Nova Scotia opposition critical of premier's upcoming trip during legislature sitting

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is drawing opposition criticism after confirming he will be away from the legislature the week of March 18 to attend a hydrogen energy conference in Germany.

Nova Scotia's premier drew fire from both opposition leaders Friday after confirming he will be away from the legislature the week of March 18 to attend a hydrogen energy conference in Germany.

Tim Houston told reporters that federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson asked him to be part of a "Team Canada approach" in attending the conference in Hamburg along with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey.

The premier said he believes it's important to attend the conference because the opportunities for Nova Scotia in green hydrogen energy are "extremely significant."

"The energy potential can change our entire economy over a relatively short time frame," said Houston. "We're excited about that and are happy to be there to support those who are making significant investments in the province."

However, the trip will come less than three weeks into the Nova Scotia House of Assembly's spring sitting, and it will follow immediately after the legislature closes next week for the annual school March break.

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill said Houston could easily send other government officials to the conference and he suggested the premier was taking part to avoid the daily scrutiny of questions in the legislature.

"He doesn't like being held accountable for the job he's doing … and I think that's why he's running away to Germany in the middle of a house session," Churchill said.