Nova Scotia Liberal AGM and Justin Trudeau attract protests

Protesters turned out for the Nova Scotia Liberal Party annual general meeting in Halifax Saturday — and for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit. 

Nova Scotia film industry supporters said they were protesting what they say is a lack of movement to support their jobs.

"I'm here to show our support for the industry, but also our disappointment in Friday's non press release from the government of Nova Scotia," said James Nicholson, who's involved with the Atlantic council of the Directors Guild of Canada.

"We were truly expecting something that was more positive that was more in the direction of getting this industry back on the rails."

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The provincial Liberals are holding meetings, ceremonies and votes over three days, starting Friday, at the Westin Nova Scotia Hotel in south end Halifax. Trudeau addressed the crowd Saturday before lunch. 

Protestors of all stripes came with different messages, such as PETA against the seal hunt, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union against Bill 148, which would impose a wage settlement on 75,000 public sector workers, and Fall River residents against a proposed quarry. 

Nicholson said he's not protesting Trudeau, who Nicholson says has supported arts and culture at a federal level.

"The fact that Trudeau is here is really only secondary," Nicholson said. "Quite frankly, if he drove by, it would be nothing but applause and signs of appreciation."

Nicholson said the reception by film supporters would be less friendly for Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil, as his level of government changed film funding and tax credits in the province.