Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Wednesday 16 September 2026
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conducted routine proceedings including petitions on road paving and support for Bills 25 and 49, tabling of two agricultural annual reports, eight government notices of motion passed by waiver, and the introduction of eight bills covering data centres, school food and temperatures, autism assessments, local food, domestic violence disclosure (Clare's Law), and women's health. Numerous members' statements recognized community members, athletes, business owners, and organizations, and paid tribute to deceased community figures. Debate on Bill No. 268 concerning health care services was adjourned as Opposition business time elapsed, and a large number of Notices of Motion under Rule 32(3) were tabled, predominantly congratulating the Yarmouth Vikings girls' softball team and recognizing community organizations. The House then adjourned to reconvene September 17.
Members' Statements
Rebecca Rose, author recognition
C. Chender
Claudia Chender recognized Dartmouth South resident Rebecca Rose, an activist and author, for her new book Amazing 2SLGBTQIA+ People in Atlantic Canada featuring over 50 profiles.
Team Salzman - 2027 Canada Winter Games athletes
Hon. B. Druhan
Becky Druhan congratulated the Bridgewater Curling Club's Team Salzman (Henry Salzman, Aaden Corkum, Lennox Francis, Brody Coughran) on winning the provincial championship and qualifying for the 2027 Canada Winter Games.
Extension of Statements by Members
Hon. B. Maguire
Brendan Maguire requested and received unanimous consent to extend Statements by Members by 15 minutes to accommodate members with guests.
Declan Trefry - local icon recognition
Hon. J. Balser
Jill Balser recognized eight-year-old Declan Trefry of Weymouth for his achievements in pageants, running, art, and fundraising for local charities.
Sackville Community Band Society recognition
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney recognized the Sackville Community Band Society, a registered charity of two local bands opening its 25th season, for fostering musicianship and supporting students through the Keep the Music Alive Bursary.
Elodie Maye Rankin - 1st birthday best wishes
Hon. I. Rankin
Iain Rankin marked the first birthday of his daughter Elodie Maye Rankin, describing her personality and love of music.
King's Theatre recognition
D. Bowlby
David Bowlby recognized the cultural heritage of King's Theatre in Annapolis Royal and thanked Executive Director Janet Larkman and its board, staff, and volunteers.
Linda Meian - local artist recognition
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance recognized Linda Meian, an administration team member at Neptune Theatre, and noted her efforts to resolve a misunderstanding in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program so she can remain in Canada.
Leroy Peach - tribute
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Derek Mombourquette paid tribute to the late Leroy Peach of Port Morien, an educator, author of eight books, and community champion.
Aiden Goodwin - tribute
Hon. C. LeBlanc
Colton LeBlanc honoured the memory of Aiden Goodwin, who died in a 2024 ATV accident at 19, and recognized the Aiden Léo Goodwin Memorial Fund supporting children, families, and organ donation awareness.
Nova Scotia Choral Federation - 50th anniversary congratulations
S. Leblanc
Susan Leblanc congratulated the Nova Scotia Choral Federation on 50 years of promoting choral music through camps, ensembles, and workshops.
Cape Breton Eagles - local hockey team recognition
Hon. D. Mombourquette
Derek Mombourquette recognized the Cape Breton Eagles organization and players as community role models as the hockey season begins.
Introduction and recognition of David and Nichole Estabrooks, Wide Open Racing MX
Twila Grosse
Grosse introduced guests David and Nichole Estabrooks and recognized their dedication to motocross and community service, including founding the Wide Open Racing MX Team to mentor young riders, and David's volunteer firefighting and athletic accomplishments.
Women's health care access
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
The member for Cumberland North highlighted advocates in the gallery and called for adequate attention to women's health, citing long wait times such as a four-year gynecological clinic wait for a cancerous mass, and urging real action.
Royal Canadian Legion 100th anniversary
Kendra Coombes
The member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier congratulated the Royal Canadian Legion on its 100th anniversary and highlighted the three active Legion branches in her constituency and their support for veterans and communities.
Introduction and recognition of David Kimm, HaliPopcorn
Tim Outhit
Outhit introduced guests from HaliPopcorn and recognized Bedford Basin resident David Kimm for building his home-based, family popcorn company, a Nova Scotia Loyal member, and his philanthropy supporting schools and community organizations.
90th birthday of Barbara Ann LeBlanc
Susan LeBlanc
The member for Dartmouth North celebrated her mother Barbara Ann LeBlanc's 90th birthday, describing her nursing career, her return to university, her work as a hospital chaplain, and expressing gratitude.
Bridgewater Cricket Club recognition
Becky Druhan
The member for Lunenburg West recognized the Bridgewater Cricket Club and the growing cricket community, noting its successful August tournament and congratulating participating teams, organizers, and volunteers.
Introduction and recognition of Yarmouth Vikings softball team
Nick Hilton
Hilton introduced his mother Crystal in the gallery, then congratulated the Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School Vikings girls' softball team on capturing their fifth consecutive SSNS Division 1 Provincial Championship.
Retirement of Terry Arsenault, the 'Key-Cut Guy'
Krista Gallagher
The member for Halifax Chebucto celebrated the retirement of Terry Arsenault, known as the 'Key-Cut Guy,' recognizing his years at Canadian Tire and Sam the Record Man and his outstanding customer service.
Tribute to Dolly Parton
Iain Rankin
The member for Timberlea-Prospect paid tribute to Dolly Parton, honouring her music, humanitarianism, and Imagination Library literacy program, noting its local connection through the book Freddie the Flyer co-authored by a Prospect-area writer.
Tribute to Patsy Paul-Martin
Dave Ritcey
The member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River recognized the life of Patsy Paul-Martin, an educator, author, and Elder devoted to preserving Mi'kmaw language and culture, and extended condolences to her family.
Tribute to Amal Saoud
Lina Hamid
The member for Fairview-Clayton Park marked the passing of Amal Saoud, backbone of the family business Ken's Seafood and Pizza in Fairview, and sent condolences to her family.
Tribute to Roseanna Boyd
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
The member for Hants West honoured the memory of Roseanna Boyd, president of the Christmas Angels Society and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in Hants West.
Routine Proceedings
Petitions to pave Strang Road and Roaches Road
K. Coombes
Kendra Coombes tabled two petitions requesting the Department of Public Works pave Strang Road (11 signatures) and Roaches Road (37 signatures), both fallen into disrepair.
Petition to pass Bill 25 (additional appropriations transparency)
L. Lachance
Lisa Lachance tabled a petition calling on the Legislature to pass Bill 25 to enact Auditor General recommendations and align the additional appropriations process with national standards.
Petition to pass Bill 49 (anti-scab labour)
P. Wozney
Paul Wozney tabled a petition with 20 signatures calling on the Legislature to pass the NSNDP's Bill 49 banning the use of scab labour in Nova Scotia.
Tabling of agricultural annual reports
Hon. G. Morrow
The Minister of Agriculture tabled the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board 2025-2026 Annual Report and the Nova Scotia Crop & Livestock Insurance Commission 2025-2026 Annual Report.
Resolution No. 551 - Our Homes, Action for Housing
Hon. J. White
The Minister of Housing moved a resolution recognizing progress under the five-year housing strategy and thanking housing partners; passed by waiver without debate. He also introduced housing partners in the gallery.
Resolution No. 552 - Paul Read retirement congratulations
Hon. B. Maguire
The Minister of Education moved a resolution recognizing Paul Read's 35-plus-year career serving the Office of the Speaker as an audio technician; passed by waiver, accompanied by a standing ovation.
Resolution No. 553 - FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup congratulations
Hon. D. Ritcey
The Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage moved a resolution congratulating Cindy Tye and Bridget Mutipula for representing Canada at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup; passed by waiver.
Resolution No. 554 - Emergency Services Provider Fund
Hon. K. Masland
The Minister of Emergency Management moved a resolution recognizing the regional Emergency Services Provider Fund and encouraging collaborative applications before the October 31 deadline; passed by waiver.
Resolution No. 555 - Highway 101 twinning project approval
Hon. F. Tilley
The Minister of Public Works moved a resolution acknowledging federal approval to complete the Highway 101 twinning project and Avon River aboiteau near Windsor; passed by waiver.
Resolution No. 556 - Nora Bernard Commemoration Park
Hon. L. Martin
The Minister responsible for L'nu Affairs moved a resolution congratulating the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre on the Nora Bernard Commemoration Park in Shubenacadie; passed by waiver.
Resolution No. 557 - Digital Nova Scotia programs
Hon. J. Balser
The Minister of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions moved a resolution recognizing Digital Nova Scotia's contributions to the digital economy and AI export micro-credential; passed by waiver. She also introduced Digital Nova Scotia representatives in the gallery.
Resolution No. 558 - Hurricane season emergency preparedness
Hon. K. Masland
The Minister of Emergency Management moved a resolution encouraging Nova Scotians to prepare for hurricane season with plans, kits, go-bags, and the Emergency Alert app; passed by waiver.
Introduction of Bills 291-298
Multiple
Eight bills were introduced: Bill 291 (data centre water and ratepayer protection, Hon. I. Rankin), Bill 292 (safe school temperatures, P. Wozney), Bill 293 (universal school food, P. Wozney), Bill 294 (autism spectrum disorder assessments, L. Lachance), Bill 295 (local food system, K. Gallagher), Bill 296 (grocer competition property controls, K. Gallagher), Bill 297 (domestic violence disclosure/Clare's Law, S. Leblanc), and Bill 298 (women's health, E. Smith-McCrossin).
Adjournment of debate on Bill No. 268
The Speaker
A member concluded remarks on Bill No. 268 regarding free health care services and adjourned debate; the Speaker noted Opposition business time had elapsed, the debate was deemed adjourned, and the House adjourned to reconvene September 17.
Notices of Motion recognizing Yarmouth Vikings softball players and coaches (Resolutions 559-575)
Nick Hilton
Hilton gave notice of numerous resolutions congratulating members and coaches of the YCMHS Vikings girls' softball team on their fifth consecutive Division 1 provincial championship, including players such as Ava Falls, Brooke Jacquard, Ellie Pyne, Lauren Berryman, Mackenzie Crowell, and coaches Grace Berry, Jeff Gates, Macy Gates, and Roy Hamilton.
Notice of Motion celebrating marriage of Cory Chetwynd and Jacqueline Philippe (Resolution 576)
Nick Hilton
Hilton gave notice of a resolution celebrating the upcoming September 26 marriage of Cory Chetwynd and Jacqueline Philippe.
Notices of Motion recognizing Kings South community organizations and individuals (Resolutions 577-586)
Julie Vanexan
Vanexan gave notice of resolutions recognizing Coldbrook Baptist Church's 50th anniversary, Dr. Nicoletta Faraone and the Tickery, 1st Wolfville Scouts, Special Olympian Jacob, Just Us! Coffee Roasters' 30th anniversary, Valley Athletics, a record-setting relay team, the Wolfville Legion, the Wolfville & District Lions Club's 75th anniversary, and the new Coldbrook YMCA Childcare Centre.
Notice of Motion recognizing the Barkshire Club (Resolution 587)
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Sheehy-Richard gave notice of a resolution wishing success to Bradley Eaglestone and staff of the newly opened Barkshire Club pet boarding and grooming facility in Falmouth.
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.