FAQs
Q. When will the next legislative assembly session start / when will the current session end?
A. There is no set schedule for legislative sessions, however the House of Assembly Act requires that the House sits at least twice each year, in the spring and in the fall. The exact start and end dates of a particular session are not known until announced by the Speaker of the House. The commencement of a new session must be announced at least thirty days in advance, according to the Rules of the House of Assembly.
Q. I want to bring a petition to the House of Assembly. How do I go about it?
A. Petitions are presented in the House by Members of the Legislative Assembly. Anyone can submit a petition through their MLA. More...
Q. What is the difference between an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) and an MP (Member of Parliament)?
A. Nova Scotia citizens are represented in the Provincial Legislature by MLAs and in the Federal legislature by MPs. Every Nova Scotian is represented by both a federal and a provincial elected official. Nova Scotia has 55 provincial electoral districts and 11 federal constituencies.
Q. Who is my MLA and how can I contact him / her?
A. You can find out who your MLA is by using the Electoral District Finder on the Elections Nova Scotia website. Addresses and mailing labels for Nova Scotia MLAs are available here.
Q. How old is Province House?
A. Province House is the oldest legislature building in Canada. The cornerstone was laid on August 12, 1811, but construction was not completed for eight years. The Legislature first met in Province House on February 11, 1819.
Q. What happens if a bill doesn't go through the full legislative process before a session ends?
A. Any bill that does not pass third reading and receive Royal Assent before the end of a session has 'died on the order paper.' It will not progress or become law unless it is reintroduced in a new session and completes all of the legislative stages. More...
Q. How can I watch the legislative proceedings at Province House?
A. Visitors may watch proceedings from the legislative chamber galleries when the House is sitting, click here for contact information. Seating is generally by invitation only during special ceremonies. You can also watch live coverage online, on EastLink Digital channel 95 or on Eastlink Cable channel 10 (selective programming).
Q. Can I do research at / borrow books from the Legislative Library?
A. The library is open to the general public from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Circulating materials may be borrowed directly by Members and their staff, press, and NS government employees. The general public may request material on interlibrary loan through their local library. More...
