Nova Scotia Legislature Faces Criticism for Failing to Enforce Bar Bouncer Regulations: Calls for Government Accountability
The Nova Scotia Legislature is under fire for its failure to implement regulations regarding bar bouncers, leading to calls for greater government accountability. The issue came to the forefront after the tragic death of Ryan Sawyer, allegedly killed by a bouncer last year. Despite all parties approving the Security and Investigative Services Act over 13 years ago, successive NDP, Liberal, and now Progressive Conservative governments have not enforced it.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a registrar responsible for licensing security workers at bars and nightclubs. However, the lack of regulation became evident following Ryan Sawyer’s death in December. The accused bouncer, who faced a prior assault charge, has been charged with manslaughter.
Critics argue that the government’s failure to implement the 2010 bill, originally proposed by the NDP, has let down the public and undermined the democratic process. NDP whip Gary Burrill has called on the Progressive Conservative government not only to revive the bill but also to introduce measures that enable lawmakers to track the progress of passed laws awaiting activation.
Other jurisdictions already have mechanisms in place to address this issue. For instance, the federal government, as well as the governments of Alberta and Ontario, have implemented repeal laws that inform elected members about inactive legislation and the risk of it disappearing entirely due to further delays.
The case of Nova Scotia’s bar bouncer regulation exemplifies prolonged delay. Although the bill was passed in 2009 by the NDP government, it was never proclaimed. Former Justice Minister Ross Landry admitted that he doesn’t know why this happened. The bar and restaurant industry had expressed concerns, and the government was simultaneously struggling to implement a bar bouncer training program, which contributed to the delay.
According to Graham Steele, who served with Ross Landry in the Nova Scotia NDP cabinet, unproclaimed laws create opportunities for private lobbying and are problematic on multiple levels. Steele emphasizes that legislation should not be left unproclaimed, as it goes against democratic principles.
To enhance legislative oversight and prevent laws from falling through the cracks, Nova Scotia needs better mechanisms to keep the legislature informed about the progress of statutes. The Nova Scotia Legislature posts online tables that list more than 100 legislative initiatives as not proclaimed in force, but it remains unclear how many laws have been impacted.
Interestingly, the legislature previously passed a repeal provision in 2001, similar to those in Ontario and Alberta. However, it has never been proclaimed in force.
In conclusion, the Nova Scotia Legislature is facing criticism for its failure to enforce bar bouncer regulations, leading to calls for greater accountability. The tragic death of Ryan Sawyer has highlighted the need for immediate action. Critics argue that the 2010 bill should be revived, and measures should be implemented to better track the progress of laws awaiting activation. It is essential for the government to address these concerns and ensure the safety of patrons in bars and nightclubs.
