Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.
Available on INTERNET at http://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS: | ||||
| Justice: Correctional Facility (Cumb. Co.), Hon. M. Scott | 630 | |||
| Fin.: Tax Increases - Halt, Mr. J. Morton | 630 | |||
| TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: | ||||
| WCB - Anl. Rept. (2009), Hon. M. More | 631 | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| No. 21, Income Tax Act/Motor Vehicle Act, | ||||
| Hon. M. Scott | 631 | |||
| No. 22, Security and Investigative Services Act, | ||||
| Hon. R. Landry | 631 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 267, Vimy Ridge - Anniv. (93rd), | ||||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 632 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 632 | |||
| Res. 268, Vimy Ridge Day (09/10): Importance - Recognize, | ||||
| Hon. K. Casey | 633 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 633 | |||
| Res. 269, Wilson, Dave - Truro Dist. C. of C./Bus. Dev. Bank Award, | ||||
| Ms. L. Zann | 634 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 634 | |||
| Res. 270, Lunenburg Dist. Mun.: Seniors - Funding, | ||||
| Ms. P. Birdsall | 634 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 635 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | ||||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | ||||
| GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: | ||||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 9:21 a.m. | 636 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 1:38 p.m. | 636 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., Apr. 12th at 4:00 p.m. | 636 | |||
| NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 266, Sledge Hockey Sunday - Fundraising: Participants | ||||
| - Thank, Hon. C. d'Entremont [Tabled April 8, 2010] | 637 | |||
| Res. 271, MacDonald, Greg/MacInnis, Diane: N. Sydney | ||||
| - Commitment Congrats., Hon. C. Clarke | ||||
| [Tabled April 9, 2010] | 637 | |||
HALIFAX, FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010
Sixty-first General Assembly
Second Session
9:00 A.M.
SPEAKER
Hon. Charlie Parker
DEPUTY SPEAKERS
Mr. Gordon Gosse, Hon. Wayne Gaudet, Mr. Alfie MacLeod
MR. SPEAKER: Honourable members, I call the House to order. You may have noticed coming into the Legislature today that our flag is flying at half-mast, and I have a short statement here I wish to read:
Today Canadians are honouring those who served their country's call during the First World War. More than 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders served from 1914 to 1918 and, of those, more than 68,000 lost their lives and more than 170,000 were injured. Many of those were Nova Scotians.
Our country's last known surviving First World War survivor, Mr. John Babcock, passed away in February, and his passing marks the end of an era. It also reminds us to never forget the sacrifices made by veterans of the First World War, and to give thanks for their service.
There is a Book of Reflection on the First World War in the front foyer and I would encourage all members to sign it. It's downstairs at the security desk.
In honour of those brave Nova Scotians and Canadians who served the cause of freedom during the First World War, I would now ask that members rise and we'll have a moment of silence.
[A moment of silence was observed.]
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you.
We will begin the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cumberland South.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, here we are on day 9, the ninth day of broken promises by this government. This petition was started as a result of the headline, which we all know, "Dexter says he'd keep Tory promises," which is continually broken on a daily basis across this province. The prayer of this petition reads:
"We, the residents of Cumberland County implore that Premier Darrell Dexter keep his word and build a correctional facility in Cumberland County!"
Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by 78 people, bringing the total to this point of 603, with thousands more to come. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
The honourable member for Kings North.
MR. JIM MORTON: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition that has been collected in Kings County and signed by 311 citizens of Kings County. The operative clause reads:
"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature to preserve business and jobs by NOT increasing taxes. Balance the books over the medium term by rolling back the massive spending increases of recent years."
I have affixed my signature to the document.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.
HON. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a report entitled Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia Annual Report 2009.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 21 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 217 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Income Tax Act; and Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Motor Vehicle Act, Respecting First Responders. (Hon. Murray Scott)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.
The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. ROSS LANDRY: Mr. Speaker, before I table this bill, I beg leave to make an introduction.
MR. SPEAKER: Certainly.
MR. LANDRY: Up in the east gallery, with us today, we have community members who have a keen interest in public safety and the bill that is being tabled today, and I would ask them to stand. John Allen from Saint Mary's Security and a member of the International Foundation for Protection Officers; Superintendent Don Spicer, Halifax Regional Municipal Police, Public Safety Officer; Alan MacDonald, Academic Director of the Maritime Hockey Academy, who has had about 30 years of experience in training for the security industry; Superintendent Frank Foran, Nova Scotia RCMP, Support Services Officer; Ron Lovett, owner of Source Security & Investigations Incorporated; and I want to extend a very special welcome to Cyril and Anita Giffin who, through tragedy, have been advocating for regulations such as these for more than 10 years. (Applause)
Bill No. 22 - Entitled an Act Respecting the Provision of Security Services and Investigative Services. (Hon. Ross Landry)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.
[9:15 a.m.]
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 267
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 93 years ago today, after careful training and rehearsal, and supported by almost 1,000 artillery pieces, the Canadians attacked the German stronghold at Vimy Ridge in a driving northwest wind that swept the countryside with sleet and snow; and
Whereas despite 10,602 Canadian casualties, and despite well-entrenched and heavily armored German forces, the Canadian troops swept across a 6.4 kilometre front on April 9, 1917, to succeed where others had failed; and
Whereas Vimy Ridge was a momentous victory for an army of citizen-soldiers in a war that eventually claimed over 68,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders and moved Brigadier General Alexander Ross to declare, "It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then . . . that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation";
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly mark this 93rd Anniversary, our first without a Canadian veteran from the First World War, remember the courage and sacrifice of all our soldiers past, and honour those who serve our country today.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
RESOLUTION NO. 268
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas today the flags are flying at half-mast here at Province House in honour of today's national commemorative ceremony honouring all of Canada's First World War servicemen and women; and
Whereas the ceremony is being held as part of Vimy Ridge Day on April 9th at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, symbolic of the many Canadians who have served and are serving Canada in times of war and in the cause of peace and freedom; and
Whereas on February 18th of this year, 2010, John "Jack" Babcock passed away, becoming the last known veteran of the First World War, in turn marking the end of an era in Canadian military history;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the importance of the day as significant ceremonies are held around the world, both in Canada and in our Allied nations of France and England.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid on an introduction.
MR. DAVID WILSON: Merci M. le Président. Nous avons des visiteurs avec nous aujourd'hui. Nous avons Marie-Claude Rioux de l'Association des juristes d'expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse, accompagnée de 20 élèves du secondaire dans le cadre de la Journée du droit.
Mr. Speaker, with us today we have some visitors. We have Marie-Claude Rioux and 20 students, on the occasion of Journée du droit. I wish they would stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill.
RESOLUTION NO. 269
MS. LENORE ZANN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Dave Wilson, chair of the Truro-based Wilson group of businesses, has been actively involved in Truro community organizations, businesses, and sports groups; and
Whereas Mr. Wilson has been a creative and innovative worker with a strong work ethic in the home fuel industry; and
Whereas Mr. Wilson has been awarded the inaugural recipient of the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce and Businesses Development Bank lifetime achievement award;
Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulates Mr. Dave Wilson of Truro on his receipt of this lifetime award and thanks him for the many contributions that he has made to the Truro community.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Lunenburg.
RESOLUTION NO. 270
MS. PAM BIRDSALL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the NDP Government is committed to giving seniors options to allow them to stay in their homes and communities longer; and
Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is committed to working in partnership with communities and individuals to provide recreational opportunities to all residents; and
Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has applied for and received funding for the Age Friendly Needs Assessment to provide for information collection, age-friendly upgrades to trail services and recreational facilities, and the production of a senior-specific municipal newsletter;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for receiving this funding and commend them for their work around their age-friendly community.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[9:21 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Gordon Gosse in the Chair.]
[1:38 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Hon. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made considerable progress and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. We will meet again on Monday and the hours will be from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Following the daily routine, we will continue debate on Resolution No. 1, which I believe was adjourned by the member for Kings West, and then after that we will go back into Supply.
Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now rise.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
We are adjourned.
[The House rose at 1:39 p.m.]
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)
RESOLUTION NO. 266
By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Argyle -Tabled April 8, 2010)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas sledge hockey is the Paralympic version of ice hockey; and
Whereas players sit on sleds with blades on the bottom and use two small sticks with picks on the ends to propel themselves across the ice; and
Whereas the Acadia Axemen and the Acadia Minor Hockey Association sledge hockey team joined forces for Sledge Hockey Sunday to raise money for a wheelchair lift at Acadia's Kinesiology building;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate these athletes for raising money for such a worthwhile cause.
RESOLUTION NO. 271
By: Hon. Cecil Clarke (Cape Breton North - Tabled April 9, 2010)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Waterside Restaurant on Archibald's Wharf in the Town of North Sydney is reopening for the 2010 season on April 12th; and
Whereas on April 7th a private tasting of the new, revamped and redesigned menu under the capable leadership of new chef Graham Alexander was held to the delight of the invited guests, the preview of the culinary offerings - exceptional; and
Whereas co-owners Greg MacDonald and Diane MacInnis have invested personally and financially in this venture to help rejuvenate the downtown commercial core of the Town of North Sydney;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Diane, Greg, and Graham for their commitment to the downtown commercial development of the Town of North Sydney for tourists and residents alike.
