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

Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Wednesday 9 September 2026

On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings including the tabling of two petitions for sustainable public library funding, several government notices of motion passed by waiver, and the introduction of five bills addressing power regulation review, libraries, residential tenancies, a rent bank, and safe indoor temperatures. Members delivered numerous statements recognizing local individuals, community organizations, athletes, and paying tribute to the deceased, while a notice of motion on road and bridge infrastructure was tabled after failing to receive waiver consent. The sitting concluded with the tail end of an adjournment debate, announced on the affordability crisis, in which a government member defended the province's record on economic development, defence, mining, and affordable housing, after which the House adjourned until September 10 and further Notices of Motion under Rule 32(3) were submitted.

Read the official Hansard ↗

Members' Statements

Recognition of Joe Cobden, local actor

C. Chender

Claudia Chender introduced Joe Cobden and his mother Jane, recognizing Joe as a local actor, producer, and director with four films premiering at TIFF who works with iconic directors and showcases newcomers on his Fibe TV1 show Breaking Bread.

Tribute to Kai Matthews

Hon. I. Rankin

Iain Rankin paid tribute to Kai Matthews, who died in June 2021 from meningitis B, honouring the B for Kai Foundation and the opening of the Kai Matthews Bike Park.

World Suicide Prevention Day and 988 helpline

D. Stoilov

Damian Stoilov recognized World Suicide Prevention Day, promoting the 988 suicide helpline and provincial mental health supports, urging members to share resources and remind Nova Scotians they are not alone.

Recognition of SurfAble N.S. Life Rolls On event

K. Gallagher

Krista Gallagher introduced SurfAble Nova Scotia organizers and recognized the adaptive surf event Life Rolls On at Martinique Beach, which she volunteered at, celebrating its impact on people with disabilities.

Recognition of Jim "Rico" McEachern

Hon. D. Mombourquette

Derek Mombourquette recognized Jim "Rico" McEachern, a longtime educator and baseball coach of the Sydney Sooners for 50 years, noting the Nova Scotia Senior Baseball League retired his number 3.

Congratulations to Donna and Garth Smith on 60th anniversary

T. Outhit

Tim Outhit introduced Donna and Garth Smith and congratulated them on their 60th wedding anniversary, recounting their careers and shared love of adventure and travel.

Tribute to Mary "Lou" MacLean

E. Smith-McCrossin

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin honoured Mary "Lou" MacLean of Amherst, who died August 14th at 76, remembered as the heart of the office at Amherst Regional High School.

Recognition of Cobequid Food Security Network

P. Wozney

Paul Wozney introduced network representatives and honoured the Cobequid Food Security Network for providing hearty meals from freezers, its expansion into Fall River, and its coalition of partners, noting the need for more volunteers.

Tribute to Kyra Hansen

Hon. I. Rankin

Iain Rankin remembered Kyra Hansen, who advocated to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45 before passing away in June, calling on the government to act on earlier screening.

Recognition of Box It Out Association

Hon. T. Grosse

Twila Grosse introduced founders Custio and Charis Clayton and recognized the Box It Out Association in East Preston for empowering youth through boxing and mentorship, supporting about 90 young people.

Recognition of Op de Fiets Youth Cycling Team

S. Leblanc

Susan Leblanc congratulated the Op de Fiets Youth Cycling Team and founders Keli and Shawn Marshall on winning the community club award at the Sport Nova Scotia Support4Sport gala.

Recognition of South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society

Hon. B. Druhan

Becky Druhan recognized the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society for its comfort care, funds, and advocacy for hospice beds at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital, calling for stable government funding for hospice care.

Tribute to Sherman Leo Ossinger

Hon. B. Maguire

Brendan Maguire paid tribute to Sherman Leo Ossinger, a 50-year-old neighbourhood mechanic and personal friend from Williamswood, listing his surviving family.

Celebration of The Turret Place of Pride stamp

L. Lachance

Lisa Lachance celebrated Canada Post's Places of Pride stamp featuring Halifax's The Turret, a former gay and lesbian club and safe space, and noted the Turret Arts Space Society's efforts to save the landmark.

Recognition of Maritime Painted Saltbox gallery

Hon. B. Druhan

Becky Druhan recognized the Maritime Painted Saltbox gallery in Petite Rivière on its 28th season, owned by artists Tom Alway and Peter Blais.

Thanks for Cape Breton flooding response

K. MacQuarrie

Kyle MacQuarrie thanked Public Works crews and neighbours for their response to devastating flooding in Cape Breton, and offered condolences for the loss of life in Richmond.

Recognition of The Men of the Deeps 60th anniversary

K. Coombes

Kendra Coombes recognized The Men of the Deeps singing miners on their 60th anniversary, honouring their preservation of mining history and experiences of mine disasters.

Thanks to educators and school staff

Hon. D. Mombourquette

Derek Mombourquette thanked educators and school staff for supporting children as the new school year began, wishing students and teachers a great year.

Thanks to volunteer Lionel Conrod

B. McGowan

Brad McGowan thanked Lionel Conrod, treasurer of the local EDA, founding member of the Dartmouth Walking Club, and longtime Canadian Volkssport Federation volunteer, and congratulated him and wife Lily on their 60th anniversary.

Congratulations to Nova Scotia Legions on 100th anniversary

S. Hansen

Suzy Hansen recognized 100 years of the Royal Canadian Legion, noting free membership this year and encouraging members to visit local Legions, including branches in her constituency.

Tribute to Isla Rahal

Hon. B. Wong

Brian Wong paid tribute to seven-year-old Isla Rahal, who died April 18, 2026 at the IWK after a battle with neuroblastoma, remembering her as a vibrant, kind, and courageous soul.

Routine Proceedings

Late debate topic announcement — Affordability crisis

The Speaker

The Speaker announced the late debate topic submitted by the member for Timberlea-Prospect, citing high Halifax house prices, rising food prices, and increased Nova Scotia Power rates, calling on the Premier to present a plan to make power, groceries, and housing more affordable.

Petitions for public library funding

S. Leblanc

Susan Leblanc tabled two petitions calling on the Legislature to pass legislation providing sustainable, long-term funding for public libraries — one from the Antigonish area with 156 signatures and one citing Annapolis Valley Regional Library branch closures with 380 signatures.

Resolution No. 503 — Screen Nova Scotia new studio

Hon. T. Houston (The Premier)

The Premier moved a resolution congratulating Screen Nova Scotia on its new fully operational studio facility and wishing them success at the Toronto International Film Festival; passed by waiver.

Resolution No. 504 — Dalhousie Fire Service Leadership Certificate

Hon. K. Masland

The Minister of Emergency Management introduced guests from Dalhousie University and moved a resolution recognizing Dalhousie's partnership in developing the new Nova Scotia Fire Service Leadership Certificate; passed by waiver.

Resolution No. 505 — Class 3 licence firefighter pilot program

Hon. K. Masland

The Minister introduced firefighters who were first to earn Class 3 licences and moved a resolution celebrating the launch of the Class 3 licence pilot program for volunteer firefighters and congratulating its first graduates; passed by waiver.

Resolution No. 506 — Delmore "Buddy" Daye legacy

Hon. T. Grosse

The Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs moved a resolution recognizing Delmore "Buddy" Daye as a champion boxer, community leader, and first African Nova Scotian Sergeant-at-Arms, and celebrating the heritage designation of his former home; passed by waiver.

Resolution No. 507 — World Suicide Prevention Day

Hon. B. Comer

The Minister of Addictions and Mental Health introduced Canadian Mental Health Association guests and moved a resolution recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, acknowledging organizations and professionals supporting suicide prevention; passed by waiver.

Introduction of Bills Nos. 263–267

Multiple

Five bills were introduced: Bill 263 (Performance-based Regulation Review Act, Premier), Bill 264 (Saving Public Libraries Act, S. Leblanc), Bill 265 (Residential Tenancies Act amendments re: carbon monoxide and radon detectors, Rankin), Bill 266 (Nova Scotia Rent Bank Act, Rankin), and Bill 267 (Safe Indoor Temperature Act, Rankin).

Resolution No. 508 — Road and bridge infrastructure study

E. Smith-McCrossin

The member for Cumberland North gave notice of a resolution detailing deficiencies in provincial road and bridge investment and proposing referral to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development for study; waiver was denied and the notice was tabled.

Speech on natural resource development

Unknown

A government member argued for developing natural resources to lower power rates, create jobs, and grow the economy, criticizing the Liberals and NDP for tabling petitions to block resource development while the Prime Minister supports it.

Resolutions 509 & 510 - Whynot family births

Hon. Kim Masland

Gave notice of resolutions congratulating Hannah and Brandon Whynot on the birth of Elsie Margaret Ann, and Abby and Blake on the birth of Lakelynn Donna Whynot.

Resolution 511 - Dunlop family birth

Hon. Kim Masland

Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Taylor and Jack Dunlop on the birth of their son Wells John Dunlop.

Resolution 512 - Acoustic Maritime Music Festival

Melissa Sheehy-Richard

Gave notice of a resolution thanking the Acoustic Maritime Music Festival for its 23rd year at Kempt Shore, recognizing its promotion of Maritime singer-songwriters.

Resolution 513 - Avondale Sky Winery award

Melissa Sheehy-Richard

Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Avondale Sky Winery on receiving a Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines for its 2024 Small Lot Muscat.

Resolution 514 - Hantsport running community

Melissa Sheehy-Richard

Gave notice of a resolution honouring the lives of Arnold Robertson and Wayne and Les Beazley, respected members of Hantsport's running community whose legacy continues through Canada Day road races.

Resolution 515 - West Hants ParticipACTION award

Melissa Sheehy-Richard

Gave notice of a resolution congratulating West Hants Regional Municipality on winning Nova Scotia's ParticipACTION award, crediting active living coordinator Brielle Pyette and over 1,000 hosted activities.

Orders of the Day

Adjournment debate on building Nova Scotia

Unknown

A government member argued the province is well-positioned economically and defended plans to build housing, grow defence, mining and critical minerals industries, and reduce reliance on government, while criticizing the Opposition and NDP for opposing housing construction. The Speaker thanked participants and adjourned the House until September 10.

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.