There will be no more singing in the Nova Scotia legislature this week.
The Speaker’s Office has announced Province House will be closed to the public for the remainder of the week “to ensure no further obstructions to the House’s proceedings.”
A media release from the office says the decision has been made in light of events in the gallery on Tuesday night, which saw singing protesters interrupt a late-night vote on the provincial budget.
The government tabled its Appropriations Act, one of two acts making up the provincial budget, after 11 p.m. Tuesday. The final vote on that act was suspended as a group of people in the gallery sang lyrics including “it’s okay to change your mind.”
“Province House will remain open to MLAs and accredited media, as well as caucus, government and House staff,” read a media release from government.
All committee proceedings will be closed to the public as well, with only scheduled presenters, in addition to staff and media, permitted to attend.
The Speaker’s Office says the decision to close the legislative precinct to the public will be reviewed at the end of the week.
More on the budget
Controversial cuts
The government has been met with large public backlash against some of the proposed cuts in its budget, some of which prompted Premier Tim Houston to apologize and reverse course.
Following public outcry over the cuts, Houston says his government will restore about $54 million to programs for people with disabilities and seniors, and for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students.
“Many people told us that they were worried about certain parts of the budget, and I want to start by saying on some of the decisions, we got it wrong. And for that, I’m sorry,” Houston told a news conference.
Vicky Levack, a disability rights advocate living in Halifax, said Houston’s reversal is proof that public pressure and protest work.
Levack said she remains angry over the government’s cuts to arts and culture programming, and she will continue to protest in support of these sectors.