Nova Scotia Justice Minister accused of filing complaint against legislator

Becky Druhan, a former justice minister and current Liberal member of the Nova Scotia legislature, has accused Justice Minister Scott Armstrong of filing a professional code of conduct complaint against her. Druhan stated the complaint, which was filed with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in May, was a response to questions she raised in the legislature while serving as an Independent.

The professional order has since dismissed the complaint. Druhan expressed concern that a cabinet minister would use a professional regulatory body to target a legislator for performing their official duties. The dispute appears to stem from inquiries Druhan made in February regarding potential political interference in police investigations.

During those legislative proceedings, Premier Tim Houston reportedly heckled Druhan. While Druhan addressed her questions to Armstrong, witnesses noted the Premier’s involvement in the exchange. Druhan has requested that the Premier waive cabinet confidentiality to allow for more information to be shared, but the request was denied.