Nova Scotia

Municipal Government Act

SNS 1998, c 18, §§ 14–23

Read the statute →

Sunshine Score: 32/100 (weak)
32/100

Sunshine Score

32/100
Weak
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 2 days
Public Comment Not required
Closed Sessions 7 permitted categories
Minutes Required
Recording Not required
Remote Participation Allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
2 days
Special Meetings
2 days

Online posting: Not required

Regular council meetings: the annual schedule of regular meetings must be published and made available to the public. Special meetings: at least 48 hours' notice must be given to each council member and posted publicly, stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting. The notice and agenda must be made available at the municipal office.

Public Participation

Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Not allowed

The Act does not mandate public comment periods at regular council meetings. Citizens have the right to attend open council meetings.

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
Yes
Public Remote Comment
Not allowed

The Act was amended to permit electronic participation by council members. Council may adopt procedures authorizing members to attend by electronic means; members participating remotely may count toward quorum if authorized.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: The clerk must prepare minutes of each council meeting recording all motions, resolutions, and decisions. Minutes must be adopted by council and signed by the presiding officer. Minutes are available for public inspection.

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Standing to Sue
Any person may seek judicial review of a council decision made in violation of the open meeting requirements.
Enforcement Body
No dedicated open meeting investigator. Affected parties may seek judicial review in Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

Scope

This law applies to:

  • Municipality
  • Town
  • City
  • Rural Municipality
  • Regional Municipality

Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)

Notes

Halifax Regional Municipality is governed by the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter (SNS 2008, c 39) which has parallel open meeting provisions. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has a similar charter. The agenda_notice_special_days of 2 reflects the 48-hour statutory requirement for special meetings.

← Back to Open Meetings & Public Notice Laws

The specific rules for Nova Scotia may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.