Hansard·Nova Scotia House of Assembly·First Session, 26th Assembly·

Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Thursday 9 April 2026

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted its daily routine, including petitions, tabling of papers, government notices of motion, and an extensive series of members' statements on what many anticipated as the likely last sitting day before the Fall. Notable items included a petition calling for an independent public review of Nova Scotia Power, resolutions recognizing correctional officers and Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action, and numerous member statements marking Vimy Ridge Day, community leaders, firefighters, unions, businesses, organizations, tributes, and personal milestones, alongside NDP and PC statements addressing budget cuts, women in the Legislature, and sexual violence. During Routine Proceedings, numerous notices of motion under Rule 32(3) were introduced (Resolutions 490 through 501), honouring individuals, community events, festivals, and organizations across Nova Scotia.

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Members' Statements

House of Assembly: Privilege and Dedication of Work

Hon. Brendan Maguire

Urged members to respect the dignity of their roles and refrain from dragging family members and staff into political attacks or social media smears.

Rainbow Refugees of N.S. recognition

Lina Hamid

Recognized the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS), the only organization in Atlantic Canada dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees, which has resettled dozens of individuals since 2011.

Happy Birthday to Hon. Iain Rankin

Hon. Derek Mombourquette

Wished a happy birthday to the member for Timberlea-Prospect, praising his service since 2013 including as Premier.

Vimy Ridge Day

Chris Palmer

Marked the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, honouring Canadian sacrifices including the Nova Scotia Highlanders' bayonet charge, and encouraged Nova Scotians to remember those who fought for freedom.

Tribute to parental figures

Hon. Becky Druhan

Paid tribute to her parents and other parental figures who supported her, marking 19 years since her father Bill's passing.

2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan and gender-based violence

Lisa Lachance

Cited statistics on disproportionate violence against transgender and gender-diverse people and called for the 2SLGBTQIA+ action plan to include addressing gender-based violence.

Seafest recognition

Nick Hilton

Recognized Yarmouth's Seafest maritime festival (July 9-18, theme "Tides of Fun and Wonder") and thanked its volunteers ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2028.

Angela MacKinnon - Duncan Roach Unsung Hero Award

Kendra Coombes

Congratulated Angela MacKinnon of New Waterford on receiving the Duncan Roach Unsung Hero Award for 39 years of service to Saint Leonard's church community.

Introduction and recognition of TNVM/Maritime Tamil Welfare Association

Hon. Brendan Maguire

Introduced members of the Maritime Tamil Welfare Association in the gallery and recognized TNVM, a non-profit supporting Tamil families through cultural programming, youth engagement, and newcomer support.

National Unicorn Day

Suzy Hansen

Recognized National Unicorn Day, celebrating unicorns as symbols of love, purity, enchantment, and magic.

In-laws' 60th wedding anniversary

Julie Vanexan

Congratulated her in-laws on their 60th wedding anniversary, honouring their enduring love, commitment, and family legacy.

NSTU Black and Indigenous representation election

Paul Wozney

Recognized the NSTU's first For Us, By Us election of African Nova Scotian and Indigenous representatives to the provincial executive, naming the candidates.

Birthdays of Fola Fadare and Karen Smith

Adegoke Fadare

Wished happy birthdays to his wife Fola and his Constituency Coordinator Karen Smith, praising their roles in his life and office.

Fairview Junior High political engagement

Lina Hamid

Thanked the Citizenship 9 class at Fairview Junior High for inviting her to speak, recognizing five students who organized the visit and their thoughtful questions on poverty and systemic racism.

Tribute to Charlie Dan Roach

Kyle MacQuarrie

Paid tribute (in French and English) to the late Charlie Dan Roach of Chéticamp, a teacher, genealogist, choir director, and radio host who received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Pride Festivals celebration

Lisa Lachance

Celebrated the upcoming Pride season across Nova Scotia and encouraged members to engage with and support Pride events.

Recognition of activist Lucy Duggan

Hon. Derek Mombourquette

Recognized Lucy Duggan of Vaughan, a young student advocating with friends and family to reinstate the uranium ban to protect their community and environment.

Proud dad brag - Liz and Emily Outhit

Tim Outhit

Celebrated his daughters Liz (graduating Dalhousie Medical School, starting UBC OB/GYN residency) and Emily (researcher in Yellowknife), announcing Emily's five-year remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Solidarity with CUPE long-term care workers

Kendra Coombes

Expressed NDP solidarity with CUPE Nova Scotia's long-term care workers set to strike Monday and rally across the province, calling for better support.

Thanks to legislative staff

Brad McGowan

Anticipating the last sitting day until Fall, thanked legislative staff, the Sergeant-at-Arms, Commissionaires, Clerks, Pages, Legislative TV, caucus staff, and constituency coordinators.

National Chicken Little Day

Suzy Hansen

Recognized National Chicken Little Awareness Day, encouraging people to fact-check fears and not let the acorns get the best of them.

Introduction of Bolu Oni and 7:40 Restaurant recognition

Rick Burns

Introduced co-op student Bolu Oni from West Bedford School and recognized 7:40 Restaurant in Hammonds Plains, founded by the Latvian Dain family, which offers free meals to veterans monthly.

Thanks to father and constituency team

Paul Wozney

Wished his father Bill Wozney well on his discharge from the Nova Scotia Rehab Centre and thanked his constituency team Alex Robben and Lisa Farmer.

Boularderie Island Connected Society recognition

Dianne Timmins

Recognized the Boularderie Island Connected Society (BICS), founded 2019, which helps rural seniors stay connected through cooking classes and Lunch and Learn sessions, and thanked its board members.

Tribute to Percy Graham

Tom Taggart

Paid tribute to the late Percy Graham of Great Village, who ran the Riverside Service Station and was known for his service to the public and larger-than-life presence.

Recognition of Christopher Clarke, Queens Home for Special Care

Hon. Kim Masland

Masland recognized Christopher Clarke, chair of the board of the Queens Home for Special Care (the Manor), who is stepping down in May, crediting him with securing a new $108-million long-term care facility and establishing a foundation for residents.

Introduction of co-op student Bradon Kelly

Melissa Sheehy-Richard

Sheehy-Richard introduced Bradon Kelly, a Grade 12 co-op student from Avon View High School, and welcomed him to the House.

Congratulations on Truro Fire Service promotions

Hon. Dave Ritcey

Ritcey congratulated Michael Mabey and Tom Malone on their promotions to Career Captain with A Platoon and B Platoon respectively within the Truro Fire Service.

Solidarity with people affected by budget cuts

Susan Leblanc

Leblanc expressed solidarity with arts and culture workers, not-for-profit staff, and food and vulnerable-people program workers affected by the budget passed this sitting, pledging to advocate for reinstated funding.

Historical importance of women in the Legislature

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin

Smith-McCrossin spoke about the importance of women's voices and leadership in the Chamber, criticizing the dismissal of women who speak with conviction and calling for a women's health care strategy.

80th birthday of Cecilia MacDonald

Brad McGowan

McGowan wished his mother, Cecilia MacDonald, a happy 80th birthday.

120th anniversary of Carpenters Union Local 1588

Hon. John White

White congratulated Carpenters Union Local 1588 in Cape Breton on 120 years of service, noting its advocacy for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity for workers.

Recognition of SOS Refillery

Ryan Robicheau

Robicheau recognized Crystal Flynn and Mandy Muise, owners of SOS Refillery in Clare, for promoting sustainable living and winning the 2026 Vince Stuart Prize in Sustainable Innovation.

Ending sexual violence and non-disclosure agreements

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin

Smith-McCrossin called on government to match its words on ending sexual violence with action, criticizing the use of non-disclosure agreements that silence victims and demanding accountability and protection for survivors.

Thanks to volunteer fire departments

Hon. Nolan Young

Young recognized volunteer fire departments in his area, highlighting upcoming fundraising events and encouraging community support for their work.

30 years of the Hants Learning Network Association

Melissa Sheehy-Richard

Sheehy-Richard recognized the Hants Learning Network Association for 30 years of free adult and family learning programs supporting literacy and lifelong learning.

Routine Proceedings

Petition for public review of Nova Scotia Power

Hon. Derek Mombourquette

Tabled a petition with 40 signatures calling on the government to initiate an independent public review of Nova Scotia Power's rates, reliability, governance, and legal compliance, citing rising power bills, unreliable service, and a 2025 cybersecurity breach.

Tabling of constituent letters

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin

Tabled letters received from constituents during the sitting regarding cuts to museums, arts, culture, and visitor information centres, and others negatively affected by government decisions.

Tabling of documents

Multiple

Kendra Coombes tabled a document related to a member statement, and Housing Minister John White tabled a quote from MP Alana Hirtle referenced during third reading of Bill No. 212.

Resolution No. 487 - Correctional Officers modernized pay plan

Hon. Scott Armstrong

The Minister of Justice moved a resolution recognizing correctional officers and acknowledging a modernized pay plan approved through collaboration with the NSGEU; passed with waiver of notice and no debate.

Resolution No. 488 - Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action

Hon. Leah Martin

The Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act moved a resolution recognizing April 7 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month's Day of Action and reaffirming commitment to ending gender-based violence; passed with waiver.

Resolution No. 490 - Recognition of Jerry Pye

Susan Leblanc

Leblanc gave notice of a resolution recognizing Jerry Pye, former MLA for Dartmouth North and Dartmouth Alderman, for his advocacy for accessibility and disabilities and his community contributions.

Resolution No. 491 - The Neighbourhoods of Dogwood Lane long-term care home

Hon. Kim Masland

Masland gave notice of a resolution recognizing the importance of the new long-term care home, The Neighbourhoods of Dogwood Lane, for residents and families in Queens County.

Resolution No. 492 - Arudra Dance Academy / Autism Nova Scotia

Adegoke Fadare

Fadare gave notice of a resolution congratulating the Arudra Dance Academy for its Kalaanjali Fundraiser supporting Autism Nova Scotia.

Resolution No. 493 - Black Business Initiative 30th Anniversary Summit

Adegoke Fadare

Fadare gave notice of a resolution congratulating those involved in the Black Business Initiative 30th Anniversary Summit and supporting the growth of Black businesses in Nova Scotia.

Resolution No. 494 - Halifax Hawks U15AA provincial champions

Adegoke Fadare

Fadare gave notice of a resolution congratulating the Halifax Hawks U15AA team on winning their second straight provincial championship, defeating the Glace Bay Miners 1-0.

Resolution No. 495 - Jide Adesalu's 60th birthday

Adegoke Fadare

Fadare gave notice of a resolution congratulating Jide Adesalu on his 60th birthday and his community contributions.

Resolution No. 496 - New-to-You shop volunteers

Hon. Greg Morrow

Morrow gave notice of a resolution recognizing the volunteers of the New-to-You shop at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Country Harbour, including 98-year-old founder Edie Porter.

Resolution No. 497 - Cheer athletes' accomplishments

Hon. Greg Morrow

Morrow gave notice of a resolution offering three cheers for local cheer athletes and coach Haley Chisholm for their competitive accomplishments, including international invitations.

Resolution No. 498 - 30th anniversary of StanFest

Hon. Greg Morrow

Morrow gave notice of a resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival (StanFest) in Canso and congratulating its organizers and volunteers.

Resolution No. 499 - 92nd anniversary of the Apple Blossom Festival

Julie Vanexan

Vanexan gave notice of a resolution congratulating the Apple Blossom Festival on its 92nd anniversary and honouring its celebration of the Annapolis Valley's agricultural heritage.

Resolution No. 500 - Rewind 89.3 five years in New Minas

Julie Vanexan

Vanexan gave notice of a resolution congratulating radio station Rewind 89.3 on five years in their New Minas location and their community engagement.

Resolution No. 501 - 40th anniversary of White Rock Community Hall

Julie Vanexan

Vanexan gave notice of a resolution congratulating the White Rock Community Hall on 40 years of service as a community gathering place.

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.