Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Friday 18 September 2026
During this sitting, the House conducted routine proceedings including the tabling of reports, ministerial statements, notices of motion, introduction of bills, and members' statements recognizing local businesses, community organizations, individuals, and deceased constituents, along with tributes to retiring Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang. Legislatively, members passed Bill No. 57 (Down Syndrome Day Act) through second and third reading, completed third reading of Bill No. 263 (Performance-based Regulation Review Act), and received Royal Assent from the Lieutenant Governor on six bills before the Premier moved adjournment to the call of the Speaker. Members also introduced and deposited numerous congratulatory resolutions honouring volunteers, organizations, businesses, athletes, and cultural groups, and honouring deceased community members.
Members' Statements
World Tea House 16th Anniversary
Lisa Lachance
The member congratulated World Tea House in Halifax on its 16th anniversary, recognizing owner Philip Holmans and the business's commitment to ethically sourced, sustainable tea.
Daughter Emily Sarah's Birthday
Hon. Derek Mombourquette
The member for Sydney-Membertou wished his daughter Emily Sarah a happy 12th birthday, noting her love of hockey, baseball, art, and music.
Millen Farms recognition
Tom Taggart
Recognized Millen Farms of Colchester North, founded over 40 years ago by Curtis Millen, which now farms over 4,000 acres and processes and exports Nova Scotia produce; introduced Brandon and Jonathan Millen in the gallery.
NDAs as a tool of oppression
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Argued non-disclosure agreements should not be used to conceal harassment, abuse, or misconduct, citing cases including Harvey Weinstein and UPEI, and called for legislative change in Nova Scotia.
Treaty Day recognition
Lisa Lachance
Recognized October 1st as Treaty Day and Mi'kmaw Heritage Month, referencing the Simon v. The Queen case, and asked members to join as treaty people in celebrating.
Armament Technology Inc. recognition
Adegoke Fadare
Recognized Halifax company Armament Technology Incorporated, founded in 1988, for its precision optical systems and contributions to advanced manufacturing; introduced Trevor Publicover in the gallery.
Chloe Higginbotham national bronze medal
Lina Hamid
Congratulated Grade 10 rhythmic gymnast Chloe Higginbotham and her Illusions Rhythmic Gymnastics Club team for winning bronze at the Canadian national championships.
St. Joseph Lakeside Community Centre 20th anniversary
Michelle Thompson
Recognized the 20th anniversary of the St. Joseph's Lakeside Community Centre and thanked its volunteers, organizers, and community members.
NS Moms grassroots organization
Rod Wilson
Honoured NS Moms, a grassroots group that achieved amendment of the Personal Health Information Act in 2024 and will speak at the Dalhousie Fall Refresher conference to over 500 doctors.
Jenna Kedy recognition
Iain Rankin
Recognized Bay View High graduate Jenna Kedy for her leadership work as a youth leadership coordinator with the Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities.
Tribute to Claire Feener
Susan Corkum-Greek
Paid tribute to Claire Feener, who grew the 2025 Tree for Boston and passed away just before Christmas after a heart transplant, and extended condolences to her family.
Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in NS Wines
Krista Gallagher
Congratulated winning wineries Lightfoot & Wolfville, Benjamin Bridge, and Avondale Sky Winery for their recognized wines.
Balsam Care Society new location
Becky Druhan
Recognized the Balsam Care Society, which since 1980 has supported adults with diverse abilities, on opening a new location at 517 King Street in Bridgewater.
Tribute to Norman Russell Coffin
John White
Honoured the life of Norman Russell Coffin of Glace Bay and offered condolences to the Coffin family.
Anne Van Iderstine retirement
Claudia Chender
Recognized Anne Van Iderstine on her retirement after nearly 17 years as Manager of Information Services at the Nova Scotia Legislative Library.
Dove Program of Cape Breton
Fred Tilley
Recognized the youth-led Dove Program of Cape Breton, founded by Paige Cox in 2022, for its volunteerism and fundraising.
Tribute to Matt Lent
Paul Wozney
Honoured Matt Lent of Sackville, minor hockey coach and local union president, and expressed condolences to his family.
Bursary recipients Gabrielle Cook and Riley Dixon
Becky Druhan
Recognized the South Shore Regional Hospital Auxiliary and congratulated bursary recipients Gabrielle Cook and Riley Dixon on their $10,000 awards.
Danielle Joyce / Dreamy Desserts & Designs
Nolan Young
Recognized Danielle Joyce of East Green Harbour, who overcame a neurological condition and opened Dreamy Desserts and Designs in Shelburne.
Thanks to Sackville-Cobequid staff and family
Paul Wozney
Thanked his constituency staff Alex Robben and Lisa Farmer, and his family, for their support during the sitting.
Thanks to Liberal caucus office
Iain Rankin
In his last sitting as interim Liberal Leader, thanked the Liberal caucus office staff for their hard work and support.
Bernadette Robicheau recognition
Kent Smith
Recognized Bernadette Robicheau of West Chezzetcook for her community leadership, including founding a French school, saving St. Anselm's Church, and starting The Fish Lady food truck.
Thanks to House operations staff
Derek Mombourquette
On behalf of his caucus, thanked the Speaker, Pages, commissionaires, Legislative TV, and all House operations staff at the end of the sitting.
Best wishes to brother Adam / Down Syndrome Day
Kendra Coombes
Thanked the member for Timberlea-Prospect for the Down Syndrome Day bill and began remarks marking her brother Adam's 35th birthday.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of Fisheries and Aquaculture reports
Hon. Kent Smith
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture tabled the Nova Scotia Fisheries & Aquaculture Loan Board 2025-2026 Annual Report and the Fish Harvester Registration and Certification Board 2025 Annual Report.
Tabling of Transition House Association report
Lisa Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island tabled the report 'Investing in Safety: Centering Care Infrastructure in Nova Scotia's Economic Planning' referenced in prior debate on gendered poverty and pay inequity.
Retirement of Dr. Robert Strang - tributes
Multiple
Premier Tim Houston, Opposition Leader Claudia Chender, and Liberal Leader Iain Rankin paid tribute to retiring Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang, recognizing his 27 years of service, his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies, receiving standing ovations.
Resolution No. 600 - Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board 90th Anniversary
Hon. Kent Smith
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture moved a resolution congratulating the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board on its 90th anniversary; passed with waiver and without debate.
Resolution No. 601 - Notice of Budget
Hon. John Lohr
The Minister of Finance and Treasury Board gave notice to table the Lieutenant Governor's message transmitting estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028, and to deliver the budget speech; tabled.
Resolution No. 602 - Retirement of Gordon D. Hebb, KC
Hon. Brendan Maguire
The Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development moved a resolution honouring Gordon D. Hebb, KC, with Chief Legislative Counsel Emeritus status on his retirement after 50 years of service; passed with waiver.
Resolution No. 603 - Resilience of the Mi'kmaw
Hon. Leah Martin
The Minister of L'nu Affairs moved a resolution calling on members to reflect on the resilience of the Mi'kmaw, recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Day, Treaty Day, and Mi'kmaw History Month; passed with waiver.
Resolution No. 604 - Helmets to Hardhats
Hon. Nolan Young
The Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration moved a resolution recognizing Helmets to Hardhats Canada for helping veterans transition to skilled trades careers; passed with waiver.
Resolution No. 605 - SMU Bachelor of Engineering in Resource Engineering
Hon. Brian Wong
The Minister of Advanced Education moved a resolution recognizing Saint Mary's University's Bachelor of Engineering in Resource Engineering and the role of universities in preparing the workforce; passed with waiver.
Introduction of Bills Nos. 306, 307, 308
Multiple
Three bills were introduced: Bill No. 306 (Lead Awareness/Environmental Protection Act) by Hon. Derek Mombourquette; Bill No. 307 (Limiting Harmful Effects of Energy Drinks Act) by Hon. Iain Rankin; and Bill No. 308 (amending the Assessment Act and Non-resident Deed Transfer Tax Act) by Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin.
Resolution No. 606 - World Down Syndrome Day
Hon. Iain Rankin
The member for Timberlea-Prospect moved a resolution recognizing World Down Syndrome Day and calling for Bill No. 57 to be read second and third reading forthwith; passed with waiver.
Bill No. 57 - Down Syndrome Day Act (Second and Third Reading)
Hon. Iain Rankin
The member for Timberlea-Prospect moved second and third reading of Bill No. 57, the Down Syndrome Day Act, both of which carried, and the bill was ordered to pass.
Resolution No. 607 - African History Month signage
Suzy Hansen
The member for Halifax Needham moved a resolution calling on government to help African Nova Scotian communities erect community entrance signs in all 52 communities; passed with waiver.
Resolution No. 608 - EGCCRA 2026 Review
Lisa Lachance
The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island moved a resolution to refer the 2026 review of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development; waiver was denied and the notice was tabled.
Resolution No. 666 approving congratulatory motions
Brendan Maguire
Moved without notice that all congratulatory motions deposited under Rule 32(3) between September 8 and the rising of the House be approved; the motion carried.
Royal Assent
The Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Mike Savage, granted Royal Assent to six bills: Bill No. 57 (Down Syndrome Day Act), Bill No. 253 (Service Efficiency Act), Bill No. 256 (Labour Standards Code amended), Bill No. 263 (Performance-based Regulation Review Act), Bill No. 269 (Public Safety Act), and Bill No. 274 (Lunenburg Fire Protection Act amended).
Adjournment and thanks
The Premier
The Premier thanked Pages, Clerks, Legislative staff, public servants, and members' families, wished the Speaker a happy birthday, and moved that the House adjourn to meet again at the call of the Speaker; the motion carried and the House rose at 3:24 p.m.
Congratulatory resolutions under Rule 32(3)
Multiple
Numerous congratulatory resolutions were deposited, including on the South Shore Malayalees, Lunenburg Craft and Food Festival, the Hatt family genealogy, John Fitzgerald, Leanne Hoffman and Rich Aucoin, Terry Arsenault, Liverpool businesses, Joe Wood, the Glace Bay Colonels, the Royal Canadian Legion, the BOLD Centre, Northside East Bay Volunteer Fire Department, Tom Wilson, Bras d'Or Elementary, Franklin Cottreau, the Hindu community and Diwali, and the St. Peter's Adult Drop-In.
Resolution No. 627 - Baddeck Waterfront Boardwalk
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating the Village of Baddeck, the Waterfront Baddeck Committee, and partners on completing the new Baddeck waterfront boardwalk, officially opened July 16, 2026.
Resolution No. 628 - Stewarts Quality Footwear retirement
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Gave notice of a resolution wishing Stewart Benedict of Stewarts Quality Footwear all the best in retirement after over two decades serving the community.
Resolution No. 629 - Pisiquid Mini Links
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Cory Walker and team on opening Pisiquid Mini Links, an 18-hole mini-golf course at the Falmouth Farm Market.
Resolution No. 630 - George A. Bishop tribute
Melissa Sheehy-Richard
Gave notice of a resolution extending sympathies to the Jodrey and Bishop families and honouring the accomplishments of businessman George A. Bishop, who died in August.
Resolution No. 631 - Iona World Oceans Day Science Forum
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating the community of Iona and its volunteers, researchers, and partners for their work protecting Bras d'Or Lake, Pitu'paq.
Resolution No. 632 - Lake George Bear Ladies
Chris Palmer
Gave notice of a resolution thanking the Lake George Bear Ladies for knitting and donating over 5,000 bears and comfort dolls for children across the Annapolis Valley.
Resolution No. 633 - Adrian Johnstone / Valley Eye Photography
Chris Palmer
Gave notice of a resolution thanking Adrian Johnstone of Waterville for his contributions as a photographer, social media influencer, and volunteer firefighter.
Resolution No. 634 - Order of Nova Scotia recipients
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating the ten recipients named to the Order of Nova Scotia, especially Cape Breton musician Matt Minglewood.
Resolution No. 635 - Boularderie Island Press and Robyn Marie Butt
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Boularderie Island Press and author Robyn Marie Butt, a finalist for the 2026 Whistler Independent Book Awards.
Resolution No. 636 - Valley Legion Branch 147 100th anniversary
Scott Armstrong
Gave notice of a resolution paying tribute to Valley Branch 147 Legion in Upper Musquodoboit on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Resolution No. 637 - Baddeck Lions Club 75 years
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating the Baddeck Lions Club on 75 years of dedicated community service.
Resolution No. 638 - Baddeck ReUse Centre and Hospice Garden Society
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution recognizing the Baddeck ReUse Centre and Hospice Garden Society for their community partnership and fundraising.
Resolution No. 639 - Wayne MacKenzie Volunteer of the Year
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Wayne MacKenzie, named 2025 Volunteer of the Year by the Central Cape Breton ATV Club.
Resolution No. 640 - Blair Burton generosity
Dianne Timmins
Gave notice of a resolution recognizing Blair Burton for his generosity, including donating a metal roof to the Ross Ferry Marine Park canteen in memory of his wife Gina.
Resolution No. 641 - Breanna Bishop Special Olympics
John Lohr
Gave notice of a resolution recognizing Breanna Bishop of Kentville as a member of Team Nova Scotia's first-ever all-female soccer team at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
Resolution No. 642 - Dr. Marion Cornish Special Olympics
John Lohr
Gave notice of a resolution recognizing Dr. Marion Cornish of Kentville as Team Nova Scotia's doctor at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
Resolution No. 643 - Karen North Top 7 Over 70
John Lohr
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Karen North of Canning, named one of the 2026 Top 7 Over 70 in Canada for her work advancing financial literacy in schools.
Resolution No. 644 - Madelyn Smith Passions That Bloom
John Lohr
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating 16-year-old Madelyn Smith of Canning as winner of the Passions That Bloom competition at the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival.
Resolution No. 645 - MSVU Convocation Class of 2026
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating the MSVU graduating Class of 2026 on their achievements.
Resolution No. 646 - Atlantic Field Hockey Club
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution wishing the U18 Provincial Team of the Atlantic Field Hockey Club of Clayton Park West success.
Resolution No. 647 - Community Clean Up volunteers
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution thanking over 50 volunteers who collected 40 bags of litter during a Community Clean Up on May 23, 2026.
Resolution No. 648 - Community Fridge Project Initiative
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution applauding Cam Howlett and Art MacDonald for organizing the Community Fridge Project to address food insecurity in Clayton Park West.
Resolution No. 649 - Dr. Robert Strang retirement
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution thanking Nova Scotia's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Strang, for his years of service as his retirement approaches.
Resolution No. 650 - École Rockingham Elementary Spring Fair
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution applauding all who supported the École Rockingham Elementary Spring Fair for strengthening community connections.
Resolution No. 651 - Eid al-Adha
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution honouring Eid al-Adha and recognizing the Muslim community's contributions to the province.
Resolution No. 652 - Eritrean Independence Day
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution wishing the Eritrean community a happy 35th Independence Day and recognizing the leadership of Hana Fecadu.
Resolution No. 653 - Clayton Park West Student Excellence Award
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Assakereh Hoora as the first recipient of the inaugural Clayton Park West Student Excellence Award.
Resolution No. 654 - Maryam Muritala condolences
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution offering condolences to the family and community of Maryam Muritala, founder of Canada Vendors, following her sudden passing.
Resolution No. 655 - Mayowa Agbedu
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating Mayowa Agbedu on receiving a Lieutenant Governor's Education Award.
Resolution No. 656 - Pohela Boishakh / Bangladesh Canada Friendship Society
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution applauding the Bangladesh Canada Friendship Society for their Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebration.
Resolution No. 657 - SageWell Association
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution applauding SageWell staff and Executive Director Kathleen Reid for programs supporting adults 55-plus.
Resolution No. 658 - Soccer Nova Scotia Black Youth Soccer Program
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution thanking Soccer Nova Scotia, coaches, and volunteers for the Black Youth Soccer Program empowering Black youth aged 8 to 13.
Resolution No. 659 - Community Volunteer Income Tax Program volunteers
Adegoke Fadare
Gave notice of a resolution thanking volunteers Sunday Ogundele and Hashem Abou-Shahla for helping over 30 residents file taxes through the CVITP.
Resolution No. 660 - Legion Branch 155 Wedgeport 100th anniversary
Colton LeBlanc
Gave notice of a resolution thanking Legion members and volunteers, and recognizing Branch 155 in Wedgeport's open house marking the Royal Canadian Legion's 100th anniversary.
Resolution No. 661 - Quinan Labour Day Picnic 140 years
Colton LeBlanc
Gave notice of a resolution congratulating the organizers and volunteers of the Quinan Labour Day Picnic on 140 years of community spirit and tradition.
Resolution No. 662 - D. Dwight Giddens tribute
Dave Ritcey
Gave notice of a resolution honouring the life and legacy of D. Dwight Giddens of Lower Onslow, who died June 24, 2026, and extending condolences to his family.
Resolution No. 663 - Patsy Paul-Martin tribute
Dave Ritcey
Gave notice of a resolution honouring Patsy Paul-Martin ("Kiju"), who died May 25, 2026, for her lifelong dedication to Mi'kmaw language, culture, and education.
Resolution No. 664 - Jeffrey Mercer tribute
Dave Ritcey
Gave notice of a resolution honouring the life and legacy of Jeffrey Mercer, who died August 15, 2026, for his 27 years of service to public libraries in Nova Scotia.
Resolution No. 665 - Kevin Boates tribute
Dave Ritcey
Gave notice of a resolution honouring Kevin Boates, who died September 17, 2026, for his 39 years of service with the Truro Fire Department and community contributions.
Orders of the Day
Third reading of Bill No. 263, Performance-based Regulation Review Act
Brendan Maguire
After debate concluded, the Government House Leader moved to close third reading of Bill No. 263, noting every bill this sitting received unanimous consent; the motion carried and the bill passed.
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.