Nova ScotiaBarb Adams, the minister responsible for military relations, said Thursday that members of the Forces are already welcome to wear uniforms in public spaces, but now that entitlement will be protected in legislation.All stages of debate were skipped to pass the bill in a single dayTaryn Grant · CBC News · Posted: Oct 02, 2025 3:33 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoA Canadian flag badge is displayed on the uniform of a Canadian Armed Forces soldier in this file photo. (Alexander Quon/CBC)The Nova Scotia government has passed a bill enshrining the right of Armed Forces members and veterans to wear their uniforms in publicly owned spaces.Barb Adams, the minister responsible for military relations, tabled the bill Thursday and asked for the typical stages of debate to be waived so the bill could be passed in a single day.Adams said military members are already welcome to wear uniforms in public spaces, but she said that entitlement needed to be protected in legislation.”We’re in unprecedented times in our country. There are a lot of threats around the world, there are uncertainty and unrest … We as a government wanted to show our commitment to our Canadian Armed Forces members,” she told reporters.The bill would apply to provincially owned or operated spaces including provincial parks, hospitals and schools.Barb Adams, the minister responsible for military relations, speaks to reporters in Halifax on Oct. 2, 2025. (Paul Poirier/CBC)The legislation allows for the development of regulations that would let cabinet make exceptions. Adams said exceptions may be needed in some settings where a uniform might have an “impact.” She gave the example of a courtroom.She said there will be consultation before the regulations are developed. Adams said the bill was not the result of any specific incident and refused to name any examples of military members being barred from wearing their official garb.No-uniform requestLast year, administration at Sackville Heights Elementary asked that service members not wear their uniforms to its Remembrance Day ceremony, but backtracked in the face of pushback. The school’s principal said she was trying to shield children from symbols of war, particularly newcomer children from countries experiencing militarized conflict. She later apologized.Premier Tim Houston, who was in the midst of an election campaign at the time, responded forcefully, calling the school’s no-uniform request “disgraceful and demeaning.”NDP Leader Claudia Chender said Thursday that “it’s wonderful to celebrate” service members, but she questioned the need for the bill.She said its quick passage seemed to have a dual purpose. “I think the government wanted to show their solidarity with the military at this time. I think the government wants to get out of this House,” said Chender.Legislators have been sitting since Sept. 23 and the House could rise as soon as Friday, which would make it an eight-day sitting.Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette said he would have preferred to have the chance to discuss the bill through the usual stages of debate in the House.Canadian Armed Forces members arrive at the 2024 national Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)”We were happy to support it. I would have actually liked the opportunity on the floor of the legislature, as the current leader of our caucus, to show appreciation for our veterans,” he said.He also said he was not aware of a need for legislated protection of wearing uniforms.Adams said she wanted to fast-track the bill because she saw a “unique opportunity” to have all members of the legislature agree to pass a bill unanimously. She invited several serving members, including her son, to the gallery to watch the process.”It was an opportunity to do something very special that added to the significance of the bill,” she said, adding that she was “overjoyed” to see it pass with all-party support.It’s not yet clear when the bill will be proclaimed. Adams said she hopes it happens before Remembrance Day.ABOUT THE AUTHORTaryn Grant covers daily news for CBC Nova Scotia, with a particular interest in housing and homelessness, education, and health care. You can email her with tips and feedback at taryn.grant@cbc.ca
N.S. fast-tracks bill to ensure Armed Forces members, veterans can wear uniforms in public
