Nova Scotia House of Assembly, Halifax

The Nova Scotia House of Assembly meets within Province House, an architectural gem and the oldest legislative building in Canada. Opened in 1819, this historic landmark has witnessed over two centuries of governance, making it the longest-serving legislative building in the country. Designed in British Palladian style, the three-story structure is one of the finest examples of its kind in North America.

Built on the site of the former Governor’s House, originally constructed by Edward Cornwallis in 1749, the Province House initially housed the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of the colony under one roof. The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia once held its sessions in what is now the legislative library. The building also played a pivotal role in 1848, hosting the first instance of responsible government outside the United Kingdom within the British Empire.

Province House has been graced by the presence of royalty, dignitaries, and literary greats, including Charles Dickens, who described the Nova Scotia Legislature as resembling “Westminster through the wrong end of a telescope.” The building underwent major renovations between 1985 and 1994, with its reopening attended by Queen Elizabeth II. In 1996, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, recognizing its contributions to democratic governance and press freedom. Today, it remains the heart of Nova Scotia’s legislative process, a living testament to the province’s rich political history.