Nova Scotia’s legislature building is closing its doors to the public one day after singing protesters stalled the government’s attempts to pass its controversial budget bill.
MLAs attempted to vote on the bill late Tuesday night but the sounds of protesters — calling on politicians to “change your mind” — from the gallery at Province House kept interrupting proceedings.
House Speaker Danielle Barkhouse adjourned the sitting just before midnight.
On Wednesday morning, the Speaker’s office announced it would be closing Province House and the committee room in One Government Place to the public for the rest of the week “in light of events” on Tuesday “as well as other security incidents throughout this sitting.”
The Speaker’s office said it will review its decision on whether to reopen to the public next Monday.
“Province House will remain open to MLAs and accredited media, as well as caucus, government and House staff,” the Speaker said in a release.
“The proceedings of all committees, including the public bills committee, will also be closed to visitors. In addition to staff and media, only scheduled presenters will be permitted to attend committee meetings.”
Barkhouse said Wednesday that the decision was made after “tangible incidents.”
Get daily National news
“You could see it today, for example, with members in the break room. With objects — I don’t know yet– being thrown at the window. Last night there was an incident as well outside of the building. Yes, there are tangible incidents,” she said.
Halifax Regional Police confirmed they were called to the legislature at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, and told Global News protesters had blocked the exit and prevented cars from leaving.
Police said one man was arrested for mischief but later released without charges.
Business resumed Wednesday afternoon at Province House and the budget was passed soon after.
However, opposition leaders say the process was rushed through, with NDP Leader Claudia Chender calling it a “travesty.”
“I think what’s most telling is that we voted on a budget this morning without the premier or the finance minister in the house,” she said.
Premier Tim Houston is at an energy conference in Texas.
Interim Liberal leader Iain Rankin said he’s still hearing from concerned Nova Scotians and that he didn’t believe there should have been a budget vote “until everyone is heard.”
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith shuffles cabinet following resignations
- RCMP won’t release China policing pact despite Conservative, NDP pressure
- Danielle Smith to address Alberta as separatists issue referendum threat
- How Ontario colleges are struggling to attract international students after visa changes
Protests against cuts
The province’s 2026-27 budget, which projected a deficit of roughly $1.2 billion when it was released last month, has prompted outcry over funding cuts.
The budget initially reduced or eliminated more than 280 grants across multiple government departments as the province aimed to save about $130 million. Groups affected included seniors and people with disabilities, as well as the arts, Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities.
In the weeks since, thousands have gathered in rallies outside Province House to loudly protest the budget.
Earlier this month, Premier Tim Houston walked back $53.6 million of those cuts and apologized.
“Some of the decisions, we got it wrong, and for that, I’m sorry,” Houston said on March 10.
The budget also included a five per cent yearly cut in the civil service and a three per cent cut in public service and Crown corporations, as well as the closure of 12 museums.
In total, the budget aimed to cut about $300 million.
Of all these folks yelling about grants, do any of them pay taxes? I’m guessing no.