Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Wednesday 8 April 2026
During this sitting of the House of Assembly, members proceeded through daily routine business, including three government notices of motion passed by waiver honouring Victoria Cross military considerations, Public Works winter staff, and WNBA coach Carly Clarke, along with the introduction of a bill. Members delivered an extensive series of statements recognizing local businesses, athletes, community volunteers, venues, and notable individuals—among them Special Olympics volunteer Terry Richardson, former MLA Jerry Pye's Coronation Medal, and the National Day of Remembrance for the Battle of Vimy Ridge—as well as tributes to the deceased and Province House staff. Additional proceedings included notices of motion under Rule 32(3) congratulating community leaders in Kings South, and the Speaker announced housing affordability as the late debate topic.
Members' Statements
International Day of Pink: Stand Against Bullying
Hon. Leah Martin
The member for Cole Harbour recognized the International Day of Pink, standing against bullying and discrimination and promoting acceptance and respect for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Todd Cranston: SMU Graduate
Lisa Lachance
The member recognized Todd Cranston, who battled aggressive brain cancer and became a Saint Mary's University graduate in March after the university assessed his life and career experience.
Team Stevens: 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts
Nick Hilton
The member for Yarmouth introduced members of Team Stevens curling team in the gallery and congratulated them on representing Nova Scotia at the 2026 Scotties, finishing 6-2 in the round robin and securing a playoff spot with a dramatic shot.
Krista's Sheep: Local Business
Hon. Becky Druhan
The member for Lunenburg West recognized Krista's Sheep, a local farm run by Krista Harding since 2013, praising its stewardship, care for animals, and connection to community.
Cruel Cuts: Programs and Grants Cut
Kendra Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier criticized PC government cuts to Natural Resources programs and Public Works initiatives including school bus sponsorship, bicycle safety, bridge research, and transit research.
Mike Kaye: Death of - Tribute
Hon. Tory Rushton
The member for Cumberland South paid tribute to Mike Kaye, a fixture at the Springhill Fire Department and his first supporter in the 2018 by-election, followed by a moment of silence.
Ashby Legion Branch 138: 100th Anniversary
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou recognized the 100th anniversary of Ashby Legion Branch 138 for its support of veterans and the CBRM community.
Introduction - Robert Amirault
Hon. Colton Leblanc
The member for Argyle introduced Robert Amirault of Lower East Pubnico as a guest in the gallery.
C.P. Allen Cheetahs: Football Division Title
Damian Stoilov
The member for Bedford South congratulated the Charles P. Allen Cheetahs football team on an unbeaten season and their first Division 1 title, defeating Citadel High 22-0.
Province House Staff: Appreciated Efforts and Hard Work
Suzy Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham thanked all Province House staff including pages, clerks, commissionaires, librarians, cleaners, and security for making the long sittings bearable.
Province House Staff: Caucus Appreciation
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou, on behalf of caucus, thanked everyone who makes the House operate during one of the longest sittings in a while.
Major Mary Cameron-Kelly: Military Achievements
Chris Palmer
The member for Kings West recognized Major Mary Cameron-Kelly, one of the first women military pilots in Canada and first female captain of the Aurora aircraft, honoured on a stamp.
Halifax Hawks U15AA: Provincial Hockey Champs
Lina Hamid
The member for Fairview-Clayton Park congratulated the Halifax Hawks U15AA on winning the Provincial Championship and the Fair Play Award, with individual player honours.
Introduction - Constituency Staff and Supporters
Hon. Kim Masland
The member for Queens introduced Antoine Collier, Sam Scobey, Brandy Cheramie, and Gary Russell as guests in the gallery.
Antoine Collier: Constituency Co-op Student
Hon. Kim Masland
The member for Queens recognized Antoine Collier, an 18-year-old exchange student from Belgium doing a co-op in her constituency office with aspirations in foreign affairs.
Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax: 2026 Festival
Susan Leblanc
The member for Dartmouth North recognized Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax and their 2026 multidisciplinary art festival running April 25 to May 10, congratulating the organizing team.
Scissors and Sun: 21 Years in Business
Hon. Barbara Adams
The member for Eastern Passage congratulated Scissors and Sun Hair Esthetics and Tanning Salon on its 21st anniversary as a community gathering place.
Sydney Airport: Cuts Threatening Services
Kendra Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier urged the government to reconsider tourism-sector cuts threatening the viability of the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport.
Colleen Jones: Death of - Tribute
Hon. Iain Rankin
The member for Timberlea-Prospect paid tribute to curling legend and journalist Colleen Jones, who passed away in November after a battle with cancer, noting her six Scotties, two world championships, and CBC News Hall of Fame induction.
George Boudreau: Retirement
Hon. Trevor Boudreau
The member for Richmond congratulated George Boudreau on his retirement after running Georgie's Garage in St. Peters for 59 years.
April Flowers: Vibrant Colours
Suzy Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham celebrated April's spring blooms including tulips, daffodils, and lilacs and their importance to pollinators.
Local Fire Departments: Hard Work
Hon. Kim Masland
The member for Queens thanked the five fire departments serving Queens County for their brave and selfless service to the community.
Introduction - Dryden Perry
Nick Hilton
The member for Yarmouth introduced Dryden Perry, a Yarmouth carpenter and community advocate, as a guest in the gallery.
Rob and Joanne Lawrie: Community Efforts
David Bowlby
The member for Annapolis recognized Rob and Joanne Lawrie for growing a family hardware business into eight locations and for their community volunteerism, including firefighting and support for the War Amps.
Emily Nicholson: Health Canada Position
Hon. Fred Tilley
The member for Northside-Westmount proudly recognized his daughter Emily on achieving her PRE03 classification as a human resources staffing officer with Health Canada.
Local Groups: Assisting Food Insecurity
Hon. Brian Comer
The member for Cape Breton East recognized organizations across Cape Breton East, including food banks and community gardens, working to ensure residents have access to food and essential supports.
Dr. Jacqueline Gahagan: Post-secondary Access Barriers for Youth
Lisa Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island recognized Dr. Jacqueline Gahagan's research on structural barriers to post-secondary education for youth in care and her advocacy for tuition waivers, noting an upcoming May 4 webinar.
Dayspring and District Fire Department: Generational Commitments
Hon. Susan Corkum-Greek
The member for Lunenburg honoured the Dayspring and District Fire Department's 60th anniversary and multi-generational family commitments including the Feener family.
Leading Leaders Society of N.S.: Black Civic Voices Initiative
Adegoke Fadare
The member for Clayton Park West recognized the Leading Leaders Society of Nova Scotia's Camp Aspire - Black Civic Voices program for developing young Black leaders through civic engagement.
Introduction - Kareem O'Keiffe
Hon. Twila Grosse
The member for Preston introduced Kareem O'Keiffe, Special Advisor for the Public Service Commission and African Nova Scotian Affairs, in the gallery.
Kareem O'Keiffe: PSC Special Advisor
Hon. Twila Grosse
The member for Preston recognized Kareem O'Keiffe as an accomplished financial professional and community leader serving as Special Advisor to the minister with the Province.
Trevor Ettinger and Jeff Smith Memorial Hockey Tournament
Hon. John A. MacDonald
The member for Hants East acknowledged the annual memorial hockey tournament at the East Hants Sportsplex honouring two young athletes and recognizing their mothers.
Local Organizations: Critical Food Support
Hon. Timothy Halman
The member for Dartmouth East recognized local organizations receiving $55,000 through the Feeding Communities Fund to provide food support to vulnerable residents.
Captain Michael Perry: Local Council Member
Hon. Brad Johns
The member for Sackville-Uniacke recognized Captain Michael Perry for over 27 years of Armed Forces service and his election to East Hants Council representing Mount Uniacke-South Rawdon.
Recognition of volunteer Terry Richardson
Danny MacGillivray
The member for Pictou Centre recognized Terry Richardson of New Glasgow for four decades of volunteer service with Special Olympics Nova Scotia, including his leadership in the 2018 Canada Summer Games and receipt of the Harry 'Red' Foster Award.
Recognition of Belle Côte & Area Community Centre
Kyle MacQuarrie
The member for Inverness recognized the Belle Côte and Area Community Centre as a cornerstone of community life, thanking its volunteers and organizers for events like the annual Quilt Show and Marketplace.
Recognition of Big Leagues restaurant
Brad McGowan
The member for Cole Harbour-Dartmouth recognized Big Leagues sports bar in Cole Harbour, a small business since 1987, for its service and hosting of community viewing parties.
South Colchester Academy grad auction
Hon. Scott Armstrong
The member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley announced the South Colchester Academy grad auction on April 28th, with proceeds supporting Safe Grad, and invited donations and attendance.
Thanks to Holy Trinity Anglican Church volunteers
Hon. Greg Morrow
The member for Guysborough-Tracadie thanked volunteers at the Holy Trinity Country Harbour Anglican Church's New to You shop, highlighting founder Edie Porter, now 98, who remains a loyal volunteer.
Congratulations to Jerry Pye on Coronation Medal
Susan Leblanc
The member for Dartmouth North celebrated former MLA Jerry Pye, a polio survivor and disability advocate, on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.
National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North marked the National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, honouring the personal connection to Cumberland County through the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and figures like Horatio Murdock.
Introduction of guest
Hon. Brian Wong
The member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank introduced his constituency coordinator, Dani Squires, in the East Gallery.
Routine Proceedings
Late Debate Topic Announcement - Housing
The Speaker
The Speaker announced the late debate topic submitted by the member for Dartmouth North: that government take steps to ensure every Nova Scotian has a home they can afford.
Resolution No. 482 - Canadian Victoria Cross Military Considerations
Hon. Barbara Adams
The Minister responsible for Military Relations moved a resolution urging the Government of Canada to establish an independent military honours review board to review veterans' cases for the Victoria Cross, referencing General Rick Hillier's initiative; passed by waiver.
Resolution No. 483 - Thanks to Public Works Winter Staff
Hon. Fred Tilley
The Minister of Public Works moved a resolution extending gratitude to Public Works staff for their dedication during the difficult winter of 2026; passed by waiver.
Resolution No. 484 - Carly Clarke WNBA Toronto Tempo Appointment
Hon. Dave Ritcey
The Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage moved a resolution congratulating Nova Scotia's Carly Clarke on being named Assistant Coach of the WNBA's Toronto Tempo, the first Canadian coach of Canada's first WNBA team; passed by waiver.
Introduction of Bill No. 252 - Well-being Budget Act
Hon. Iain Rankin
Hon. Iain Rankin introduced Bill No. 252, An Act Respecting a Well-being Budget, ordered to be read a second time on a future day.
Resolution No. 485 - Gwen Mosher's 50 years in Scouting
Julie Vanexan
The member for Kings South gave notice of a resolution congratulating Gwen Mosher on 50 years of service in Scouting and her commitment to youth development and community leadership.
Resolution No. 486 - Shawna Hachey's community leadership
Julie Vanexan
The member for Kings South gave notice of a resolution thanking Shawna Hachey, an instructor at the Louis Millett Community Complex, for five years of teaching fitness and yoga classes supporting seniors and wellness.
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.