PCs use majority to trim opposition’s question time at N.S. legislative committees

Progressive Conservative MLAs in Nova Scotia made a controversial move on Tuesday by utilizing their majority on two legislative committees to reduce the time available for opposition members to ask questions. This decision has sparked a debate between government members, who argue that it is about fairness and acknowledging the increased number of PC MLAs, and opposition members, who accuse the PCs of trying to limit the scrutiny they face.

Traditionally, the time allocated for MLAs to question committee witnesses followed one of two formats: either a speaking order was maintained throughout the meeting, or each caucus was given 20 minutes for questioning followed by a second round of questioning divided among the parties based on remaining time. However, PC MLAs deemed these options insufficient and pushed for a new time distribution plan.

During a meeting of the community services committee, PC MLA Brad McGowan proposed a motion to allocate 30 minutes for PC questions, 20 minutes for the NDP, and 10 minutes for the Liberals. In the second round of questioning, the PCs would receive half of the remaining time, with the opposition parties splitting the remainder. With 43 PC MLAs elected in the recent provincial election, McGowan argued that it would be unfair to limit their questioning time.

Another PC MLA, Melissa Sheehy-Richard, put forward a similar motion during a human resources committee meeting, emphasizing the need for equal opportunity for all MLAs to ask questions. She highlighted that due to the size of the PC caucus, some members have limited chances to participate in committees and raise important issues.

However, opposition members, including New Democrat MLA Paul Wozney and Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette, expressed concerns about the PCs using their majority to restrict opposition scrutiny. Wozney described the move as a misuse of power rather than a matter of fairness, while Mombourquette questioned the motives behind the changes and speculated about the PCs’ intentions for the upcoming legislative session.

The contentious decision made by PC MLAs at the committee level has raised eyebrows and sparked debate within the Nova Scotia political landscape. The implications of this move on the dynamics of the legislature remain to be seen as MLAs prepare to reconvene for the spring session at Province House.