Jason MacLean, NSGEU vice-president, arrested at health protest

A 40-year-old Enfield man who was arrested during Tuesday's protest by health-care workers in front of Province House is facing a charge of assaulting a police officer.

According to Joan Jessome, the president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, the man who was arrested is Jason MacLean, the vice-president of the union.

Halifax Regional Police officers who were on Hollis Street to monitor the protest at Province House were trying to help a car that was being blocked by protesters, said Const. Pierre Bourdages.

One of the officers thought he saw an assault on another officer and arrested the 40-year-old man, said police.

Bourdages said video footage will be reviewed and police are asking for witnesses to provide information at 902-490-5016.

Nova Scotia's MLAs are debating legislation that would streamline health-care unions in the province, while demonstrations continue outside Province House.

Protesters began gathering before first light Tuesday morning, after spending much of last evening circling the building.