In response to critics, Nova Scotia amends bills on interprovincial trade, info law – Halifax [Video]

The Nova Scotia government is responding to critics by amending key parts of its legislative agenda, including its bill to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers.

Changes to the trade bill, shared with journalists on Thursday, are in response to concerns the proposed legislation would override the ability of regulatory bodies to provide oversight that protects the public.

Representatives from regulatory organizations for health workers, engineers, accountants and lawyers told a legislature committee on Wednesday that they had not been consulted before Premier Tim Houston announced his intention to proceed with the trade bill during an appearance in Ontario last month with Premier Doug Ford.

On Thursday, the Nova Scotia government said its amendments would ensure that the trade bill doesn’t supersede the ability of professional orders to regulate their members.

However, Houston said he doesn’t accept the idea his government is moving too fast to push through legislation.

“Absolutely not,” he …