Back to top
7 septembre 2018

  HANSARD18-02

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

Speaker: Honourable Kevin Murphy

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/



Second Session

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTSPAGE
 

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 1, Swissair Tragedy: 20th Anniv. - Remember,
26
Vote - Affirmative
26
Res. 2, IMO Foods: 50th Anniv. - Congrats.,
27
Vote - Affirmative
27
Res. 3, Intl. Literacy Day: Lifelong Learning - Recog.,
27
Vote - Affirmative
28
Res. 4, N.S. Gov't. Employees United Way Campaign: Charitable
Fundraising - Congrats., Hon. K. Colwell « »
28
Vote - Affirmative
29
Res. 5, Fredericton Law Enforcement Officers: Death of - Tribute,
29
Vote - Affirmative
30
Res. 6, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day - Recog.,
30
Vote - Affirmative
30
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 1, Affirming Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Act,
31
No. 2, Develop Nova Scotia Act,
31
No. 3, Respect for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Act,
31
No. 4, Corporations Registration Act,
31
No. 5, School Supplies Tax Credit Act,
31
No. 6, Cape Breton Regional Municipality Viability Study Act,
31
No. 7, Municipal Grants Act,
31
No. 8, Health Authorities Act,
31
No. 9, Collaborative Emergency Centres Act,
31
STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS:
Steven Wadih Metlege: Death of - Tribute,
Hon. L. Metlege Diab
32
Bauer MacIsaac Mem. Golf Tournament: Com. Fundraiser: Recog.,
32
Sexual Assault Victim: Lack of Approp. Care: Support,
33
Swissair Tragedy: Commem. Ceremony, Aspotogan Penin. - Thanks,
33
E. Passage-Cow Bay Summer Carnival: Com. Volunteers - Thanks,
34
Otti, Ngozi: Death of - Tribute,
34
Mullen, Vic: Lifetime Achievement Award, Music: Congrats.,
35
MacIntosh, Scott: Piping Career: Congrats.,
35
Atlantic Fringe Festival: Artists and Organizers - Recog.,
36
Hebbville Academy Help Squad: LG's Award - Congrats.,
36
Intl. Literacy Day: Creating Positive Learning Env. - Recog.,
37
N.S. for Equalization & Fairness: Com. Viability - Recog.,
37
Riteman, Philip: Death of - Tribute,
38
Sill, Zach: Sparta Praha - Congrats.,
38
Education Professionals - Thanks,
39
Decoste, John: Inductee, Berwick Sports Hall of Fame - Congrats.,
39
Sackville-Beaver Bank: Students, Teachers, Staff - Best Wishes,
39
Millbrook Cultural Ctr.: Mi'kmaq Art Show - Celebrate,
40
Pomquet Prov. Park: Increased Accessibility - Thanks,
40
MacGillivray, Allister: Song for the Mira, Hall of Fame - Congrats.,
41
Darling, Amy/Hurley, Taylor: New Waterford Hosp. Proj. - Recog.,
41
Shiloh Com. Church: 10th Anniv. - Congrats.,
42
Grear, Suzanne: Retirement - Congrats.,
42
Restorative Just. Prog.: Dedicated Workers - Recog.,
43
Digby Scallop Days: Organizers - Recog.,
43
Morrison, Kristen: Bartown Beauty - Welcome,
44
Kennedy, Alan: Retirement - Congrats.,
44
Archway Ins.: Ntl. Award - Congrats.,
44
Logan, Dylan: Army Cadet, Military Research Proj. - Commend,
45
Kouwenberg, Keegan: Fire Rescue - Congrats.,
45
COVE: New Location - Best Wishes,
46
MacDonald, Matt & Jan: 3D Shoot for Dad Fundraiser - Thanks,
46
Lamplugh, Mike & Sheila: Swissair Commem. Ceremony - Thanks,
46
Firefighters Assisting in B.C. - Thanks,
47
Lloyd, Diana/Boutilier, Natasha: Com. Literacy - Thanks,
47
During, Daphne Daisy: Volun. Award - Recog.,
48
Carmichael-Stewart House Mus.: Summer Season - Congrats.,
48
Hammonds Plains A's Baseball Champs - Congrats.,
49
Shantz, Ã?ric: Le Club de Courir - Merci,
49
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS:
No. 1, Prem. - SANE Program: Gap - Explain,
50
No. 2, Prem. - Nursing Homes: Funding Cut - Address,
51
No. 3, Prem. - Health Care: Crisis - Deny,
53
No. 4, H&W - C.B. Hospitals: Closure Decision - Consult,
54
No. 5, H&W - C.B. Hospitals: Closures - Lack of Info.,
55
No. 6, Int. Serv.: Breach, Pers. Info. - Update,
57
No. 7, H&W: Pers. Health Info. Act - Change,
58
No. 8, Prem.: C.B. Hosp. Closures - Standard of Respect,
59
No. 9, EECD - Oxford Reg. Ed. Ctr.: Student Displacement - Update,
60
No. 10, TIR - Northern Pulp NSC: Treatment Facility - Update,
61
No. 11, H&W: Roseway Hosp. (Shelburne) - ER Physician,
62
No. 12, EECD: School Buses - Info.,
63
No. 13, EECD - Bus Issues: Communications - Clarify,
64
No. 14, TIR: Mira Gut Bridge - Status,
65
No. 15, H&W: Constituent Health Issues - Assist,
66
No. 16, Justice - Central Nova: Prison Conditions - Standard,
68
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS:
ADDRESS IN REPLY:
69
Adjourned debate
72
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Tue., Sept. 11th at 1:00 p.m
73
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 7, Kennedy, Alan: Retirement - Congrats.,
74
Res. 8, Nuttby Farm: Open Farm Day - Congrats.,
74
Res. 9, Davis, Nancy: Continuing Care Cert. - Congrats.,
75
Res. 10, Cameron, Billy: Sovereign Medal - Congrats.,
75
Res. 11, Thomas, Charlene: Novelist, Unconscious
- Congrats., Hon. K. Casey « »
76
Res. 12, McLaughlin, Garnet & Alexia: New Park Design - Congrats.,
76
Res. 13, Hiller, Gordon: Royal Cdn. Legion, 70-Yr. Pin
- Congrats., Hon. K. Casey « »
77
Res. 14, Bass River Fire Brigade: Com. Serv. - Recog.,
77
Res. 15, Kohltech: Cdn. Bus. Of the Yr. Award - Congrats.,
78
Res. 16, Fiddes, Alan: Student, Dal. Eng. Prog. - Congrats.,
78
Res. 17, Ewing, Karen - Physician: Fellow, CFPC - Congrats.,
79
Res. 18, Health Care Crisis - Acknowledge,
80
Res. 19, Punch, Charles: Life Member, Tracadie & Dist. Fire Dept
- Congrats., Hon. R. Delorey « »
80
Res. 20, Somers, Myles: Life Member, Tracadie & Dist. Fire Dept
- Congrats., Hon. R. Delorey « »
81
Res. 21, Mattie, John: Life Member, Tracadie & Dist. Fire Dept
- Congrats., Hon. R. Delorey « »
81
Res. 22, Delorey, John: Life Member, Tracadie & Dist. Fire Dept
- Congrats., Hon. R. Delorey « »
82
Res. 23, Mattie, Ralph: Life Member, Tracadie & Dist. Fire Dept
- Congrats., Hon. R. Delorey « »
82
Res. 24, Shiloh Com. Church: 10th Anniv. - Congrats.,
83
Res. 25, Shooters Bar & Grill: Booster of the Yr. Award - Congrats.,
83
Res. 26, Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop: Bus. Of the Yr. - Congrats.,
84
Res. 27, McNeill, Pam: Bus. Person of the Yr. - Congrats.,
84
Res. 28, Allie Huybers Fitness: Home-based Bus. Excellence
- Congrats., Hon. M. Miller « »
85
Res. 29, Elmsdale Landscaping: Green Leader of the Yr. - Congrats.,
85
Res. 30, Chill Street Brewing: Marketing Champion of the Yr
- Congrats., Hon. M. Miller « »
86
Res. 31, McNeill's Shell: Employer of the Yr. - Congrats.,
86
Res. 32, ProTx: Health Care Serv. Of the Yr. - Congrats.,
87
Res. 33, Durling, Craig: Dir., BLT Runners: Com. Serv
- Congrats., Hon. I. Rankin « »
87
Res. 34, Burt, Thomas: Dir., BLT Runners: Com. Serv
- Congrats., Hon. I. Rankin « »
88
Res. 35, Gallant, Dave: Dir., BLT Runners: Com. Serv
- Congrats., Hon. I. Rankin « »
88
Res. 36, Loughead, Ian: Dir., BLT Runners: Com. Serv
- Congrats., Hon. I. Rankin « »
89
Res. 37, Patelakis, Shane: Dir., BLT Runners: Com. Serv
- Congrats., Hon. I. Rankin « »
89
Res. 38, FBWHT: Supporter, Com. Stewardship Proj. - Thanks,
90
Res. 39, Belanger, James: EHS Com. Serv. - Thanks,
91
Res. 40, Cooper, PremaBae: EHS Com. Serv. - Thanks,
91
Res. 41, Cameron, Dwayne S.: EHS Com. Serv. - Thanks,
92
Res. 42, Cholock, Peter: EHS Com. Serv. - Thanks,
92
Res. 43, Johnson, Franklin Lee Thomas: EHS Com. Serv. - Thanks,
93

 

 

[Page 25]

HALIFAX, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2018

Sixty-third General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

 

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. Chuck Porter, Ms. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft

MR. SPEAKER » : Order, please.

The honourable member for Cumberland North on a point of order.

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to apologize for remarks I made in the previous sitting during debate on cannabis legislation. I am sincerely sorry for my remarks and retract them. Thank you. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : We'll now begin with the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

[Page 26]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Deputy Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 1

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : I will be asking for a moment of silence following this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Premier, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on September 2, 1998, Swissair Flight 111, with 229 passengers and crew members, tragically crashed into the waters of St. Margarets Bay near Peggy's Cove, resulting in the deaths of all on board; and

Whereas in the hours and days following the crash, many Nova Scotians - fish harvesters, first responders, volunteers - worked tirelessly to assist the recovery effort and support family members of the victims who travelled to Nova Scotia to mourn their loved ones; and

Whereas this year marks the 20thanniversary of this great tragedy and offers an opportunity not only to remember the lives lost but also the tremendous resolve, compassion, and kindness shown by the countless Nova Scotians who offered their help;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House pause to remember the victims of Swissair Flight 111, their families who keep their memories alive, and all the many Nova Scotians who helped in the days following the tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice, passage without debate, and a moment of silence.

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.

Would all members please rise as we observe a moment of silence for those souls lost 20 years ago in the Swissair.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

[Page 27]

MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 2

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Yarmouth-based fish cannery IMO Foods Ltd. has delighted customers with their quality, locally-sourced, sustainable products for over half a century; and

Whereas IMO Foods specializes in healthy products rich in omega-3 oils, such as sardines, herring, and mackerel, which appeal to many different brands worldwide; and

Whereas IMO Foods hires employees to pack locally-purchased fish from the Bay of Fundy and generates economic benefits for the region and the province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate IMO Foods on their 50thanniversary and ongoing contribution to the economic success of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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 Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 3

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the United Nations has declared September 8thInternational Literacy Day; and

[Page 28]

Whereas Canadian Premiers and territorial Leaders have recognized the importance of learning with the Council of the Federation Literacy Award to honour excellence in literacy; and

Whereas the Government of Nova Scotia is committed to empowering Nova Scotians through literacy and creating opportunities for lifelong learning;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature recognize September 8, 2018, as International Literacy Day in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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 Minister of Agriculture, and Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 4

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on September 5thand 6th, provincial government employees kicked off their annual campaign to support the United Way with harbour swims at Halifax, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Yarmouth; and

Whereas money raised will help the United Way provide stable funding for more than 50 agencies and 100 programs, including after-school programming, literacy, employment training, and family resource delivery; and

Whereas Matthias MacLellan and Bruce Hancock, employees of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Department of Agriculture, will participate in the Halifax Harbour swim;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate all provincial government employees participating in or helping to contribute to harbour swims across the province to support the United Way.

[Page 29]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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 Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 5

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on August 10, 2018, residents of Fredericton and all Canadians were shocked and saddened by the deaths of four people during an active-shooter situation in New Brunswick's capital city, including two civilians and two members of the Fredericton police force; and

Whereas the deaths of Constable Sara Burns and Constable Robb Costello serve as a reminder of the risks taken every day by members of police forces and of their selfless dedication to serving and protecting our communities; and

Whereas Nova Scotia law enforcement officers and civilian members assisted by providing full shift coverage and dispatch services while the city mourned in the aftermath of the tragedy;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in expressing condolences to the families and friends of Bobbie Lee Wright, Donnie Robichaud, Constable Robb Costello, and Constable Sara Mae Burns, and honour the service and sacrifice made by law enforcement to keep our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

MR. SPEAKER « » : There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

[Page 30]

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

RESOLUTION NO. 6

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a brain injury that can occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol; and

Whereas education and awareness about the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy may prevent cases of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; and

Whereas Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can affect anyone;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature recognize September 9thas Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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 Pictou West.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, may I make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : I would like the members to draw their attention to the west gallery, where I have three friends I would like to introduce.

[Page 31]

First of all, I would ask Brenda Hattie, who is a professor of Women's Studies and gender studies, to stand. I would like to introduce my good friend John Carter, and I would also like to introduce Gerard Veldhoven, an LGBTQ+ equality advocate who has been a great friend and mentor. Thank you very much.

I'd like everyone to give them a warm round of applause. (Applause)

[9:15 a.m.]

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 1 - Entitled an Act to Prohibit Conversion Therapy. (Ms. Karla MacFarlane)

Bill No. 2 - Entitled an Act to Continue Develop Nova Scotia. (Hon. Geoff MacLellan)

Bill No. 3 - Entitled an Act Respecting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. (Ms. S. LeBlanc)

Bill No. 4 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 101 of the Revised Statutes, 1989. The Corporations Registration Act. (Hon. G. MacLellan)

Bill No. 5 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 217 of the Revised Statutes, 1989. The Income Tax Act, to Provide a School Supplies Tax Credit for Parents. (Hon. T. Halman)

Bill No. 6 - Entitled an Act Respecting Cape Breton Regional Municipality. (Ms. T. Martin)

Bill No. 7 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 302 of the Revised Statutes, 1989. The Municipal Grants Act. (Ms. T. Martin)

Bill No. 8 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 32 of the Acts of 2014. The Health Authorities Act, to Strengthen Community Health Boards. (Ms. T. Martin)

Bill No. 9 - Entitled an Act Respecting Collaborative Emergency Centres. (Ms. T. Martin)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.

NOTICES OF MOTION

[Page 32]

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Armdale.

STEVEN WADIH METLEGE: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

 

HON. LENA METLEGE DIAB: Mr. Speaker, I rise with tremendous pain and sorrow to share with you the unexpected passing of my beloved father Steven Wadih Metlege, 9 days ago on August 29th. His good deeds and charitable giving will forever be remembered.

My dad's illness was sudden and fast. He did not give any one of us a chance to take care of him as he had cared for us all.

My dad emigrated from Diman, Lebanon in 1956 as a hard-working young man with the love of God, family, and a pioneer's spirit. He married the love of his life Houda, and for 54 years they built and raised a strong, confident, and passionate family, rarely leaving each other's sides.

He was a visionary, constantly planning his next project. He loved to be at the job site watching cement, concrete, mortar, and bricks grow into homes, community centres, and places of worship. His greatest vision and joy, however, as watching his family grow and keeping them close to him. He never missed a milestone and would have his six children, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren over for lunch every Sunday after mass.

My dad's smile and optimism were infectious. His strength and confidence in life and God will guide all those who loved him. It is with the same spirit of my dad that I will continue to live and serve in honour of his memory.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou West.

BAUER MACISAAC MEM. GOLF TOURNAMENT:

COM. FUNDRAISER: RECOG.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, today I stand to recognize the tremendous achievement of the first annual Bauer MacIsaac Memorial Golf Tournament. Twenty-nine teams with more than 135 participants raised over $15,000 to help build a new outdoor playground at Starting Blocks Daycare in Pictou where it will be enjoyed by children for many years to come. This event commemorates the young life of Bauer MacIsaac, who tragically passed due to an accident in 2017. Bauer was known to be a gentle soul, very fond of sports and outdoors, so this charity golf tournament is a fitting way to remember him.

[Page 33]

I am very proud of the organizers, participants, and especially the MacIsaac family who put so much care into making this a highly successful event.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM: LACK OF APPROP. CARE: SUPPORT

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, last week we heard an extremely upsetting story coming out of Truro about a young woman, who was a victim of sexual assault, who was handed pamphlets and turned away from the hospital emergency room in the middle of the night when seeking help. But the problem here doesn't end with just a lack of services in rural regions or even at the current crisis in health care.

It's true that we need a SANE program in Truro, not unlike many other rural areas in the province, and it is true that there is a major shortage of doctors, and emergency room hours are unpredictable at the best of times, but the problem is much deeper. It's rooted in a discriminatory culture that the minister and the Nova Scotia Health Authority need to address.

That a young sexual assault victim was retraumatized while seeking help is entirely unacceptable. I hope that the minister and this government take a much deeper look at what happened and what is really happening in our system, and make the changes necessary, and give us a SANE program in Truro, please.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Chester-St. Margaret's.

SWISSAIR TRAGEDY:

COMMEM. CEREMONY, ASPOTOGAN PENIN. - THANKS

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, each year the community of Blandford holds a memorial service to mark the Swissair 111 tragedy. This year the service marked the 20thanniversary of the event and was held at the Bayswater Swissair Memorial site on the Aspotogan Peninsula.

On Sunday, September 2nd, we gathered to remember those who died and the loved ones they left behind. We also honoured and thanked the first responders and the many community members who took part in the recovery operations. We remembered the individuals and organizations who so selflessly supported the grieving families as well as the recovery workers during their difficult tasks.

Participants were welcomed to the memorial service by Mi'kmaq singer and drummer Cathy Martin, CM. The Reverend Louis Quennelle of the Anglican Parish of Blandford led the memorial service. Many people participated in readings and the laying of flowers, including various faith leaders, members of Emergency Health Services, RCMP, Halifax Ground Search and Rescue teams, community members, and Swissair 111 family members. The reception was held at the Blandford Community Hall following the memorial service and was led by Marilyn Publicover, the municipal councillor at the time.

[Page 34]

Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of the House of Assembly to join me in thanking Reverend Quennelle and the members of the communities on the Aspotogan Peninsula.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

E. PASSAGE-COW BAY SUMMER CARNIVAL:

COM. VOLUNTEERS - THANKS

MS. BARBARA ADAMS; Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take the time to recognize the Eastern Passage-Cow Bay Summer Carnival and its committee. Cindy Morash, the committee chair, and many other volunteers worked endless hours all year long to ensure that our community had a week of fun and festivities. This year, 2018, marked the 43rdyear of this event.

Some of the events during carnival week are the Lions Cub bingo, cold-plate supper, domino topple, seniors' tea, and the ever-popular parade. The week always comes to an end with an amazing array of fireworks. None of these events could take place without the gracious sponsors in our community and lots of year-long fundraising.

Mr. Speaker, it is a real pleasure to thank all the organizers and volunteers for all of the hard work that they undertake to produce another successful carnival week. I ask all the members of the Legislature to join me in thanking the Eastern Passage-Cow Bay Carnival committee.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

OTTI, NGOZI: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to stand in this House and acknowledge a significant loss for Halifax Needham and, indeed, Nova Scotia. Ngozi Otti passed away on August 24th. Many members of this Chamber knew her, particularly through her work to found the African Community Investment Cooperative of Canada Ltd., which, in its business incubator space on Herring Cove Road, supported countless newcomers to develop their skills and entrepreneurial ideas.

I was lucky to count Ngozi as a friend. She became a Canadian citizen in August 2016, and we met at an advance poll near Mulgrave Park, where she lived, to vote together in my by-election - a memory I'll cherish.

[Page 35]

I wish to convey our condolences to her family - both her six children and husband here in Halifax and her parents and siblings in Nigeria. Ngozi was an example of selfless leadership and service and she will long be missed.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

MULLEN, VIC: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, MUSIC: CONGRATS.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Yarmouth County's Vic Mullen was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Coal Shed Music Festival in Yarmouth. From beautiful Port Maitland in Yarmouth County, Vic has become a legend in country, bluegrass, and old-time music throughout the country and internationally as well. His musical accomplishments include nearly eight years of appearances on Don Messer's Jubilee, being a bandleader on a network television show, and co-hosting Country Roads, a CBC Radio network show.

I ask this House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Vic Mullen on his Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his impressive and enduring musical contributions, and thanking him for sharing his gifts with our community and the world, knowing he has enriched the lives of many.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou Centre.

MACINTOSH, SCOTT: PIPING CAREER: CONGRATS.

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize a former North Cumberland Regional High School student, Scott MacIntosh of Stellarton, who reached a high point in his career as a piper.

Scott is a member of the Nova Scotia Highlanders and trained this past summer with the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa, working three months with the pipes and drums division. MacIntosh played with the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Pipes and Drums from 2012 to 2017. Scott started piping at the age of seven and quickly became a natural, performing at many events throughout the province. Scott's mother and grandfather from Cape Breton are also pipers.

Congratulations to Scott for his stellar career and the pleasure he has provided to thousands of people who have had the opportunity to hear him piping.

[9:30 a.m.]

[Page 36]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

ATLANTIC FRINGE FESTIVAL: ARTISTS AND ORGANIZERS - RECOG.

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, September is a wonderful and busy month for art and culture in Nova Scotia and I look forward to celebrating what I can here in the people's House.

This year's Atlantic Fringe Festival in Halifax is graced by a plethora of talent from Dartmouth North: Tea Time Creation's Gina is Dead is performed and created by a collective that includes Dartmouth North residents Katie Dorian and Alisa Galbreath; the comedic spoof Herbie Dragons features original music by Dartmouth North artist Andrew Chandler; and Dartmouth North actor Lee J. Campbell shines in the one-man-show Shylock.

I'd like to congratulate all the artists in this year's Atlantic Fringe Festival. The Fringe Festival is a key part of Nova Scotia's theatre culture, giving artists from all over the opportunity to share and explore new work in a host of different and inspired venues.

The festival wraps up this Sunday and I'd like to acknowledge the work of the organizers, the contributions of the artists, and the participation of theatregoers who keep this festival alive. I encourage all members here to take in a show or two before the festival ends. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

HEBBVILLE ACADEMY HELP SQUAD: LG'S AWARD - CONGRATS.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, members of Hebbville Academy's Help Squad were honoured by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, on May 9that the Spatz Theatre in Halifax. Members of this long-running program are chosen from students from Grades 4 and 5. They are trained in mediation and conflict resolution and work diligently to help students at their school resolve disputes peacefully while on the playground, creating a safer and more inclusive school through kindness and respect.

The 25-member group is led by guidance counsellor Katrina Stringer, and according to Ms. Stringer they get out there every day and help students who might be having some disputes and challenges and they just help move through the solution process.

Congratulations to Ms. Stringer on the Hebbville Academy Help Squad for making a difference in the anti-bullying movement and for receiving the prestigious Lieutenant Governor Award.

[Page 37]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

INTL. LITERACY DAY: CREATING POSITIVE LEARNING ENV. - RECOG.

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, September 8this International Literacy Day. The United Nations declared this day in 1966, but illiteracy continues to be an issue. The onus is on all of us to show compassion and to establish systems that create positive learning experiences and allow all learners to find their full potential.

On this International Literacy Day, special recognition goes to the Dartmouth Learning Network that has created a great environment for adult learners. The responsibility is with all of us that young people achieve literacy and numeracy and that all adults who lack these skills are given the opportunity to achieve them.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.

N.S. FOR EQUALIZATION & FAIRNESS: COM. VIABILITY - RECOG.

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of a group of hard-working advocates in Cape Breton called Nova Scotians for Equalization Fairness. One of the founding members of this group, Father Albert Maroun, has been steadfast in his campaign to ensure Cape Breton is a viable community that will continue to prosper and grow.

Cape Breton faces an unprecedented fiscal imbalance with the rest of Nova Scotia. There is an urgent need to address this imbalance to ensure the CBRM can meet the needs of its residents. The NDP caucus is on the record for calling for an immediate stimulus plan to support economic development in Cape Breton. There continues to be rallies of support and I am so proud to see Cape Bretoners come together, as we have for so many years, to support such a worthwhile cause.

I urge my colleagues in this House to look into, and study, the dire situation in Cape Breton. I will continue to stand and support and march with them as we fight to keep Cape Breton alive.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford.

RITEMAN, PHILIP: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

[Page 38]

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : In August, we lost a special Nova Scotian. Philip Riteman was born in Poland. He was a Holocaust survivor; his entire immediate family died in the genocide.

After the War, he went to Newfoundland and Labrador. There he met and married his lovely wife, Dorothy, built a business, and raised two sons.

He didn't talk about his Holocaust experience for decades, but after moving to Nova Scotia Philip began to speak. For the past three decades he spoke to church members and schoolchildren and many others about the horrors of war. He spoke in Nova Scotia, in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in the northern States. He did a TED Talk, wrote a book. No one who heard him speak would forget that experience. He showed us the number the Nazis tattooed on his arm, 98706. But he wasn't bitter, his message was simple - love is always better than hate.

Mr. Riteman received many honours: the Order of Nova Scotia, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, honorary degrees, and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

My neighbour, Philip Riteman, died August 9that the age of 96. By love he conquered the world and he will be so missed.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

SILL, ZACH: SPARTA PRAHA - CONGRATS.

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize an outstanding athlete. In August, Birch Hill native Zach Sill left Canada to join Sparta Praha in Czechoslovakia. He will be coached by Germany's Uwe Krupp, a two-time all-star who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League, scoring the Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal in 1996.

Thirty-two-year-old Sill was named playoff MVP in 2006-07, when the Truro Bearcats won the Maritime Hockey League championships, advancing gradually to the National Hockey League, playing with Pittsburgh, Washington, and Toronto. Sill hasn't forgotten his roots, taking time this summer to oversee ball hockey activities in Coming Home to Brookfield Days.

Please join me in congratulating Zach Sill as he takes on a new phase of his challenging career.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS - THANKS

[Page 39]

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the teachers, principals, EAs, and support staff, who work so hard to educate our young Nova Scotians, back to school. I'd like to personally wish them all well amidst the uncertainty that persists as we adjust to a new administrative structure and hiring process and a high degree of uncertainty.

Like so many other parents, I walked my children to school on Wednesday - my youngest for his very first day of Primary - and like so many other parents, I felt an enormous debt of gratitude for the caring and dedicated professionals in whose care I placed them. Without them, I could not be here. Teachers shape and inspire our children.

To all of the teachers in the province, I say: I support you, I respect you, I am grateful for you, and most of all, thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings West.

DECOSTE, JOHN:

INDUCTEE, BERWICK SPORTS HALL OF FAME - CONGRATS.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : I rise today to congratulate John DeCoste on his induction into the Berwick Sports Hall of Fame. John grew up in the Pictou area before attending Acadia University, where his tremendous involvement in the sports community began. His contributions include years of play-by-play commentary for the Acadia basketball, football, and hockey teams before embarking on a 22-year career as a sports journalist in Kings County, receiving regional and national recognition for his work.

As the MLA for Kings West, I offer my sincere congratulations to John DeCoste on his induction into the Berwick Sports Hall of Fame and thank him for his many years of service and dedication to the sports community in Nova Scotia.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sackville-Beaver Bank.

SACKVILLE-BEAVER BANK:

STUDENTS, TEACHERS, STAFF - BEST WISHES

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, after a full summer of recharging their batteries, September 5thwas the first day for students in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. Some students are just starting out their educational journey, while others are entering their final year of formal education. Some, I think, are still waiting for the bus. But whatever grade they're entering, all can expect to expand their knowledge of the world, how it works, and how they can make it a better place for themselves and us and future generations.

I want to rise today to wish all 2,749 students, including my daughters, Jenna and Maria, all the teachers, and the school staff of Sackville-Beaver Bank an illuminating and enjoyable 2018-19 school year.

[Page 40]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.

MILLBROOK CULTURAL CTR.: MI'KMAQ ART SHOW - CELEBRATE

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : In less than a month, Mi'kmaq History Month will begin. I'd like to just express my excitement for an upcoming art show at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre that will run from October 1st- October 19th. The work of Millbrook artists Gerald Gloade, Lorne Julien, and Alan Syliboy will be on display. Hooked rugs will display images of the province from a pre-colonized era.

It's important to recognize that in spite of traumatic legacies left behind from land evictions, residential schools, and the prejudice and neglect Mi'kmaq communities often have faced, the history of the Mi'kmaq people remains strong, proud, and remembered. This art show is one example of how the traditions live on and is demonstrative of how a people can rise above a history of discrimination and abuse to celebrate their identity. Thank you. Wela'lin.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Antigonish.

POMQUET PROV. PARK: INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY - THANKS

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, many more residents and visitors to Antigonish are now able to visit one of the area's most beautiful beaches thanks to a new mat. It's called the Mobi-Mat, a lightweight, portable, rollout, non-slip matting that can be laid down on sand, grass, or other nonstable surfaces to provide access for wheelchairs, strollers, and pedestrians. In this instance, a Mobi-Mat was laid out at the Pomquet Beach Provincial Park on August 27, 2018, from the boardwalk down to the beach's high-water line.

A huge thank you to Gary Mattie, a councillor with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, for working with staff of the Department of Lands and Forestry to have this mat installed.

The evening the mat was installed, a resident of Antigonish, who had never been able to visit the beach before, was able to get right down to the ocean in his wheelchair, thanks to the Mobi-Mat.

Mr. Speaker, it's my understanding this is not the only change to happen at Pomquet Provincial Park to make it more accessible. The Department of Lands and Forestry have also made change rooms and washrooms more accessible, and there's also an adaptive picnic table on-site.

[Page 41]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg.

MACGILLIVRAY, ALLISTER:

SONG FOR THE MIRA, HALL OF FAME - CONGRATS.

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge songwriter Allister MacGillivray who is known around the world for his most popular song, Song for the Mira.

Allister's haunting Celtic ballad was recently introduced into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. This song became an international hit for Allister's fellow Nova Scotian, Anne Murray.

It introduced the world not only to the charms of Mira, but also to one of the country's best songwriters. Since then, Song for the Mira has been recorded at least 300 times by some of the top recording artists.

To this day, even with a 30-song catalogue in circulation, Song for the Mira remains his most popular work; in fact, Billboard Magazine has recognized Song for the Mira as a folk classic.

It is a true pleasure to congratulate Allister MacGillivray as his beautiful Cape Breton anthem is introduced into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

I've run out of time, I was going to give you a rendition, but . . .

MR. SPEAKER Later on, later on.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.

DARLING, AMY/HURLEY, TAYLOR:

NEW WATERFORD HOSP. PROJ. - RECOG.

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker today I rise to recognize two young girls, age 11, Amy Darling and Taylor Hurley, in Grade 5 at Greenfield Elementary who placed first in their Heritage Fair doing a project called New Waterford Consolidated Hospital.

Some of their facts included that New Waterford Hospital was built in 1913 when a double company house on Tenth Street was converted into a hospital. During the war, there was even more need for a larger hospital. This was because of the mine explosion, small pox outbreak, and two influenza epidemics. This is when the New Waterford General Hospital was started.

[Page 42]

Building the New Waterford Hospital began in 1961 and was completed in 1963. Community funding and taxpayer contributions helped pay for this hospital. The New Waterford Hospital still operates today - for now.

Sadly, these two young girls realize the importance of our hospital, but unfortunately this government does not.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston-Dartmouth.

SHILOH COM. CHURCH: 10thANNIV. - CONGRATS.

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Shiloh Community Church of Dartmouth, a diverse community of Christian believers who proclaim the gospel, nurture disciples, and serve the people.

The congregation is holding their 10thanniversary banquet, at the Dartmouth East Community Centre on September 8ththis year, to praise God for all the work he has done through the ministry of the church. Pastor Maurice (Moe) Diggs, formerly of East Preston, and now from the Healing Place Church in Maryland, U.S.A., is the dynamic speaker. Keonte Beals of North Preston is the guest soloist.

I applaud and congratulate the Shiloh Community Church on their many significant achievements, and wish them continued success in the future.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne.

GREAR, SUZANNE: RETIREMENT - CONGRATS.

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Suzanne Grear who retired, on July 3, 2018, after 34 years of service as a library clerk at the McKay Memorial Library in Shelburne, part of the Western Counties Regional Library service.

I am sure the library patrons are very grateful for her dedicated service over the years and will miss seeing her smiling face across the service desk. I am pleased to congratulate Suzanne for a job well done, and to wish her a long, healthy, and happy retirement.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

RESTORATIVE JUST. PROG.: DEDICATED WORKERS - RECOG.

[Page 43]

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the restorative justice workers of the Community Justice Society on their successful battle for fair recognition and compensation.

Nova Scotia's recent expansion of its restorative justice program to include adults is laudable, but it more than doubled workloads with no pay increase, leading to a 100 per cent staff turnover rate - at less than $15 an hour, professionals couldn't afford to stay in these positions.

[9:45 a.m.]

The expansion of our Restorative Justice Program without proper resources served no one. Thanks to the dedication of these workers, and the commitment from government, they can now look forward to staying in a rewarding position with a living wage and changing lives in the process.

I look forward to Nova Scotia continuing to be a leader in the restorative justice process.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clare-Digby.

DIGBY SCALLOP DAYS: ORGANIZERS - RECOG.

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the people who organized this year's Scallop Days in Digby. Scallop Days is always a special time to visit the Digby area and attracts people from far and near. The festival, which celebrates the scallop industry and the people who go to sea to harvest them, is the longest-running festival in Digby. Between the opening activity of the seaside ramble or the shoreline tour at Point Prim or the fireworks finale, there are four jam-packed days of activities, including the very popular scallop-shucking competition. This year Tyler Garland won the shucking of 100 scallops in less than six minutes.

It is nice to wander around before the Grand Street Parade and maybe meet a pirate, sink a golf ball in a hole in the platform in the harbour, or enjoy some scallops. I didn't make the shot this year, but I did enjoy the parade with my mother, this year's Grand Marshal, leading the way.

The organizers did a great job and the weather co-operated to make it a wonderful four days in Digby, and I thank the organizers very much.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Northside-Westmount.

MORRISON, KRISTEN: BARTOWN BEAUTY - WELCOME

[Page 44]

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the spirit of Kristen Morrison. The North Sydney mother of two studied in North Sydney and completed her provincial qualifications as a fully-licensed hairdresser, aesthetics, and nail service. Kristen opened Bartown Beauty in North Sydney and wanted to name her business to reflect the community.

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome Kristen to the business community of North Sydney and wish her success.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Colchester North.

KENNEDY, ALAN: RETIREMENT - CONGRATS.

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, a summer job at the Shelburne Youth Centre taught Alan Kennedy how smart, capable, and caring kids are if they are shown respect. When he was ready to begin teaching in 1974, he accepted a position at Cobequid Education Centre in Truro, later Truro Junior High, and then was principal at Redcliff Middle School.

With over 30 teachers and 425 students in Grades 5 to 7, Alan initiated explorations where children learn while fulfilling social, physical, and emotional needs. He also set up teaming for teachers. He stresses that his work with teachers were teachers who worked with him, not for him. Watching kids learn and grow into successful young adults was the highlight of his career. This is also Alan's 10thyear of volunteering in a Guatemala outreach program. His greatest pleasure is knowing he has played a part in helping people who help themselves.

I ask that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Alan on his retirement after 44 years as a dedicated educator.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland North.

ARCHWAY INS.: NTL. AWARD - CONGRATS.

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Mr. Mike Stack, President of Archway Insurance in Amherst. This summer they received national recognition for their growth and success. Archway is an Amherst-based insurance company that employs many local staff.

I'd like to congratulate Mr. Mike Stack, his manager Mr. Bill Munro and all their staff for their fine work, and congratulate them on receiving this national award.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Guysborough-Eastern Shore- Tracadie.

[Page 45]

LOGAN, DYLAN: ARMY CADET, MILITARY RESEARCH PROJ. - COMMEND

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, Dylan Logan of Sober Island, near Sheet Harbour, is a remarkable young man and deserves recognition for his dedicated years served in the Army Cadets. He called my office requesting as many Nova Scotia pins as possible as he was embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe and he wanted to make sure his many new friends would know where he was from.

Dylan was one of only 30 Army Cadets across Canada to be selected to visit the Netherlands, Belgium, and France on a special mission. Dylan is to research a Canadian soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home, and then trace the footsteps of that soldier to the battlegrounds and then to his or her final resting place.

Mr. Speaker, Dylan was chosen for his strong volunteerism and his avid participation in cadet activities, including parachuting six times on cadet trips to Ottawa. I want to congratulate him on his well-earned achievement and I commend him for representing our province and our country in such a noble and memorable way.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland South.

KOUWENBERG, KEEGAN: FIRE RESCUE - CONGRATS.

MR. TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 11-year-old Keegan Kouwenberg from Oxford. Keegan was on his way home from a local swimming hole, which we now have a sinkhole, when he saw smoke and flames bellowing from underneath a verandah at a house nearby. Keegan noted the civic address and ran straight home, calling 911, and returning to that civic address, banging on the windows to wake the man who lived inside. Keegan was given reward money that day, which he returned and bought a new lilac bush for their house, which was burned in the fire.

I congratulate Keegan Kouwenberg on his quick thinking and calm action. He and his little brother, who I now call "Little Chief," have recognized him as an honorary captain of the Oxford Fire Department. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Portland Valley.

COVE: NEW LOCATION - BEST WISHES

[Page 46]

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, our ocean technology sector is an important and growing part of our economy. This Spring, our government announced that five companies have signed tentative agreements for the new ocean hub on the Dartmouth waterfront.

The Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) is a hub where ocean innovators will have the space to collaborate and work together. Some of the companies that will work out of COVE include: Mermaid Fare Inc., Kraken Robotics Inc., Sensor Technology Ltd., LeeWay Marine, and Dominion Diving. I ask that members of this House of Assembly please join me in wishing these companies continued success in their new location.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou West.

MACDONALD, MATT & JAN:

3D SHOOT FOR DAD FUNDRAISER - THANKS

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, Matt and Jan MacDonald organized the 3D Shoot for Dad, an archery competition that raised funds for prostate cancer research. This event took place inside the Hector Arena and consisted of archers shooting two rounds of arrows at 20 targets. Archers were judged based on their accuracy at two separate distances. Members of the Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association also attended the event and provided an information booth for spectators. The Northumberland Strait Shooters Archery Club and the Antigonish Archery Association both donated the use of their targets for the event, and I know this was greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank Matt and Jan, all participants and spectators for making this event a resounding success, which raised over $2,400 for the Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

LAMPLUGH, MIKE & SHEILA:

SWISSAIR COMMEM. CEREMONY - THANKS

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Sheila and Mike Lamplugh. On September 2, 1998, off the waters of St. Margarets Bay, Swissair Flight 111 from New York City to Geneva, Switzerland, crashed off the waters of St. Margarets Bay. No one survived. Sheila, a local musician and deeply touched by the tragic event, wrote a song about the crash and played it during the annual blessing of the boats ceremony in Terence Bay.

Mike and Sheila also provided the sound system and technical support at the blessing of the boats event so that participants on both land and sea could participate in the ceremony. I ask members to join me in thanking Sheila and Mike for contributions to supporting this special commemoration.

[Page 47]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

FIREFIGHTERS ASSISTING IN B.C. - THANKS

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to thank all the firefighters who battled and are still battling the wildfires in British Columbia. A special thank you goes to the 21 Nova Scotian firefighters who left to help the British Columbia firefighters on August 20thas a response to the B.C. Government calling a province-wide state of emergency after more than 435,000 hectares had already burned.

I was in British Columbia just before that time to visit my son and his wife, as well as many cousins, so I was grateful for their service.

The crews were deployed across the province to fight all of these wildfires, and the Nova Scotia wildfire team was able to return in a few short weeks. I am grateful that they were all able to have a safe return, and I pray for a speedy end to the wildfires out in British Columbia.

We cannot thank these firefighters enough for their courage and selfless acts of kindness and helping others in need. I ask all members of the House to join me in thanking all of the firefighters who went out West, as well as all of the Nova Scotia firefighters in our province.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

LLOYD, DIANA/BOUTILIER, NATASHA: COM. LITERACY - THANKS

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, as students head back to school this week, I want to take a moment to acknowledge some awesome teachers at Harbour View Elementary in Dartmouth North who continued to support their students throughout the summer. Diane Lloyd and Natasha Boutilier organized a bedtime stories series where each Wednesday, neighborhood families gathered at the garden at the school to share a bedtime snack and to hear a bedtime story or two. Kids could enter draws to win books and other prizes and look through the bins of books to take some books home and bring them back the next week. I was honoured to be the guest reader one of the nights this summer, regaling the kids with the story of the adventures of Pete the Kitty, not cat.

This incredible series, which celebrates community and encourages literacy and children's love of reading, was the result of the dedication of Mrs. Lloyd and Mrs. Boutilier, and speaks once again to the love and care that the teachers of this province have for their students.

[Page 48]

I want to thank all educators and support staff in our schools as we begin a new school year and wish everyone a great year.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

DURING, DAPHNE DAISY: VOLUN. AWARD - RECOG.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Daphne Daisy During of the African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes for being recognized at the Mainland North Volunteer Awards this year. The Mainland North Volunteer Awards celebrated their 15thAnniversary this past May. Each year the group recognizes several community leaders who generously give back their time and talents.

The African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes is an organization dedicated to providing citizens of African descent within the Maritimes equal, safe opportunities within their communities. The association allows citizens to become engaged through various social events throughout the year, as well as directing them to resources that help to better their community. Daphne is a pivotal member of the association, and thus was naturally recognized for her dedication at the awards ceremony. She has provided the African Canadian community of Halifax and beyond with various opportunities and resources that do not go unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of this House of Assembly to join me in recognizing Daphne Daisy During of the African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes for her generous contributions to our city and province.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou Centre.

CARMICHAEL-STEWART HOUSE MUS.:

SUMMER SEASON - CONGRATS.

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Carmichael-Stewart House Museum in New Glasgow for another outstanding summer season. There's a tremendous amount of history pertaining to New Glasgow and surrounding Pictou County located at this historic, old facility on Temperance Street.

The curator for the summer of 2018 was James Lees. An exhibition of three artists with a rich legacy in Pictou County were featured in 2018. John A. Wilson, a prolific sculptor, was responsible for the two majestic lions outside the facility, the Hector Pioneer Monument in Pictou, and numerous Civil War monuments in the United States. James Alexander Watson was the sculptor that created the Trenton War Memorial, and J. Frederic McCulloch's private paintings were on display at the museum.

[Page 49]

This is definitely a destination located in a rural setting that has been very inspiring for numerous visitors.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville.

HAMMONDS PLAINS A's BASEBALL CHAMPS - CONGRATS.

HON. BEN JESSOME: Mr. Speaker, the Hammonds Plains A's Mosquito AAA baseball team is this year's winner of the provincial title and will be off to Atlantics in Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, this month. The team played their hearts out all season, and on the weekend of August 24thwon the championship following extra innings. It was a hard-fought final, but the Hammonds Plains A's came out on top and won a trip to Atlantics.

The team is made up of players who are under 11 in age and are from the Hammonds Plains area. They play their home games at the LaPierre Field in Kingswood.

The hard work and dedication of players and coaches, along with the support of parents and volunteers, led to their success this year.

I'd like to ask all members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating the Hammonds Plains A's Mosquito AAA baseball team on winning the provincials and wish them well at Atlantics.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

SHANTZ, Ã?RIC: LE CLUB DE COURIR - MERCI

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : Je me lève aujourd'hui pour reconnaître Ã?ric Shantz, un enseignant à l'Ã?cole Bois-Joli. Comme enseignant d'éducation physique, M. Ã?ric encourage un mode de vie sain et amusant à ses jeunes élèves.

M. �ric à commencer le Club de Courir pour encourager ses élèves de vivre une vie active et les encourage de toujours faire de leur mieux.

M. �ric est un enseignant incroyable et cela est représenté dans plusieurs manières. Un exemple est que pendant l'année scolaire de 2017-2018, il a partagé le prix de bénévole de l'année - volet sportif.

Rejoignez-moi pour remercier M. �ric pour encourager un mode de vie sain et pur entre un modèle pour ses élèves.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Thank you very much for those members' statements.

[Page 50]

[10:00 a.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM. - SANE PROGRAM: GAP - EXPLAIN

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. On August 29th, we learned about a young woman from Truro who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault. This young woman, in need of care and support, went to the Colchester East Hants Health Care Centre where she should have been safe, where she should have been cared for.

Instead this young woman, with tears streaming down her cheeks, was turned out into the street with two pamphlets, representing the sum total of support she received from the health care system. She was not examined, she was not counselled, and she was not cared for.

I know the Premier must find this unacceptable. My question for him is, who is responsible for this tragic gap in the support network?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, the honourable member is right. This is completely unacceptable that Nova Scotians are going into our institutions for health care and being put on the street with pamphlets.

The trauma that was inflicted on this Nova Scotian should have been treated with the care they deserved. The minister and the department are finding out, Mr. Speaker, who is responsible for the treatment this young woman received.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, Truro is the third-largest community in Nova Scotia. I can't believe there would not be a sexual assault nurse-examiner at this hospital, but I don't have to tell Nova Scotians their access to health care is declining in this province, and I certainly don't have to tell rural Nova Scotians.

This poor young woman had to walk out of the emergency room with sexual-assault pamphlets, in view of everyone else who was sitting there. Thank God her mother knew to take her to another hospital where she would receive the care needed.

Can the Premier explain how the Colchester East Hants Health Centre is not part of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program?

[Page 51]

THE PREMIER « » : As the honourable member would know, we continue to expand that program. Just recently there was a hiring in Yarmouth. There was one in the Valley. We're working with our health care institutions to ensure that we provide that service across our communities.

I agree with the honourable member, Mr. Speaker, that service should be provided in Truro at that hospital and we're going to continue to work with our partners to make sure that we continue to expand that service across Nova Scotia, so all Nova Scotians have access to it.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the Premier for that answer. However, the mother of this young woman drove her daughter an hour and 15 minutes to St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish. In doing so, they drove 35 minutes past the same program at the Aberdeen Hospital because the staff at the ER couldn't even tell this young woman where the next closest SANE program assistance was.

On what could have been the worst night of this woman's life, she turned to the health care system for help and the system failed her. They failed to examine her, they failed to care for her, they failed to comfort her, and they even failed to tell her where to go for help.

Can the Premier tell this House why any Nova Scotian should trust that service they need? When will there be a service when someone needs it?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I would tell all Nova Scotians that when they require health care services to go to the closest emergency room. In the very incident the honourable member is talking about, I said in my very first answer that the department is looking into this. The treatment this young lady received is unacceptable and we will look to find out what happened.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party.

PREM. - NURSING HOMES: FUNDING CUT - ADDRESS

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : This spring and summer, there has been rising concern around the province about the situation in nursing homes. People have passed away from bedsores - an entirely preventable condition - and advocate organizations, as well as care providers, have been speaking out. The government has requisitioned statistics from institutions about incidents of bedsores and has now implemented a review of the quality of care in nursing homes.

I'd like to ask the Premier, in light of all of this, if he thinks now it would have been better if the government had not taken that $5 million out of the funds of nursing homes over the last four years.

[Page 52]

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. As he knows, over the last four years we've continued to reduce the long-term care wait-list that had grown under the NDP Government when they were in power. He knows we've heard from Nova Scotians concerned about the care some of their loved ones have been receiving.

We now have a group of experts in the field to come together to go out and reach and collaborate with the members who are providing this service to our communities, and we look forward to that report coming back, Mr. Speaker.

MR. BURRILL « » : The convening of the expert panel underscores my point, Mr. Speaker. For some time, the government has contended there is no need for alarm. Everything in our nursing homes is as it should be, despite the escalating crescendo of concern there has been around the province. One does not appoint a panel for something that they don't think there's been a problem about and so, clearly, we see now that the government has recognized, has had a change of heart, and is seeing the matter differently, that there is a problem and people have been right about this.

In light of this evident change of heart then, I would like the Premier to address the question: Wouldn't it have been better in the first place if the government hadn't taken $5 million out of the funds of nursing homes over the last four years?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I look forward to a report coming back. I look forward to going out talking to the experts in the field. If there's required funding to go into the program, then it will become part of our budget process. Why we asked to receive that report back by the end of November - part of the ongoing budgeting process that we do inside the province.

I want to assure the honourable member that if there is money required to go into the system, the money will go in. But I also want to tell the honourable member it will be targeted towards services for Nova Scotians, Mr. Speaker.

MR. BURRILL « » : I have not spoken with a single nursing-home administrator in the province who doesn't feel that their mission has been compromised over the last number of years by the reductions in nursing-home funding in the province. I've also not spoken to a single employee of a long-term care facility anywhere who has not felt the same. I, therefore, think it is very unlikely that the expert panel on long-term care is going to come to any different conclusion.

I want to ask the Premier « » : If the panel comes back with a recommendation that the $5 million that has been taken away over the last four years for nursing home funds should be reinstated, will that recommendation be honoured and that money put back?

[Page 53]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the report when it comes in. What I've said to the honourable member, any investment we make in long-term care will be targeted towards specific programs and services for residents of those programs, to support them.

MR. SPEAKER; The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM. - HEALTH CARE: CRISIS - DENY

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Does this government understand that there are tens of thousands of Nova Scotians without a family doctor? The locum program is in chaos. Specialists are leaving. Yet, this government refuses to acknowledge what is right in front of them. It is a health care crisis.

The people of Nova Scotia see it. There are health care protests, Mr. Speaker, in Amherst, Pictou, Dartmouth, Cape Breton - and I'm sure we haven't seen the last of them. I've met people across this province who can't figure out if this government is ignoring the problem or just doesn't know how to fix it. So how much longer does the Premier plan to deny that there is a health care crisis?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for her question and she would know across the entire country the issues around attracting and retraining health care professionals. We continue to recruit. We brought about 160 into our province. We are very proud that we are the only Canadian province to put in place a new immigration stream that attracted 10 physicians at this moment in time. There are others who are looking to come through that stream.

We're continuing to work with communities across our province to provide them access to a primary health care team and we're going to continue to do so, Mr. Speaker. The problem and the biggest challenge is we're dealing with the fact that the health care system had been neglected by previous governments unwilling to make tough decisions to move this forward. We're looking forward to their support as we continue to modernize the infrastructure inside this province to help retain and attract those much-needed health care workers.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : I agree with the Premier - they have been neglected. We read in the news today that more than 56,000 Nova Scotians are on the wait-list for a family doctor and we've heard from Nova Scotia Health Authority officials that the list only represents those looking for a doctor. The number is actually more like a hundred thousand or more.

That list grew by more than 1,700 net new patients looking for a family doctor in the month of August. That same month, there were more than 3,100 hours of ER closures across this province, and the province doesn't even have a lead doctor recruiter anymore.

[Page 54]

Will the Premier please acknowledge the full extent of this health care crisis so we can trust that he understands the problem?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank the honourable member for the question, and I want to thank our partners who are working hard to ensure that we continue to attract health care providers across the province.

I want to thank all those health care providers who reached out to us when we talked about modernizing the infrastructure who wanted to be part of moving towards a more progressive delivery of health care in this province. We are going to continue to work with them to modernize the system and, at the same time, we are going to compete with other Canadian provinces and other places internationally looking for health care providers to come to work and live in this province. We are going to continue to tell them why it's positive to work here. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Premier has the floor.

THE PREMIER « » : We are going to continue to go out and promote and tell them that we've modernized the infrastructure in this place, we are putting in collaborative care centres, and they can work in communities from one end of this province to the other that are welcoming and want them there. They have a government that wants them to come to this province. No matter how negative the Opposition can be about this system, it is a positive system for Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.

H&W - C.B. HOSPITALS: CLOSURE DECISION - CONSULT

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Several times over the course of the past year I have asked the minister about the status of New Waterford Consolidated Hospital. Each and every time I asked if residents should expect their hospital to be closed, the minister would not give me a direct answer.

Can the minister please tell the House exactly when he made the decision to close New Waterford and Northside Hospitals?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I can confirm to the member opposite that each and every time the question was posed to me and I responded that there had been no decisions as to the future direction of those sites, it was factual at those (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness has the floor.

[Page 55]

MR. DELOREY « » : Those were accurate and fully complete responses to the questions that were posed.

MS. MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, on June 25ththe Premier and the Minister of Health turned up in Sydney to announce their plans to close the New Waterford and Northside Hospitals. Community members, doctors, and nurses were informed of the announcement 12 hours in advance and were given no opportunity to provide feedback or voice concerns, and doctors have said this on live CBC radio interviews that they had not been consulted.

I'd like to ask the minister, should other Nova Scotians expect the same standard of consultation when their hospitals are on the chopping block?

MR DELOREY: As the member would know, there were clinicians who were involved in providing input and feedback into the decision that we have made. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd just like to remind all members that we have already quickly exceeded my tolerance for the lack of respect for this Chair. So, if I have to speak order again, we'll begin to reduce the numbers in the Chamber.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

MR. DELOREY « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, when we made the announcement, we also made it very clear that more detailed consultations and engagement as the functional planning - that is the detailed planning as to the restructuring of the services within those communities affected in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality part of the province. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Northside-Westmount.

H&W - C.B. HOSPITALS: CLOSURES - LACK OF INFO.

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is also for the Minister of Health and Wellness.

My office can barely keep up with the calls from Cape Bretoners concerned about how this government has systematically dismantled the health care system in our region. Over the past year I have brought their concerns to the floor of this Legislature, only to be given the same old unbelievable talking points by this Minister of Health and Wellness.

I have asked the minister repeatedly and specifically about the future of the Northside General. He had deferred, he has talked around the issue, and has been intentionally vague. We found out in June now why.

[Page 56]

Members of this tight-knit community deserve a health care system they can count on in their time of need. My question to the minister is, why has the minister not been forthright and straight-forward with the great people of Cape Breton concerning the closure of our hospitals?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to hear that the member opposite and I are in agreement that the residents of his community and North Sydney deserve to have a health care system they can depend on in their time of need, and that is exactly what the announcement we made in June is all about.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to hear that from the minister. On numerous occasions, I had asked if he would come to Cape Breton to attend health rallies so he can inform the great people of Northside and Cape Breton of his government's plan for the hospitals. Residents now know why the minister was a no-show at these events.

When the minister finally did come to town he sat behind the Premier, hiding in the shadows, not saying a word as the Premier delivered a crushing blow to our health care system. The minister then made a quick run for the Causeway.

[10:15 a.m.]

My question to the minister is, now that he has had a few months to review the department's plan for the region, will he now come to Cape Breton and face the great people of our island and, in specific detail, lay out the government's plan for this so-called better health care system?

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

Order, please. The honourable member for Northside-Westmount will come to order.

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, the plan and the direction that we're pursuing in that part of the province (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable member for Northside-Westmount will excuse himself for the balance of Question Period.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the plan was provided, including the commitment that the next phase of the work is pulling together the detailed plan for the functional operations of the changes. That work is ongoing and includes engagement with frontline health care providers. Thank you.

[Page 57]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle-Barrington.

INT. SERV.: BREACH, PERS. INFO. - UPDATE

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : When the House met last we were in the immediate aftermath of the government's failure to protect personal information. Now let's take a few moments to review. The breach occurred over three days, at the beginning of March. It went undetected after a month. Later, a provincial employee stumbled across it, noticing they were able to access information that they shouldn't. The next day the province learned there had been a breach of over 7,000 non-public documents but didn't inform the Privacy Commissioner until the following Monday. Finally, they sent a battalion of police officers to raid the house of a teenager who they said was responsible.

My question to the Minister of Internal Services, five months after the breach was discovered, are we any closer to knowing who is responsible for the mess?

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : I'd like to thank the member for the question, Mr. Speaker, and would like to reiterate that the purpose of asking both the Auditor General and the privacy officer to do independent reports is to find out what has happened or what took place in this instance. I look forward to hearing back from both of them on their reports.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : We, in the Opposition, have been trying to get the topic in front of the Public Accounts Committee, but the government refuses to allow it. The government has extended the contract of the software provider even after the breach was detected. They've spent the entire time we've been away from the Legislature desperate to talk about anything else. Meanwhile, the FOIPOP portal remains shut down.

Now at the end of the summer, two days before we reconvened here in the House, they managed to get the site half up and running.

Can the minister please inform this House and all Nova Scotians when they can expect a full, safe, fully-functioning FOIPOP portal?

MS. ARAB « » : I would like to assure the member that our timeline in terms of getting up a secure site is making sure that we've done the testing necessary to mitigate risk.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg.

H&W: PERS. HEALTH INFO. ACT - CHANGE

[Page 58]

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. If only the FOIPOP portal was the only problem that this government had with protecting the private information of its citizens. Over the summer we learned that a pharmacist was able to access protected medical files that they had no legitimate reason for reading, files on their neighbours and other members of that community, files that held private information about the condition and the medications they were taking.

The College of Pharmacists has taken disciplinary action against this individual but the pharmacist in question received no consequences from the province because of a loophole in the law.

My question is, Mr. Speaker, will the minister move immediately to change the Personal Health Information Act so that investigators have the time they need to investigate and lay charges in cases like this one in the Valley?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, as the member noted, there was an investigation the department pursued, indeed went above and beyond our obligation by engaging the Privacy Review Officer to also conduct an investigation, provide feedback and recommendations to the department on things that we can do to improve both the systems, but also our responses in terms of how we proceed in investigations, as well.

MR. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Oh, I'm sure that's of little comfort to the people in question, Mr. Speaker. I think back to the question my colleague the member for Argyle-Barrington just asked. On one hand, a teenager wanders through a gap in the FOIPOP security and gets arrested for it. On the other hand, a pharmacist with malicious intent accesses private information to use against the people in her life and doesn't face any criminal charges.

The message is clear, Mr. Speaker. Access information that embarrasses a neighbour and you're fine. Access information that embarrasses this government and the SWAT team will end up at your door.

Mr. Speaker, can the minister explain why Nova Scotians should trust this government with their private medical information when there are no real consequences for stealing it.

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I am happy to inform the member opposite, indeed all members of the Legislature, that there have been a lot of advances throughout the years in information technology and many industries, but in particular in the health care system.

Mr. Speaker the advances in this technology allow for the sharing of health information amongst health care providers, which provides timely and more appropriate care for all Nova Scotians. We're proud of these systems that are in place. The technology also allows for the auditing, so that when there are concerns that are raised, that we become aware of, we're able to investigate, identify, and take appropriate action.

[Page 59]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party.

PREM.: C.B. HOSP. CLOSURES - STANDARD OF RESPECT

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : On June 25th, Black Monday for health care in Cape Breton, the government announced a unilateral decision to close those two hospitals without any public dialogue, with any meaningful local consultation, and on such short notice that a number of affected physicians had to get to the announcement in their scrubs.

Yesterday, the Premier characterized the opposition to this decision as noise. Now, the Premier is responsible for the standards with which the work of the government is conducted and so I want to ask him, in his view, has his government's conduct about the hospital closures in Cape Breton met his personal standard of according respect?

THE PREMIER « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. What I was referring to yesterday was the noise that accompanied that event where I was, as he would know I'm sure; he would have seen the coverage of it. There was a number of people there who were not happy with the decision taken. I will tell the honourable member that there was engagement with people on the island, health care providers.

I also want to tell the honourable member, we know when change is coming it's difficult for communities. But I also want to reassure the honourable member that as we transition to the new health care centres in those communities that are providing the care for those communities, we'll be bolstering the regional hospital to make sure that we continue to build modern infrastructure that reflects the realities of today, at the same time ensuring that we are creating the environment that our health care providers want to work in.

MR. BURRILL « » : Just hang on half a second. Dr. Craig Stone, staff anesthesiologist at the four CBRM hospitals, received notice that the announcement was going to take place at 8:30 that morning. The same thing happened to plastic surgeon, Dr. Abdul Atiyah and Dr. Margaret Fraser, President of the Cape Breton Medical Staff Association for the CBRM says, "We were essentially blindsided."

What I'm asking the Premier about are the standards that he establishes for imparting a sense of respect to communities, and medical communities, from his government. Is it actually the case, that in the Premier's view, an acceptable level of respect has been accorded to the medical community and the rest of the community of the CBRM about these announced hospital closures?

[Page 60]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I think it's important that we recognize the announcement was not received unanimously by all the members of the community. I think its also important, though, that the honourable member stands in the House and tells Nova Scotians that there are members of the health care community, and broader community, who want to see a modern infrastructure brought.

I want to quote the honourable member, Dr. Paul MacDonald, Head of Internal Medicine and Cape Breton cardiologist on June 25th said, "This is a major improvement to help us take care of patients. I have a number of new specialists coming to our community who are going to practise critical care and pulmonary medicine, and if I bring them into a facility that is out-of-date, that doesn't have the equipment and resources that they need, they're not going to stay."

Quote, Mr. Speaker, "I think this is a great day in Cape Breton". Also, it is important that Dr. Chris Milburn, ER chief, said this is an opportunity that we have in a collaborative care centre or a better family-practice centre in New Waterford and Northside. I think people will actually get better care from the types of problems they had. So, if we're going to cherry pick quotes, Mr. Speaker, let's be accurate and tell the real feeling of those communities.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland South.

EECD – OXFORD REG. ED. CTR.: STUDENT DISPLACEMENT - UPDATE

MR. TORY RUSHTON: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education Rand Early Childhood Development. The parents of the Oxford Regional Education Centre are upset. Students were ready to attend the fall community in their school. In the dying days of summer, they found out that they had to be bused to Pugwash. To find out on August 23rdthat students were going to be displaced is unacceptable when the date was found out on August 9thas indicated at public meetings. They are upset with the minister for the lack of information, absence of updates, and the status of the school in their community at eight years old. Students from Primary up to Grade 12 will now have to travel 30 minutes at the very least in split shift at Pugwash area school.

My question, will the minister please update this House and the residents of the Oxford area what they are able to do and house the students again as soon as possible.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I want to congratulate the member on his first question in QP. Obviously, the situation in Oxford is an unfortunate one. We have a safety concern that has been brought to our attention by engineers. We currently have the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal professional engineers onsite doing a full-scale evaluation of the school to make sure that all the health and safety concerns related to the structure are properly assessed so we can develop a plan to address those. I know this is an inconvenience to the community. It's unfortunate but the fact is that the health and safety of our kids comes first, and we need to make some difficult decisions sometimes to make sure that they are well taken care of.

[Page 61]

MR. RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, on September 4th, I held an open house meeting to hear concerned parents. The meeting lasted over two hours with 150 guests. They are concerned about the health and safety of the children as well. They are concerned about the busing schedules, travel times, and necessary transport for the kids to Pugwash. They are concerned about the children's boarding on the bus in the wee hours of the morning with winter months to come. They are concerned about after-school activities once you add in the extra travel time.

My second question, will the minister commit today to having these students back in their home before the winter months fly.

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. These are all legitimate concerns. Obviously, I share the member's frustration over the situation. I know this is frustrating for people in the community. We are doing our very best to fully assess the issues in that school as quickly as possible so that we can assure parents and students and staff that if we are going to return them to that school that it is safe for them. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou East.

TIR – NORTHERN PULP NSC: TREATMENT FACILITY - UPDATE

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. I think many Nova Scotians and many Pictonians, in particular, were interested to learn that last year the province spent $6 million to finance the design of the new effluent treatment facility at the Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation. People wonder if $6 million is just the start of the province's commitment towards a new treatment facility. So, $6 million was spent up to March 31st. I wonder if the minister can update the House; how much has been spent in addition during this fiscal year and, as a bonus, maybe, how much is booked as a liability for the province's share of the new treatment facility plant?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the beginning of this fiscal year, no additional disbursements have been made in the process. The design of the effluent treatment plant is a joint effort that is going forward and is in a parallel track with the replacement of the Boat Harbour facility and will represent a huge improvement for the effluent that is exiting into the Northumberland Strait. Thank you.

[10:30 a.m.]

[Page 62]

MR. HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to redirect to the Minister of Environment. I think public confidence in the new treatment facility is critical. To that end, it's important that everyone understands the process from both the mill and the province going forward.

To my knowledge, an application for the new treatment facility has not yet been filed, so on one hand you have the province spending money on a new treatment facility that the province has not yet even approved.

I wonder if the minister can update the House as to when the department expects to receive an application from the mill for the new treatment facility.

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : I thank the honourable member for that question. Certainly, we are aware there will be a submission coming forward in the near future, but I certainly can't give a date yet. When we do get the submission, we will be reviewing that, and it will be a huge part of a public consultation involved with that as well. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne.

H&W: ROSEWAY HOSP. (SHELBURNE) - ER PHYSICIAN

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Over the summer, I've been meeting with constituents of Queens-Shelburne and hearing their concerns. Without question the most talked about issue is the deterioration of health care services. Shelburne County residents are very worried about their hospital. In August alone the Roseway Hospital emergency room was closed for a whopping 213 hours. That's almost nine out of 31 days.

It comes as a great surprise that as of today the Nova Scotia Health Authority is only advertising for an emergency department physician that is less than the full-time position that is at Roseway Hospital.

My question to the minister is, does the minister believe that a single, less-than-full-time position at Roseway will be adequate to keep the emergency room open, so residents can access the health care services they deserve?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's question. As with many communities across the province that have seen emergency department closures, the Nova Scotia Health Authority works diligently each and every week to make sure that the shifts can be covered.

We have made changes this summer to help support their efforts, by increasing the compensation for locums, to support the temporary employees, temporary physicians to come in and provide that coverage when needed. We've seen a good uptake of those programs.

[Page 63]

MS. MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, this minister and his government are setting the Roseway Hospital up for failure. Doctor shortages, continuous emergency room closures, outsourced lab testing, and many other dismantled services are affecting the viability of the hospital.

My colleague from Northside-Westmount stood in his spot last Spring and asked these same questions about hospitals in his area. He pointed to the same signals and raised the same concerns. Now we have seen how this movie has ended for the people of Cape Breton and their hospital, Northside General.

My question to the minister is, will he give me his word today that for as long as he is the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Roseway Hospital will be an open, full-service hospital. Will he make that commitment?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I give my commitment to all Nova Scotians that as long as I am Minister of Health and Wellness I will continue to work and make the decisions based upon the information that comes to my attention, that we believe is in the best interest to provide the health care that meets the needs of Nova Scotians from one end of this province to the other. That's what I've been tasked to do by the Premier and the people of Nova Scotia and will continue to do that.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

EECD: SCHOOL BUSES - INFO.

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. When this government was rushing forward with the elimination of democratically-elected school boards, they told parents to trust them, that they were fixing the administrative structure.

Well, Mr. Speaker, that new administrative structure left hundreds of families scrambling to figure out how students were getting to the first day of school. Melissa Boudreau had one child whose bus to school was half an hour late while her other child was left stranded without a bus to bring him home at all.

Mr. Speaker, I know the minister has announced a review of busing, but will he take responsibility for this complete failure to keep students safe by providing parents with clear, reliable, timely information about bus routes and schedules?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, just to be clear, we know that these logistical challenges around busing are longstanding. These are not new challenges that have been brought about by governance changes to the system. However, now that we have changed the governance of the system, the province can play an active role in looking at busing policies from one end of the province to the other, ensuring that best practices are applied. Particularly, we are going to be looking at HRM, the Liberal caucus members from HRM are very energetic in their presentations of the concerns in their communities around busing, Mr. Speaker. And we're gong to be very focused on finding solutions to those parents who dealt with worry and concern over the location of their students because we know that we need to do better. Thank you.

[Page 64]

MS. CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, for all the government's fondness about talking about previous governments, the department has had months to fix this problem. Without school boards, parents no longer know whom to contact when there are problems. The promised provincial advisory council has yet to be appointed and new plans for enhanced school advisory councils were released last week. Parent Courtney Roobol called Stock Transportation who told her to call the school. She called the school who told her to call Stock. It does not instill confidence when something as basic as busing, getting our children to school, seems like more than this department can handle. Will the Minister today provide parents with the direct line to his office that they can use to get access to accurate busing information?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, Stock Transportation did provide an apology to the public yesterday for these issues that happened. Also, the Regional Centre for Education has sent out contact information to every parent that will provide them a direct link to a person in their office to answer their operational questions. I do think it's important to note that, according to the region, 97 per cent of the buses did arrive on time, but of course that's not acceptable for the group of parents that dealt with delays and the students that were on buses for longer than they should have been. But the fact is we're very focused on finding solutions to this issue and because of the new governance changes that we've made, the province can actually play a role in improving that situation. Thank you.

MR SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

EECD - BUS ISSUES: COMMUNICATIONS - CLARIFY

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. We have heard many stories over the past few days about the gaps in school busing in HRM and in other parts of the province. I've heard stories in my community of Dartmouth East of students not getting to school on time, being two hours late. Even today, students in Bedford were left at the bus stop 34 minutes at their scheduled pick up, with still no bus. This is well after the first bell of their school.

My question is this: Now that elected school boards have been dissolved, can the minister please clarify for the parents of Nova Scotia who they should call when the bus doesn't show up?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL; Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians weren't contacting the government bodies of our school boards when it came to operational challenges or logistics that they were facing when it comes to these busing challenges that we all know have been longstanding. The Regional Centre for Education has communicated contact information that is accurate to parents and school communities so that they can call that centre, reach a person who can answer their questions and help them deal with the particular cases that they're dealing with.

[Page 65]

There are a number of factors that contributed to the situation this week, which did include hundreds of registrations that came in for busing at the very end of the summer. We recognize that parents aren't thinking of registering for busing at the beginning of the summer, but, of course, when registrations do come in late that does create an additional challenge to making sure that we have all the logistical issues figured out. But that said, we're reviewing best practices. We're reviewing our policies on busing and I believe that we'll be able to improve that situation over the long run for students and families.

MR. HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, this is the third day of school and we still don't have a functioning bus plan. As a matter of fact, this has been a chronic problem over the years. As a matter of fact, every year around this time of year, I receive phone calls from the bus provider telling where my kids can be picked up and my children haven't taken the bus in five years. Parents who don't use the service get calls and parents who rely on busing, they get confusion and chaos. We know even yesterday there were students who waited over an hour before they had to make their own arrangements getting to school. My question is this, can the minister please say when all eligible students will receive safe and timely transportation?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I've been assured by the region that they are working through these issues as diligently as possible to find the short-term solutions to this. I do think it's important to note that 97 per cent of our kids did get to school on time and did get home on time, but that is no good news for the folks who didn't get to school on time or get home on time and for those parents who were concerned about their health and safety.

We are very much focused on this. Our caucus knows it's an issue and we are committed to improving that system to better meet the needs of our students and communities, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg.

TIR: MIRA GUT BRIDGE - STATUS

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

First I want to thank the minister for honouring his commitment to come and visit the Mira Gut bridge area and witness first-hand the 20-kilometre detour that has been created because of the loss of that bridge. I think having seen it first-hand he understands the concerns of the citizens of that area.

[Page 66]

Many of the people are concerned and wondering just what the status is. I know he has told us in the past that they are working on it. I wonder if he could give us an update.

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite for the gracious hospitality provided during our tour. Promise kept. I was really appreciative of meeting many of his supporters in the area who were very reflective of the great nature that Cape Bretoners have as a rule.

I was particularly impressed with the good condition of the road in the constituency, which I can only give credit to the great advocacy that the member has provided in this House over his long tenure.

MR. MACLEOD « » : And let's hope it continues.

Mr. Speaker, through you I'd also like to ask the minister, on a very serious note, just recently there had been an issue where an ambulance had been dispatched and it went to the wrong side of the river. I wonder if the minister would consider having the department designate north side, west side of the Gut area and also have the proper signage put in place, and the information passed on to the appropriate emergency responders such as the ambulances and the fire departments in the area.

MR. HINES « » : I truly appreciate what the member is describing there, having visited both the east side and the west side, which took quite a drive to get around. We'll certainly undertake to have our professional staff review that with EHS and see if we can improve the directions there to avoid that sort of thing in the future. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

H&W: CONSTITUENT HEALTH ISSUES – ASSIST

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. I have a constituent, a young lady who is living in such a state of distress due to multiple health issues, including agoraphobia and an eating disorder. These disorders prevent her from going to school or, in some cases, even making medical appointments.

Presently her prescription is running out and she has no way to have them refilled. On August 3rd, my office contacted the minister's office for assistance and, unfortunately, we have not yet heard back from them.

My question is, will the minister either contact my office or, better still, he can contact the family to help her navigate the system?

[Page 67]

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question being raised and I appreciate that the member has done so in a way that doesn't identify the individual. What I can confirm is that actually earlier this week I got to that piece of correspondence from his office. You can look at my desk, there is no shortage of correspondence that I do have to proceed through and sometimes it takes a while for it to get to me. Indeed, the response should have already gone out and it is effectively as the member requested, we will be getting in touch with some suggestions on how to move forward in the situation.

I encourage the member that if he doesn't already have contact directly, we'll get back to him so that in cases like this he can just pick up the phone, give a call and it might move a little faster in the correspondence.

[10:45 p.m.]

MR. HARRISON « » : I do appreciate that response. Just as a general comment, I really try to put myself in the position of the people that call, just so I can get a sense of how they're actually feeling. People like this are in such a panic mode and we cannot do anything when the calls come in unless the government helps us navigate the system.

Just as a general comment, I hope that when calls like this do come in that the government will help us navigate the system to help these people. I really wish I could do more. Thank you.

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I assure the member that, in fact, every effort that I make and the team makes as well as our partners. I like to advise the member and I can provide him, and other members as well after QP, the contact information Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Our partners do have patient contact reps for each of the zones to engage to do just that; to help navigate as well as contacts for people who have had experiences that they don't feel meet their standards or expectations, to provide that input because all of that input does help us identify where challenges are, so we can help make better decisions, target our investments, and improve the system. And that includes, as I've said in this case, sometimes picking up the phone is a little bit faster than written correspondence.

So again, to the member, I appreciate him bringing it forward and we'll continue to work with him as colleagues and all members of Legislature to work for all our constituents.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honorable member for Dartmouth South.

JUSTICE - CENTRAL NOVA: PRISON CONDITIONS - STANDARD

[Page 68]

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. Yesterday, the minister released an op-ed about the Central Nova Correctional Facility in Burnside. The minister states that the individuals in the facility are ". . . in custody because they have been charged criminally and the community does not accept the behaviour."

Mr. Speaker the majority of those in provincial custody, almost 60 per cent, are there on remand. They have been charged, but they have not been convicted. In the eyes of our justice system, they are innocent. Mr. Speaker, will the minister acknowledge the majority of people held in Burnside have not been tried, found guilty, or convicted of a crime.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from my colleague. We know that the circumstances are very varied within our correctional institutions. What I do what to share with my colleague is that we have a provincial committee working now with all the provincial stakeholders in the criminal justice system to identify and advance change that is necessary to address some of these circumstances. One of those is custody of those under remand, Mr. Speaker.

We know there are challenges in that system, but I want to commit to my colleague, and all Nova Scotians, that we continue to work diligently towards solutions.

MS. CHENDER « » : I thank the minister for that answer. Mr. Speaker, yesterday a media report indicated that five people in Burnside have asked the court to order them released from solitary confinement. Three of these people are on remand. One of them, Kaz Cox, has been given no information about why he is being held in solitary. He has had his lights on from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. each day and a high-beam flashlight in his face every half-hour between 12 a.m. and 8 a.m.

In his hand-written application, Mr. Cox says he feels that he is being tortured while awaiting trial. Mr. Speaker, does this situation meet the minister's standard for our justice system?

MR. FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate again the circumstances that my colleague is sharing. I'm not aware of the specific circumstances that she has shared, but certainly there are varied reasons why individuals are in close confinement and often it is for their very own protection. There are other circumstances that are intended to address the overall objective of security within those facilities.

Mr. Speaker, was just this past week that a matter of close confinement was brought before the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and Justice Kevin Coady was very clear in his decision, recognizing that close confinement is an appropriate tool, at times, but a tool of last resort. I want to table an article to address that.

[Page 69]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honorable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, last weekend I was in emergency and there were six ambulances backed-up? .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Time allowed for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that the adjourned debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne be resumed.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to stand in my place again today. Following on yesterday's brief remarks, I wish to make some additional comments. The speech was one where I believe the government felt there was a lot of substance, and perhaps enough to wipe the slate clear and start fresh - a distraction, more or less.

For those Nova Scotians who were looking for specific actions, though, they truly were largely disappointed. Sure, we all agree that there were some elements that were very important in the speech and that we would support, but the speech rightfully acknowledged that much of the credit goes to Nova Scotian citizens, not the actions of this Liberal Government.

As I stated yesterday, it was like a long congratulatory member's statement. The Liberal Government, sadly, has set a public relations agenda for this province. Buzzwords like "inclusive economic growth" and "strategic economic infrastructure" don't really mean anything. They leave little room for trust or for accountability. Do they actually mean more, and specifically, perhaps, free market-based decisions and less red tape? Does it mean there will be a focus on growing specific sectors of our economy? What does it actually mean?

[Page 70]

Did we see any honest assessment as to what progress has actually been made on the Now or Never report? Absolutely not. There is a website, though - the One Nova Scotia Dashboard - that you can all look at and assess for yourselves how well this Liberal Government has actually done. There are 19 indicators that were committed to by all Parties in this Chamber. The PC Party fought to have the commitments legislated or at least governed by the accountability of our ministers responsible. The government rejected it.

But once again, we did get a website, didn't we? It's not telling the story of the Speech from the Throne, but the facts are clear and they show that this government can now not be trusted. The One Nova Scotia indicators - there are 19 of them, and Nova Scotia is behind almost all of those 19 Nova Scotia indicators.

Interprovincial migration, behind; international immigration, behind; retention of international students, behind; new startup of high-growth firms, behind; exports, still flatlined, even with the remarkable growth of our seafood export - I congratulate that sector, well done. However, labour force participation, lower – lower than 2012. Youth employment, down - from the 2012 rate, youth employment down.

You are starting to get the factual picture - it's just not the one that was read yesterday. It's kind of sad that this Liberal Government prorogued the House, because in the end, all they accomplished was to wipe the legislative and committee slates clean of solutions and great ideas to move Nova Scotia forward that members on this side of the House have been bringing forward on behalf of Nova Scotians, trying to work collaboratively with the Liberal Government.

We're going to continue. We're not backing down. We will continue to put these ideas forward, just as we have committed to on matters of great importance to Nova Scotians, such as banning conversion therapy. Nova Scotians, all people, really, should be free to be who they are. There is no greater gift than having a sense of belonging and there is no greater freedom than the freedom to be yourself.

I am happy to know that the NDP caucus has joined our caucus in this view and that we will work collaboratively together to ensure there is a comprehensive bill to ban conversion therapy. I hope this Liberal Government will join us. It does not matter whose bill it is. What matters is that it is a comprehensive bill to end this horrific, horrific service, whatever you want to call it.

I am especially heartened to know that during this session we will attempt to ban it. We will attempt to ban conversion therapy and, again, I call on all three Parties in this Legislature to set their individual agendas aside and work together.

The Progressive Conservative caucus is also looking forward to reviewing the new Traffic Safety Act and we were very pleased that we had the opportunity to have public servants come in and consult with us at our caucus meeting - I thank the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for that. It was a great discussion and I think they took a lot away from that discussion and suggestions and recommendations that we hope to see in this new act that's coming forward.

[Page 71]

I hope that the Liberal Government is truly listening to all users of our roads. From everyone who is on motor cycles, in cars, pedestrians, those with disabilities, those using bicycles, ATV users. I know that the PC caucus is listening.

The PC caucus will also continue to stand firm with the average, everyday Nova Scotian trying to make ends meet and are facing a new Liberal carbon tax. It's scary. It's really scary that even now the Premier has kept this plan secret while even the NDP Government in Alberta has pulled out of this scheme.

The Premier needs to stand up for Nova Scotians. He should be listening to Nova Scotians about this and sharing the plan with Nova Scotians and consulting with them, not waiting to see if Ottawa approves. That is wrong, Mr. Speaker.

The Speech from the Throne mentions the word "entrepreneur" at least eight times and, indeed, Nova Scotia should value entrepreneurs. All members of this Legislature agree on that and we know they are the backbone to Nova Scotia's economy. I believe that we all do truly want to work together to support them.

The government also highlights retaining young people. On this, the government is failing badly. The One Nova Scotia Dashboard shows it. Anyone can go and look online and see this, but what it really demonstrates is that there is a doctor shortage. Many doctors are entrepreneurs. Family physicians cover their own overhead, staff, offices, and so much more. We need many, many more of them and especially young ones to pick up the gauntlet for our doctors who are holding off in retiring in order to keep their patients from being without primary care or the infamous 811 list.

I know that the Leader of the NDP's brother is actually a doctor in my community and has been for decades. I don't know what we would do without him, but he deserves to retire. He deserves to retire, but he keeps holding on to service his community because this government is not helping us to recruit doctors.

We've even gone, you'll see throughout communities in this province where they've formed their own committees now. I'm on a committee in Pictou County to recruit and retain doctors. We're putting in money from organizations that have raised money for other things, but we know that the most important issue in our backyard is finding more doctors.

[11:00 a.m.]

[Page 72]

New, young doctors face more obstacles than welcomes or incentives to set up practice here. Instead of encouraging young doctors, we discourage them. Current doctors are facing burnt-out times, they're frustrated, they're stressed, they're undervalued, and they are paid lower than their counterparts in any other province in Canada. It's astounding.

The Progressive Conservative caucus stands four-square with Larry from Dartmouth East who says - and said it loud and clear the other night - enough is enough. It's time for this government to admit there is a crisis. It's actually gone beyond a crisis. It has been taken to a whole new level of a crisis. Hospitals are closing. ERs are chronically closed in several communities across this province. Enough is enough.

The member for Chester-St. Margaret's yesterday congratulated his son for making sacrifices to stay in Nova Scotia. I would also like to thank his son. We need young people here; we really do. It's just sad that it requires sacrifices like the member has mentioned about his son yesterday. The member also signalled that the time has come for Nova Scotians to benefit from the balanced budgets of this Liberal Government. That sounds like the government is getting ready to turn on the taps.

It sure would have been great to hear where all that money would flow. What departments would that money go to? Actually, it simply should have been clear in the government's direction and vision in yesterday's Speech from the Throne but, again, health care wasn't even mentioned until Page 7 in a few paragraphs and, then, there is absolutely no reason that we should trust this government. Nova Scotians are at a point now where they can't trust this government. That hurts all of us. It hurts all of us, the 950,000 people in this province because, in some families, someone might have a doctor but the rest of their family doesn't.

This is one of the biggest issues that this government is facing. I know they're turning a blind eye to it. I just hope that somewhere in this Fall session they will recognize and they will confess that there is a crisis and that they will embrace us across the Chamber here to help them get a plan, get on track, and make sure every Nova Scotian has a doctor.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity. I move to adjourn debate on the Speech from the Throne. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for adjournment of debate on the Speech from the Throne. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to sit again on Tuesday, September 11th, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

[Page 73]

Following the daily routine and Question Period, business will include second reading of Bill Nos. 2 and 4 and, with time permitting, Address in Reply.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to adjourn, to rise today, to meet again Tuesday, September 11th, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The House stands adjourned until Tuesday, September 11th, at 1:00 p.m.

[The House rose at 11:04 a.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 74]

RESOLUTION NO. 7

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas when Alan Kennedy began teaching in 1974, he accepted a position at the Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro, and later at Truro Junior High. He has been the principal at Redcliff Middle School since it opened in 1997 with over 30 teachers and 425 students in Grades 5-7; and

Whereas Alan initiated exploratory programs where children learn while fulfilling physical, social, and emotional needs. He also set up teaming for teachers. Watching kids learn and grow into successful young adults was the highlight of his career; and

Whereas this is also Alan's 10thyear volunteering in a Guatemalan outreach program, which installs stoves in homes and helps with schools and playground, helping the people help themselves;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate Alan for a well-deserved retirement after 44 years as a dedicated educator.

RESOLUTION NO. 8

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Nuttby is home to Sullivan's Family Farm, owned by Chelsea and Ryan Sullivan, along with four-year-old Teagan and toddler twins, Jason and Jayce; and

Whereas the Sullivans are one of only three registered Berkshire breeders in the Province. Their farm includes a boar called Wilbur and four breeding sows. A very docile and hardy breed; and

Whereas as well as brown hens they have Barred Rock hens, a heritage breed. The Sullivan farm is certified free-range and is also home to a six-year-old Great Pyrenees dog, Gunner, who has become a true livestock guardian and has been joined by an apprentice pup called Oscar;

Therefore be it resolved that all member of the Legislature congratulate the Sullivans for inviting the public to meet their family and their animals on Open Farm Day this past June.

[Page 75]

RESOLUTION NO. 9

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Nancy Davis of Lower Five Islands, now 62, dropped out of school when she was 15 to marry and raise a family. During those years, she came to realize the value of education; and

Whereas Nancy though about going back to school, but something always seem to get in the way of her plans, so she continued working at various jobs; and

Whereas the 18 months after her enrollment at the Nova Scotia Community College brought further difficult challenges; in particular, dealing with the death of her husband of more than 40 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate Nancy for overcoming these obstacles and graduating with both her Grade 12 diploma and a certificate as a continuing care assistant.

RESOLUTION NO. 10

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas 85-year-old Billy Cameron from Tatamagouche, Colchester North, joined the Canadian military when he was 17 and headed off to the Korean War; and

Whereas in 1955, Billy joined the Royal Canadian Legion serving as president and various other positions and is now a life member of Branch 62; and

Whereas in June, Cameron was presented with his 60-year pin as well as the Governor General of Canada Sovereign Medal for Volunteers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate Billy for receiving these prestigious awards and for his commitment to his country, his province, and his community.

[Page 76]

RESOLUTION NO. 11

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Charlene Thomas from North River, Colchester North, is a past president of the Colchester East Hants branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, has been involved in Help Line and palliative care services and is the owner of Complete Counselling Services; and

Whereas Charlene has been writing songs, stories, and poems since she was a young teen and published her first book Achieving Personal Power and Inner Calm in 2014, which addresses the relationships between spiritual and mental health principles and practices; and

Whereas her latest work and her first work of fiction is titled Unconscious, which tells the story of a young woman who suffers a concussion, sending her back to the time when she was 13 and describes her journey back to herself;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature wish Charlene continued success with her new novel.

RESOLUTION NO. 12

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas nature deficit disorder is often referred to as a modern childhood disorder, but Garnet and Alexia McLaughlin from Central Economy are the driving force behind a new kind of park designed to get children outdoors to play and to have fun; and

Whereas the couple moved back from Ontario two decades ago to build trails in this province's new wilderness areas, are now working with community groups and municipalities around Atlantic Canada to build play spaces using natural materials and designed to stimulate the imagination of the young minds that use them; and

Whereas the McLaughlins often help groups find and apply for grants and identify businesses and volunteers in the community that can lessen the cost or donate resources;

[Page 77]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate the McLaughlins for their unique idea, along with their three children who are always available to test the concepts of Cobequid Consulting.

RESOLUTION NO. 13

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Gordon Hillier, 92, from Tatamagouche, was still in school when war broke out, and after taking advanced training he received word that he would be joining the West Novas in Halifax; and

Whereas that call was cancelled and by the time he received the next call the war was over, but he spent two weeks training with another 150 volunteers who were asked to join the Americans, and when a bomb was dropped on Hiroshima his deployment was cancelled again; and

Whereas when Gordon got out of service a friend convinced him to join the Legion in 1947 and he soon became impressed by what the Legion members were accomplishing in the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate Gordon for being a life member of Branch No. 64 of the Royal Canadian Legion, for receiving his 70-year pin recently, and for his many years of dedicated service.

RESOLUTION NO. 14

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the volunteer fire departments across Nova Scotia are valued by citizens throughout the province, especially by those who have had personal experiences with their help and expertise - Bob Hunt from Upper Economy is one of those; and

Whereas Hunt's wife fell in their yard and was unconscious when members of the Bass River Fire Brigade in Colchester North arrived on the scene, and Hunt attributes the survival of his wife to the fact the first responders were able to stabilize her while they waited for an ambulance; and

[Page 78]

Whereas Francie, Bob's wife, has recovered but is very thankful for the quick response and the knowledge and ability shown by the fire department members;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature recognize the 29 volunteer members of the Bass River Fire Brigade for the many hours of their time, training, and responding to calls for service to ensure the safety of their neighbours and friends.

RESOLUTION NO. 15

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Peter Kohler was born in Germany and moved to Canada at age 23 to study mechanical engineering, starting a business career in 1977 in Debert with a cellulose insulation firm, but soon shifted to the insulated glass business; and

Whereas Peter introduced vinyl windows in residential construction and renovations into a market dominated by wood, and despite the resistance from the market he persisted and over the next 15 years Kohltech transformed the window market in Atlantic Canada to be dominated by vinyl; and

Whereas Peter Kohler's business acumen, commitment to the highest standards of quality, and unrelenting pursuit of product innovation have made Kohltech Windows and Entrance Systems the industry leader for over 35 years, and has grown from four employees to 400;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate Kohltech for receiving the 2018 Canadian Business of the Year Award from the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 16

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas after graduating from high school, Alan Fiddes enrolled in the engineering program at the former Nova Scotia Agricultural College, then spent a year studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematics, and after leaving university he planned to return but he worked at several small jobs instead; and

[Page 79]

Whereas Alan's family finally became the motivation he had struggled to find to return to his education as a mature student, especially after becoming a father; and

Whereas Alan chose Dal AC because of the close proximity to his home but soon discovered the best part was the small class sizes which led to the personal relationships he developed with friends and made possible a greater interaction with the professors, graduating this past May;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature wish Alan the best as he plans to attend Dalhousie University in Halifax this Fall to pursue an engineering degree.

RESOLUTION NO. 17

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in 1999 when Dr. Karen Ewing visited the Beaumont-Hamel Memorial site in France she decided when she returned to Bass River that she would build a memorial park there to honour and remember all those who sacrificed their lives in the service of others; and

Whereas Dr. Ewing has been presented with the Veteran's Affairs Commendation, the Outstanding Service Award from the Retired United Nations Veterans Association, the YMCA Peace Medal, as well as the Shirley Farlinger Award for Peace Writings in recognition of the speeches she has written for numerous events at Veterans Memorial Park; and

Whereas in November 2018, Dr. Ewing will receive from the College of Family Physicians of Canada the designation of Fellowship, for those who have been awarded Certification in the College of Family Physicians and who distinguish themselves through outstanding contribution to their communities, their colleagues, and the discipline of family medicine;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate Dr. Karen Ewing for her dedication, her commitment, and her numerous and varied contributions to the service of others.

RESOLUTION NO. 18

[Page 80]

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas there can be no doubt that there is a health care crisis in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas tens of thousands of Nova Scotians don't have a doctor, emergency rooms are too often closed, waiting lists are too long, and too many people have lost hope; and

Whereas despite the seriousness of the situation and the negative impact it has on Nova Scotians, the Liberal Government didn't even mention health care until Page 7 of a twelve-page Speech from the Throne;

Therefore be it resolved that all members urge the Liberal Government to acknowledge there is a health care crisis, make health care the number-one priority, and take immediate action to fix the system.

RESOLUTION NO. 19

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 50thAnniversary in 2018; and

Whereas Charles Punch is one of the five founding members who is still active today; and

Whereas in honour of Charles' dedication and commitment to his community he has been made a life member of the department;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Charles Punch for being recognized as a life member of the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department and thank him for his service.

RESOLUTION NO. 20

[Page 81]

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 50thanniversary in 2018; and

Whereas Myles Somers is one of the five founding members who is still active today; and

Whereas in honour of Myles' dedication and commitment to his community he has been made a life member of the department;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Myles Somers for being recognized as a life member of the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department and thank him for his service.

RESOLUTION NO. 21

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 50thAnniversary in 2018; and

Whereas John Mattie is the department's current chief and one of the five founding members who is still active today; and

Whereas in honour of John's dedication and commitment to his community he has been made a life member of the department;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. John Mattie for being recognized as a life member of the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department and thank him for his service.

RESOLUTION NO. 22

[Page 82]

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 50thAnniversary in 2018; and

Whereas John Delorey is one of the five founding members who is still active today; and

Whereas in honour of John's dedication and commitment to his community he has been made a life member of the department;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. John Delorey for being recognized as a life member of the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department and thank him for his service.

RESOLUTION NO. 23

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 50thanniversary in 2018; and

Whereas Ralph Mattie is one of the five founding members who is still active today; and

Whereas in honour of Ralph's dedication and commitment to his community he has been made a life member of the department;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Ralph Mattie for being recognized as a life member of the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department and thank him for his service.

RESOLUTION NO. 24

[Page 83]

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Shiloh Community Church of Dartmouth is a diverse community of Christian believers who proclaim the gospel, nurture disciples, and serve the people; and

Whereas the congregation is holding their 10thanniversary banquet on September 8, 2018, to praise God for all the work he has done through the ministry of this church; and

Whereas Pastor Maurice (Moe) Diggs from the Healing Place Church of Maryland, U.S.A., is the dynamic speaker and Keonte Beals of North Preston is the guest soloist;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the Shiloh Community Church of Dartmouth for tirelessly serving the Lord and the people.

RESOLUTION NO. 25

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Natural Resources)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in 2014, Beth and Brent MacDonnell of Enfield bought a business called Shooters Bar and Grill; and

Whereas the MacDonnells had a vision for their business to focus on customer service and community by supporting many local hockey, soccer, softball, baseball, and rugby players, parents, and teams, and to provide a venue for many fundraising and charitable activities; and

Whereas Shooters Bar and Grill has become a famous gathering spot and has donated to over 40 players and teams in the past year alone;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Shooters Bar and Grill of Enfield on receiving the East Hants and District Chamber of Commerce Community Booster of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 26

[Page 84]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Natural Resources)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the owners of the Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop, Nancy and Greg McTiernan, are classically-trained candy makers and make their candy using the finest ingredients and in small batches from their shop in Elmsdale; and

Whereas The Huffington Post named the Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop one of the best chocolate shops in Canada; and

Whereas the McTiernans have grown their business to be a popular visiting and shopping experience for not just East Hants residents but also for corporate gifts, employee recognition, and brand marketing for small businesses;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop on receiving the East Hants and District Chamber of Commerce Community Business of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 27

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Natural Resources)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Pam McNeill of Elmsdale became inspired by the memories of her grandfather's abundant fruit and vegetable garden and opened her own café in 2010; and

Whereas her café, called Cup of Soul Café, serves only the freshest of local ingredients whenever possible, including homemade bread, treats, and local meats and produce, just like the meals prepared from her grandfather's garden; and

Whereas Pam McNeill's friendly service and outgoing nature and her delicious, nutritious, lovingly-prepared fare have made the café a popular gathering spot and entertainment venue;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Pam McNeill on receiving the East Hants and District Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 28

[Page 85]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Natural Resources)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas after the birth of her second child, Allie Huybers began a search for an effective way to stay fit and work from home; and

Whereas her research led her to an online fitness coaching program called Beachbody that allowed her to accomplish not only her fitness goals but her income goals as well; and

Whereas her business abilities transformed the physical and financial lives of many of her clients by helping them to accomplish their lifestyle goals;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Allie Huybers Fitness on receiving the East Hants and District Chamber of Commerce Home-based Business Excellence of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 29

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Natural Resources)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Elmsdale Landscaping is a family-owned business that began in 1954 with the production of nursery sod; and

Whereas Elmsdale Landscaping has continued its founder's business model of providing not only superior sod but also soil, mulch, and compost, and now their famous "big green bag"; and

Whereas Elmsdale Landscaping has grown to employ over 150 people serving corporate and residential clients across the province while still creating product with quality green organics;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Elmsdale Landscaping on receiving the East Hants and District Chamber of Commerce Green Leader of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 30

[Page 86]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Barry MacLeod is president and co-owner of Chill Street Fresh Beer and Cider Market, located in the Sobeys Supermarket in Elmsdale; and

Whereas Chill Street Fresh Beer and Cider Market is the first store of its kind in Canada, a craft beer and cider experience in a supermarket setting; and

Whereas everything is done on-site, so customers are offered a fun and educational experience in the world of craft beers literally feet from their grocery aisle;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Chill Street Brewing on receiving the East Hants & District Chamber of Commerce Marketing Champion of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 31

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas McNeill's Shell is a second-generation family-owned and operated business that has been serving the communities of East Hants for over 55 years; and

Whereas the automotive industry has gone through many service-related changes in five decades; and

Whereas McNeill's Shell keeps up with the changes by continuing to invest in and improve their business by supporting their team members, encouraging them to grow to their personal and professional potential by training and mentoring;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate McNeill's Shell on receiving the East Hants & District Chamber of Commerce Employer of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 32

[Page 87]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas PROTx opened its doors in Elmsdale just two years ago, offering physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic services; and

Whereas the combined experience of the professionals at PROTx measures over 50 years in their chosen fields with a mission of "Community First"; and

Whereas the caring and compassionate approach of the PROTx team ensures that their clients are receiving not just the best and most effective treatment, but are also increasing their health literacy to enable them to make more informed decisions about their health care needs;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate PROTx on receiving the East Hants & District Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Service of the Year 2017 Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 33

By: Hon. Iain Rankin « » (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the BLT Runners club is a not-for-profit club for the residents and friends of Beechville, Lakeside, and Timberlea (BLT) and the club is blessed to have access to a vast collection of beautifully well-maintained trails that run through and around the community; and

Whereas the club welcomes runners of all ages and abilities and because some of the trails in the area are paved, the members have the opportunity to participate all through the year; and

Whereas in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the natural beauty of our trails, the BLT Runners are building a strong sense of community by bringing together the residents in the area who share a common interest by organizing group events and by arranging social events;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Craig Durling, Director of the BLT Runners, for his commitment to encouraging healthy and socially engaged residents.

[Page 88]

RESOLUTION NO. 34

By: Hon. Iain Rankin « » (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the BLT Runners club is a not-for-profit club for the residents and friends of Beechville, Lakeside, and Timberlea (BLT) and the club is blessed to have access to a vast collection of beautifully well-maintained trails that run through and around the community; and

Whereas the club welcomes runners of all ages and abilities and because some of the trails in the area are paved, the members have the opportunity to participate all through the year; and

Whereas in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the natural beauty of our trails, the BLT Runners are building a strong sense of community by bringing together the residents in the area who share a common interest by organizing group events and by arranging social events;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Thomas Burt, Director of the BLT Runners, for his commitment to encouraging healthy and socially engaged residents.

RESOLUTION NO. 35

By: Hon. Iain Rankin « » (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the BLT Runners club is a not-for-profit club for the residents and friends of Beechville, Lakeside, and Timberlea (BLT) and the club is blessed to have access to a vast collection of beautifully well-maintained trails that run through and around the community; and

Whereas the club welcomes runners of all ages and abilities and because some of the trails in the area are paved, the members have the opportunity to participate all through the year; and

Whereas in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the natural beauty of our trails, the BLT Runners are building a strong sense of community by bringing together the residents in the area who share a common interest by organizing group events and by arranging social events;

[Page 89]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Dave Gallant, Director of the BLT Runners, for his commitment to encouraging healthy and socially engaged residents.

RESOLUTION NO. 36

By: Hon. Iain Rankin « » (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the BLT Runners club is a not-for-profit club for the residents and friends of Beechville, Lakeside, and Timberlea (BLT) and the club is blessed to have access to a vast collection of beautifully well-maintained trails that run through and around the community; and

Whereas the club welcomes runners of all ages and abilities and because some of the trails in the area are paved, the members have the opportunity to participate all through the year; and

Whereas in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the natural beauty of our trails, the BLT Runners are building a strong sense of community by bringing together the residents in the area who share a common interest by organizing group events and by arranging social events;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Ian Loughead, Director of the BLT Runners, for his commitment to encouraging healthy and socially engaged residents.

RESOLUTION NO. 37

By: Hon. Iain Rankin « » (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the BLT Runners club is a not-for-profit club for the residents and friends of Beechville, Lakeside, and Timberlea (BLT) and the club is blessed to have access to a vast collection of beautifully well-maintained trails that run through and around the community; and

[Page 90]

Whereas the club welcomes runners of all ages and abilities and because some of the trails in the area are paved, the members have the opportunity to participate all through the year; and

Whereas in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the natural beauty of our trails, the BLT Runners are building a strong sense of community by bringing together the residents in the area who share a common interest by organizing group events and by arranging social events;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Shane Patelakis, Director of the BLT Runners, for his commitment to encouraging healthy and socially engaged residents.

RESOLUTION NO. 38

By: Hon. Ian Rankin (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas this year the Five Bridges Wilderness Heritage Trust (FBWHT) contributed $21,000 to the Safety Minded ATV Association to construct a parking area at the Joshua Slocum access to the FBLWA to improve the Lewis Lake Fire Road trail, to improve the Old Coach Road from Nine Mile River to Goodwood, and to repair 3.2 km of trail leading to the new parking area at the entrance to the Ralph Wheadon Trail; and

Whereas they gave $10,000 to the St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association and the Woodens River Watershed Environmental Association to train volunteers to maintain ecological integrity of The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail and help trail users to practise Leave No Trace principles under the direction of Michael Lancaster; and

Whereas they gave $7,000 to the Nova Scotia Salmon Association to expand the Fish Friends Program by providing salmon eggs and classroom fish tanks to area schools and $2,000 to the Roots and Boots Forest School to increase the staff of a camp that provides a forest experience for special needs children;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly join me in thanking the FBWHT and its chair, Harry Ward, for the outstanding support of community stewardship projects related to the Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area (FBLWA).

RESOLUTION NO. 39

[Page 91]

By: Hon. Ian Rankin (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas, as one of 86 individuals, James Belanger is being honoured at the Long Service Award ceremony for 20 years of outstanding service to Nova Scotia's health care profession; and

Whereas EHS staff play a vital role by responding to emergencies and by caring for the sick and injured oftentimes under duress and under difficult circumstances; and

Whereas EHS staff face trauma and tragedy on a daily basis with compassion, kindness, and professionalism;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking James for his service and outstanding contributions to Nova Scotia's health care profession.

RESOLUTION NO. 40

By: Hon. Ian Rankin (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas, as one of 86 individuals, PremaBae Cooper is being honoured at the Long Service Award ceremony for 30 years of outstanding service to Nova Scotia's health care profession; and

Whereas EHS staff play a vital role by responding to emergencies and by caring for the sick and injured oftentimes under duress and under difficult circumstances; and

Whereas EHS staff face trauma and tragedy on a daily basis with compassion, kindness, and professionalism;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking PremaBae for her service and outstanding contributions to Nova Scotia's health care profession.

RESOLUTION NO. 41

[Page 92]

By: Hon. Ian Rankin (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Dwayne S. Cameron is being honoured at the Long Service Award ceremony for 25 years of outstanding service to Nova Scotia's health care profession; and

Whereas EHS staff play a vital role by responding to emergencies and by caring for the sick and injured oftentimes under duress and under difficult circumstances; and

Whereas EHS staff face trauma and tragedy on a daily basis with compassion, kindness, and professionalism;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Dwayne for his service and outstanding contributions to Nova Scotia's health care profession.

RESOLUTION NO. 42

By: Hon. Ian Rankin (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas, as one of 86 individuals, Peter Cholock is being honoured at the Long Service Award ceremony for 20 years of outstanding service to Nova Scotia's health care profession; and

Whereas EHS staff play a vital role by responding to emergencies and by caring for the sick and injured oftentimes under duress and under difficult circumstances; and

Whereas EHS staff face trauma and tragedy on a daily basis with compassion, kindness, and professionalism;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Peter for his service and outstanding contributions to Nova Scotia's health care profession.

RESOLUTION NO. 43

[Page 93]

By: Hon. Ian Rankin (Lands and Forestry)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Franklin Lee Thomas Johnson is being honoured at the Long Service Award ceremony for 35 years of outstanding service to Nova Scotia's health care profession; and

Whereas EHS staff play a vital role by responding to emergencies and by caring for the sick and injured oftentimes under duress and under difficult circumstances; and

Whereas EHS staff face trauma and tragedy on a daily basis with compassion, kindness, and professionalism;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Franklin for his service and outstanding contributions to Nova Scotia's health care profession.