Dawson Burns - Local Entrepreneur Recognition
Hon. John A. MacDonald
MacDonald recognized nine-year-old Dawson Burns of Lantz, who runs a skate-sharpening business to fund his hockey and donate to animal shelters, commending his initiative and generosity.
Passover - Gathering in Resilience
Susan Leblanc
Leblanc recognized the beginning of Passover and wished a happy holiday to all observing.
Ziggy's Pub and Grill - Local Restaurant Recognition
Hon. Brian Comer
Comer recognized the transition of ownership of Ziggy's Pub and Grill in Sydney River from Gordon and David Huntington to Kevin Hearn after more than 30 years.
Passover - Reflection and Remembering
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
Mombourquette rose to recognize the beginning of Passover this evening.
Ziggy's business new chapter
Unknown
A member recognized the hospitality experience and passion of Ziggy's, and acknowledged management team members Conrad and Nate beginning a new chapter.
Passover: Reflection and Remembering
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou recognized the beginning of Passover, reflecting on its themes of freedom, justice, and compassion, and extended warm wishes to Jewish communities.
Baddeck Broncos Basketball banners
Dianne Timmins
The member for Victoria-The Lakes congratulated the Baddeck Bronco boys and girls basketball teams on winning regional banners and advancing to the provincial championship, praising their coaches.
Tribute to Keith Bridgeo
Nick Hilton
The member for Yarmouth paid tribute to Keith Bridgeo, known as Mr. Baseball, honouring his lifetime of community and baseball service and noting his jersey retirement and hall of fame inductions.
Month of the Military Child
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
The member for Hants West recognized April as the Month of the Military Child, honouring the resilience of military youth and gratitude to military families.
Tribute to Mubarak Duale
Adegoke Fadare
The member for Clayton Park West honoured Mubarak Duale, who died November 25, 2025, and requested a moment of silence which was observed.
Volunteer fire departments award recipients
Hon. Scott Armstrong
The member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley thanked volunteer firefighters and first responders, recognizing their awards banquets and dedication to community service.
Inner Strength Taekwondo Academy national awards
Hon. Brian Wong
The member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank recognized the athletes of Inner Strength Taekwondo for their performance at the Taekwondo Canada National Championships, highlighting gold medalist Ronan Sinclair.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of constituent letters and documents
Multiple
Becky Druhan tabled a letter with 18 signatures from Justin Drive residents seeking road improvements; Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin tabled a constituent letter on family support cuts and a news article on the New Brunswick toll; Suzy Hansen tabled documents from constituents opposing the budget.
Tabling of Auditor General reports
The Speaker
The Speaker tabled two AG reports pursuant to the Auditor General Act: Alternative Procurement and Management of Selected Health Contracts (March 2026) and Follow-up of 2021, 2022, and 2023 Performance Audit Recommendations (March 2026).
Resolution No. 473 - Autism Acceptance Month recognition
Hon. Brian Comer
The Minister of Addictions and Mental Health moved a resolution recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month and applauding organizations serving autistic Nova Scotians; waiver of notice was agreed and the motion carried.
Resolution No. 474 - Public Accounts review of AG procurement report
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Smith-McCrossin introduced a notice of motion calling for the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to examine the AG's report on alternative procurement of health contracts and invite the NS Health Authority, Department of Health and Wellness, and Service Nova Scotia to appear; waiver was requested but denied after Noes were heard, and the notice was tabled.
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.