Nova Scotia government restricts media access at provincial legislature 

The Nova Scotia government introduced a new policy to prevent ministers from answering questions from journalists in the provincial legislature building. 

Previously, journalists could interview ministers in the lobby and other common areas of the building; under the new policy introduced by NS premier Tim Houston, interviews are allowed only in a designated media room in a separate building near the legislature, reported the Halifax Examiner.

Journalists from publications including the Halifax Examiner, CBC and allNovaScotia have refused to participate in briefings under the new rules, according to CBC and the Halifax Examiner. The decision marked a change from a “longstanding tradition” of media access in the legislature, CBC reported. 

On Feb. 25, 2025, CBC reported that provincial minister Leah Martin refused to speak with journalists in the legislature about a fundraiser organized by her party.

A spokesperson for the provincial government said that the government’s new restrictions on media access would in fact expand media access: “As we’ve repeatedly said, we are taking steps to ensure more reporters from more outlets have access to the premier and cabinet on a regular basis,” Catherine Klimek, press secretary for premier Houston, said in a statement to CBC. 

In a statement, the Canadian Association of Journalists described the move as a “bald-faced frontal assault on press freedom in a province where secrecy has long trumped transparency.” 
In December 2024, Houston’s government changed another long-standing policy and denied media access to the swearing-in of new cabinet members.