Nova Scotia NDP urging public to weigh in on the government's contentious bills

  • Canadian Press

Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender speaks to reporters following a televised leaders debate in Halifax on Nov. 14, 2024. Chender is calling on the public to appear before a legislative committee next week to weigh in on controversial changes to several government bills. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia's Opposition leader is calling on the public to make their voices heard on a series of contentious government bills, including legislation to lift a ban on fracking and uranium mining.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender says citizens should attend a legislative committee hearing on Monday that is reviewing the bills, which also touch on subjects such as university governance.

Premier Tim Houston has faced strong pushback to several of his government's recent proposals, including to limit the independence of the auditor general and increase barriers to accessing documents and records.

In response, Houston has said he would withdraw proposed changes to the auditor general's power and would likely make amendments to the bill to change freedom of information rules.

But Chender says her party has yet to see the amendments in written form.

The legislature resumes sitting next week after a week off for the province's March school break.

This report by was first published March 13, 2025.