Independent MLA Becky Druhan says Nova Scotians deserve more transparency and predictability from their government after MLAs were given 30 days’ notice that the Legislature will resume sitting on February 23.
The notice meets the minimum requirement under the House of Assembly Rules of Procedure, but Druhan says doing the bare minimum falls short of what modern democratic leadership should look like. She said leadership means “respecting the spirit of the rules by fostering transparency, predictability, and accountability so the public can meaningfully engage.”
Lunenburg West MLA Becky Druhan at St. Anne’s Elementary
Photo: Communications Nova Scotia
Druhan also took issue with the decision to begin the sitting on a Monday, which means the Premier will not face Question Period on opening day. She called Question Period “one of the Legislature’s most important accountability tools” and said structuring the schedule to avoid it “demonstrates a disappointing disregard for the spirit of responsible government.”
Along with her concerns about scheduling, Druhan is urging the government to adopt changes she says would strengthen public trust and improve how the House operates. She wants Nova Scotia to establish a predictable legislative calendar, something many other provinces already publish. She also says the public should be invited to weigh in on legislation before it is tabled, and that proposed bills—especially complex or high‑impact ones—should be shared ahead of each sitting.
“These are reasonable expectations in a modern democracy,” she said. “Nova Scotians deserve a Legislature that operates predictably, respects accountability, and invites the public into the democratic process.”
Druhan says she is actively gathering input on legislative priorities from residents in Lunenburg West and across the province, encouraging people to stay engaged. “Democracy is strongest when people are informed and involved,” she said. “Public engagement should be welcomed and encouraged.”
