The fall session of the Nova Scotia Legislature wrapped up after a surprisingly short eight days on Friday, October 3. Nova Scotia is one of the only provinces in Canada without a set legislative calendar, which means there’s no regular schedule for when MLAs meet to debate and pass laws. This was the second-shortest fall sitting since the mid-1980s — and unfortunately, it left many of the issues you’ve been talking to me about on the doorstep still unresolved.
The biggest headline? Premier Tim Houston’s government rushed through a huge omnibus bill. In plain terms, that means they bundled a bunch of different laws together — some good, some not so good — and pushed them through all at once, with very little time for debate or public input.
There were a few positives. For example, the bill finally extended workers’ compensation coverage to wildfire and forest firefighters who work for the Department of Natural Resources — something that was long overdue.
What’s the Catch?
There was a lot in that omnibus bill that should worry people too. The government made it easier for mining and resource extraction projects to move ahead with barely any explanation from the Ministers of Natural Resources or Environment and Climate Change. That’s concerning at a time when Premier Houston is actively promoting shale gas and offshore natural gas development abroad.
The bill also removed tenants’ rights for people who rent a room as boarders. And families who’ve lost loved ones due to violence by bar security saw only weak “half-measure” legislation, after a stronger version was quietly dropped earlier this year. Those families — and all Nova Scotians — still deserve real accountability and oversight for bouncers who harm patrons.
Each of these issues deserved its own debate and public consultation. Instead, the Houston government rushed the entire package through at breakneck speed. Nova Scotians had less than 48 hours to register and speak at the public bills committee — hardly enough time for anyone to prepare or show up.
The NDP and I believe Nova Scotians deserve better. Each law deserves proper discussion and careful consideration of how it affects people and communities. That’s why we protested the omnibus bill by walking out of the Legislature during the final vote — we refused to be forced into supporting the removal of rights just to get a few good changes passed. You deserve better than political games.
During the session, I also presented our community’s petition calling on Premier Houston to finally follow through on his promise — made two elections ago — to expand and improve the Cobequid Health Centre. When I asked the Health Minister for an update, she wouldn’t say whether the money had been spent elsewhere or when, if ever, the upgrades would happen. All she could say was that a “master planning process” was underway, with no timeline for when we’ll actually see results. Rest assured, I’ll keep pressing them until Sackville gets the healthcare it deserves.
What did we Propose?
We brought forward important NDP legislation aimed at making life more affordable and fair for everyday Nova Scotians:
- Protecting renters: We called for closing loopholes in fixed-term leases that allow landlords to get around the 5% rent cap. Rents have jumped by an average of $4,400 since 2021 — it’s time to close that loophole and protect tenants.
- Free contraception: We introduced a bill to make birth control free for everyone. Access to contraception is essential healthcare, and cost shouldn’t be a barrier.
- Fair overtime pay: Our proposal would have brought Nova Scotia in line with provinces like BC and Manitoba, so workers earn fair pay for the extra hours they put in.
- Better conditions on construction sites: We introduced legislation that would require construction sites to have plumbed washrooms — a small but important change, especially for women and gender-diverse workers.
Premier Houston likes to claim the NDP “has no solutions,” but we know that’s not true. Listening to you, it’s clear that better is possible — and we’re bringing forward real, practical ideas that could make life easier right now.
On a brighter note, it was an honour to welcome some incredible Sackville folks to the Legislature this session! Members of the Sackville Kinettes and Kinsmen, the Sackville Community Development Association, and Beacon House joined me to be recognized for the amazing work they do to lift our community up.
It continues to be an absolute honour to represent this amazing community. While the government decides when and how often we meet in the House, I’ll keep using every opportunity to be your voice and fight for what matters most — affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and a fairer Nova Scotia for everyone.
That’s the scoop from this fall’s short sitting. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I’m wishing everyone in Sackville (especially the kiddos!) a safe and fun Halloween! Looking forward to seeing you again soon on the doorstep.
