Portion of N.S. legislature closed to public after week of protests over grant cuts

HALIFAX — A floor of the Nova Scotia legislature is closed to the public following a week of rallies and demonstrations over grant cuts.

Speaker of the House Danielle Barkhouse said public access would be temporarily closed to the second floor of Province House in downtown Halifax. The gallery of the legislature and the main floor remain open to the public.

“As most people know, the emotions are high here in the House,” she told reporters Friday.

There have been protests outside the legislature throughout the week over $130 million in cuts to funding for Indigenous and African Nova Scotian projects and arts, tourism and culture programs.

“I changed the specifics to this floor because I want to make sure that we have a safe environment for all MLAs here at Province House,” Barkhouse said.

The Speaker did not say when the second floor would reopen to the public.

The floor that’s been closed is where MLAs are often found coming in and out of the legislative chamber.

It’s also where several constituents stopped the African Nova Scotia Affairs minister to press her with questions Thursday afternoon.

Barkhouse declined to say if the closure is related to that exchange.

“It’s just a little bit of everything … you’ve seen what’s been happening outside and yes, sometimes inside, but I think it’s just a way to make sure everyone feels safe so they can perform their duties,” she told reporters Friday.

African Nova Scotia Affairs Minister Twila Grosse declined to be interviewed.

In an emailed statement, Grosse said, “I know that many people care deeply about the issues affecting our communities … and I am one of them. That passion comes from a long history of resilience and a strong commitment to progress, and it’s why I remain committed to listening and continuing the work with communities across the province.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press