Just one week after calling it quits on public health restrictions in the province, the Houston government is looking to reinstate them – but only in their place of work.

After a case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the legislature, the Speaker’s Office announced a change in protocol for the remainder of the legislative session, excluding the public from entering the building.

“Premier Houston made the decision to do away with public health advice and lift nearly all restrictions in the province,” says Liberal Leader Iain Rankin. “Now, just one week later, he is giving special privileges to his peers while the rest of Nova Scotians are expected to live with COVID-19.”

Since lifting restrictions last week, most Nova Scotians have been at the mercy of those around them when it comes to using tools like masking and social distancing. With this decision to reinstate public health protocols in the
legislature, it appears the Houston government is operating under a double standard.

“The Houston government is attempting to put restrictions on democracy right after eliminating them elsewhere,” says Rankin. “If Nova Scotians are expected to live with the virus without restrictions, we as politicians cannot expect to be treated differently.”