Public access to N.S. Legislature limited because 'emotions are high' after budget cuts
CBC
The Nova Scotia Legislature has restricted visitors to the birthplace of parliamentary democracy in Canada after a week of rallies against proposed budget cuts.
The Speaker of the House, Danielle Barkhouse, told reporters that visitors will still be able to access the building's main level and watch proceedings from the third-floor gallery. But they will not be permitted to mingle on the second floor, which includes the library, the red room and the entrance to the legislative chamber.
“As most people know, the emotions are high here in the House,” the Speaker told reporters. “I want to make sure that we have a safe environment for all MLAs here at Province House.”
The Speaker said the change is not linked to any single incident, although it comes a day after a group of people had an exchange with African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Twila Grosse.
That group voiced concerns about proposed cuts in the budget that would affect scholarship programs for Black and African Nova Scotian students.
Barkhouse said the change was decided following discussions with House staff. She said it’s temporary, but could not say how long it would remain in place.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender said she sees the change as a limitation on the ability of members of the public to approach MLAs or cabinet ministers for whom they have questions.
“This is a government that does not like to be asked questions, that doesn’t particularly like to answer questions, but I want to remind them and I want to remind the public that this is the people’s House and people should be welcomed in it,” she told reporters.
Barkhouse said the public would still be able to speak to MLAs as they’re entering or exiting the building.
Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin said he doesn’t think the change is necessary.
“I think that direction is a step backwards,” he told reporters.
Rankin noted that Province House has a dedicated security team overseen by the sergeant-at-arms. Visitors to the building pass through a security check, which includes a metal detector and bag screening.
Grosse was met by a group of 13 people on Thursday as she left the chamber. She stood with them for about five minutes and, at times, the conversation was heated. Although security looked on, they did not intervene.
Mickayah Beals was one of the people in the group. She said the scholarship program has helped her with her own education, and she’s worried about the impact cuts will have.
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