Dozens of people from different groups across Nova Scotia returned to Province House, Tuesday, for the fall sitting of the legislature using song to advocate for those affected by budget cuts introduced by the Houston government.
It was in March when there were hundreds of cuts in the spring budget due to a $1.2 billion deficit, including many that were in arts and culture. The decision spurred several rallies with thousands who participated.
Sara Coffin is an advocate for the Nova Scotia Arts Coalition and Motion Dance.
She says the cuts were devastating and since they happened, people across several communities have been banding together to try to convince the government to reconsider their choices.
“All summer people have been traveling around to MLA offices, sharing what the outfalls of the cuts have been with for the disability community, for the arts community, for African Nova Scotia community, for Mi’kmaq community.”
Coffin says the arts community is where she fits in, and she was proud to be a part of the rally as a way to remind the government that they’re still waiting to be heard.
“The sector is imploding on itself. There’s been a lot of full-time jobs cut, cut back in programming. So, we’re here to keep singing and to say we are the people and you should listen to us.”
Thirty-six Nova Scotians were prohibited from the legislature during the spring sitting after singing in the gallery to encourage the government to change their mind on the cuts, delaying passing a bill by one day.
Speaker Danielle Barkhouse rescinded the ban on Friday after various consultation.
Coffin says she was one of them, but her and her fellow community members haven’t stopped singing, even after the ban.
She adds, “When the budget was passed, they hadn’t even finished the public bills presentation, so they weren’t even listening to the public.”
The public was barred from the legislature during the final vote.
On April 13, the Houston government passed the budget, which created a stir among many groups in the community including arts and culture, Mi’kmaq and environmental advocates.
Coffin says the budget cuts have brought many different groups together, and that they’re working together to hold the government accountable.
“We’re gonna be on the ground, talking to our MLAs, and demanding clear conversations.”
She adds that their collective goal is to be as loud as possible in hopes that the government will stop to listen and understand the greater impact.
