Nova Scotia Legislature Ends Amid Budget Cut Protests

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - The spring session of the Nova Scotia legislature concluded on Thursday amid widespread protests over proposed budget cuts, a partial reversal of those reductions, and new limits on public access to the assembly's galleries, marking a challenging period for Premier Tim Houston's Progressive Conservative government.

The 27-day sitting, which ended while Houston was in Calgary for meetings with oil and gas representatives, saw the tabling of a budget projecting a deficit of nearly $1.4 billion alongside $304.9 million in program cuts. These included reductions in public service staffing and a $130.4 million rollback in funding for arts and culture initiatives, Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian programs, and services for people with disabilities. The measures, introduced as the province grapples with slowing population growth and a stagnating economy, prompted immediate backlash, including demonstrations outside the legislature building.

On March 4, Houston told reporters he could not envision altering the budget. However, six days later, he apologized and announced the reinstatement of $53.6 million in cuts. Despite this concession, government ministers faced...