Province House is temporarily closing its doors to visitors due to a security risk.
Officials say the move comes into effect on Friday and will last until the risk subsides following the threats.
This comes as the offices of Nova Scotia MPs, MLAs, and councillors at Halifax City Hall received suspicious packages this week.
Due to a security risk, access to Province House is temporarily suspended for all visitors as of February 11, 2022. pic.twitter.com/sLxIevfpZh
— Nova Scotia Legislature (@NSLeg) February 10, 2022
One sent to Conservative MP Rick Perkins was opened and contained a suspected skin and eye irritant.
Halifax Regional Police reported no harmful substances were detected on the suspicious envelopes that were delivered to Halifax City Hall on Monday night.
Liberal MPs Mike Kelloway, Andy Fillmore, and Darren Fisher reported on Thursday their offices have now received suspicious packages.
Fillmore says on Twitter his staff are shaken, but okay, and they’re working with police to identify those who are responsible.
“There’s something happening in our country right now,” Fillmore says. “And it’s not good. We all need to take a step back and return to a more civil discourse.”
Darren Fisher says his staff are also worried.”I want you to know that our team is making out okay. A bit shaken, but okay,” Fisher says on Twitter.
I want to thank my incredible team who work so hard to help our constituents in #Dartmouth #ColeHarbour
Their day was made harder when our office received a suspicious package. The package matched the description of those sent to other NS MPs that contained a chemical irritant.
— Darren Fisher (@DarrenFisherNS) February 11, 2022
Tensions have been rising in the country amid protests over COVID-19 health measures.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held an emergency meeting virtually on Thursday to discuss the demonstrations.
“They’re harming the communities they’re taking place in – and they’re hurting jobs, businesses, and our country’s economy,” Trudeau says on Twitter.
The Freedom Convoy demonstration has occupied Ottawa for two weeks now. More protests are planned in Halifax and Nova Scotia this weekend.
Trudeau says the meeting was productive amid calls by many, including the administration of US President Joe Biden, to bring an end to the blockades.