Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Monday 14 September 2026
On Monday, September 14, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings, including the reporting of four public bills from the Public Bills Committee, the adoption of a resolution recognizing World Sepsis Day, the introduction of six private members' health-related bills, and the tabling of two notices of motion on health care discrimination and gynecological care without waiver. Members then delivered an extended series of statements paying tribute to constituents and community milestones, recognizing local organizations and achievements, including a tribute to a family lost to sepsis with criticism of the Nova Scotia Health Authority investigating itself, a Cape Breton Highlanders Freedom of the City honour, and an emotional recognition by Derek Mombourquette of his mother's cancer fight. The Deputy Government House Leader then concluded government business and moved adjournment until September 15, 2026, with several notices of motion entered under Rule 32(3).
Members' Statements
Tribute to Harold Elwood 'Junior' Theriault
Hon. J. Balser
The member for Digby-Annapolis paid tribute to former MLA Harold Elwood Theriault Jr., a lifelong Digby Neck fisherman and 10-year MLA who died May 7 at age 73, extending condolences to his family.
NCCM: Vital Work - Thanks
Multiple
Lina Hamid, Iain Rankin, and Brendan Maguire recognized the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and welcomed its leaders and community members to the gallery, emphasizing commitment to combating Islamophobia and racism.
The Ark: Wetsuit Recycling Program
Hon. B. Druhan
The member for Lunenburg West recognized The Ark, a Bridgewater non-profit supporting adults with diverse abilities, for its innovative wetsuit recycling program that provides employment and environmental stewardship.
East Coast Dragonz: Local Org.
R. Burns
The member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville recognized the East Coast Dragonz Martial Arts Centre and its second annual Walk With Me 5K walkathon, which provided 50 stocked backpacks and school supplies to local children.
Introduction - Hamid family
Lina Hamid
The member for Fairview-Clayton Park introduced her son Youssef, baby Yasmine, husband Moamen, and mother-in-law to the House.
Trainyard General Store: 10th Anniversary
C. Chender
The member for Dartmouth South congratulated owner Erin Ferguson and the Trainyard General Store on its 10th anniversary, noting its community donations and inclusive initiatives.
Donkin Morien Community Association: New Playground
Hon. B. Comer
The member for Cape Breton East celebrated the construction of a new accessible playground in Donkin, thanking the Donkin Morien Community Association for their fundraising and volunteerism.
Health Care Whistleblowers - Protect
E. Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North referenced her Healthcare Workers' Whistle-blower Protection Act and the case of former NSHA analyst Jesse Yang, emphasizing patient safety depends on workers speaking up without fear; the Speaker reminded members not to make a full statement on a just-introduced bill.
World Suicide Prevention Month
R. Wilson
The member for Halifax Armdale recognized September as World Suicide Prevention Month, noting over 130 Nova Scotians die by suicide annually, and urged the minister to increase funding for an acute care mental health plan, especially in rural areas.
BLT Pantry and Food Bank
Hon. I. Rankin
The member for Timberlea-Prospect recognized Trinity United Church's launch of the BLT community supervised pantry and food bank, thanking Barb Charteris and volunteers for supporting neighbours facing food insecurity.
Jeannie Ward: Local Zumba Instructor
A. Fadare
The member for Clayton Park West applauded Jeannie Ward, a wellness coach at Parkland retirement home, for the energy and joy she brings to seniors through her Zumba classes.
BGC Preston: Fruits of Our Labour Program
S. Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham recognized the Boys and Girls Club of Preston's Fruits of Our Labour program, thanking Charnelle, Nichole, volunteers, and youth for bringing farm-to-table meals to the community.
Beyond Band-Aids: Local Initiative
Hon. B. Druhan
The member for Lunenburg West recognized the Beyond Band-Aids initiative in Lunenburg County for fostering conversations about affordability, housing, mental health, and social isolation toward lasting solutions.
Civil Air Search and Rescue Association: 40th Anniversary
Hon. C. LeBlanc
The member for Argyle congratulated the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) on 40 years of volunteer service, highlighting Zone One operating from the Yarmouth airport.
Menelik Hall: 90th Anniversary
K. Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier congratulated the Menelik Hall on its 90th anniversary, noting its history as a Black community hall where Marcus Garvey spoke in 1937.
Pastor Darren Millett: Local Community Member
Hon. I. Rankin
The member for Timberlea-Prospect congratulated Pastor Darren Millett on his retirement from New Life Community Church, thanking him for years of compassionate service to the community.
Adam Hunt: TSN Debut
Hon. J.A. MacDonald
The member for Hants East congratulated Adam Hunt of Shubenacadie on his TSN debut as colour commentator for a Canadian Premier League soccer broadcast.
Saf Haq: chronology of a genocide
S. Leblanc
The member for Dartmouth North acknowledged artist Saf Haq's Halifax Fringe Festival show 'chronology of a genocide,' a poetry presentation expressing grief and solidarity over the ongoing situation in Palestine.
Charles Quintanilla: Local Entrepreneur
D. MacGillivray
The member for Pictou Centre recognized entrepreneur Charles Quintanilla, who immigrated from the Philippines and built several restaurants in Pictou County, reflecting determination and the immigrant spirit.
Rainbow Refugees of N.S.: Local Org.
L. Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island recognized the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia on its 15th anniversary, noting it has resettled over 50 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
Jenna MacLeod/Georgia Murray: CBU Medical Students
Hon. M. MacLeod
The member for Pictou West congratulated students Jenna MacLeod and Georgia Murray on beginning studies at the Cape Breton Medical Campus, helping build rural health care.
Cedar Festival 2026: Local Lebanese Festival
L. Hamid
The member for Fairview-Clayton Park congratulated organizers and volunteers of the 2026 Cedar Festival celebrating Lebanese culture at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, thanking co-chairs James and Madeline.
Dennis Wills/Robbie Carver: Local Volunteers
Hon. K. Masland
The member for Queens recognized North Queens volunteers Dennis Wills and Robbie Carver for over 40 years organizing the Queens County Fair parade, recently honoured with plaques.
Erik the Red: Statue of Local Feline Icon
L. Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island recognized Erik the Red, a beloved ship's cat and Rodent Control Officer aboard the CSS Acadia, now honoured with a statue near the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Logan Connolly: Local Tradesperson
Hon. G. Morrow
The member for Guysborough-Tracadie recognized Logan Connolly of Havre Boucher for representing Team Nova Scotia in welding at the Skills Canada national competition, exemplifying opportunities in skilled trades.
Halifax Needham: Local Events Attended
S. Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham described attending numerous July community events, from the Fruits of Our Labour Banquet to the Africville Weekend Reunion, highlighting the community engagement work of an MLA.
Collin Cole: 2026 Top 10 Under 40 in Ox Pulling
C. Palmer
The member for Kings West congratulated Collin Cole of Aylesford, named a 2026 Top 10 Under 40 Award winner by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions for his ox pulling and volunteer service.
NSHA lack of independent health oversight
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Recounted Sheila Lees' loss of her daughter Shavonne to sepsis and the family's struggle to obtain answers, criticizing the Premier's removal of the NSHA's independent board and quality review committee, leaving the authority to investigate itself.
Cape Breton Highlanders Freedom of the City Parade
Kendra Coombes
Recognized the Cape Breton Highlanders' August 29th Freedom of the City Parade, one of the highest civic honours a municipality can bestow on a military unit, and thanked the regiment for their hospitality.
Mother fighting cancer
Derek Mombourquette
In an emotional statement, recognized his mother, described as the best baker in Cape Breton, as she faces her third cancer fight, and honoured the local cancer centre, receiving a standing ovation and words of support from the Speaker.
Bible Hill Fire and Emergency 80th anniversary
Dave Ritcey
Congratulated Bible Hill Fire & Emergency on 80 years of service and honoured the dedicated volunteers who answered the call for their community.
Christabel Njoku local spelling bee champion
Susan LeBlanc
Congratulated 13-year-old Christabel Njoku of John Martin Junior High for winning first place at the 2026 Black Educators Association Provincial Spelling Bee against 125 competitors.
Tribute to Edwin 'Frenchy' Theriault
Ryan Robicheau
Paid tribute to Acadian entrepreneur Edwin 'Frenchy' Theriault, founder of the Frenchy's stores, who passed away at 94, celebrating his entrepreneurship, generosity, and Acadian pride.
Derrick Lang and We-R-911 organization
The Speaker
Recognized Derrick Lang, a veteran and firefighter, co-founder of We-R-911, a community support group helping first responders dealing with PTSD through weekly meetings and shared healing.
Routine Proceedings
Public Bills Committee Report
Hon. S. Armstrong
As Chair of the Committee on Public Bills, the Attorney General reported that the committee considered Bill No. 253 (Service Efficiency Act), Bill No. 256 (Labour Standards Code amended), Bill No. 263 (Performance-based Regulation Review Act), and Bill No. 269 (An Act Respecting Public Safety); these were ordered referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
Resolution No. 529 - World Sepsis Day
Hon. M. Thompson
The Minister of Health and Wellness moved a resolution recognizing World Sepsis Day (September 13) and Sepsis Awareness Month, noting sepsis affects more than 30,000 Canadians annually; waiver was granted and the motion carried.
Introduction of Bills Nos. 283-288
Multiple
Six private members' bills were introduced: Bill 283 (Healthcare Whistle-blower Protection) and Bill 284 (Patient Safety Accountability/Health Ombudsman) by Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, and Bills 285 (Access to Primary Care), 286 (Health Authorities Act amendment for accountability), 287 (Action Plan on Access to Emergency Care), and 288 (Prevent Occupational Cancer in Firefighters) by Rod Wilson; all ordered read a second time on a future day.
Resolution No. 530 - N.S. Brotherhood and Sisterhood
S. Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham gave notice of a resolution to allocate at least 45 minutes to discuss expanding access to culturally competent health care via the Nova Scotia Brotherhood and Sisterhood's proposal; waiver was refused and the motion was tabled.
Resolution No. 531 - Gynecological Care
E. Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North gave notice of a resolution referring the subject of gynecological and mammography wait times to the Standing Committee on Health, calling for clinical priority categories, equipment replacement, and reporting; waiver was refused and the notice was tabled.
Adjournment and government business
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
The Deputy Government House Leader concluded government business and moved that the House rise to meet again on September 15, 2026, with future business to include Committee of the Whole on Bill Nos. 253, 256, 263, and 269; the motion carried and the House adjourned at 5:01 p.m.
Resolution No. 532 - Yarmouth Shantymen
Nick Hilton
Gave notice of a resolution recognizing and thanking the Yarmouth Shantymen for more than 42 years of preserving and performing Nova Scotia's Maritime music and sea shanty traditions.
Resolution No. 533 - Michael 'Mike' David Muise
Nick Hilton
Gave notice of a resolution remembering Michael 'Mike' David Muise, known as 'Dynamite Mike, The Master Blaster,' and extending condolences to his family and community.
Resolution No. 534 - Geoffrey Wallace Hodgson
Nick Hilton
Gave notice of a resolution recognizing Geoffrey Wallace Hodgson, who died responding to a call with the Port Maitland Volunteer Fire Department after 25 years of service and a 26-year Royal Canadian Air Force career, and extending condolences to his family.
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.