Saf Haq says she and about 40 others broke into song just before midnight when the legislature moved to vote on a budget-related bill that would result in a series of cuts to government programs.

Haq says that after about 15 minutes of singing the speaker adjourned and the vote did not go ahead.

The February budget has sparked numerous protests outside the legislature over cuts to programs in arts and culture, museums and tourism, and for Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian communities.

The Speaker's office says that in light of Tuesday's protests the legislature will be closed to visitors for the remainder of the week but will be open to media, scheduled presenters, elected members and staff.

Haq says the closure is "cowardly," and the budget concerns of demonstrators deserve to be heard by their elected representatives.

This report by was first published March 25, 2025.