Nova Scotia Speaker rescinds legislature gallery bans

Nova Scotia Speaker Danielle Barkhouse has rescinded temporary bans on 36 individuals following a gallery disruption at Province House last spring. The decision, announced just before the fall sitting begins, lifts the restrictions unconditionally, allowing the formerly banned individuals full access to the legislature, including the gallery.

The bans were originally implemented following a March incident where protesters against government budget cuts disrupted proceedings by singing and shouting, which delayed a vote. Barkhouse stated the decision to rescind the bans came after receiving input from the Nova Scotia Arts Coalition, opposition caucuses, and the provincial government.

While lifting the bans, Barkhouse emphasized that demonstrations inside the gallery that prevent the House from conducting business are unacceptable. She noted that while protests are a healthy part of democracy, they should occur on the sidewalks surrounding Province House. To prevent future issues, gallery rules have been modernized and aligned with the practices of the Parliament of Canada. Barkhouse warned that anyone disrupting the gallery during the upcoming sitting will be removed.