On March 5, 2023, a large crowd protested outside the Nova Scotia legislature in Halifax against controversial legislation introduced by Premier Tim Houston's government. The proposed bills aim to lift a long-standing uranium mining moratorium, increase government control over universities, and allow termination of non-unionized civil servants without cause. Many protesters expressed surprise and anger regarding the lack of public consultation prior to these decisions, especially considering the Progressive Conservatives' election campaign focused on health care and housing. Critics argue this reflects undemocratic practices fueled by a super-majority political power under Houston.
The rally had been organized by community groups and labour organizations to push back against far-reaching legislation that Houston's government introduced in February.
'No one knew this was coming,' says Lindsay Lee, one of the protesters, who works at the advocacy organization Ecology Action Centre.
Houston has cited the economic threat of President Trump's re-election to justify his pivot, stating that Nova Scotia must become more self-reliant.
None of the bills had come up during the provincial election last fall, creating a sense of betrayal among the public.
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