N.S. govt trade bill to be amended following public safety concerns
The Nova Scotia government is making changes to its interprovincial trade legislation following feedback from professional regulators who raised concerns about potential risks to public safety. Premier Tim Houston introduced Bill 36 during a visit to Ontario, aiming to eliminate trade barriers and promote economic growth amidst tariffs imposed by the United States.
However, representatives from various regulatory bodies expressed apprehension during a public bills committee meeting, highlighting how the current wording of the bill could undermine their ability to regulate professionals entering the province. Dr. Jane Corkum of the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association warned that the legislation might lead to unregulated practice of veterinary medicine, posing significant risks to the public, animals, and the agriculture sector.
The lack of consultation with impacted regulators emerged as a common criticism among presenters. Organizations such as the barristers’ society, college of social workers, association of architects, chartered professional accountants, and professional engineers stated they were not consulted prior to the bill’s introduction. They emphasized that they had already taken steps to facilitate the entry of professionals without compromising public safety.
Pal Mann, CEO of Engineers Nova Scotia, expressed concern over the rise in inquiries from the public regarding the legitimacy of individuals claiming to be engineers. The Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Network raised similar worries about the bill conflicting with existing legislation, such as the Patient Access to Care Act.
Following discussions with Premier Houston, amendments to clarify the bill’s scope and ensure alignment with health-care regulations are in the works. While the premier’s office has shared these amendments with CBC News, it remains unclear whether they will address all concerns raised by regulators.
Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette criticized the government for its pattern of insufficient consultation on legislative matters, citing previous instances where stakeholders were not adequately engaged. He stressed the importance of engaging with affected organizations to avoid such oversights in the future.
The Progressive Conservatives have faced scrutiny this session for similar oversights in legislation affecting access to information laws and the auditor general. Houston has pledged to introduce amendments to address these concerns as well.
In conclusion, while the goal of promoting interprovincial trade is commendable, it is crucial for the government to engage with stakeholders and ensure that legislation safeguards public safety and respects existing regulatory frameworks. By incorporating feedback from professional regulators, Nova Scotia can strike a balance between economic growth and protecting the well-being of its residents.
