Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Tuesday 7 April 2026
The Tuesday, April 7, 2026 sitting of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly opened with the national anthem and routine proceedings, during which the Minister of Health and Wellness introduced government resolutions recognizing Green Shirt Day and World Health Day, and the Minister of Military Relations recognized Jessica Roy and Honorary Colonel Joyce Carter, all passing without debate. Lisa Lachance introduced Bill No. 251 amending the House of Assembly Act, and a notice of motion was given congratulating a Liverpool Regional High School student for his public speaking achievement. Members delivered numerous statements celebrating community members, local businesses, athletes, authors, organizations, and constituency staff, while opposition members criticized government program cuts, late-night House sittings, and the handling of the Financial Measures (2026) Act.
Members' Statements
Tartan Day: April 6th Recognition
K. MacQuarrie
The member for Inverness recognized Tartan Day, noting the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath and Nova Scotia's 1987 recognition, inviting all Nova Scotians to celebrate Scottish heritage.
World Health Day: Power of Scientific Collaboration
S. Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham recognized World Health Day and its call to stand with science, celebrating scientific collaboration and the One Health approach.
National Amateur Boxing Championships in Membertou
Hon. D. Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou congratulated Membertou on hosting the national amateur boxing championships from November 17-21, 2026, praising community volunteers.
Truro Senior 'A' Mosaik Bearcats: Hollingsworth Cup Champions
Hon. D. Ritcey
The member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River congratulated the Bearcats on winning the Hollingsworth Cup in Game 7 against East Hants in their first Senior Hockey League season.
Balsam Care Society: Local Organization Recognition
Hon. B. Druhan
The member for Lunenburg West welcomed Balsam Care Society to its new King Street location in Bridgewater, recognizing its housing support and community services for adults with diverse abilities.
Jaime Burnet: Book 'milktooth' Recognition
L. Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island recognized author Jaime Burnet, whose novel milktooth received Lambda, Carol Shields Prize, and Thomas Raddall nominations, noting Nova Scotia does not financially support its publishing industry.
Colton Reiley and RJ MacKenzie: Team Canada U18 Recognition
Hon. D. Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou recognized two Cape Breton Eagles staff, trainer Colton Reiley and Dr. RJ MacKenzie, selected for Team Canada's U18 team at the World Championships in Slovakia.
World Health Day: Working Together
N. Hilton
The member for Yarmouth recognized World Health Day, celebrating health science achievements and thanking Nova Scotia's health care workers, researchers, and public health advocates.
Cruel Cuts: Programs and Services Cut in Full
K. Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier condemned government cuts, listing numerous education programs cut in full including Artists in Schools, Mi'kmaw services, and literacy initiatives.
Tartan Day: Scottish Roots Celebration
Hon. C. LeBlanc
The member for Argyle recognized National Tartan Day, expressing pride in the Quinan Tartan and encouraging everyone with Scottish roots to embrace their heritage.
N.S. Book Awards: Local Fiction Nominees
S. Leblanc
The member for Dartmouth North congratulated the fiction nominees for the Nova Scotia Book Awards, including local writers and the Dartmouth and Margaret and John Savage awards.
Accents Music Learning Centre: Local Business Recognition
Hon. T. Grosse
The member for Preston recognized Elizabeth Humphries and Erin Summers, co-owners of Accents Music Learning Centre in Westphal, for providing music lessons and building community.
Public Servants: Dedicated and Hard Work Thanks
Hon. B. Druhan
The member for Lunenburg West thanked Nova Scotia's public servants, acknowledging the ethical responsibilities and integrity involved in serving the public.
National Coffee Cake Day: April 7th Recognition
S. Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham recognized National Coffee Cake Day, encouraging members to enjoy baked goods and support local bakeries.
U13AAA Valley Jets: Provincial Champions
Hon. J. Lohr
The member for Kings North congratulated the Valley Jets on winning the Nova Scotia Minor U13AAA provincial championship, advancing to the Atlantics.
Autism Acceptance Month: Moving Forward
L. Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island recognized Autism Acceptance Month, urging progress toward autism rights, equity, and self-determination for all autistic Nova Scotians.
Bedford Farm and Craft Market: Grand Opening
T. Outhit
The member for Bedford Basin congratulated organizers on the June 3rd grand opening of the Greater Bedford Farm & Craft Market in Lower Sackville.
N.S. Book Awards: Local Non-fiction Nominees
S. Leblanc
The member for Dartmouth North congratulated non-fiction nominees for the Nova Scotia Book Awards, including the Margaret & John Savage and Evelyn Richardson awards.
Barbara Coneen: 90th Birthday Best Wishes
D. Stoilov
The member for Bedford South recognized Barbara Coneen's 90th birthday, praising her wisdom and character in the Bedford South community.
Dillon, Anne, and Donna: Constituency Staff Thanks
K. Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier thanked her constituency coordinator Dillon and staff Anne and Donna for their dedicated work supporting constituents.
The August House: The Judy Fund Initiative Recognition
M. Sheehy-Richard
The member for Hants West recognized the August House and its Judy Fund, which contributes guest room revenue to purchase and distribute meals addressing local food insecurity.
The Workshop Café: Local Restaurant Recognition
R. Robicheau
The member for Clare congratulated Timmy and Jennifer Saulnier on the grand opening of the Workshop Café in Little Brook.
Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre: Local Community Hub Recognition
Hon. K. Smith
The member for Eastern Shore recognized the volunteers and partners behind the Eastern Shore Lifestyle Centre under construction in Sheet Harbour, a community facility including recreation, library, and emergency services.
Clyde Paul: Death Tribute
Hon. B. Maguire
The member for Halifax Atlantic paid tribute to Spryfield icon Clyde Paul, a lawyer and longtime community volunteer who passed on April 3rd, followed by a moment of silence.
The Winds of Change Dramatic Society: 50 Years of Theatre
Hon. K. Masland
The member for Queens congratulated the Winds of Change Dramatic Society on over 50 years of Liverpool-area productions, including their recent performance of 'Sadie Flynn Comes to Big Oak.'
Paul Nickituk: Cancer Free Diagnosis Celebration
Hon. J. White
The member for Glace Bay-Dominion celebrated CBRM District 10 Councillor Paul Nickituk being cancer free after a six-month battle, noting Daffodil Month.
West Bedford High School: First Graduating Class Celebration
R. Burns
The member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville celebrated the first graduating class of West Bedford High School, mentioning co-op student Bolu Oni in his office.
Carol Oliver: 82nd Birthday Best Wishes
Hon. B. Johns
The member for Sackville-Uniacke recognized Lucasville resident Carol Oliver, mother of his constituency assistant, on her 82nd birthday.
Poppy & Co. Pottery Cafe: Local Business Recognition
Hon. T. Halman
The member for Dartmouth East recognized Poppy & Co. Pottery Cafe, a new creative pottery and café space in Dartmouth East.
Joyce d'Entremont: Health Care Services Thanks
D. Bowlby
The member for Annapolis recognized Joyce d'Entremont, a 42-year registered nurse and CEO of Mountains and Meadows Care Group, for her person-centred leadership and advocacy.
Dare to Dream Children's Society: Local Organization Recognition
J. Vanexan
The member for Kings South welcomed Dare to Dream Child Care to New Minas, congratulating owners and staff for supporting working families.
St. Andrew's Parish Council CWL: Local Organization Recognition
Hon. B. Adams
The member for Eastern Passage recognized the St. Andrew's Parish Council of the Catholic Women's League celebrating 65 years of community service.
Doris Matthews: Local Icon Recognition
Hon. T. Boudreau
The member for Richmond recognized Doris Matthews for over 25 years of leadership with the South Mountain Arm of Gold Community Association, including rebuilding the community hall after a fire.
2026 Frank H. Sobey Award of Excellence recipient
Dianne Timmins
Congratulated Charles Anderson of Balls Creek, a Mount Saint Vincent University business student named one of eight recipients of the 2026 Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies, noting his perfect GPA and his digital media business.
280th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden
Hon. Michelle Thompson
Recognized the celebrations marking the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden at the Culloden Memorial Cairn in Knoydart, thanking organizers and Bill McVicar for their dedication to preserving Scottish heritage.
Beehive Adult Service Centre
Chris Palmer
Recognized the Beehive Adult Service Centre in Aylesford for its work supporting adults of all abilities since 1969, thanking Cora Auclair and her team.
Wags Boarding Kennels
Ryan Robicheau
Recognized Leta and Joey Wagner, owners of Wags Boarding Kennels, for their pet care business and advocacy for animal rights and responsible pet ownership.
Thanking Pat Marriott
Hon. Brendan Maguire
Thanked Pat Marriott for donating thousands of toys to community organizations and individuals, bringing joy to children and families.
Recognition of constituency coordinator Katherine Brooks
Hon. Twila Grosse
Recognized her constituency coordinator Katherine Brooks for her dedication, reliability, and commitment to community service.
Late working hours and rushed legislation
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Criticized the government for repeatedly calling House hours until 11:59 p.m. for five weeks, arguing the late-night sittings hide bad legislation rather than allow proper debate.
Recognition of Dr. Ben Boudreau
Hon. Trevor Boudreau
Congratulated former Richmond County resident Dr. Ben Boudreau, the youngest ever president of Chiropractors Nova Scotia and recipient of the organization's Impact Award, and noted his new clinic and Chiro Clubs initiative.
Condemnation of debate being shut down on omnibus Financial Measures Act
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Condemned the government for putting the question and shutting down debate on the Financial Measures (2026) Act, a 137-clause omnibus bill amending 20 pieces of legislation amid a projected $1.2 billion deficit.
Timberlea Jam Sessions
Rick Burns
Recognized Tam Hill and the organizers of the Timberlea Jam Session, monthly gatherings for musicians of all ages to play traditional Celtic music and old-time fiddling.
Routine Proceedings
Green Shirt Day: Organ and Tissue Donations Recognition (Resolution No. 477)
Hon. Michelle Thompson
The Minister of Health and Wellness moved a resolution recognizing Green Shirt Day on April 7th, honouring Logan Boulet's legacy following the Humboldt Broncos crash and encouraging organ and tissue donation. Passed by waiver without debate.
World Health Day Recognition (Resolution No. 478)
Hon. Michelle Thompson
The Minister of Health and Wellness moved a resolution recognizing April 7th as World Health Day with the theme 'Together for health. Stand with science.' Passed by waiver without debate.
Jessica Roy: Educate to Work Program Participant Recognition (Resolution No. 479)
Hon. Barbara Adams
The Minister of Military Relations moved a resolution recognizing Jessica Roy, who became a certified mechanic through the Educate to Work Program, now offers free classes to women and wrote a children's book. Passed by waiver without debate.
Joyce Carter: 2026 Top Women in Defence Award Recipient (Resolution No. 480)
Hon. Barbara Adams
The Minister moved a resolution congratulating Honorary Colonel Joyce Carter, named one of Esprit de Corps magazine's 2026 Top Women in Defence and appointed honorary colonel of 12 Wing Shearwater. Passed by waiver without debate.
Bill No. 251 - Budget Attendance Act (House of Assembly Act amendment)
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance introduced Bill No. 251, An Act to Amend the House of Assembly Act respecting attendance for certain votes, ordered to be read a second time on a future day.
Resolution No. 481 - Daniel Losier public speaking achievement
Hon. Kim Masland
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Liverpool Regional High School student Daniel Losier for earning second place at the Skills Nova Scotia Public Speaking competition in Halifax.
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.