N.S. premier says he played no part in changing COVID-19 rules at Province House

Premier Tim Houston says it was the Speaker's office, not him, that decided to change the COVID-19 rules at Province House. The move had been described as a 'double standard.'

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says it was the Speaker’s office, not him, that decided to change the COVID-19 rules at Province House.

The move had been described as a “double standard” on social media and by the province’s Opposition leader.

On March 26, the Speaker’s office circulated a memo that notified staff and the press gallery of a COVID-19 exposure that had taken place on March 24 and 25. March 24 marked the beginning of the spring session.

The letter advised those working at the legislature on those days to get tested for the virus.

The memo, which was shared online, said Province House and the legislative precinct would be closed to the general public “until further notice.” As well, the gallery would be closed.

However, MLAs and House of Assembly personnel would be allowed in the chamber, and media scrums would take place with physical distancing.

Social media lit up with complaints pointing to a double standard because the province no longer provides COVID-19 exposure notices when infections are detected in schools or other places frequented by the public.

Liberal Leader Iain Rankin chimed in Monday by tweeting that “Premier Houston gets different treatment than he gives Nova Scotians — a blatant double standard.”