Ernie Fage, the former cabinet minister charged with leaving the scene of a car accident, has returned to the legislature for the first time since he was granted a leave of absence from the Tory caucus.

Fage said he has been getting many messages of support, but one person told him it would be better if he quit politics.

"I think I've had one of those contacts," Fage told reporters Monday as the spring session of the legislature began. "I've had hundreds encouraging me to continue on and see the issue through, and I certainly intend to do that."

Fage said he plans to take his seat as representative for Cumberland North for most of the session.

He is due in Halifax provincial court on April 5 to enter a plea to the charge of leaving the scene of an accident.

Fage was granted a leave of absence from the legislature in January, days after he resigned as minister of human resources when witnesses told CBC News he fled a Nov. 24 fender-bender in Halifax and smelled of alcohol.