The Speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislature, Danielle Barkhouse, is contemplating a ban on individuals who disrupted proceedings at Province House earlier this week. This consideration comes as she evaluates when the facility can reopen to the public.
Recent Disturbances at Province House
Earlier this week, Province House was closed to the general public following multiple disturbances committed by attendees. On Tuesday night, 45 individuals in the gallery prevented the final vote on the provincial budget by singing and yelling at Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Closure of Province House
- Speaker Barkhouse ordered the closure of Province House, its grounds, and nearby committee room.
- This closure excludes only MLAs, staff, reporters, and presenters related to legislative committees.
In her remarks, Barkhouse noted that the decision to close the building was made following reports that some attendees had obstructed an MLA’s exit from the facility. This disturbance led her to address concerns for the safety of both the MLAs and house staff.
Restoring Order and Safety Concerns
Barkhouse mentioned that she received several complaints indicating that the legislative environment had become unsafe due to public behavior during the session. On Wednesday, the final vote on the budget proceeded in front of an audience limited to staff and reporters, with heightened security measures in place.
Anticipated Reopening
On Friday, Barkhouse expressed hope to announce a timeline for reopening Province House to the public by the start of the following week. Premier Tim Houston, who missed the session due to an oil and gas conference in Texas, weighed in on the incident. He stated that the yelling directed at MLAs from the gallery went beyond acceptable behavior.
Response from Political Figures
- Premier Houston emphasized the importance of decorum in legislative settings.
- The NDP highlighted that this closure marks a historic first, as the legislature has not been closed for more than one day previously.
The situation underscores the challenges faced in balancing public engagement with the orderly conduct of legislative business. As discussions on the ban continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and integrity of the legislative process at Province House.
