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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021

Sixty-third General Assembly

Third Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Keith Bain, Susan Leblanc

THE SPEAKER » : Order, please. We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. RANDY DELOREY: Mr. Speaker, could we revert back? I do not have the proper language for that tabling in front of me.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister Responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

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RESOLUTION NO. 579

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

Whereas April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Nova Scotia recognizes the trauma and impacts of sexual violence on the lives of victims, survivors, our families, and our communities; and

Whereas we acknowledge the courage and conviction of those who share their experiences in search of justice and healing to ensure sexual violence is not generational, tolerated, or normalized; and

Whereas we acknowledge the Nova Scotians who support survivors, from the sexual assault nurse examiners who respond with compassion for victims at their most vulnerable time to the trauma therapists who help them recover, to the teenagers who find their voice and call out behaviour that emboldens, minimizes, or makes light of sexual violence;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank all those who have led the movement and continue to lead the movement against sexualized violence.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

RESOLUTION NO. 580

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

Whereas the Advance Care Planning in Canada project is led by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and aims to help Canadians prepare for their future health and personal care if they are unable to speak for themselves; and

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Whereas Advance Care Planning Day encourages Canadians to have important conversations with friends, loved ones, and caregivers about their wishes and values for their future health, and this year's theme is Advance Care Planning: An Essential Conversation for Everyone; and

Whereas 80 per cent of Canadians believe advance care planning is important, but fewer than one in five Canadians actually has an advance care plan;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize April 16, 2021, as National Advance Care Planning Day and encourage all of us to have these important conversations with loved ones and develop an advance care plan;

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 581

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

Whereas after winning a competition in September 2010, Nicole Sampson became the first female fisher representative with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, representing the department in Inverness and Victoria Counties; and

Whereas in a position now called Coastal Resource Coordinator, Nicole joins her seven colleagues in maintaining and developing frontline relations with the industries we serve and deliver departmental programs to; and

Whereas Nicole came to us from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, where she had earned the respect of the industry and her colleagues through her knowledge of the fishing industry and her dedication to the community;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nicole Sampson for her success as Coastal Resource Coordinator as she continues her role in Port Hood, representing Inverness and Richmond Counties.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Immigration and Population Growth.

RESOLUTION NO. 582

HON. LENA METLEGE DIAB: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Nova Scotia recognizes the key role of supportive settlement services for the inclusion and retention of newcomers in communities across the province; and

Whereas Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) is the largest immigrant-serving agency in Atlantic Canada with over 270 staff from more than 64 countries; and

Whereas last year, ISANS celebrated, virtually, their 40^th anniversary of helping immigrants to build a future in Nova Scotia through innovative community settlement support, language training, and employment and entrepreneur services;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Legislature join me in recognizing ISANS's important contribution to settlement services over the past 40 years, and their innovation and service delivery during COVID-19, continuing to provide programs to newcomers during this difficult time.

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

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

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Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 583

HON. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Drake Batherson of New Minas was drafted 121^st overall in the fourth round of the 2017 National Hockey League Draft; and

Whereas Batherson continues to make us all proud as he laces up his skates on the front lines of the Ottawa Senators, having an exemplary season; and

Whereas Batherson continues to be within the top scorers for the Senators, posting 13 goals and 12 assists in 44 games so far this season, with a notable six-game goal streak, tying the previous record for the Senators set by Jason Spezza;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Drake Batherson for his incredible success in the National Hockey League, and wish him all the best for a continued successful season.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 584

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

Whereas Mr. Bernie Barry of Yarmouth County, an advocate for southwestern Nova Scotia lobster fishing, has stepped down as president of the Coldwater Lobster Association; and

Whereas Mr. Barry, as president of the Coldwater Lobster Association the past six and a half years, led the Association to become an industry leader in advocacy and scientific participation, including trials for ropeless gear, the Atlantic Lobster Moult and Quality Survey, lobster-tagging programs, and the creation of the Southwest Lobster Science Society; and

Whereas Mr. Barry has been an integral voice for lobster fishers in southwestern Nova Scotia for his industry knowledge, solutions-based leadership, and advocacy for his members, and he will be missed as he steps down from the position;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in recognizing Bernie Barry for his efforts and dedication as past president of the Coldwater Lobster Association.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 585

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

Whereas Marion MacAulay has retired after 10 years with the Department of Agriculture; and

Whereas Marion's roles included Manager of Land Protection, Manager of Regional Services, Director of Animal and Crop Protection, and, finally, Executive Director of the Agriculture and Food Operations Branch; and

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Whereas a dedicated civil servant, Marion served the department and the agriculture sector extremely well;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Marion MacAulay for her hard work and service to the department and industry, and wish her a long and enjoyable retirement.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 586

HON. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT: Whereas World Gaels' Jam, an online event running from April 26 to May 1, 2021, will bring together a group of about 30 Gaels drawn from diverse backgrounds from many countries with different levels of experience and a range of viewpoints; and

Whereas World Gaels' Jam will be a time to explore identities and commonalities as Gaels from different countries and backgrounds, as well as what makes Gaels unique; and

Whereas Gaelic Nova Scotian community members Alison Etter, Amber Buchanan, Heather Sparling, Joyce MacDonald, and Shannon MacMullin have been planning and working diligently and in a volunteer capacity in collaboration with YES! World colleague Shilpa Jain to deliver this unique online gathering that will deepen connections and strengthen a sense of community as Gaels;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate all those involved in the planning, organization, and delivery of World Gaels' Jam 2021 for their dedication and commitment to Gaelic language, culture, and identity in our province.

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I ask for waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Nothing there? With the consent of the House and at the request of the Government House Leader, we will revert back to tabling reports, regulations, and other papers.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. RANDY DELOREY: In my capacity as the Attorney General of Nova Scotia, I hereby beg leave to table the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission annual reports for 2018-19 and 2019-20.

THE SPEAKER « » : The reports are tabled.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage is not on mute. Would you please mute yourself? Thank you very much.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 128 - Entitled an Act to Amend Schedule A of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2018. The Education Act, Respecting Mental Health Wellness Kits. (Tim Halman)

Bill No. 129 - Entitled an Act to Assist Families with Child Care Costs Related to COVID-19. (Claudia Chender)

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Bill No. 130 - Entitled an Act to Establish Denim Day. (Karla MacFarlane)

Bill No. 131 - Entitled an Act Respecting Energy Efficiency. (Claudia Chender)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Truro‑Bible Hill‑Millbrook‑Salmon River.

PYE, GARRY: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

DAVE RITCEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to a community and business leader who passed away last week and left behind a lasting legacy in our community ‑ Mr. Garry Pye.

Garry's business career began in the mid-1970s after purchasing several small apartment buildings in the area, and he soon realized his passion for business and working on a new deal.

In 1983, he purchased Brett Motors (now Pye's Chevrolet) on Prince Street in Truro, which over the years led to the acquisition of four more dealerships across the Maritimes. Gary also always believed in giving back. He loved his family and his community.

When the District Health Authorities were set up, Garry accepted the position of chair in our area. He worked hard in this role and did an outstanding job. Among many other roles, he also was chairman of the Colchester East Hants Hospital Foundation and co-chair of the fundraising committee for the new Colchester East Hants Health Centre.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the members in the house to rise today to pay tribute to Garry's legacy and send condolences to Mary-Lou and the entire Pye family.

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

PUB. SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WK.:

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HONOURING DISPATCHERS - THANKS

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Across Nova Scotia, dispatchers are there to take emergency calls for EHS, police, and fire services. Their voices are the first you hear when you call 911 or the non‑emergency line. They are highly skilled and work around the clock to ensure our safety. They are the calm voice heard when you are in distress. They are the voice that provides instruction until help arrives.

Dispatchers are important in our public safety and are much appreciated by Nova Scotians. When we are in the storm, they are called upon to be the calm in that storm, but we can never forget they too are in that storm with us. They feel our pain and our fear every day. There is no thank you that seems adequate, but they are appreciated.

I ask the House to join me as I thank dispatchers from across Nova Scotia.

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

PORTAPIQUE RESIDENTS: BUILD UP PROJECT - COMMEND

HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate the residents of Portapique for their leadership, their strength, and their resilience over the last 12 months.

They have been harmed and hurt by the tragic events of April 2020, when 22 Nova Scotians lost their lives. Thirteen of those Nova Scotians were members of the community of Portapique. That community bears scars that may never heal, but they have come together to strengthen and celebrate their sense of community spirit.

The Portapique Community Build Up Project was launched by the residents last year and it has become an important part of the healing process. It sees neighbours working together to renovate and expand the 200‑year‑old community hall. It sees the development of sports fields, children's playground, walking trails, multi-purpose courts, picnic areas, and floral gardens. It has become a gathering place that embraces a sense of safety and of community identity.

It sees partnerships, supports, and programming from organizations like the Boys and Girls Club in Truro, the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning in Dartmouth, the Lawrencetown Education Centre, the Rotary Club of Truro, the Municipality of Colchester, and the Provincial Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, to name a few.

They have also established the We Rise Again Fund to accept donations to support the project. Many individuals and organizations have been generous. They understand the purpose and, in the words of one donor, "it just feels good."

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I commend the community members for their bold initiative. In the midst of those tragic events, they will not let that define their community. This Build Up Project is such a beautiful way to honour and remember those thirteen special souls who will always be in our hearts and on our minds. Thank you. (Standing Ovation)

[9:30 a.m.]

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

WHYTE, LAURA - PHYSICIAN: HOPE HOUSE - BEST WISHES

MURRAY RYAN: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Laura Whyte, her husband Andrew, along with Chelsea and Ethan Fenton. After seeing the extent of drug addiction while practising as an emergency room doctor in Glace Bay, Dr. Whyte decided to open Hope House.

Hope House, Mr. Speaker, is a live-in addictions recovery home for women in Point Edward. It is the first women's only addiction treatment home in Cape Breton. Hope House serves at-risk women by providing transitional housing, recovery programs, and employment initiatives.

Hope House has a small farm with goats, and from that they have started a small business, using the goats' milk. Using essential oils for scent, graduates from the Hope House trauma-informed recovery program make all the products, which are then then packaged by hand. These products are sold in the community under the name Covered by Hope. Profits are then used for operational costs of the House and to hire graduates of the program where possible.

From its beginning, Hope House has been a success and has helped many women. I would like to wish them all the success in this wonderful endeavour.

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

MACLELLAN, GEOFF - GOVT. HOUSE LDR.:

ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL - BEST WISHES

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, when I was elected four years ago it was against the backdrop of stories of around-the-clock sittings, procedural trickery, deep partisanship. Although my early experience was not that bad, I expected that when I became the House Leader a short while later that I would be in for some surprises. But my worst fears did not come to pass, and for that reason I want to take this opportunity to recognize the Government House Leader on what is likely to be his second to last day in this Legislature.

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In the past three years the member for Glace Bay has been fair and accommodating in a role that demands neither. In this session, in particular, he has gone above and beyond to ensure that all members are accommodated.

As a former critic of his and current House Leader, I ask all members to join me in thanking the member for his service to this House and wishing him well as he moves on for his next chapter. (Standing Ovation)

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

TUNA BLUE INN: NEW OWNERS - CONGRATS.

HUGH MACKAY: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christine Murphy, Tim Gentlemen, and John and Karen Flemming, who recently purchased the Dauphinee Inn on Shore Club road in Hubbards. The new owners grew up spending their Summers in Hubbards and were excited to purchase this well-established local business, now called the Tuna Blue Inn. It is now refurbished and ready for customers to spend a night or two, to enjoy a meal, or to tie up at their marina.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating the new owners of the Tuna Blue Inn, located on Shore Club Road in Hubbards, and wish them a season of fine weather and happy customers.

THE SPEAKER « » : Okay, I have just been informed by the Clerk, via Legislative TV, that there is going to be a forced restart of almost every government computer at 9:40 a.m., so unfortunately that is going to impact our ability to proceed.

What we are going to do is take our 15-minute COVID-19 break now, or a short recess, as long as it takes. For everybody who is participating virtually we encourage you to do a restart and the update now. If everybody in-house can do that as well, and when we are back online we will try our best to proceed.

The House will now recess for a few minutes.

[9:34 a.m. The House recessed.]

[9:46 a.m. The House reconvened.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I believe everybody is all restarted. Legislative Television is back online, and we will resume Statements by Members. We're going to break again at 10:00 a.m., the usual time, for our COVID-19 break, and Question Period will start at 10:15 a.m.

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The honourable member for Sydney-Whitney Pier.

DOUGLAS-YAKIMCHUK, CLOTILDA - NURSE: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, today we mourn the loss of Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk. In mourning her passing, we celebrate all that she accomplished. I'm not sure that I can properly describe the impact Clotilda had on her community of Whitney Pier and our entire province. She was a role model to so many, but particularly to young African Nova Scotians, who were inspired by her trailblazing accomplishments.

Clotilda broke down many barriers, particularly in education and health care. She was the first Black graduate of the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing and would continue her educational pursuits by earning a postgraduate midwifery diploma, a postgraduate psychiatric certificate, and a diploma in adult education.

She dedicated 50 years of her life to nursing, including becoming the first-ever elected Black president of the Registered Nurses' Association of Nova Scotia. These are incredible accomplishments, but particularly so when one considers the obstacles she overcame as a Black woman at the time.

Clotilda is remembered as a passionate member of her community, who touched the lives of so many. Beyond her nursing career, she also committed herself to social justice, working on affordable housing, highlighting Black culture, and advocating for the cleanup of the Sydney tar ponds.

Like so many Nova Scotians, I was always happy to see Clotilda's accomplishments recognized, including the Order of Canada, the Order of Nova Scotia, an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University, and induction into the Nova Scotia Black Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, today I join all Nova Scotians, including those in Whitney Pier, in sending our condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk. We mourn with you, we celebrate with you, and we thank Clotilda for all she contributed to our province.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

MACQUARRIE, CALLUM: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

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ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the passing of a leader and a champion for people with mobility challenges. Callum MacQuarrie of Inverness was injured 25 years ago, which resulted in a spinal cord injury. His life changed, but he never stopped living with a zest for life.

You may remember hearing about him a couple of years ago. At the very beach in Inverness where he was injured, he helped to make it accessible in a project that is now being replicated at other beaches around our province. He gave a simple pleasure in life back to people who could no longer take it for granted: to sit by the ocean and to go in and enjoy the water.

Cal was everywhere: at the harness races, the Inverness Gathering Crab Fest, and the big party at Shane MacDougall's after the Broad Cove Concert. He enjoyed life, and his life was a lesson for us all to be positive, engaged, and passionate and to laugh.

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

MURPHY, ROB - SINGER-SONGWRITER:

TRIBUTES TO N. WATERFORD - CONGRATS.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a constituent of mine, Rob Murphy. Rob is a singer-songwriter from New Waterford. During the Winter of 2017, Rob wrote a haunting and sorrowful song entitled 300 Days, about the devastating mental health wait times in Cape Breton. He recorded the demo at home and made a video. Within 48 hours, that video had over 25,000 views. Rob's single, Ghosts, pays tribute to the Town of New Waterford while reflecting on the devastating economic collapse with the loss of industry.

As beautiful and as haunting as the song is, Rob's video is stunning and captures the breathtaking beauty of our coastlines.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Rob on his success.

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

CLARK, MYAH - KINDNESS DURING PANDEMIC - RECOG.

HON. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen people of all ages step up to support their communities in various creative ways. Today I am proud to recognize Myah Clark of Kingston for her efforts during the lockdown in 2020 to put a smile on the faces of residents of the local long‑term care home.

During Easter 2020, Myah, who was then 8 years old, took the time to craft cards and goody bags for seniors during a time when they could use some cheer. As her mother works in long‑term care, Myah has been giving back and spending time with seniors since she was 3 years old, from helping with dances, having conversations, and now spreading Easter cheer.

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I know Myah has incredible role models at home, and I am very proud of her for showing such compassion and care during this difficult time. I would ask members of the House to please join me in recognizing Myah Clark for this exemplary act of kindness.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cole Harbour‑Eastern Passage.

ISLAND VIEW HS BOYS BASKETBALL: DIV. 2 CHAMPS - CONGRATS.

BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Island View High School Boys Varsity Basketball team on their recent Division 2 championship win over École secondaire Mosaïque.

The team represented their school and community with great sportsman‑like conduct and leadership throughout metro. The team went undefeated throughout the regular season, as well as during the entire playoffs. The Island View Devils' victory has the team eagerly awaiting regionals and anticipating provincials, COVID-19 permitting.

I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in congratulating the Island View High School Boys Varsity Basketball team, as well as their coaches and parents, for their hard work and dedication to their sport but also for being great role models for the team, their school, and their community.

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

SAMUELS, VIKI: COM. SERV. - THANKS

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, for decades Viki Samuels, a Dartmouth North resident for over 25 years, has worked tirelessly in the areas of human rights, equity, diversity, and conflict resolution.

In 1978, Viki became one of the first staff people at the newly opened Bryony House and went on to be the first director of Adsum House and the director of St. Leonard's Society for criminalized men. She spent over 10 years with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and the federal and provincial Public Service Commissions.

Viki was recently involved in CeaseFire Halifax, which addressed gun violence, and currently works with New Start Counselling, which works to change the behaviour of men who use violence. Above all, Viki is most proud of being president of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir, using Gospel music to foster positive race relations and community.

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A descendent of Wilfred and Edie Bauld‑Samuels, original residents in the African Nova Scotian community The Avenue, in what is now Crichton Park, Viki recently moved to an apartment in that original community.

I ask the House to join me in thanking Viki for sharing her passion, extensive knowledge, and kindness with the people of this province.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Chester‑St. Margaret's.

SHAINA FALCONE FITNESS: BOOK, NOURISH YOUR BODY - CONGRATS.

HUGH MACKAY: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Shaina Falcone of Hubbards, a certified nutrition coach who has published a digital cookbook called Nourish Your Body. The 60‑page e-cookbook features easy, healthy, and satisfying recipes. Shaina created the cookbook as an answer to clients who wanted simple and nourishing recipes to choose from on their wellness journey.

Shaina has been a fitness professional for almost 20 years and owns a fitness and Pilates studio in Hubbards. During the pandemic, she has created fun and healthy online fitness exercise routines for her many clients.

Mr. Speaker, I invite the members of this House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Shaina Falcone on the publication of her new ebook, Nourish Your Body, and to wish her well in all her future endeavours.

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

GALLANT, JOSEPH - PARAMEDIC:

EMS EXEMPL. SERV. MEDAL - CONGRATS.

HON. MARK FUREY: Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize Joseph Gallant of Simpsons Corner who was one of 21 Nova Scotia paramedics awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal in 2020 for dedication to the health and safety of all Nova Scotians.

Joe is an advanced care paramedic who has been in this profession for 36 years. He's respected by his peers, and he's well recognized in his community. He has volunteered at the IWK as a cuddler for babies whose families couldn't be with them. He is currently a critical incident stress-management team member with the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia and a 15-year firefighter with the New Germany Fire Department, currently serving as captain.

Joe is a leader and a mentor who shares his knowledge and skills with others. He is a medical first responder facilitator through Emergency Health Services and is a volunteer at community events. His daughter, Morgan, who is also a paramedic, says that her dad is her hero, her idol.

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I ask all members of the Legislature to join me in thanking Joseph Gallant for his dedication to his profession and his community.

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

LEGISLATURE SUPPORT STAFF:

MISSING FACE-TO-FACE CONTACT - RECOG.

LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the effort made to conduct our business online, including the technical support from Legislative Television. This is working, but it is not that warm environment of being in the Legislature.

I have to say how much I miss those who support and interact with us in the Legislature. I miss the smiles and interaction with the Pages. I miss shooting comments back and forth with the Sergeant-at-Arms and all of the support staff who are in the Legislature. It adds to our time at the Legislature.

Technology is here to stay, and I am starting to get some benefit from it, but for me it will never replace the face-to-face contact. I just felt the need to say how much I appreciate the people who make our time in the Legislature productive and enjoyable. (Applause)

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

TAKING BLK GOTTINGEN - SHOWCASING BLACK ENTREPRENEURS

LISA ROBERTS: Mr. Speaker, I want to rise and express my appreciation for the organizers behind Taking BLK Gottingen and a number of subsequent events that have showcased local Black entrepreneurs and helped them to connect with their customers.

Kordeena Clayton and Bria Miller have been involved in all of the events, including three on Gottingen Street. The first one, in July, was the first event where I kind of had a sense that we were coming together face-to-face in community again. It featured a bunch of Halifax Needham entrepreneurs, including Family Over Fame, Taya Ties, Abstract Vision, Mama D's Cheesecakes, and Queens & Kings Natural Products.

There have been a number of subsequent events, including just in March, partnered with the Halifax Brewery Market Co-op. I really congratulate and thank Kordeena Clayton and Bria Miller in particular, as well as their supporters, for building partnerships and organizing these events, which have been so important.

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THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clayton Park West.

DILIBERATORE, PETER - ATHL.: NHL CONTRACT - CONGRATS.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians and Canadians from coast to coast were cheering for Peter DiLiberatore as he was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights. Before being drafted by the NHL and playing in high-level leagues, Peter called Halifax home with his mother Alison, his father Piero, and his lovely sister Kayla.

Peter's determination to go the extra mile, both in athletics and academics, has paid off. Peter's family are close friends of ours and I remember holding him as a baby. Now he's an elite prospect drafted into the NHL. He has always been hard-working, polite, and dedicated. Everything revolved around Peter's passion for hockey when his family recognized the talent he had.

In addition, I must add that, as a fellow member of the Italian Canadian community, we share a very long last name that is hard to pronounce at times. (Laughter) Thank you for putting another long Italian name on the map, Peter.

I ask the members of this House to join me in congratulating Peter DiLiberatore on this amazing achievement. Thank you, Peter.

THE SPEAKER « » : Thank you very much. The time allotted for members' statements has expired.

We'll now break for our 15-minute COVID-19 protocol reset. The House will resume at 10:15 a.m. with Question Period.

[10:00 a.m. The House recessed.]

[10:15 a.m. The House reconvened.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. We'll now move on to the order of business, Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM. - COVID-19: NORTHWOOD - GOVT. RESPONSE

[Page 1517]

TIM HOUSTON « » : My question is for the Premier. We spoke at length yesterday about the tragedy at Northwood and all the ways that the government failed and continues to fail the families involved in the Northwood tragedy.

When things were at their worst at Northwood, the government's response was to say, this union is using fearmongering and hyperbole to describe this situation. The government at the time, right in the midst of the tragedy unfolding, went on to challenge the NSGEU not to scare people unnecessarily and said they're creating fear and anxiety where it's not appropriate. It sounded to me, especially in hindsight, that the government was really trying to downplay the severity of the outbreak at Northwood and dismissing it as rhetoric.

My question for the Premier is: Why was the government's plan simply to attack the very people who were trying to draw attention to the situation at Northwood?

HON. IAIN RANKIN (The Premier) « » : As I said yesterday, our hearts are with all those who have been impacted by this virus at Northwood and in long-term care centres across the country. We're working very hard, especially those who work in the health care sector, to ensure that something of this magnitude never happens again. Lessons were learned after that first wave, and there was immediate action taken to ensure that we had better infection control in our facilities.

We undertook another review where we had investigations take place, and this government is taking action. You can see that in this budget, with key investments to ensure we have more staffing. We're going to continue the fight against COVID-19 alongside Public Health.

TIM HOUSTON « » : It's clear that the government was more interested in maintaining an image of control rather than acknowledging the true state of the affairs, that was obviously what was happening at the time. It extends well past what was happening at the time, and it continues into today. In fact, we even heard the Deputy Minister of Health and Wellness tell the Public Accounts Committee just in February that, "The situation at Northwood was certainly not as dramatic as was seen on the news and reported by many other provinces and jurisdictions across the country."

Now we have in-depth reporting that says it actually was exactly as dramatic here, and even the Premier acknowledged yesterday that the situation was dire. That was the word he used, I believe. Does the Premier feel that the deputy minister's comments accurately reflect the government's position on the tragedy at Northwood, that it was certainly not as dramatic as seen in other areas?

THE PREMIER « » : That's the member opposite's modus operandi. I will not attack public servants who work on behalf of Nova Scotians every day to ensure that we keep people safe, especially in health care. We made a response, and we put investments in to ensure that this doesn't happen again. It was a dire situation, of course it was. People lost their lives, and this is what's happening in other provinces right now in long-term care centres.

[Page 1518]

We need to make sure that we learn lessons, which we did. The independent investigation went through to see what happened at Northwood. The recommendations came out. We are following those recommendations. In the first wave, we made some adjustments to make sure that it informed the response to the second wave. We haven't had the types of interactions in our long-term care centres since the first wave, and we're actually successfully keeping out the third wave, as we speak.

TIM HOUSTON « » : We're seeing some consistency in MOs, that's for sure. When my colleague raised this quote with the Minister of Health and Wellness earlier in this session, the minister didn't answer the question. Instead, he attacked my colleague for quoting the exact witness at Public Accounts Committee.

It's a standard response from this government. When they get a question, they attack. Any response from people on the front lines that says things are bad, it's fearmongering. Now we've seen a review that isn't released to the public and we have a deputy who has dismissed, in some ways, the tragedy as minor, certainly, a minister who won't address comments, and we just heard the Premier's comments today. Of course, it's me, it's my fault for raising these issues.

I'll ask the Premier a very direct question: Will the Premier correct the wrong of the inadequate review and now call for a full inquiry into the COVID-19 outbreak at Northwood?

THE PREMIER « » : We continue to make sure that we're working to address areas of concern in long-term care. That's why we've invested an increase of over $100 million in this budget. We now spend over $1 billion in continuing care. This is a national issue in our long-term care centres. Unfortunately, many Canadians have lost their lives, and we had outbreaks across this country. We do follow the Public Health guidelines to make sure that we are addressing issues of concern. There are investments in this budget. We are going to continue to make sure that we follow those recommendations which are public, and make sure that they have the investments required to make sure that that happens.

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

PREM. - NORTHWOOD: GOVT. ROLE - RESPONSIBILITY

[Page 1519]

GARY BURRILL « » : I, too, wish to pursue this matter from yesterday's discussion. Accepting responsibility is a key component of governing and of leading, but yesterday when I asked the Premier about his and his government's relationship to the sorrow which began at Northwood a year ago tomorrow, there was no acceptance of any responsibility in his answers.

But there is a responsibility. The Premier voted for the budget that cut funding to long-term care and cut Northwood's funding more than any other home in Nova Scotia. His name was called, he recorded his vote, and the result is written down.

Will the Premier, today, take responsibility on behalf of his government for this government's role in what took place at Northwood?

THE PREMIER « » : Again, lessons were learned. We always follow the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada. In terms of when, it was very clear that asymptomatic spread was an issue - actually, even before that official release came out about that issue we began masking at Northwood.

Of course, there are lessons learned. We cannot go back in time, but what we can do is ensure that the required investments are made. The capital was approved months ago to ensure that that facility became more modernized. In this budget, we have more money for workplace safety for staffing. We are going to continue to make sure we are following those recommendations and look forward, to make sure that we are making those changes.

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, we are not talking about going back in time. We are talking about the maturity that leads to taking responsibility for one's decisions.

The percentage of the people in Nova Scotia who get to sit at the Cabinet table and make the decisions government makes about which infrastructure proposals are going to go forward and which are not is very small. The Premier was one of those people when Northwood's 2017, 2018, and 2019 applications for capital expansions were each, in turn, denied, with the result that Northwood was consigned to remaining in a shared occupancy model.

Does the Premier really think it is enough for him to say, as he did here yesterday, that his focus is elsewhere than on the impact of these decisions?

THE PREMIER « » : The focus has been on safety of long-term care and continues to be. That is why we need to make investments, especially with COVID-19, ensuring that the right protective equipment is there for staff. There was no official advice from Public Health where our asymptomatic spread could happen, but we made sure that we acted swiftly.

Masks were in place by April 6^th in the facility at Northwood, but we need to make sure that we are responding to the issues in long-term care and in health care across the province. That is why we made the investments.

[Page 1520]

GARY BURRILL « » : What I am talking about is the Premier's and the government's responsibility. Year after year, the Premier and the government voted for budgets that contained freezes on new long-term care construction, leaving people in shared accommodations in Northwood and in other facilities as, what author André Picard has called, sitting ducks for pathogens.

So, okay. No responsibility, but does the Premier not even have a sense of regret about the role of his government's decisions in what took place at Northwood?

THE PREMIER « » : It is a travesty what has happened in our long-term care centres in Canada. Canada ranks very low across the globe for wealthy nations, and Nova Scotia is part of that sad story. That is why we need to make sure that we are making the changes required that are in the reports.

We had independent investigators go to that very facility. We are taking this matter very seriously. Again, condolences go out to the families who are impacted. All Nova Scotians were touched by what happened at that centre, and our hearts are with all those who are impacted by COVID-19.

I do think, at the same time, that we need to thank those who are working on the front line to ensure that this type of thing does not happen again, and government needs to make sure that the resources required are given to them.

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

PREM. - NORTHWOOD: HOSPITAL BEDS - DECISION

TIM HOUSTON « » : There are many questions that would haunt, really, anyone who read Stephanie Nolen's exposé of the tragedy at Northwood. The one that sticks out for me in my mind is the decision not to hospitalize infected residents from Northwood.

On one hand you have a province, as Ms. Nolen illustrates, that cleared out hospital space to treat people who would contract COVID-19. On the other hand you have an overcrowded facility where an outbreak was occurring and the residents were in need of acute care. If the treatment they needed wasn't enough to move them to the hospital, then surely using the hospital space as a pressure valve release on the outbreak at Northwood would have made sense and should have been considered.

My question to the Premier is: Why were the empty hospitals not used to help address the situation at Northwood?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the member knows that that decision was made by Public Health, and we need to continue to make sure that evolving evidence is considered every day. That's why we need to make sure that we are making evidence-based decisions and we're going back and ensuring that there is a thorough review.

[Page 1521]

There was an immediate review, looking at the sector as a whole for infection control so we could immediately react to that, and then a second review that looked specifically to Northwood. The investigators went in, interviewed people first-hand, protected their own privacy as to what was said. We're following through on all those recommendations that were made public.

TIM HOUSTON « » : That seems to me, and to most Nova Scotians, to be an obvious question that the Premier should have a very clear answer to. These are questions that should have been posed to the leaders at the Department of Health and Wellness, for sure, at the Nova Scotia Health Authority in Halifax, Northwood officials. These are questions that a Premier of a province should be asking. There should be a very clear response to a question like that, and it could be a response that makes a lot of sense. It very well could be, but it would be a response that puts people's minds at ease. I'm very surprised that we can't get a clear response to that question.

My question for the Premier is: As the leader of the Province, why isn't his voice the loudest possible voice demanding an inquiry into a situation that resulted in the death of 53 Nova Scotians?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, it's the priority for us. There is no higher priority than to make investments, where required, to ensure that something like this doesn't happen again in our long-term care centres and, at the same time, make sure that we are prioritizing vaccines out to that vulnerable sector.

We do have independent reviews that we're acting on, Mr. Speaker. I won't challenge the clinical decisions made, like the one that the member references. What I will do is ensure that reports that come out with the recommendations based on what happens in those clinical decisions are made and make sure that they have the investments to make sure they're implemented.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition on a new question.

PREM.: VACATION - EXPLAIN

TIM HOUSTON « » : I think the part the Premier is missing is that we're not asking the Premier to challenge clinical decisions, we're asking him to understand so he can respond to Nova Scotians as to why decisions like that were made.

We asked a lot of questions yesterday and into today, certainly, about the tragedy at Northwood. While all that was unfolding, the Premier was sitting at the Cabinet table. Yesterday we asked about the Premier's judgment in leaving the province while the pandemic was arriving.

[Page 1522]

The Premier said that restrictions came into place on the 14^th, which he said was after he left. We've presented lots of evidence, there was lots of information well before the 13^th. There were restrictions in place well before the 13^th. I'm not sure what the additional restrictions are that may have come on the 14^th.

At that time, Nova Scotians generally knew it was not a good time to take a vacation. In fact, they were instructed not to by their government.

My question to the Premier is: Did the Premier not understand that it wasn't a good time to take a vacation?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, it was a clinical decision to bring hospital support into that long-term care centre. When I referenced that I won't challenge that clinical decision, I think it's important for government officials to ensure that when we do have that, we do allow operational decisions to take place, based on their training. But when we follow up, we make sure that when there are lessons learned and there's recommendations posed, to make adjustments when there's evolving evidence given out by Public Health, that we make those determinations and we act.

TIM HOUSTON « » : I didn't hear an answer. This is really a question about judgment. The Premier of the province makes a lot of decisions that impact the lives of Nova Scotians every single day. The Cabinet makes a lot of decisions.

Certainly, if we go back in time to the fear and anxiety when the pandemic was approaching, there were lots of reasons to believe that it wasn't a good time to take a vacation.

On March 9^th, residents in long-term care across Canada, we began losing them, on March 9^th, that's the week before. On March 11^th, the NBA and the NHL cancelled games, Mr. Speaker - that all happened before. Visits were restricted to families.

Yet none of this seemed to prevent the Premier from thinking it was a good time for him to take a vacation and head to a place that there's been a travel restriction against. I'm just wondering about what were the restrictions that the Premier needed to see on March 14^th that finally made him decide, based on somebody else's advice, that he was in the wrong?

THE PREMIER « » : I left before March Break, started on an approved vacation. When I landed, that's when I heard about restrictions for international travellers, so I started to look at booking my trip home and I ended my trip early. It's as simple as that. It was reported in the media.

[Page 1523]

[10:30 a.m.]

This member wants to take personal attacks on me. That's his style of politics. I'll continue to focus on policy, ensuring that I'm working with Public Health to prevent a third wave in this province.

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

PREM.: LONG-TERM CARE PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS - ADDRESS

BARBARA ADAMS « » : I'll remind the Premier that his very own Minister of Health and Wellness said that I was hiding under a rock when I was, in fact, working in a long-term care facility.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, in the midst of defending the indefensible cutting of long-term care budgets for two straight years, the Premier said that he is happy to report that the government has finally completed all short-term recommendations from the long-term care expert panel - those due to be completed two years ago.

Even if we were to believe that this was true, these short-term actions were planning and counting of staff. They did not result in any significant increase in staffing. In fact, government, despite its assertions, has not placed a priority on vaccinating the most vulnerable in long-term care, with Dr. Strang admitting that only 48 of 133 long-term care facilities had been vaccinated. Still, we're not finished.

Mr. Speaker, if it took 2.5 years to implement critical short-term recommendations, can the Premier tell me how long he expects to take to implement the medium- and long-term recommendations that were already supposed to be completed?

THE PREMIER « » : I don't have the specific timeline in front of me, but I know that we have given the resources in this budget to ensure that we're meeting all the recommendations that have been posed to us, to make sure that we are making continuous improvement in our centres.

We are rolling out the vaccine with higher priority for our long-term care residents. Over half of them now have their second dose. We lead the country in how many doses have gone out to our long-term care centres. That was our strategy, the strategy that the members opposite continue to try to dispute, to try to get more first shots in arms. We felt, especially at that time, that we needed to make sure that we kept the commitment to get the second dose out to those centres.

BARBARA ADAMS « » : The actual truth about the vaccine, Mr. Speaker - if you go right on covid19tracker.com, and I'll table the current stats - is 22 per cent of Canadians have been vaccinated. The range is 15.4 per cent in Nova Scotia all the way up to 35 per cent in the Yukon. The percentage of doses delivered to Canadians is 72.8 per cent of the vaccines in their hands. The range is 57.8 per cent of the doses delivered in Nova Scotia all the way up to 76 per cent in Quebec.

[Page 1524]

We are last in the number of percentage vaccinated. We are last in percentage of doses delivered. I see the Premier shaking his head. I'll table the document. He can have a look online.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier is: If those statistics online are telling us what I just said, can the Premier tell us whether that's not accurate and if he has different statistics to present to the House today.

THE PREMIER « » : I want to make sure that I get up to thank those who are working in our vaccine rollout program. I had an opportunity today to visit with Dr. Strang at our community clinic. We will hit 200,000 doses in arms, Mr. Speaker. That's a significant milestone.

We're at 19.6 per cent for our first dose. We're above the national average for our second doses because, as I said, we wanted to get that second dose out to the long-term centres. That was the plan. We have one of the most robust, reliable, and flexible plans in the country.

We have the most equitable plan, working alongside First Nations, getting second doses into elders. We're working alongside African Nova Scotian communities to ensure that we work with them. That's part of our plan. I'm very proud of those working every single day to make sure that vaccines get into arms. Everyone will get a chance by June.

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

PREM.: CCA WAGES & BENEFITS - IMPROVE

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. The continuing care sector is short hundreds of qualified CCAs. A 2018 survey of CUPE members found that 95 per cent of residential long-term care workers have been affected by working short, and 75 per cent of workers said that they work short either daily or weekly. Meanwhile, the government refuses to conduct the full compensation review of long-term care roles asked for by the Nova Scotia Nursing Homes Association.

Will the Premier commit to improving the wages and benefits of people who work in long-term care?

THE PREMIER « » : We've made targeted investments. We're now spending over a billion dollars in continuing care. Every single budget that I've been part of in this House brought increases to home care. This budget has that same type of increase, but we're also ensuring that we address recommendations in the long-term care recommendation report.

[Page 1525]

We're also looking at how we best remunerate those who are working on the front line to make sure that they get a fair wage.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, the government continues to point to the money it's investing this year in hiring new long-term care assistants, but when this was recommended in the aforementioned minister's expert advisory panel on long-term care over two years ago, it was said: "Staff are in need of immediate support to alleviate an overstressed workforce. . . We recommend these temporary workers be hired as soon as possible."

This job classification ranks even lower in pay, training, and responsibility than CCAs. With the sector already drastically short of CCAs, why does the Premier think that creating a new lower-paid job classification will fix this problem?

THE PREMIER « » : I'm focused on this budget because it's the first budget I brought in. There's a 7 per cent increase to home care and a 16 per cent increase to long-term care. We have an Act that was passed in the House to ensure that we have a registry for CCAs. That's a recommendation.

What we need to do is continue to look at how we can work together to find the investments to manage our fiscal purse in the way that we can ensure that there's program funding for tomorrow. That's what this government will continue to do. We'll look at every recommendation brought by independent people and act.

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

H&W - RESIDENT DOCTORS: FEE REDUCTION - COMMENT

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness.

This government tells the House that it has initiatives ready to go in order to attract and retain physicians. However, on the floor of this Legislature, we have heard of systemic issues that our health care system and its employees face. We talk a lot about how people attach themselves to Nova Scotia when they come here.

We also have resident doctors to whom we are trying to sell ourselves - recruit, if you will - to stay here, and with all the money that med students pay, our health care system charges them to park at the hospital during every shift.

My question to the minister: Isn't a good relationship with a future doctor worth $2 a day?

[Page 1526]

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : We've worked very hard to establish a strong relationship with Doctors Nova Scotia and the physicians who work in this province. We've increased their salary by over 20 per cent last year alone.

While the member talks about a couple dollars, we've been focused on investing millions to support those physicians, to train more physicians than ever before in this province, and to recruit more international physicians than we have ever done. These are really where the strategic efforts need to be made. I've yet to speak to a physician who has brought up not wanting to pay the same parking fees that every other Nova Scotian pays, that every patient pays at those hospitals that charge it as well. That has never been an issue that's been brought up to me by a physician.

PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm not talking about full-time physicians. I'm talking about resident doctors who have just finished their eight-plus years of university and are training for two more years.

My next question is for the Minister of Labour Relations. At this point in time, it's a well-known story that Netflix exists because its founder got sick of paying late fees at Blockbuster, and now Blockbuster doesn't exist. For all the grand gestures, sometimes it's the small things that make all the difference.

We're talking around $3,000 or less per student per year, not the tens of thousands that municipalities kick in, not the hundreds of thousands we pay for seats at Dal Medical School. Doctors who are graduating with years of student debt get one small thing taken off their minds. If we don't figure out how to be Netflix, we are doomed to be Blockbuster.

The question to the minister is: Will the minister commit to addressing petty fees in a new collective agreement when the old one expires on June 30^th of this year?

HON. RANDY DELOREY: As the member noted, the negotiations do take place, there is a collective agreement or master agreement that gets established with the bargaining agent on behalf of resident physicians within the province of Nova Scotia.

That organization that we negotiate with is MarDocs and, as the member noted, that is a collective bargaining environment. What I commit to the member and all members of this Legislature is that the bargaining process will unfold. Requests will be made by MarDocs on behalf of their members at the bargaining table, and their employers will respond in kind, as that process dictates for fair collective bargaining.

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

H&W: C.B. VACCINE ROLLOUT - UPDATE

[Page 1527]

MURRAY RYAN: Last week, John Malcom, the former CEO of the Cape Breton District Health Authority, took to Twitter in frustration. He was upset about the vaccine rollout here in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. On Monday in an interview with the Cape Breton Post, Mr. Malcom said that it appears when it came to rolling out the vaccine, "they chose to work from the centre", being Halifax, "and we were the last in line here in Cape Breton."

This must have struck a nerve with the Minister of Health and Wellness, for he responded yesterday in an opinion piece in the Cape Breton Post to rebut Mr. Malcom's position, referring to Cape Breton as not being at the end of the caboose. It should be noted that there has not been a caboose in Cape Breton in over six years, since the rail service was discontinued, but that might explain our doctor shortages - they might be on the train.

It is a pretty sad state of affairs when the highly respected former health authority CEO speaks up. I would ask the minister to share his thoughts on the NSHA's shortcomings, as perceived by the former CEO.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : In fact, what the member stated is incorrect; what the good doctor stated was not correct either. He said he had a feeling that Cape Breton was last, when in fact if you actually look at the percentages of vaccinations, Cape Breton is slightly ahead of the provincial average. We have actually been leading the way when it comes to vaccinations in Cape Breton, and that is because people have been booking their appointments, and Cape Bretoners have been acting responsibly to get their vaccines.

If you look at the most recent statistics I have, there has been 15 per cent of individuals in Cape Breton who have been vaccinated, and that is compared with the provincial average of close to 13 per cent. We are actually leading the way in Cape Breton, and that is because of our equitable approach, where we want every region of the province to be vaccinated at the same time. This is very different than other provinces that do have higher numbers of vaccinations. They are only vaccinating their city centres. Our approach here is much different and a more equitable from a regional perspective.

MURRAY RYAN: This week by coincidence, or in response to last week's Twitter tirade, several pharmacies in the area were added to the vaccination appointment system. There has been little information provided thus far around Public Health's plans for those who live at home, those who are physically unable to leave home to get vaccinated.

I ask the minister: What is the plan, and what are the anticipated timelines for these Nova Scotians to get their vaccinations?

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : As I have said several times in the Chamber, we have pharmacies lined up to deliver vaccines the more the supply comes in. Everything we are able to do is based on federal supply. When we get more supply, there are more pharmacies that come online to deliver that vaccine.

[Page 1528]

[10:45 a.m.]

We have hit new records this week with vaccines in arms, hitting close to 13,000 in one day. That is why you see more pharmacies being opened up. If the supply lessens, you will see less pharmacies delivering that vaccine. It is all contingent on supply. We have a good plan, we are actually ranked third in the country for growth in vaccinations. How quickly we are catching up and our age-based approach is being adopted by other jurisdictions as well because it is the most efficient and the best way to deliver this vaccination.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings North.

H&W - TRANSPLANT PATIENTS: VACCINE PRIORITY - AGREE

JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, Darlene Chase has given me permission to ask about her, which I have tabled with the Clerk. My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness.

Darlene says she believes that those in health care understand this, and she cannot understand why transplant recipients were not prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine. She is left struggling to book on the online system in her age bracket.

My question for the Minister of Health and Wellness is: How come transplant recipients like Darlene Chase were not prioritized?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : The best thing we can do for all Nova Scotians, particularly those with underlying health conditions, is to get to herd immunity as quickly as possible. People forget that this is the benefit of the vaccination program. It's not an individual benefit. It's a collective benefit. We defeat this pandemic when we have herd immunity to the virus.

The best thing we can do for everybody, including those with underlying health conditions, is to get to herd immunity as quickly as possible. The best way to do that is with an age-based approach, which also corresponds with the single greatest risk factor with COVID-19 for severe illness and death, which is age.

Other provinces that have tried to prioritize various groups have actually started to look at what we're doing. This is particularly the case in New Brunswick, which has now moved to an age-based approach, because of its efficiency.

I need to remind this House that that is when we defeat this virus, when we get to herd immunity, and this path will allow us to do it in the quickest manner possible.

[Page 1529]

JOHN LOHR « » : I'd like to thank the minister for the answer. I would like to remind him that other provinces have prioritized those who are most vulnerable.

Mr. Speaker, as you can understand, Darlene Chase, as a kidney transplant recipient, also knows quite a bit about dialysis. Those on dialysis are also very vulnerable to COVID-19. Other provinces have found a way to vaccinate those with underlying conditions, like dialysis or cancer recipients, while distributing the vaccine, and have done better distributing the vaccine than Nova Scotia, which has the poorest vaccine distribution program in the country.

My question to the minister is: What does the minister say to the many vulnerable citizens who are on dialysis or cancer patients or many others? Why did their health issues not warrant priority with this government?

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, what I would say to all those individuals and everybody who is fearful of this virus is the road to defeating it is through herd immunity. That is when we defeat this pandemic. That is when we come out of this.

We actually have a leading vaccine program here in Nova Scotia. We are third in terms of growth of vaccinations getting into arms. We've hit 20 per cent of our population this week. The best thing we can do for all those folks is to get to herd immunity as quickly as possible.

I know that people are fearful, particularly those with underlying health conditions. This is why we're taking this approach. It is the most efficient way, it is the fastest way and it's going to get us to herd immunity in the quickest manner possible, and that will help us preserve lives here in Nova Scotia.

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

PREM.: NORTHWOOD FUNDING REQUEST - REFUSAL

LISA ROBERTS: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. A little more than a year ago in budget Estimates, I asked the Minister of Health why, for three consecutive years, the government refused to support a funding request from Northwood for renovations that would eliminate double and triple rooms and, with them, risk of infection.

At that time, a few weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Nova Scotia, the minister responded that there was no standard requiring single rooms and that renovating Northwood would not add beds to the system and would only "increase some levels of satisfaction."

My question for the Premier is: Will the Premier acknowledge that this government had full knowledge of the challenges posed by conditions at Northwood and failed to take preventive action? (Applause)

[Page 1530]

THE PREMIER « » : We have approved the rebuild of Northwood to ensure that we do have separation between residents that is more appropriate. That's what a fair government does.

We are looking comprehensively across the province. There are already six other facilities that are approved. We're looking at the list to ensure that we are prioritizing those that have the most, I think, discrepancies in how we look at infection control, the makeup of how these buildings were constructed decades ago. This is not atypical. This is happening across the country.

We know a lot more now than we knew before COVID-19 hit our shores. We're going to continue to make sure that those investments roll out in an expedited fashion, along with investments, to ensure that we have more staffing and more appropriate operational resources.

LISA ROBERTS: Mr. Speaker, in February and March of last year, we could see the impact COVID-19 was having in other parts of the world, and we knew it was only a matter of time before it was felt here in Nova Scotia.

On February 28^th, 2020, my NDP colleague, the MLA for Dartmouth South, asked the Minister of Health and Wellness how this government was preparing for COVID-19's arrival and potential impact on seniors. At that time, the minister stated: "The work within Public Health for preparation around COVID-19 and the potential eventual appearance in Nova Scotia is really focused on the general population . . . I'm not aware of something specific targeted to seniors . . ."

I would like to ask the Premier « » : Will the Premier acknowledge that this government's failure to act put staff and residents at Northwood on the front lines of this pandemic?

THE PREMIER « » : Again, we all have our hearts and minds with those who are impacted by COVID‑19, especially the number of people who have been impacted through Northwood, but we need to make sure that we are making those investments to ensure it doesn't happen again.

We have learned lessons after the first wave so that it did not enter long‑term care in the second wave. We are suppressing ‑ making sure that we don't even get this third wave, if we continue to make sure that we're following restrictions, as Nova Scotians have.

There was some unknown evidence about what asymptomatic spread meant, and we followed the advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada. That advice came out on April 13^th, and we had the mask policy in place more than two weeks before that at Northwood.

[Page 1531]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney River‑Mira‑Louisbourg.

H&W: ADDNS. TREATMENT IN C.B. - SHORTAGE

BRIAN COMER « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday's Cape Breton Post highlighted the tremendous accomplishments of two men from Glace Bay who have overcome their addictions. Unfortunately, they had to travel to British Columbia in order to seek appropriate addiction treatment.

Now these two men want to return the gift by paying for the treatment of someone else. They can't provide the gift of treatment for this person in Cape Breton because the only live-in addiction centre for men in Cape Breton has a six‑ to eight‑month wait-list. It is also worth noting that this centre has no affiliation with the Nova Scotia Health Authority in Halifax.

My time as a mental health nurse has taught me that with addiction, days matter and seconds count. I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Wellness: How does he feel that Talbot House is the only live‑in addiction treatment centre in Cape Breton and it is bearing the burden alone of helping those faced with life‑threatening addictions?

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

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I have discussed this issue with clinicians whom we have access to in the department. We appreciate having that in-patient care at Talbot House. In fact, members of this party, when the previous NDP government made some decisions that affected Talbot House, stood up for that facility. However, there is more of a clinical move away from in-patient care to more of a community‑based withdrawal, support, and management.

Part of the rationale for that is there are some who will require in-patient care, particularly those on alcohol because of the physiological effects of that drug, but for those whose withdrawal can be managed at home or in the community, that is viewed to be a better system. It is more supportive, and it's better to help prevent relapse.

BRIAN COMER « » : I'd like to thank the minister for this answer. I just want to be clear - I am talking about acute addiction issues here, Mr. Speaker.

Last year's budget had zero funding to expand live‑in addiction treatment for those who need it most. History repeated itself this year. We have only eight detox beds in all of Cape Breton for live‑in, acute addiction services. We know that longer-term addiction treatments have better outcomes. We have too many instances of "daytox," as it results in revolving doors with people seeking treatment repetitively. These services are for those who need it most.

[Page 1532]

I would like to ask the minister: Does the minister believe that eight beds are acceptable for all of Cape Breton?

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : We are increasing supports for mental health as well as withdrawal support and management. We are creating hubs in every single health zone of the province to provide additional support for these folks.

Again, there is more of a focus on community‑based withdrawal management as opposed to in-patient management. This is what clinicians are saying is a better model. Based on my conversations with them, the way I understand them, this is because if you are keeping addicts out of the community, in hospital, and then they return to the community, those triggers are there again, fresh for them to interact with, whereas if they are learning to manage their withdrawal in the community, where some of these triggers might be around, the chance of long-term success is improved. We are increasing investments in this area, and there is a change of model that clinically is dictating where our focuses are.

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

DOJ: NEGOTIATIONS WITH TOBACCO COS. - PROGRESS

COLTON LEBLANC « » : Across Canada, provincial governments have been in negotiations with major tobacco companies in an effort to settle outstanding health cost recovery lawsuits. Nova Scotia is a party to these lawsuits and to the negotiations. With a lack of sustained attention, however, there are fears that these negotiations will drag on with no resolution in sight.

I'm not even sure if the lead on this file is the Minister of Health and Wellness or the Minister of Justice, but I will ask the Minister of Justice since he used to be Minister of Health and Wellness. Could the Minister of Justice update the House on the progress of these negotiations?

HON. RANDY DELOREY: The work that takes place in such a large and complex legal proceeding as this does take time. There are a lot of parties at play. There is a wealth of material that needs to be provided and reviewed by both parties. What I can assure the member is that counsel leading this file is active and will continue to represent the best interests of all Nova Scotians as this work proceeds.

COLTON LEBLANC « » : The position of health organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Smoke-Free Nova Scotia, and the Lung Association of Nova Scotia has been that this settlement should not just be a cash grab by the Province. In fact, part of the settlement should include dedicated, sustained funding for tobacco control programming. In fact, it is suggested that 10 per cent of any settlement should be dedicated to an independent fund dedicated to tobacco control activities, including an end to all tobacco promotion.

[Page 1533]

My question for the minister is: Could you tell the House whether the government has consulted with any of these organizations about potential Public Health measures to be considered in the negotiations?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I have consulted with the Cancer Society on this very issue.

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

MAH: FUNDING FOR MUNICIPALITIES - UPDATE

HUGH MACKAY: My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The Department of Municipal Affairs supports effective local governance by providing funding for our municipalities. Some of this funding comes through transfers, some comes by grants, and some by other means.

My question for the minister is: Could the minister please provide this House with an update on funding mechanisms that this government uses to support Nova Scotia municipalities?

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : I would like to thank the honourable member for his interest in government support for the municipalities across the province, which is one of our most important relationships - that of our municipalities. We are committed to working closely with the municipalities to keep Nova Scotians healthy and safe.

I have had the privilege of meeting with the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities several times now, and my job is to listen and to bring forward their concerns. In fiscal 2020-21, the Department of Municipal Affairs delivered over $78.2 million in provincial operating grants to these municipalities.

When you combine that with the federal Safe Restart Agreement funding, it is about $145.2 million. Those are just some of the ways that we are supporting our municipalities. I would like to take an opportunity to also say that the big part of the Department of Municipal Affairs is to provide advice, training, and assistance to those municipalities.

HUGH MACKAY: My supplemental is also for the Minister of the Department of Municipal Affairs. Will the minister please inform the House on the department's effort to develop a model for the Regional Enterprise Networks?

[Page 1534]

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : The Regional Enterprise Networks are now part of the Department of Inclusive Economic Growth. It is a great fit for the RENs, as the department supports efforts that encourage entrepreneurship. They help attract venture capital investments, and grow sectors of the economy.

[11:00 a.m.]

As we know, municipal governments play an important role in working with the RENs so of course my department - the individuals, the experts in this department - will continue to work alongside the RENs to create a shared strategy for business growth. Thank you to the member for his interest.

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

H&W - HILLSVIEW ACRES: REPLACEMENT NEEDED - UPDATE

KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, on December 3^rd, 2013, the member for Kings West stated that the replacement for Hillsview Acres in Queens County was long overdue, and he instructed the department to get the project under way. That is being tabled in the House as I speak.

Since that time, the municipality has continued to have discussions with provincial health officials, completed several reports and studies at the government's request, but the government still refuses to commit to a replacement facility.

My question for the Minister of Health and Wellness is: The main building at Hillsview is 127 years old. Why is his government announcing replacements for buildings less than half of the age of this?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, we have a strategic infrastructure team that helps us assess the capital needs of our long-term care system and helps us develop our strategy to respond to those. This includes an analytics team that looks at demographic and population pressures as well. There's a lot of work and thought and modelling that does go into this process, and we're not finished with this. The announcements made today will not be the final ones.

KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minister's response. I can understand that a lot goes into the logistics of this, but you've had this file since 2013. This building is 127 years old.

Let's talk about Hillsview Acres. It's a two-storey residential care facility providing 24-hour care to 29 residents. Incredible care that people are receiving in this building, but the building is failing the residents and the staff. The facility was promised replacement by the NDP government as well, but this Liberal government has refused to honour the commitment. The facility is the largest residential care facility in western Nova Scotia.

[Page 1535]

My question to the minister is: It has been over seven years since the government committed to a replacement facility for Hillsview Acres. Can the minister tell my constituents today why one has not been announced?

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : The focus has been on our long-term care homes, the nursing homes, where there is a higher level of acuity than in the residential care centres.

The priority has been there and, even according to the members opposite, that is where the priority should have been, on our larger nursing home facilities that have the highest acuity in them. However, we do have capital maintenance budgets that have been increased; there is an increase this year.

I am happy to take a look at that centre to help our team identify the necessary capital improvements to ensure that folks who are living there are living in a high-quality space.

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

F&A - SADDLE ISLAND A.C. SITE: POLLUTION THREAT - ADVISE

HUGH MACKAY: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Nova Scotians recognize the importance to our coastal workers and communities of a strong aquaculture industry. Nova Scotians also recognize that industrial aquaculture practices must conform to environmentally sensitive and sustainable operations.

Some residents of the Aspotogan Peninsula have expressed their concerns to my office, as well as to the minister's office, that operation of the Saddle Island aquaculture site near Bayswater Provincial Park is resulting in pollution of the park's public beach.

My question to the minister is: What steps have department staff, or perhaps staff at the Department of Environment, taken to ensure that operations at the Saddle Island aquaculture site are conforming to provincial law and are not a pollution threat to the beach at the Bayswater Provincial Park?

HON. KEITH COLWELL: I'd like to thank the member for the question. Actually, all our decisions made on these sites are science-based, and there is a continuous environmental monitoring program in place.

We did receive a complaint last Fall, and since then our Department of Lands and Forestry and enforcement in the Department of Environment and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have been involved in a study, along with the . . .

[Page 1536]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

The House will now recess for its 15-minute COVID-19 protocol break. Proceedings will resume at 11:20 a.m.

[11:05 a.m. The House recessed.]

[11:20 a.m. The House reconvened.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now rise and leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply.

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

KIM MASLAND « » : I am happy to rise today and speak to the Supply motion in response to the budget.

It truly is a privilege to be a member of this Legislative Assembly and to be the representative for Queens-Shelburne. I take this job very seriously and am humbled each day for the opportunity.

Before I begin my comments, I would like to thank you, Mr. Speaker, and the incredible staff at the Legislature for organizing this hybrid sitting. You folks play an incredible role in ensuring Nova Scotians have the ability to learn what is happening in the people's House, especially during a time of Public Health restrictions.

You have all contributed to what I would say is, although very different, a successful session. It truly is a shame that we were on a year-long, Liberal government-led hiatus. Let me remind Nova Scotians: during that time, more than a billion dollars was spent on a long list of appropriations with no accountability.

To my Progressive Conservative colleagues and staff, thank you for all your work and support. We all bring something different to our virtual table each day, and we proved to Nova Scotians that we are ready for the job to be the next government of this beautiful province.

[Page 1537]

What makes me most proud about our Party is that we do not criticize without offering a well-thought-out plan to government of how to make things better, how to make lives better for Nova Scotians. We are not just an Opposition Party of sound bites or making promises that we cannot keep. We are transparent and we are accountable.

Sadly, we have not seen either of these two things from this government. This government is run in a highly partisan, secret environment, and it prevents great legislation that our Party presents, session after session, from passing - legislation that could benefit Nova Scotians. This government most recently introduced a bill with 55 clauses. When they could not mitigate the fears of Nova Scotians, they had to reintroduce a redacted bill with 19 clauses.

The last year has been incredibly difficult. COVID-19 forced us to face a year of change and of challenge. At times, it felt as if our lives were turned upside down. Despite the tremendous amount of uncertainty, there was incredible resilience. I was continually overwhelmed with how residents right across our province embraced change and adhered to public health to keep our families and communities safe. The acts of kindness and caring for each other will remain with me forever.

I would like to commend all our frontline workers who sacrificed so much during the pandemic, continuing to go to work each day to keep us safe. To our educators, thank you for continuing to educate our children in such challenging times. To our students, thank you for what you're doing to keep our schools and your friends safe.

This'll be the fourth budget that has been presented since I became a member in this House. In that time, I've seen a lot of catchy budget titles. After reviewing the latest budget, I pulled out speeches that I had delivered in response to past budgets. Sadly, not much has changed.

This isn't really a budget of solutions. With very few exceptions, this budget will offer no hope to Nova Scotians who have been left behind or let down for eight years by this Liberal government. When I read through this budget, it immediately left me with a feeling of an old saying that my grandfather would use: a mile long and an inch deep. I actually chuckled when I heard the leader say those same words. The more you dig, the more you find out there is a lot missing.

It bothers me deeply that this government continued to allow people to suffer and then suddenly, months before an election campaign, they want to redo their storybook full of hope. A storybook that they will use as they knock on your doors. I ask that you remember how you've been treated by this government during the last eight years. Things have not gotten better for many Nova Scotians. In fact, they have gotten worse. When you dig through all the sound bites and slogans, I don't see much hope for the constituents of Queens-Shelburne under this Liberal government.

[Page 1538]

My colleague for Northside-Westmount said the budget has a lot of words that would be used as a sales pitch - words like "new" and "more" - but it falls short of actually focusing on people, which is the job of government - to make sure plans and policies and programs are in place to care for the people living in our province. New programs, new ideas? Nova Scotians have not been able to access existing programs. People need to be able to access programs now. They can no longer be forced to wait on lists that are long and delayed while this government dreams up new plans.

We all know in this Legislature that when our constituents enter the doors of our offices, it is usually not on their best days. They are trying to navigate complex bureaucracy, they are frustrated, they're full of anxiety of how they'll be able to, quite frankly, access even simple things. I'm reminded of the logistical nightmare faced to book a simple blood collection appointment, and now we're seeing that same logistical nightmare with trying to book a vaccination appointment. I was making blood collection appointments for my constituents and then calling them to remind them when their appointment was going to be happening.

Seniors are consumed with worry of how they will be able to age in place with insufficient hours of home care. It is great for the government to say they want our seniors to age in place. As a former senior safety coordinator, I will wholeheartedly support this idea, but until there is tremendous investment into home care that includes 24-hour-a-day care every day, government fails our seniors once again.

Seniors are worried: Will I be able to access a long-term care bed when I need one in my community? And families of seniors are consumed with caregiver stress and exhaustion. Once again, this government doesn't see or feel this fear or anxiety. Actually, they have once again shown Nova Scotians that they have no sense of urgency to ensure there are adequate long-term care beds in our province.

After all these years in office, the former Premier decides, while exiting a door, to promise 230 beds by 2025 and renovations in seven long-term care homes. We have between 1,000 to 1,500 seniors waiting for long-term care placement - and it is expected to grow - and we see a reannouncement of 230 beds? No line in the capital plan for long-term care beds in Queens-Shelburne. Crickets from this government. No replacement of Roseway Manor and no replacement of Hillsview Acres - both political footballs that have been tossed around during election-promising.

Hillsview Acres is the largest residential care facility in western Nova Scotia, and residents who live at this facility are forced to share one washroom with eight other residents. I asked a question this morning in Question Period about this, and it got some reaction from some members on the screen. I ask all members of this House (we're not getting younger): How would you like to be able to share a bathroom with someone every day - with eight other people - and live in a 7 x 9 room? I ask you, every one of you, to go visit that facility.

[Page 1539]

We are blessed to have Queens Manor and North Queens Nursing Home, both long-term care facilities, but they both have cramped quarters, making it very difficult to navigate a wheelchair. They are aging facilities. If aging facilities are not replaced, wait times will get longer and the number of people waiting will grow higher. The neglect of long-term care in this constituency has gone on way too long, and it is time for change. It is shameful. I am thankful for the PC plan of Dignity for Our Seniors. That gives me hope.

Let's talk about doctors. Sixty-four thousand one hundred fifty-four people are waiting for a doctor after this government promised way back in 2013 that every Nova Scotian would have a doctor. That was a great campaign headline, but they have failed miserably. In Queens County 1,069 and in Shelburne County 1,532 people are waiting for doctors. At home, we have lost incredible doctors to retirement in the last couple of years. Dr. Woodford will be retiring at the end of June. We have incredible doctors choosing to practise here, but we need more to address the amounts waiting on this list.

Access to health care remains a number one concern in the minds of my constituents. Nova Scotians have given up hope on government, and no wonder. Think about the first announcement we heard from the new Premier. Nova Scotians were offered a rebate if they purchased an expensive electric car. Let me tell you, people whom I represent are looking for a family doctor, not an expensive Tesla. What are the priorities of this government?

I will add that I do hear from constituents who are able to access - when they are able to access health care - how wonderfully they are treated and how well cared for they are by our incredible health care professionals. The downfall of the system continues to be access.

I want to talk a bit about the EHS crisis in this province. I continually hear from constituents with heartbreaking stories that they tried to care for their loved ones while they waited for over an hour for EHS to arrive. Imagine calling 911 for a medical emergency and feeling the panic as you talk to someone who states that help is on its way and you wait.

I want to thank our paramedic team for the Code Critical campaign to bring awareness to the dangerous shortage and poor availability of ambulances in our province. Paramedics want to be on the road saving lives. Imagine being that paramedic who has dedicated their career to saving lives, to look at the screen showing that they need to respond to a chest pains call in Caledonia when they are sitting outside of Barrington. Imagine. This government sat on the Fitch report on how to improve shocking gaps in the ambulance service. This government sat on that report for two years - two years - while Nova Scotians suffered.

[Page 1540]

[11:30 a.m.]

Let us talk about palliative care. There is not one mention of investment in designated acute palliative care beds in the South Shore region. It is unfathomable to me that we have three hospitals in Lunenburg-Queens, one being a regional hospital, and we do not have one designated acute palliative care bed or hospice.

Lunenburg and Queens have the highest percentage of population over 60 but yet no designated beds. The Minister of Health and Wellness hinted during Estimates there may be something coming for residents of the South Shore for palliative care. My question is: Why have he and his predecessors sat on their hands for eight years while families had to say goodbye to loved ones who were lying on a gurney in a busy emergency room?

I want to talk about mental health. I am glad to see investment but, again, it is not enough. A five per cent increase without a plan is not going to fix a mental health system that is in crisis or eliminate hundreds of days for people waiting for help. Mental health is health care - treating a wound of the mind should be no different than a wound of the body.

I would like to applaud the government for the $100 monthly increase in income assistance. Poverty is not acceptable on any level. I am deeply concerned about the amount of child poverty we see in our province. We have failed as a province when we see that between 1989 and 2018 child poverty rates decreased in every province and territory except Nova Scotia. One in four children are living in poverty.

We have a housing crisis in our province, and Queens-Shelburne is not immune. Too many people are couchsurfing or homeless. We need safe, affordable and appropriate housing. We need emergency shelters. Government needs to take a more active role ensuring that housing construction continues, and then deliver a plan that has initiatives for developers.

We need resolution to the concerns of residents living on Carters Beach and their ability to enjoy their properties, to be safe where they live. For four years now, I have been asking and begging someone to find resolutions to the parking issues on Carters Beach Road. We need infrastructure that will support the visitors to ensure the beach is protected.

We need serious road investment in Queens-Shelburne. Most of our gravel roads need complete rebuilds. We have sections of asphalt roads that have not seen asphalt in my lifetime. There is nothing left of them.

It is impossible to fit it all in within 15 minutes. In closing, let me say that I am sure being in government is tremendously challenging. The Premier has told Nova Scotians that the $585 million deficit will be cleared up over the next two years, with a small surplus in 2024-25. Let those be words to think about - how many promises will be broken again?

[Page 1541]

I carry the worry of my constituents' concerns in my heart daily. At times I feel I have failed them when I cannot find them a doctor, money to pay for that power bill, and so much more. But it is not me. It is a government that sat on its hands and balanced budgets on the backs of Nova Scotians, on senior citizens, on youth, on hard-working Nova Scotians.

Nova Scotians need to ask themselves: How has my life changed? Has it been made better under this Liberal government over the last eight years?

In closing, I would like to thank my constituents for placing their trust and confidence in me to be their voice in this Legislature. I am so very proud of this constituency and love hearing of the success of individuals and organizations. We truly live in the best part of the province, surrounded by forests and coastlines, but the power of communities lies in our people, people who care for one another, who look out for one another, who take pride in one another.

We are hard-working, sincere, kind, compassionate folks here in Queens-Shelburne and I truly cannot imagine living anywhere else.

To me, politics are local, and politics are people. The people I've had the privilege to meet over the last four years will remain with me forever. I love being the MLA, and I will always work hard to represent my constituents. I have always believed we should care for one another. It has driven my entire life.

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

LISA ROBERTS: Mr. Speaker, as I stand here right now I am realizing that this may be the last time that I speak for any length in this Chamber because I've announced that I won't be reoffering at the next election. Of course, in Nova Scotia we don't know when the next election will be, exactly, but I think it is widely anticipated to be soon.

It's an honour to be here and it's an honour to have served in the NDP caucus, particularly to have had the opportunity to learn so much about a couple of files. Today I am going to talk about housing, which is really the spokesperson area ‑ the critic area of mine - that has the most direct impact on my constituents. It is one where this government's action has been so lacking and has had such dire consequences.

We can all always do better, and it is never too late to take the right action, but I so regret that more action has still not been taken on housing. I so regret that when ‑ not just we in the NDP caucus but many people in the community in a position to know were raising the alarms about a coming housing crisis, those calls were not heeded and acted on with some urgency by this government.

[Page 1542]

I am going to refer to a handful of statistics in the course of my remarks. One I am going to start off with is from a Halifax Housing Needs Assessment from 2015 that was done jointly between United Way Halifax and the Municipality of Halifax. One statistic from that, which I've always found useful to refer to ‑ this is in 2015. They found that 20 per cent of renters in Halifax could not afford market rents and that the non‑market housing stock in Halifax was about 4 per cent of the market.

There was a 16 per cent gap there, where you had folks who needed non‑market housing because their wages did not allow them to afford to pay market rents without severely curtailing their money available for food, or maybe they couldn't find a place at all. So, there was 16 per cent of the population at that time was in that circumstance and we know that things have gotten much more acute since.

From 2015 to 2020, the average market rent for a two-bedroom has gone up 43 per cent in Halifax, while the Nova Scotia minimum wage has gone up 15 per cent. Just in the past year, rents have gone up 10 per cent for a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom. If you went online right now to look for a two-bedroom, you'd be looking at, maybe, $1,700 for rent.

I refer back to that 2015 stat because, while every question about housing right now gets the answer, well, there is an Affordable Housing Commission and they are looking at it and we are going see what they're going to tell us to do, I want it to be very clear that I am aware and Nova Scotians should be aware that the Nova Scotia government, this government, has been at the table talking about housing with multiple partners for years.

I've got here the Housing and Homelessness Partnership Charter from September 2014. It was this partnership that requested that 2015 study, if my understanding is correct. I'll just read a little bit from this partnership charter. It says:

"The Housing and Homelessness Partnership (The Partnership) exists to put an end to homelessness and housing poverty in the Halifax Region. We are a collaborative, multi-sectoral group of 9 organizations committed to working together differently to achieve revolutionary change."

Nine organizations, which included the Capital District Health Authority, Housing Nova Scotia, the IWK Health Centre, and the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. Four out of nine partners in this partnership - four out of nine - were provincial government bodies.

Digging a little bit further into the documents that are available online about this partnership, it talked about the commitments that Housing Nova Scotia made. Housing Nova Scotia's role was to leverage provincial resources by liaising with and coordinating the involvement of government departments, including Community Services: "hold and finance provincially owned social housing assets in support of government's housing programs; secure and manage funding to support affordable and social housing development; provide mortgage guarantees and/or loans to qualifying housing projects."

[Page 1543]

There was a 16 per cent gap then. There was a commitment to work together differently to achieve results then. It's not too late, but it is too late to have prevented real anxiety, pain, distress for so many residents of my constituency. While that partnership was focused on the Halifax regional area, had the work been embraced and therefore the institutional learning started, then that would have also benefited the need for housing that absolutely exists quite acutely in Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Inverness, Pictou County - just to name the places where I personally, as Infrastructure and Housing spokesperson, have visited and spoken with non-profit organizations and municipalities about the need for a real provincial partnership on housing.

There was an excellent Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee meeting in February, the topic being housing, broadly speaking. It would have been a topic that we would have put forward well before COVID, but it came up. We had a long suspension of committees, and then this topic finally came up. Dr. Ren Thomas, who is one of the co-chairs of the Affordable Housing Commission, was a witness whom we had put forward. She spoke there about a number of things, including that if it were not for COVID-19, we would actually be in a worse housing situation right now.

This morning on CBC Radio, there was a pretty significant report about the amount of money that the Department of Community Services has spent on hotel rooms in the past year. It's a compassionate response in circumstances where there aren't a whole lot of other options available. Not a great use of government resources. I certainly would prefer that that money had been put into actually investing in supportive housing or having permanent housing solutions, but I'm grateful that hotel rooms have been paid for.

Those hotel rooms wouldn't even be available in many cases if it were not for COVID-19. Our vacancy rate would not have gone up were it not for COVID‑19 because we have seen a significant drop in our student population. Right now, our vacancy rate is 1.9 per cent; a year ago, it was 1 per cent. That is largely because of the drop of post-secondary students in our province. Of course, we have also had a drop in tourism, which has resulted in less activity in the short-term rental market.

Housing is economic development. If we care about our economy, we have to care about housing. We can't be relying on pandemics and calamity to ease the pressure in our housing market. That is not a path to resolving this issue, which has significant public importance.

[11:45 a.m.]

[Page 1544]

Another presenter at that committee was Helen Lanthier, who is one of the members of the South Shore Housing Action Coalition. She talked about the tent city that pops up at Rissers Beach in the Summer for four months. All the people who are able to find, basically, short-term rentals that are available for a fixed-term lease from, maybe, September or October until May, and then don't have a home for the Summer, they move to a campground. How is that acceptable? How is that acceptable?

This government, in its first seven years in office, helped to build - significantly invested in - about 200 housing units. No joke, I could walk in my constituency, or maybe I would have to go into Fairview or maybe I would have to go into Dartmouth North - but working with a housing support worker, I bet in an afternoon's walk we could point out 200 doors of previously affordable housing that is no longer affordable. Easily. Just in my leader's Halifax Chebucto constituency, I think we just lost 60 doors in one building that has been bought up and is going to be torn down and will not be affordable when it is rebuilt.

We have 19 per cent of households in Nova Scotia paying more than 50 per cent of their income on rent and utilities. That's significant pressure on people's consumer purchasing power, which means that their income is not available to support the rest of the economy.

The thing that I want the House and members to consider is how different it could be. I talked about this in budget Estimates just the other day. In Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, there is a public housing authority that has no wait-lists and which makes money. Here, it seems that there has been this great reluctance to invest in public assets for housing. We will do anything but, it seems. There are, around the world and even around the country, great examples of well functioning, in-the-public-realm, non-market housing developments that work for people.

It is the job of government to work for people, not to work for investors, not to work for landlords, necessarily - although they are part of the picture. I can tell you, there have been landlords represented at that Partnership. One of them said to me, we've been at that table for four years and we haven't moved a peanut. That was an expression that I won't forget - we haven't moved a peanut. Years of meetings and largely because of the Province not being willing to do the work, not being willing to consider the public role in housing and the need to actually invest in public and non-market assets.

I am glad that finally, thanks to COVID-19, the government changed its tune on rent control. We need it to be permanent. It was never, and will never be, the full answer to this challenge. It involves considering housing as a human right, considering the role of housing as a critical economic and social infrastructure and as an avenue for economic development. Thank you.

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

[Page 1545]

DAVE RITCEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to stand here today to deliver this speech on the Supply motion and also to respond to the budget on behalf of the community members of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River. Representing the riding of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River brings me great joy. Once again, I would like to extend my thanks to the voters in the communities who entrusted me to be their voice at Province House.

They did not have an MLA physically sitting in the House representing Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River for almost two years. That is just wrong. That is unfair, unacceptable, and my community members know that because I brought it to their attention when I was on the doorsteps. I knocked on over 8,700 doors over my seven months of campaigning, and I enjoyed every minute of it - probably the favourite part of my job.

As all members sitting in the Chamber know, to be successful in earning a seat you need to be dedicated, you need to be motivated, and as well you need to have the support and passion of your community and for your community, from your family, also a hard-working campaign team. I was fortunate to have it all for my by-election.

My family was supportive from day one. My wife Amber, along with my two daughters Addison and Alexandra, showed real patience and understanding when Dad was out in the community door-knocking, attending events and stakeholder meetings, et cetera. On top of that I had additional commitments in my professional career, in my volunteer activities, during my seven months campaigning leading into the by-election.

To my mother Betty, she was there every day, each and every day, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. at night, so it was truly a family affair, and I cannot thank her enough. To my entire campaign team led by Chris Guinan; my volunteer team; and a mentor who provided me with encouragement and advice whenever needed, only a phone call away, former MLA Jamie Muir, thank you.

My campaign team each and every day, I can't believe the effort and support they provided me with. We were pretty much all new to it, but for the most part we all got along each and every day, hills and valleys, but it was impressive.

Before I start this morning, I want to recognize the efforts of the Speaker, the Legislature staff, the House leaders and their work towards this hybrid session. It is my first since being elected in March 2020, and I thank you.

I would also like to thank and recognize our leader. He has been there, very supportive on the steps with me many times. My PC colleagues, I cannot thank you enough for all the support you gave me prior to and it continues today as I lead into the Legislature. To the entire PC caucus staff, for your continuous patience and support throughout this process and during my campaign, I thank you.

[Page 1546]

Mr. Speaker, the constituency of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River is an area of opportunity for the province's economic and population growth. Our community is vibrant. It sits in the heart of Atlantic Canada. A collaborative and consultative approach has always been my approach and needs to happen more frequently, including stakeholder engagement and in-depth consultation to properly be informed in making those decisions for what's in the best interest of Nova Scotians.

I sort of compare it to building a puzzle with my kids. If you miss a piece of the puzzle, it doesn't work. It's not complete. We need to gather all of the pieces to complete the puzzle. The same goes here. When I started this journey, the priority was and will always be about people because, truly, the decisions we make in the House affect people.

When short-term and reactive decisions happen, it costs money. They don't work. To go back to "costs money" - it's taxpayers' money, not our money. Throwing money at it, reacting without being informed, and not doing your homework doesn't work in the long term. Again, it affects people. This cannot continue to happen just because it sounds like a good idea or it's in the news, so let's make a decision and just react without properly planning and looking at the impact in the long term. Decisions have to be made, but they have to be made for the right reason.

My father and mother always taught my brother and me just three things: how you treat people, with respect and trust; give back and be involved in your community; and fight for what's right and be upfront and honest. I feel that I have followed that right through. I thank my mother and father for instilling that into my brother and me.

I represent an outstanding and culturally diverse constituency. For me, that's important. During my campaign, the first priority on the doorsteps consistently was to listen to and advocate for the community members - the people. That would set out the plan of what's important for our area, always listening to understand people, to prioritize the most impactful items to our constituency in an open and transparent way with everyone.

The Town of Truro is the largest town in Nova Scotia. It is in the centre of the province, commonly known as the hub of Nova Scotia. Within the Town of Truro itself is an estimated population of close to 13,000 people. We have a new council. We have new members of council with new ideas. Communication is important between the province, their local MLA, and the municipality. Mayor Mills is entering his 26^th year in municipal politics. Pretty amazing.

We have a vibrant downtown core featuring many businesses, a new library, an outdoor skating rink, the historic Truro farmers' market and restaurants, along with unique retail stores and the historic gem of Victoria Park, centrally located in the heart of Truro for everyone to enjoy.

[Page 1547]

The largest employer and longest-serving business in town is Stanfield's Ltd. Stanfield's is a leader in the field, taking pride in its products and the ability to adapt, and they did that during COVID-19. They partnered with Innertape Polymer, another local company, and helped protect the country against COVID-19 by supplying and making PPE. What a great local partnership, protecting Nova Scotians. This created jobs and stimulated the economy.

The town's large business industrial park is open for business and recently expanded for future growth. We look at the untapped businesses that could potentially come to our town, but we need access. We need access into the town. I mentioned that to the Minister of Transportation and Active Transit yesterday. We have to come up with solutions to have access, especially to our business park. The opportunity to having a regional strategy in collaboration, I can see that happening because all our municipalities and our village are doing a tremendous job in co-operation.

[12:00 noon]

The community is strategically positioned and attractive to new businesses looking to relocate, expand, or just open. We lost a significant number of jobs over the last couple of years in the town, but our community was resilient and helped fill the void.

The Village of Bible Hill is one of the largest villages in the province, along with being a vibrant, active, and growing community. The Dalhousie Agricultural College Campus, better referred to as the AC, sits centrally in the village. Long-time Commissioner Chair Lois MacCormick retired after 15 years and was replaced by Kevin Kennedy, a long-time commissioner.

One thing the government has done is invest in the Village of Bible Hill. They invested in the Truro Raceway and the Provincial Exhibition Grounds. Annually these facilities bring people from all over. I am open and have a willingness to work with the stakeholders and management in the Village of Bible Hill and the Province. But we need a plan, we need a strategy. We cannot be just continuously throwing money at this asset. We need to have a strategy. We need to have a contingency plan.

Millbrook First Nation. First I was glad to hear and see the Province will continue with the Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Program for 90 per cent of the band-owned homes in First Nation communities. I would hope and expect Millbrook to be a priority in being involved in these discussions to make this happen.

I must say that one area of disappointment for the Millbrook First Nation community, for myself, along with others, was the decision by the RCMP, in consultation with both the federal and provincial governments, not to consider the Millbrook First Nation proposal to move the H Division communication centre to a location in their business park and not Dartmouth. That would enable them to keep 55 jobs in our community, ensuring safety for all Nova Scotians in a case of emergency.

[Page 1548]

Salmon River - the District of Salmon River, part of the Municipality of Colchester, home of the first Hockeyville in 2006. A new councillor Tim Johnson, one of three new councillors, is a former fire chief and small-business owner who was elected in the municipal election in October 2020. We have built a great foundation. I look forward to working with Mayor Blair and her councillors, Eric Boutilier and Wade Parker as well, representing Bible Hill.

Mr. Speaker, lastly, investing and supporting community-based projects stimulates the economy, creates jobs, and attracts families to move and grow our population in the hub of Nova Scotia. Our community has been well served under a PC government, with infrastructure projects that have checked many boxes. They include health care, recreation, roads, investment in youth and education - pillars that are critical for a successful economy and for our residents.

Mr. Speaker, I was elected by the community members of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River to be a voice for our area, so I was disappointed when I saw the budget and listened to the Speech from the Throne. There really is no substance. It missed the mark for my area for sure, especially in COVID-19 recovery support and in re-energizing the local economy. Small- and large-business owners, restaurant owners, not-for-profit organizations and small tourism operators (such as Ward Markie of Markie Bus Tours, right here in Millbrook, for one example).

Mr. Speaker, as I review the budget and reflect on this Throne Speech, I ask myself - what would the people in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River say? What would they ask me to do? What is missing? There is no evidence or commitment of this government that it has listened to the concerns of these community members in my constituency. Access to health care services, economic stimulus, affordable housing, local decision making.

Unless this current government shows a commitment to collaborating with the Opposition and putting people first, I cannot support this budget as presented without assurance from this government that they are committed to the constituency of Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River. Thank you.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

The House will now recess for a few minutes while it resolves itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Supply.

[12:05 p.m. The House recessed.]

[Page 1549]

[12:20 p.m. The House resolved into a CWH on Supply with Hon. Ben Jessome in the Chair.]

[5:23 p.m. CW on Supply rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Susan Leblanc in the Chair.]

THE SPEAKER « » : The Chair of the Committee of the Whole on Supply reports:

THE CLERK » : That the Committee of the Whole on Supply has met and has made most considerable progress and begs leave to sit again.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

THE SPEAKER « » : All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

We will have a very short recess while the committee sets up.

[5:24 p.m. The House recessed.]

[5:28 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Acting Deputy Speaker Susan Leblanc in the Chair.]

[5:54 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Deputy Speaker Susan Leblanc resumed the Chair.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK « » : That the Committee of the Whole House on Bills has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 98 - Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 103 - Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 105 - Financial Measures (2021) Act.

[Page 1550]

Bill No. 112 - Emancipation Day Act.

without amendments, and the Chair has been instructed to recommend these bills to the favourable consideration of the House.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN: Madam Speaker, this concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet again Monday, April 19, 2021, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Following the daily routine, business will include the continuation of the Committee of the Whole and Subcommittee on Supply, followed by third reading of Bill Nos. 98, 103, 105, and 112, followed by Address in Reply.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House rise to meet again Monday, April 19^th, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned until Monday, April 19^th, at 9:00 a.m. Have a good weekend.

(The House rose at 5:55 p.m.)

NOTICE OF QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWERS

[Page 1551]

Given on April 16, 2021

(Pursuant to Rule 30)

QUESTION NO. 1

By: Susan Leblanc

To: Hon. Lloyd Hines (Minister of Transportation and Active Transit)

(1) Is the department considering an exception to the ban on tinted vehicle windows for people who have chronic health problems resulting in sensitive vision?

QUESTION NO. 2

By: Susan Leblanc

To: Hon. Zach Churchill (Minister of Health and Wellness)

(1) When will staff in small options homes be vaccinated?

(2) Is the department considering funding support for people to buy continuous glucose monitoring systems?

(3) When will Public Health resume providing post natal programs?

(4) What improvements are being considered so that people are able to access faster prenatal emergency care?

(5) There is currently a pilot for a street health program with the Ally Center in Sydney. Will this be made permanent?

(6) We have heard reports that there are certain drugs administered at the IWK that are not covered by MSI. There are those in some ambulatory settings of the hospital, and require families to access private drug coverage, compassionate programs from pharmaceutical companies, or pay out of pocket. Apparently, patients who receive some medication infusions that need to be done in a hospital setting, medications such as Remicade (Infliximab), Rituximab, Tocilzumab, and a host of other very expensive IV medications are being charged for these medications. It also creates a significant administrative burden on hospital staff who have to work with families to find coverage.

(a)   Given that the Canada Health Act is intended to cover drugs administered in all hospital settings, can the minister please explain under what scenarios, and why, certainly drugs would not be covered in a hospital?

[Page 1552]

(7) I understand that there is a penalty charged for people who sign up late for the seniors pharmacare program. Has there been an increase this year in late penalties?

(a)   How does the department communicate with people about how and where to sign up, and the consequences of not doing so?

(b)   Would the department please be able to provide the number of late penalties charge year of year for the last five years or so?

(c)   The Pharmacare phone line to pay this year's premium is perpetually busy. The message explain that coverage will continue for April, May, and June. People want to be able to pay using their credit card, but no one is answering the phone and there is no online way to do this. Can you provide information about this and whether the department is setting up an online way to do this?

(8) What support is being made available to independent phlebotomists to become self-regulated?

(9) What is the timeline for developing a self-regulation system for RMTs?

(10) What is the strategy for vaccinating temporary foreign workers? When will this take place?

QUESTION NO. 3

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

To: Hon. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft (Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage)

(1) What work is the department doing to protect the St. James Church burial ground in Dartmouth?

(2) Is the department considering supporting the proposal to create a public broadcaster? If not, why not?

QUESTION NO. 4

[Page 1553]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

To: Hon. Geoff MacLellan (Minister of Infrastructure and Housing)

(1) Regarding the new parkade to be build at the QEII:

(a)   Why did the RFP explicitly exclude the consideration of robotic parking technology that could be located on an existing parking lot next to the present parking garage?

(b)   As we know, the pandemic has changed many things we know about health care delivery. For example, 20 per cent more people are now working from home telecommuting and doctors and other health care providers are using phone meetings and other platforms for patient consultation. What alterations to the hospital design are being considered given the changes we are already dealing with because of COVID-19? Further, what is the thinking on having all patients gather in a single large facility where the risk of exposure to infectious disease area necessarily greater?

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 1554]

RESOLUTION NO. 587

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas Fergus Ford recently ended his second term as a board member on the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association, first joining in 2015; and

Whereas Fergus Ford lent his legal expertise in several areas to the board; and

Whereas Fergus Ford was a dedicated volunteer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Fergus for his contributions to the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 588

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas Ian Johnson has served on the board of the Nova Scotia Health Coalition for nearly 25 years; and

Whereas Ian Johnson has recently ended his term on the board; and

Whereas Ian Johnson has for many years been instrumental in organization and activism to build and protect public health care in Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Ian's comprehensive and multi-faceted advocacy, and thank him for his extensive contributions.

RESOLUTION NO. 589

[Page 1555]

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas Lorelei Burgess is the director of Oxford Learning and chair of the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association; and

Whereas Lorelei Burgess was recently nominated for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce's Business Leader of the Year Award; and

Whereas despite the challenges of the pandemic, Lorelei has remained steadfast in her dedication to the Quinpool community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lorelei on her nomination, thank her for her dedication to the community, and wish her and Oxford Learning all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 590

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas Pro Skates opened in 1968; and

Whereas Pro Skates has been an institution in the Halifax retail community; and

Whereas Pro Skates always provides exceptional customer service;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Pro Skates on 35 years of business, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 591

By: Colton LeBlanc (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is an exciting and momentous event and marks the beginning of a wonderful journey; and

[Page 1556]

Whereas few events in life are as powerful and positive as the birth of a child; and

Whereas on February 5, 2021, Aimy Doucet and Ryan Bradford welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Aimy Doucet and Ryan Bradford on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them a lifetime of happiness as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 592

By: Colton LeBlanc (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is an exciting and momentous event and marks the beginning of a wonderful journey; and

Whereas few events in life are as powerful and positive as the birth of a child; and

Whereas on February 18, 2021, Chelsea and Andrew d'Entremont welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Chelsea and Andrew d'Entremont on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them a lifetime of happiness as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 593

By: Colton LeBlanc (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is an exciting and momentous event and marks the beginning of a wonderful journey; and

Whereas few events in life are as powerful and positive as the birth of a child; and

Whereas on February 11, 2021, Jillian Crowell and Bill Baker welcomed their son into the world;

[Page 1557]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jillian Crowell and Bill Baker on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them a lifetime of happiness as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 594

By: Colton LeBlanc (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is an exciting and momentous event and marks the beginning of a wonderful journey; and

Whereas few events in life are as powerful and positive as the birth of a child; and

Whereas on January 23, 2021, Lana and Percy Barkhouse welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lana and Percy Barkhouse on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them a lifetime of happiness as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 595

By: Colton LeBlanc (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is an exciting and momentous event and marks the beginning of a wonderful journey; and

Whereas few events in life are as powerful and positive as the birth of a child; and

Whereas on March 30, 2020, Lynsay Stoddard and Farren Cunningham welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lynsay Stoddard and Farren Cunningham on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them a lifetime of happiness as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 596

[Page 1558]

By: Colton LeBlanc (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is an exciting and momentous event and marks the beginning of a wonderful journey; and

Whereas few events in life are as powerful and positive as the birth of a child; and

Whereas on January 5, 2021, Rachel and Randall Stoddard welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Rachel and Randall Stoddard on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them a lifetime of happiness as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 597

By: Colton LeBlanc (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is an exciting and momentous event and marks the beginning of a wonderful journey; and

Whereas few events in life are as powerful and positive as the birth of a child; and

Whereas on October 22, 2020, Sarah Robicheau and Michel Fitzgerald welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sarah Robicheau and Michel Fitzgerald on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them a lifetime of happiness as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 598

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas April Weaver was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

[Page 1559]

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas April is the principal at the Antigonish Education Centre and was nominated for this Award for her outstanding commitment and contribution in her role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate April Weaver for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank her for her dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 599

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Emma Smith of Antigonish was the first student in the world to complete a new Gaelic International Baccalaureate language course; and

Whereas when she started in the IB program the only language course offered was French, so a teacher at her school worked to create a brand new course that is now available to IB students around the world; and

Whereas Emma completed the course with an impressive six out of seven International Baccalaureate mark;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emma Smith on being the first IB student to graduate from high school with the new Gaelic language course.

RESOLUTION NO. 600

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas George Baxter was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

[Page 1560]

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Baxter is a bus driver for the Antigonish Education Centre and was nominated for this Award for his outstanding commitment and contribution in his role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate George Baxter for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank him for his dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 601

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Gio Akeson has always been a big supporter of inclusion in sports and giving young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports; and

Whereas as a student at St. Francis Xavier University he was involved with the Motor Activities with X program, which offers individuals with all types of disabilities an opportunity to work alongside university students and be included in different physical activities, including sledge hockey; and

Whereas he approached Antigonish Minor Hockey with the idea to create a sledge hockey program, which officially started in 2018 with Gio as the coach of the Bulldogs Inclusive Para Hockey team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Gio Akeson for his commitment to inclusivity, sport, youth, and our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 602

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas when Jason Mason moved home to Antigonish in 2015, he recognized a need in the community that hadn't been addressed and decided to start his own business; and

[Page 1561]

Whereas now he is the owner of Next Level, which started selling skateboard gear and equipment last year and then grew into a physical location that opened in November 2020; and

Whereas Next Level not only sells everything from boards to bearings to backpacks, it also designs everything it sells;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jason Mason on starting Next Level and wish him the best of luck with his business.

RESOLUTION NO. 603

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Joanne Landry was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Joanne is a vice-principal at the St. Andrew Junior School and was nominated for this Award for her outstanding commitment and contribution in her role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Joanne Landry for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank her for her dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 604

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Leah Duggan was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

[Page 1562]

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Leah is a school secretary at the St. Andrew Junior School and was nominated for this Award for her outstanding commitment and contribution in her role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Leah Duggan for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank her for her dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 605

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Lindsay MacInnis is a teacher at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School and program coordinator for the International Baccalaureate program; and

Whereas she recognized a missing opportunity for students and decided to create the curriculum for a new Gaelic language IB course; and

Whereas now the course exists and is a self-taught literature course that includes students writing an essay and giving an oral presentation in Gaelic;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lindsay MacInnis for seizing the opportunity to create a new opportunity for students in the IB program that is now available around the world.

RESOLUTION NO. 606

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Marie Kennedy was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

[Page 1563]

Whereas Marie is a school counsellor at the St. Andrew Junior School and was nominated for this Award for her outstanding commitment and contribution in her role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Marie Kennedy for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank her for her dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 607

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Marsha Purcell was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Marsha is a teacher at the East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy and was nominated for this Award for her outstanding commitment and contribution in her role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Marsha Purcell for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank her for her dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 608

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Paul Spin was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

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Whereas Mr. Spin is a bus driver for the East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy and was nominated for this Award for his outstanding commitment and contribution in his role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Paul Spin for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank him for his dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 609

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Shannon Fear has created an initiative aimed at providing festive cheer to seniors in the community during the holiday season; and

Whereas Santa for Seniors accepts referrals from the community for seniors who may need a visit during the holidays and Shannon follows up with each one to ask what may be on their Christmas list; and

Whereas with the help of generous donations, Shannon shops for every senior and just this past Christmas over 50 seniors in Antigonish received a visit and gift on Christmas Eve;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Shannon Fear for her generosity and commitment and for reaching out to those who may need a little holiday magic.

RESOLUTION NO. 610

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Sheri Lambourne was one of 20 recipients to be presented with the Strait to Excellence Award for 2020; and

Whereas the Award recognizes employees for their dedication and contributions to students and schools in the Strait Region, and for supporting student learning and achievement in their school communities as members of the public education system in Nova Scotia; and

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Whereas Sheri is a speech-language pathologist and was nominated for this Award for her outstanding commitment and contribution in her role;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sheri Lambourne for receiving the Strait to Excellence Award and thank her for her dedication to the youth of our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 611

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Susan Hickey has been long been associated with the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club and a key contributor to the program's tremendous growth and success; and

Whereas in 2020 Susan decided to step away as club administrator after 15 years and the soccer community is sad to see her go; and

Whereas the soccer program has grown to be a pillar in the Antigonish community, offering youth the opportunity to be part of a team and learn new skills;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Susan Hickey for her 15 years of dedicated service to the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club and the young athletes of our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 612

By: Hon. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft (Lunenburg)

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

Whereas Chris Heide of Mahone Bay was chosen as the recipient of Theatre Nova Scotia's Legacy Award; and

Whereas Chris is an accomplished playwright, writer, director, and producer, and also served as managing director of the Chester Playhouse from 1996 to 2004; and

Whereas Chris founded the Mermaid Youtheatre in 1990, co-founded Halifax Theatre for Young People in 2008 with Tessa Mendel, and is known for his use of theatre in community development;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Chris Heide on receiving this honour and thank him for his dedication and outstanding contributions.

RESOLUTION NO. 613

By: Hon. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft (Lunenburg)

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

Whereas Joy Saunders of Lunenburg received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in recognition of her contributions and her Walking for Joy initiative; and

Whereas at 101 years old, Joy started dedicating her daily walks around Lunenburg to frontline health care workers and began a campaign to raise awareness and funds for VON Nova Scotia; and

Whereas she pledged to walk 102 times along an 800-metre loop before her 102nd birthday and achieved her goal, while raising more than $79,000 for VON Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Joy Saunders on receiving the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers and thank her for outstanding commitment and contributions.

RESOLUTION NO. 614

By: Hon. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft (Lunenburg)

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

Whereas Laura Isaacs of Scarsdale received the 2020 Youth Volunteer Award for Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Laura is a dedicated volunteer who has contributed to many organizations in her community, such as the Livewires 4-H/Clover Buds, Rosedale Home for Special Care, Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum, New Germany Area Promotion Society and more; and

Whereas Laura also volunteered her time to create a video promoting safe farming practices in her community, and has led fundraisers for the New Germany Rural High School Leo Club;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Laura Isaacs on receiving the 2020 Youth Volunteer Award, and recognize her contributions and positive impact on her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 615

By: Hon. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft (Lunenburg)

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

Whereas in 2020, Glen Dexter, Andreas Josenhans, and their sailing mate, Sandy MacMillan, were inducted into the Canadian Sailing Hall of Fame; and

Whereas the trio were the first sailors from Nova Scotia to qualify for the Olympic Games; and

Whereas they became world-class sailing champions in Hanko, Norway, in 1977, and won the world title again in 1980;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Glen Dexter, Andreas Josenhans, and Sandy MacMillan on their induction into the Canadian Sailing Hall of Fame.

RESOLUTION NO. 616

By: Tory Rushton (Cumberland South)

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

Whereas the Greville Bay Fitness Park committee in Port Greville has worked tirelessly for years on making this outdoor fitness park a reality; and

Whereas the Greville Bay Fitness Park has become a place for fitness, relaxation, meditation, and enjoyment for locals and visitors to the area; and

Whereas the Greville Bay Fitness Park committee stays focused on the sharing of their enjoyment of being active in an outdoor environment;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Greville Bay Fitness Park committee and all their dedicated volunteers in seeing their dreams become reality, and in thanking them for sharing their treasure for all to enjoy.

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RESOLUTION NO. 617

By: Tory Rushton (Cumberland South)

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

Whereas Mike and Sarah Berry, owners of Advocate Country Store Ritestop in Advocate Harbour, hold an annual Customer Appreciation Day in August; and

Whereas COVID-19 did restrict this gathering in 2020, it did not restrict Mike and Sarah's commitment to their community and customers; and

Whereas Mike and Sarah Berry organized an online auction to ensure the local school and fire department still received funds through this initiative;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Mike and Sarah Berry and their dedicated staff for keeping community spirit alive during COVID-19 and for their continued support of many community organizations and activities.

RESOLUTION NO. 618

By: Tory Rushton (Cumberland South)

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

Whereas the Springhill Lions Club has always supported Springhill and area residents through the Fill A Bookbag school supplies program, Toys for Tots at Christmas, Easter coloring contest, and annual duck race; and

Whereas the Springhill Lions Club organized a Clap-Out night in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to recognize all our frontline workers and their dedication to Nova Scotians' safety; and

Whereas the Springhill Lions Club assisted with deliveries of food, prescriptions, and necessities to Springhill and area during the pandemic shutdown;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking the Springhill Lions Club and all their dedicated members for their continued support, not only through the COVID-19 pandemic, but for their everyday activities to make our community stronger.

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RESOLUTION NO. 619

By: Tory Rushton (Cumberland South)

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

Whereas the Parrsboro Lions Club is active in their community throughout the year; and

Whereas while COVID-19 did restrict the annual Old Home Week in 2020, it did not stop the Parrsboro Lions from staying engaged with the community of Parrsboro; and

Whereas the Parrsboro Lions Club opened and continued to operate the Parrsboro Lions Recreation Center this past Winter to ensure groups had an opportunity to utilize the ice rentals similar to past years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking the Parrsboro Lions Club and all the dedicate volunteers who make this organization flow, to ensure the Lions Club can support the community in the same manner with the many services offered to so many in the Parrsboro and area.

RESOLUTION NO. 620

By: Hon. Iain Rankin (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Jane Stewart and her husband, Jim Stewart, started sewing face masks for people's protection during the COVID-19 pandemic, selling over 5,000 masks and donating the profits to the St. Timothy's Food Share program that operates the food bank to the Prospect area and beyond; and

Whereas along with a $1 donation from each sale, the extra-generous donations from the community enabled the Stewarts to donate an additional $1000 to the food bank; and

Whereas while Jane was busy in her sewing room sewing the masks, she put her husband to work by having him cut the material and press all the pleats for her;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Jane Stewart and Jim Stewart for their generosity, compassion, and spirit to help serve the community during a very difficult and challenging time for so many families.

RESOLUTION NO. 621

By: Hon. Iain Rankin (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas as when Easter 2020 was approaching and it was clear the state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic would remain in effect for an extended period of time, Jacob Humphrey asked his father, Travis Humphrey, how their family could help out; and

Whereas even though Jacob was only 13 years old, he knew the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting families in their community, and that many of their friends and neighbours were struggling to keep their jobs and pay bills, and that food security was a big concern, especially for elderly residents; and

Whereas after discussing the situation, Jacob and Travis came up with the idea of preparing turkey dinners, and father and son teamed up to prepare 30 turkey dinners, including stuffing, potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, cranberry, a fresh roll, and a piece of either apple, pumpkin, or blueberry pie;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Jacob and Travis Humphrey for their generosity and compassion to help others enjoy a special holiday meal.

RESOLUTION NO. 622

By: Hon. Iain Rankin (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas the Timberlea-Prospect constituency is filled with an abundance of unknown heroes - local residents supporting their neighbours and friends with compassion and kindness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

Whereas a Timberlea resident's daughter was working an evening shift at the Sobeys store in Timberlea and, after scanning all the items, the customer's order exceeded her limit. It was also revealed that she lived quite far away from the store, was in need of the food, and was feeling very anxious and stressed over the state of emergency imposed due to COVID-19; and

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Whereas an unknown hero, a man in line behind her, stepped up and paid for her entire order, which was over $300, and would not provide his name or any contact information and did not want to be repaid;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me thanking and remembering all the many acts of kindness by unknown heroes in our communities, and in celebrating the people that make Nova Scotia so special.

RESOLUTION NO. 623

By: Hon. Iain Rankin (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Vicki Morton of Prospect has a contagious personality, great sense of humour, and is a person so many people enjoy being with; and

Whereas Vicki experienced a traumatic loss of her left leg following an infection in 2011, but despite this setback has found ways to stay active, keep moving and continue to build relationships; and

Whereas Vicki has become a wheelchair tennis player and has been able to incorporate more activity into her life and encourage others with mobility challenges to bring movement into their lives and improve their mood;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in recognizing Vicki Morton for her strength to try something new and build on her determination and commitment to live a happy and productive life and improve her own mobility.

RESOLUTION NO. 624

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Allie Barter, a resident of Hammonds Plains, graduate of Charles P. Allen High School, recipient of the Anne Martell Memorial Scholarship, and student at Saint Mary's University, is a well-recognized student athlete; and

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Whereas Allie, while attending Charles P. Allen High School, played in the Nova Scotia Female Midget AAA Hockey League, volunteered for Unified Sports, participated in Jack.org, and worked in the learning center every day after school, helping students with special needs, which sparked her interest in pursuing a BA in psychology; and

Whereas Allie is attending Saint Mary's University as a member of the women's hockey team and hoping to become an occupational therapist and to coach hockey, as it is such an important part of her life.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Allie Barter on her successes and in wishing her well in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 625

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Amos was a beloved Percheron horse that had been at Hatfield Farm since 2002 and whose loving character and charm made him a special part of many people's visits to the farm; and

Whereas Amos had been a part of many weddings, carriage rides, and photo shoots, bringing a special energy to people's important milestones and events at the farm; and

Whereas Amos passed away in June 2020, after being owned by the Hatfield family for 18 years and delighting visitors during this time. He will be deeply missed by the entire community, especially the Hatfield family;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in sending condolences to the team at Hatfield Farm on the loss of their beloved horse, Amos, who was a special member of the farm and will be cherished for years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 626

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By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Autumn Sweeney, a graduate of the class of 2019-20 at Charles P. Allen High School, was the recipient of the Ted Rogers Scholarship; and

Whereas Autumn graduated with outstanding marks from her high school's International Baccalaureate Program, and while in high school she was a competitive swimmer as well as a volunteer with the Halifax chapter of Pflag Canada, where she offered peer-to-peer support to youth on issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and

Whereas she was such a valuable member of the Pflag team that they nominated her for the prestigious scholarship and she was also accepted to continue her studies at the University of Guelph;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Autumn Sweeney on her outstanding accomplishments and wish her the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 627

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Bailly Cosmetics was recognized as one of the 2020 Canie Awards, presented by the Ottawa-based Innovators and Entrepreneurs Association and Startup Canada; and

Whereas Bailly Cosmetics was awarded the Youth Impact Award, being honoured as a leading light in Canada's innovation economy; and

Whereas Ariel Gough, who grew up in Upper Hammonds Plains, is co-founder and CEO of the Halifax-based cruelty-free and hypoallergenic fragrance company Bailly Cosmetics;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Ariel Gough and Bailley Cosmetics for being awarded the Youth Impact Award and wish her continued success.

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RESOLUTION NO. 628

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Bruce and Bonnie Barteaux are avid athletes and community volunteers who have supported the Terry Fox Run for 22 years by participating in an annual one-day solo run/bike of at least 100 kilometres; and

Whereas Bruce runs while Bonnie bikes along with him, and this year, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run, they did their solo race throughout HRM in a race they called Stay the Blazes Home Terry Fox Run; and

Whereas Bruce and Bonnie are passionate about the battle to defeat cancer, successfully raising thousands of dollars for cancer research this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Bruce and Bonnie Barteaux for their dedication to cancer research.

RESOLUTION NO. 629

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Colleen Carey, a dedicated paramedic, was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal on September 24, 2020, by the Honourable Arthur J. Leblanc; and

Whereas this award recognizes her dedication to Nova Scotians in their greatest need, sometimes at her own personal risk, and during life's most precious moments and also in life's most unfair and devastating moments; and

Whereas Exemplary Service Medal recipients must have demonstrated exemplary service in their careers for at least 20 years, including 10 years in an emergency medical services position that involves potential risk;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Colleen Carey on receiving this award and thank her for her service to Nova Scotians.

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RESOLUTION NO. 630

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Damini Awoyiga is a 13-year-old Grade 8 student at Madeline Symonds Middle School and a young entrepreneur; and

Whereas Damini began a business venture, Damini Creatives, making reusable face masks with materials from Nigeria and Ghana in vibrant colours and designs, which sold across Canada with part of the proceeds going to the Generation 1 Leadership Initiative bursary fund; and

Whereas Damini is a spoken-word poet, artist, singer, and Youth Ambassador for Digitally Lit, and she has presented her poems about racism, feminism, and sexism at the Girls Conference at Mount Saint Vincent University, and recently performed her poem "Together We Stand" for African Heritage Month;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in recognizing Damini Awoyiga for her initiative in entrepreneurship and her many contributions to her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 631

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Desiree Jones-Matthias was a recipient of Nova Scotia Power's 2020 African Nova Scotian scholarship; and

Whereas Desiree is an active member of the Upper Hammonds Plains community, a graduate of Charles P. Allen High School and a Dean's List graduate from Dalhousie University with a sociology degree, and is passionate about social justice; and

Whereas Desiree is currently continuing her education at Dalhousie's Schulich School of Law, where she serves as vice president of the Black Law Students' Association and, aside from her studies, she also volunteered at Nova Scotia Legal Aid and worked on the Indigenous Blacks and Mi'kmaq Initiative;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Desiree Jones-Matthias on receiving Nova Scotia Power's African Nova Scotian scholarship and in wishing her well on the amazing things I know she will accomplish in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 632

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Donna Reid, a dedicated paramedic, was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal on September 24, 2020, by the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc; and

Whereas this award recognizes her dedication to Nova Scotians in their greatest need, sometimes at her own personal risk and during life's most precious moments, and also in life's most unfair and devastating moments; and

Whereas the Exemplary Service Medal recipients must have demonstrated exemplary service in their careers for at least 20 years, including 10 years in an emergency medical services position that involves potential risk;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Donna Reid on receiving this award and in thanking her for her service to Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 633

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Dr. Wanda Lee MacPhee was awarded the Nova Scotia Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors; and

Whereas Wanda and her husband, Dr. Andrew Kleinknecht, started St. Margaret's Bay Chiropractic Center in 1994 and have been serving the community with their chiropractic and nutritional support ever since, as well as continuing her education by taking courses and developing new skills and knowledge; and

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Whereas Dr. MacPhee has served on many boards and committees in the province and nationally, and has an online weekly podcast, Beyond Your Wildest Genes, where she and some of her colleagues share foundational principles of self-care and wellness in physical, chemical/nutritional, and emotional pillars of health;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Dr. Wanda Lee MacPhee on her award and her many accomplishments, and in wishing her well as she continues to help others to stay healthy.

RESOLUTION NO. 634

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas the teachers and staff at the schools in Hammonds Plains-Lucasville have worked together to provide the students with a safe and happy learning environment during the pandemic; and

Whereas the teachers showed dedication and willingness to work together with administration and custodial staff, and to being open to create new ways of teaching in outdoor spaces, to create and stay in their cohorts and to encourage students to follow Public Health protocol; and

Whereas the teachers showed resilience by adding all this to an already full teaching day and even though the changes haven't always been easy, they stepped up to the challenges presented to them, and the smiles behind the children's masks are a testament to a job well done;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking the teachers, staff, and students for working together in the 2020-2021 school year to make it a success.

RESOLUTION NO. 635

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Irekanmi Awoyiga, a grade 12 French immersion student in the Charles P. Allen International Baccalaureate program, was awarded the Provincial Volunteer Award and the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal in September 2020; and

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Whereas Irekanmi founded the Innovation Club at his high school for him and his peers, volunteered with HRM Recreation, the Generation 1 Leadership Initiative, and the Nova Scotia Ombudsman Youth Council; and

Whereas Irekanmi is a positive young man with a bright future, who is dedicated to his community and deserving of these awards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Irekanmi Awoyiga on being the recipient of the Provincial Volunteer Award and the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal and in wishing him success in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 636

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Kevin Carey, a dedicated paramedic, was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal on September 24, 2020, by the Honourable Arthur J. Leblanc; and

Whereas this award recognizes his dedication to Nova Scotians in their greatest need, sometimes at his own personal risk, and during life's most precious moments and also in life's most unfair and devastating moments; and

Whereas Exemplary Service Medal recipients must have demonstrated exemplary service in their careers for at least 20 years, including 10 years in an emergency medical services position that involves potential risk;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kevin Carey on receiving this award and thank him for his service to Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 637

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By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Mark Walker, a dedicated paramedic, was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal on September 24, 2020, by the Honourable Arthur J. Leblanc; and

Whereas this award recognizes his dedication to Nova Scotians in their greatest need, sometimes at his own personal risk, and during life's most precious moments and also in life's most unfair and devastating moments; and

Whereas Exemplary Service Medal recipients must have demonstrated exemplary service in their careers for at least 20 years, including 10 years in an emergency medical services position that involves potential risk;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Mark Walker on receiving this award and thank him for his service to Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 638

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Donna and Duff Evers, residents of Kingswood Subdivision, have started a community garden aptly named "Meadow Garden"; and

Whereas Donna and Duff had been mowing and maintaining the municipal land, slated for naturalized strategy initiatives, for years, and they decided that turning it into a pollinator garden would be a great neighbourhood project during COVID-19; and

Whereas Donna and Duff worked hard to get the proper approvals for the project, and with their own water and financial support, they started out and received donations of over 2,000 plants from greenhouses across the province and local residents, and saw children and adults planting their own flowers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Donna and Duff Evers for the hard work and dedication to the Meadow Garden, which has been a wonderful addition to their community.

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RESOLUTION NO. 639

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Olivia Boutilier is a 2019-20 graduate from Sir John A MacDonald High School and a recipient of the Anne Martell Scholarship; and

Whereas Olivia was the co-president of the high school student government, a volunteer as co-advisor of the Free to Give Club, and a well-recognized athlete who co-captained the Junior Varsity Girls' basketball team and was a member of the girls' rugby team, with all of these activities leading her to develop excellent leadership skills; and

Whereas Olivia is attending St. Francis Xavier University to pursue a degree in Human Kinetics, with the hopes of following up with a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Physical Education to fulfill her dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Olivia Boutilier on her many successes to date and wish her well on achieving her goals.

RESOLUTION NO. 640

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Rona Tantallon participated in the Lowe's Canada/Rona 2020 Heroes Campaign; and

Whereas the Heroes Campaign is held during the month of September by collecting in-store donations to help a non-profit in their community with a specific project and Lowe's matches the funds up to $2,000; and

Whereas Rona raised, through donations and matching the funds, $6,752.60 for the St. Margarets Bay Rails for Trails Association to help this volunteer organization maintain and manage the trails to ensure the beauty and safety of the trail for all users to share and enjoy;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Lowe's Canada and Rona Tantallon for their support of St. Margarets Bay Rails to Trails.

RESOLUTION NO. 641

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Square Roots is an organization that provides free or low-cost food bundles of local produce to those in need; and

Whereas Square Roots runs out of locations in Sackville, Fairview, and many other locations across Nova Scotia, providing 10 pound bundles for a cost of $10 or free for those who are in greater need, and since Square Roots became an especially vital program during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

Whereas Square Roots depends on their many volunteers, organizers and donors, the program continues to be a success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking the Square Roots organization and all their volunteers for helping the hundreds of families each week through this initiative.

RESOLUTION NO. 642

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Tara Merrick, a high honours student from Hammonds Plains who attends Charles P Allen High School, was signed to play for the University of New Brunswick REDS female volleyball team; and

Whereas Tara was a highly sought after recruit who helped lead Charles P Allen's girls volleyball team, during the 2019-2020, to an undefeated regular season, the Halifax Metro league championship, and a provincial title; and

Whereas Tara is a positive individual on and off the court who is motivated by her passion and desire to be a better player and person;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Tara Merrick on joining the UNB REDS volleyball team and wish her well in her studies and her sport.

RESOLUTION NO. 643

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association acquired the former Upper Hammonds Fire Hall; and

Whereas the Upper Hammonds Plains Fire Hall which was built in 1970 and served as a community hub until 2013 when the First All- Black Volunteer Fire Department in Canada, that was formed in 1966, shut down with the building staying with HRM; and

Whereas the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association was able to purchase the building with plans to turn it into a youth centre for local area youth;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulation the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association on their acquisition of the former fire hall and wish them well on their future plans for the space.

RESOLUTION NO. 644

By: Hon. Ben Jessome (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Vernon's Thunderbird Diner is a local restaurant serving the residents of Hammonds Plains-Lucasville and beyond; and

Whereas Vernon's Thunderbird Diner opened up for take out and delivery two weeks into the pandemic, following the rules set out by Public Health, serving many family favourites, even offering a full turkey dinner on both Easter and Thanksgiving; and

Whereas Vernon's Walking Trails, adjacent to the diner, offered residents the opportunity to enjoy a trek along the trails close to home while waiting for their meal to be ready.

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly to join me in thanking Vernon's Thunderbird Diner for opening during COVID-19 and for continuing to offer amazing food and hospitality.

RESOLUTION NO. 645

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Cathy Allen serves on the Board of Directors for the Herring Cove Community Association; and

Whereas this community group came together in 2017 when the residents in the area heard that the old Community Centre building was up for surplus by the municipality and they had a vision for Herring Cove of having a community space available to the residents of the area; and

Whereas this non-profit community group is made up of a board of directors that live in the community who share a vision of how an active community centre could enhance their community by providing a space for recreational, cultural and social activities and are now dedicated to raising funds to begin renovating the new centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Cathy Allen on her commitment and dedication to improving the community of Herring Cove and thank her for serving on the Herring Cove Community Association's Board of Directors.

RESOLUTION NO. 646

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Chris Sabine serves on the board of directors of the Herring Cove Community Association; and

Whereas this community group came together in 2017 when the residents in the area heard that the old Community Centre building was up for surplus by the municipality and they had a vision for Herring Cove of having a community space available to the residents of the area; and

[Page 1584]

Whereas this non-profit community group is made up of a board of directors that live in the community and who share a vision of how an active community centre could enhance their community by providing a space for recreational, cultural, and social activities, and are now dedicated to raising funds to begin renovating the centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Chris Sabine on his commitment and dedication to improving the community of Herring Cove, and thank him for serving on the Herring Cove Community Association's board of directors.

RESOLUTION NO. 647

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas James McKeown serves on the board of directors of the Herring Cove Community Association; and

Whereas this community group came together in 2017 when the residents in the area heard that the old Community Centre building was up for surplus by the municipality and they had a vision for Herring Cove of having a community space available to the residents of the area; and

Whereas this non-profit community group is made up of a board of directors that live in the community and who share a vision of how an active community centre could enhance their community by providing a space for recreational, cultural, and social activities, and are now dedicated to raising funds to begin renovating the centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate James McKeown on his commitment and dedication to improving the community of Herring Cove, and thank him for serving on the Herring Cove Community Association's board of directors.

RESOLUTION NO. 648

[Page 1585]

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Janice Rafuse-Crowe serves on the board of directors of the Herring Cove Community Association; and

Whereas this community group came together in 2017 when the residents in the area heard that the old Community Centre building was up for surplus by the municipality and they had a vision for Herring Cove of having a community space available to the residents of the area; and

Whereas this non-profit community group is made up of a board of directors that live in the community and who share a vision of how an active community centre could enhance their community by providing a space for recreational, cultural, and social activities and are now dedicated to raising funds to begin renovating the centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Janice Rafuse-Crowe on her commitment and dedication to improving the community of Herring Cove and thank her for serving on the Herring Cove Community Association's board of directors.

RESOLUTION NO. 649

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Katie Dickinson serves on the board of directors of the Herring Cove Community Association; and

Whereas this community group came together in 2017 when the residents in the area heard that the old Community Centre building was up for surplus by the municipality and they had a vision for Herring Cove of having a community space available to the residents of the area; and

Whereas this non-profit community group is made up of a board of directors that live in the community and who share a vision of how an active community centre could enhance their community by providing a space for recreational, cultural, and social activities and are now dedicated to raising funds to begin renovating the centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Katie Dickinson on her commitment and dedication to improving the community of Herring Cove and thank her for serving on the Herring Cove Community Association's board of directors.

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RESOLUTION NO. 650

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Matt Conrad serves on the board of directors of the Herring Cove Community Association; and

Whereas this community group came together in 2017 when the residents in the area heard that the old Community Centre building was up for surplus by the municipality and they had a vision for Herring Cove of having a community space available to the residents of the area; and

Whereas this non-profit community group is made up of a board of directors that live in the community and who share a vision of how an active community centre could enhance their community by providing a space for recreational, cultural, and social activities and are now dedicated to raising funds to begin renovating the centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Matt Conrad on his commitment and dedication to improving the community of Herring Cove and thank him for serving on the Herring Cove Community Association's board of directors.

RESOLUTION NO. 651

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Rena Maguire serves on the board of directors of the Herring Cove Community Association; and

Whereas this community group came together in 2017 when the residents in the area heard that the old Community Centre building was up for surplus by the municipality and they had a vision for Herring Cove of having a community space available to the residents of the area; and

Whereas this non-profit community group is made up of a board of directors that live in the community and who share a vision of how an active community centre could enhance their community by providing a space for recreational, cultural, and social activities and are now dedicated to raising funds to begin renovating the centre;

[Page 1587]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Rena Maguire on her commitment and dedication to improving the community of Herring Cove and thank her for serving on the Herring Cove Community Association's board of directors.

RESOLUTION NO. 652

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Long Lake Provincial Park is an oasis of natural beauty nestled in the community of Spryfield; and

Whereas the Long Lake Provincial Park Association (LLPPA) is a group of dedicated volunteers that is responsible for the development and maintenance of the southeast section of Long Lake Provincial Park; and

Whereas the Board Members of the LLPPA have worked together over the last several years to maintain the park and improve it with the addition of over 10 kilometers of trails and a kayak/canoe launch. They had a vision for the park and through their hard work, have managed to create an area of unspoiled, natural beauty within the city that is easily accessible to all;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Long Lake Provincial Park Association for their dedication to preserving and maintaining the natural beauty of Long Lake Provincial Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 653

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Marilyn Royston has been operating Mrs. P's Homestyle Bakery in Spryfield for over 25 years; and

Whereas Mrs. P's specializes in delicious oatcakes that are available at many locations throughout the city and also has a full range of delectable sweets available at her store on the Herring Cove Road; and

[Page 1588]

Whereas Mrs. P's Homestyle Bakery is an integral part of the Spryfield business community and Marilyn is always willing to support local community events with wonderful trays of cookies and squares;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Marilyn Royston for not only choosing to operate her business in Spryfield but also on her commitment to giving back to the community she serves, and wish her many more years of success.

RESOLUTION NO. 654

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Uncle Buck's Pizzeria is a local restaurant in Spryfield, owned by Rick Tanner; and

Whereas Uncle Buck's Pizzeria has been feeding the residents of Spryfield and surrounding area for many years; and

Whereas Uncle Buck's Pizzeria not only serves affordable, great food, Rick is also extremely generous in supporting the community and is always willing to help out by supplying pizzas to many local non-profit organizations and community events;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Rick Tanner on his successful business and thank him for his dedication and commitment to giving back to the community he serves.

RESOLUTION NO. 655

By: Hon. Brendan Maguire (Halifax Atlantic)

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

Whereas Ren Lin worked in the Japanese food industry for over 20 years and spent seven years as a chef at Hamachi House; and

Whereas Ren Lin, along with his wife, Emily, recently opened their own restaurant, Sushi Cove, in Spryfield; and

[Page 1589]

Whereas the opening of Sushi Cove has brought to the area a dining experience that was not previously available in the community, and their reputation is quickly growing as a restaurant that provides quality, delicious sushi;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Lin family on their new business and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 656

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of Allan Lafford High School in Potlotek continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at Allan Lafford High School in Potlotek for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 657

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Emily "Eldora" Boone of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond.

[Page 1590]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Emily "Eldora" Boone having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 658

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of East Richmond Education Centre in St. Peter's continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at East Richmond Education Centre in St. Peter's for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 659

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of Felix Marchand in Louisdale continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at Felix Marchand in Louisdale for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

[Page 1591]

RESOLUTION NO. 660

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas John Patrick Bolger of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of John Patrick Bolger having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 661

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Joseph Leon Meunier, formerly of West Arichat, deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Joseph Leon Meunier by having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

[Page 1592]

RESOLUTION NO. 662

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Leonard Joseph Jeffrey, formerly of Louisdale, deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Leonard Joseph Jeffrey by having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 663

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of the MacLeod Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home in Port Hawkesbury continued to care for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at MacLeod Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home in Port Hawkesbury for their dedication to care, their service, and their sacrifice.

[Page 1593]

RESOLUTION NO. 664

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Alma Martell of Little Anse deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Alma Martell by having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 665

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Dorothy Burke of River Bourgeois deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Dorothy Burke by having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

[Page 1594]

RESOLUTION NO. 666

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of the Mi'kmawey School in Potlotek continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at the Mi'kmawey School in Potlotek for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 667

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of the Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at the NSCC Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 668

[Page 1595]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of Richmond Academy in Louisdale continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at Richmond Academy in Louisdale for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 669

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of the Richmond Villa in St. Peter's continued to care for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at Richmond Villa in St. Peter's for their dedication to care, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 670

[Page 1596]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of the Strait Area Education Recreation Centre in Port Hawkesbury continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at the Strait Area Education Recreation Centre in Port Hawkesbury for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 671

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of the St. Anne Community and Nursing Care Centre in Arichat continued to care for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at St. Anne Community and Nursing Care Centre in Arichat for their dedication to care, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 672

[Page 1597]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of Tamarac Education Centre in Port Hawkesbury continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in extra cleaning, and in addressing health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at the Tamarac Education Centre in Port Hawkesbury for their dedication to learning, their service, and their sacrifice.

RESOLUTION NO. 673

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas William Berchmans Melong of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of William Berchmans Melong by having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 674

[Page 1598]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Yvonne Catherine Dorey of West Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we celebrate the contributions to life, love, and our memories from current or former deceased community members of Cape Breton-Richmond;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Yvonne Catherine Dorey by having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 675

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas Lee Nauss of Conquerall Bank, who had the distinction of serving on council with the District of Lunenburg for an incredible span of 53 years, was first elected in 1967 at the age of 28; and

Whereas Lee's service included 21 years as warden, from 1976 to 1997, and as deputy mayor in 2010 and 2012, and he says that municipal government is a grassroots government, the one closest to the people - communicating closely with them and fighting for their rights and you feel like you're doing somethingand it just gets in your blood; and

Whereas Lee was a plumber by trade and had an extensive career that included nine years with the Department of Highways, as well as work with Irving Oil and Mersey Electrical, and he managed the much-loved South Shore Exhibition for three years, and was a successful entrepreneur as the owner of Lee Nauss Plumbing and Heating;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Lee Nauss for his dedication, passion and outstanding commitment to public service.

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RESOLUTION NO. 676

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas Ada Denil of LaHave, who is a fourth-year student at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, was one of ten finalists in the 2020 NSCAD University Student Art Awards and won a $1,000 prize as a finalist; and

Whereas this awarded recognizes and promotes the exceptional work completed by NSCAD students, whereby each of the finalists represented a different visual art discipline, and Ada created a modern sculpture that was designed to appear to be powering the vascular system of the NSCAD Port Campus; and

Whereas NSCAD University's vice-president of academic and research said, "During these trying times, art can help lift us up, bring us together, and give us something to look forward to . . . and these ten artists deserve credit for inspiring us, during a time when we need it most";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ada Denil on this remarkable achievement and wish this talented student all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 677

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas Bill McInnis served on Council for the Town of Bridgewater for 20 years, from 2000 to 2020, and during that time filled the role of deputy mayor for two years; and

Whereas Bill's career expanded over 39 years in the financial services sector, including 24 years as a bank manager at TD Canada Trust; and

Whereas Bill served as president of the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bridgewater Golf and Country Club, and the Bridgewater Minor Hockey Association, in addition to serving as co-chair of the Development of the Osprey Ridge Golf Club, and was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Bridgewater & District and the founder of the South Shore Mustangs Major Midget Hockey Club;

[Page 1600]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Bill McInnis for his public service and commitment to his community and wish him well on his retirement from politics.

RESOLUTION NO. 678

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) announced the retirement of Chief (Ret.) Martin E. Bell from the association on March 31, 2021; and

Whereas Martin E. Bell served with the CVFSA since August 1999 as the inaugural recording secretary in addition to several executive offices, including secretary, vice-president, president, past-president, and most recently, chief administrative officer (CAO) until his retirement; and

Whereas Martin E. Bell joined the Conquerall Bank Fire Department in 1973, serving as fire chief for 15 years, and was a volunteer instructor for five years at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School, in addition to serving on multiple local, provincial, and federal associations where his leadership, mentoring, coaching, and guidance helped build them into the robust organizations that they are today;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Chief (Ret.) Martin E. Bell for the 20-plus years of commitment, dedication, and tireless effort that he put into the CVFSA and the betterment of the volunteer fire services in Canada.

RESOLUTION NO. 679

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas Eric Hustvedt of Broad Cove provided a steady voice on Council for the District of Lunenburg from 2008-2020, including two one-year terms as deputy mayor, and is a man of sound judgment, who always responded to his community with an open mind and heart; and

Whereas Eric especially valued Council's role in creating ocean, lake, river, and woodland access for the public, the most recent examples being River Ridge Common, a nature park situated in the New Germany area, and a beach property in Oakland; and

[Page 1601]

Whereas Eric served on the Broad Cove Community Association as president and as a board member for twenty years, in addition to being a brigade member with the United Communities Fire Department for 16 years, and worked and dreamed with many toward the creation of a skate park, which became a reality in 2018;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Eric Hustvedt, who is also a writer, editor, and publisher who played a key role in the 1987 book The Sea in My Blood, on his well-deserved retirement from politics.

RESOLUTION NO. 680

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas Michael Graves moved with his family to Bridgewater in 2003 and served two terms on Bridgewater's town council, with his second term ending in 2020, and is a founding member of Christmas on the LaHave, was an in-school mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteers for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, and has been a meal delivery driver for Souls Harbour Bridgewater; and

Whereas Michael owned M & M Meats for 10 years, until 2013, and has served as the coordinator for the United Way of Lunenburg County since 2006, leading the organization's programs including Plow, Rake, Mow and Stack It Forward for Seniors, Bikes for Kids, and Coats for Kids; and

Whereas United Way of Lunenburg County board member and friend Mark Winfield says, "Michael is an outstanding community builder who has made a significant contribution to the well-being of Lunenburg County";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Michael Graves, an idea guy and a doer who doesn't give up until the job is done, for his community spirit and dedication to the people of Bridgewater and Lunenburg County.

RESOLUTION NO. 681

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

[Page 1602]

Whereas Team Nodding of the Bridgewater Curling Club captured the 2020 Provincial Women's U18 Championship title in a twelve team tournament that took place in Truro last April; and

Whereas the team members are Alison Umlah, (Lead), Lydia Locke (Second), Cally Moore (Mate), and Katelyn Nodding (Skip) and Scott Nodding (Coach); and

Whereas Team Nodding trained all year under the Nova Scotia Curling High Performance Program, travelling to HRM to practice, and Coach Scott Nodding says that, "all the girls are exceptional players and have skipped their own teams and won past provincial championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Team Nodding on this accomplishment and wish them continued success in this lifelong sport that they love.

RESOLUTION NO. 682

By: Tory Rushton (Cumberland South)

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

Whereas the Oxford Lions Club have seen hardship over the last two years and overcome many obstacles while still supporting the community; and

Whereas the Oxford Lions Club supported by many community volunteers and donors worked together and opened the doors of the Oxford Lions Recreation Center for this past winter season; and

Whereas the Oxford Lions Recreation Center saw a shortened but very positive ice rental season;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking the Oxford Lions Club and all the hard working volunteers that were dedicated to ensure the Oxford area had access to ice rentals and winter activity in a safe manner while observing COVID-19 restrictions.

RESOLUTION NO. 683

[Page 1603]

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas when COVID-19 started in Nova Scotia in the winter of 2020, several groups popped up across the province to help vulnerable Nova Scotians who were in need of extra supports during a very difficult and unusual time; and

Whereas Leslie Porter from Windsor started a group called Caremongers Windsor - West Hants which quickly grew to include many caring community members and people quickly knew where to turn if they needed a little extra help with groceries, prescription deliveries, household items, as well as more than $12,000 in cash: and

Whereas with the support of the Caremongers Windsor - West Hants group, hundreds of people including seniors, families and individuals received food boxes filled with much needed grocery items and a few treats to help them get through tough times;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank the Caremongers Windsor - West Hants group for donating so many hours to helping those in need and thank the very generous community members who donated groceries, gift cards, clothing, and so much more to this wonderful cause.

RESOLUTION NO. 684

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas turning 90 years of age is a big deal and so is celebrating 62 years with your local Fire Department; and

Whereas Cyril Woodman thoroughly enjoyed a parade of firetrucks from Mount Uniacke to Greenwich which had joined together to celebrate the veteran firefighter's 90th birthday as they drove by the Gladys Manning Retirement Home in Windsor where Cyril currently resides on November 9, 2020; and

Whereas after joining the Windsor Fire Department in 1958, Cyril served 44 years of active duty before transitioning to the Veterans' association for 18 years and is the oldest living veteran firefighter of the department;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Cyril Woodman for his dedication and a lifetime of service to the Windsor Fire Department and wish him all the best in his retirement.

[Page 1604]

RESOLUTION NO. 685

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas as well as helping out with the Windsor Senior Citizen Bus Society, when the call for assistance in raising funds through the Caremongers Windsor - West Hants Facebook group for local individuals in need came in, Krista Lloy and her daughter Amy Lloy jumped right in with a delicious idea; and

Whereas appealing to people taste buds seemed to do the trick as Krista and Amy have done several successful 'Cheesecake' fundraisers over the last year; and

Whereas since the first cheesecake fundraiser in the Spring of 2020, Krista and Amy have raised thousands of dollars to help out families of the West Hants area who need a bit of support during difficult times;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud Krista and Amy Lloy for their ingenious fundraising idea and of course their superb baking skills and thank them for their generosity.

RESOLUTION NO. 686

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas when vandals disabled one of the Windsor Senior Bus Society's buses last week by stealing the catalytic converter, the community and surrounding areas stepped up to assists with expenses for repairs; and

Whereas the whole Valley Wild Cat U16 Triple AAA team donated $1000 to the Seniors Bus Society, which was raised throughout the year by the team, to enhance security around the area where the buses are kept; and

Whereas instilling volunteerism and caring for and within the community the boys are part of in an integral part of the hockey program;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank the Valley Wild Cat U16 Triple AAA team for their commitment and dedication to helping those within their communities.

[Page 1605]

RESOLUTION NO. 687

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Chapel Island Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the Chapel Island Volunteer Fire Department for commitment in answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 688

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the District 10 Volunteer Fire Department in Red Islands continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the District 10 Volunteer Fire Department in Red Islands for commitment in answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

[Page 1606]

RESOLUTION NO. 689

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas all staff of École Beau-Port in Arichat continued to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21; and

Whereas this service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing public health concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in honouring the entire staff at École Beau-Port in Arichat for their sacrifice and for their dedication to the safety and education of our children.

RESOLUTION NO. 690

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Framboise-Fourchu Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the Framboise-Fourchu Volunteer Fire Department for commitment in answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 691

[Page 1607]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Grand River Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the Grand River Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 692

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Isle Madame Food Bank continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing food security;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support to and thanking the volunteers of the Isle Madame Food Bank, who donated their time and energy to ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to food.

RESOLUTION NO. 693

[Page 1608]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Isle Madame Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the Isle Madame Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 694

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the L'Ardoise Food Bank continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing food security;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support to and thanking the volunteers of the L'Ardoise Food Bank, who donated their time and energy to ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to food.

RESOLUTION NO. 695

[Page 1609]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the L'Ardoise Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the L'Ardoise Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 696

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Loch Lomond Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the Loch Lomond Volunteer Fire Department for commitment in answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 697

[Page 1610]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Louisdale Food Bank continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing food security;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support to and thanking the volunteers of the Louisdale Food Bank, who donated their time and energy to ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to food.

RESOLUTION NO. 698

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Louisdale Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the Louisdale Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 699

[Page 1611]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the members and volunteers of the Port Hawkesbury Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the Port Hawkesbury Fire Department for their commitment to answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 700

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing food security;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support to and thanking the volunteers of the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank, who donated their time and energy to ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to food.

RESOLUTION NO. 701

[Page 1612]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the Potlotek Food Bank continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing food security;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support to and thanking the volunteers of the Potlotek Food Bank, who donated their time and energy to ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to food.

RESOLUTION NO. 702

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the St. Peter's Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the St. Peter's Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 703

[Page 1613]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the St. Peter's Food Bank continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in addressing food security;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support to and thanking the volunteers of the St. Peter's Food Bank, who donated their time and energy to ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to food.

RESOLUTION NO. 704

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas the volunteers of the West Bay Road and District Volunteer Fire Department continued to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021; and

Whereas this public service was done willingly and at great personal risk to themselves and their families; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant extra work and time commitment on their part in training, in sanitizing, and in responding to 911 emergencies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in pledging our support for and in thanking the West Bay Road and District Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to answering the call of duty and their willingness to serve our community at great personal risk.

RESOLUTION NO. 705

[Page 1614]

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas the ongoing generosity of the Murphy Foundation and Liverpool's Mersey Seafoods to the communities of Queens; and

Whereas most recently they made an incredible gesture to the Liverpool Firefighters' Association when the Association and Fire Department found it necessary to borrow money in order to purchase a needed ladder truck, and raising the funds to pay off this loan was made extra challenging because of the constraints in place due to the pandemic; and

Whereas the Murphy Foundation and Mersey Seafoods donated $50,000 to the Association, allowing them to clear their debt;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in applauding the Murphy Foundation and Mersey Seafoods for their leadership and generosity; they stepped up to help our volunteers keep Queens County residents safe.

RESOLUTION NO. 706

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas the official grand opening of the South Shore Drive-In took place September 2020 in its permanent home at the Friends of Hank Snow Society property in Liverpool; and

Whereas these two non-profit organizations worked together to bring to reality what started as a vision by well-known Queens County volunteer Charlotte White; and

Whereas at this first drive-in on the South Shore in over 25 years, the outdoor theatre can accommodate at least 200 vehicles and the portable popup screen may very well be the only one of its kind in Canada, as it is raised and lowered with sailing rigging and will be available for use by other community organizations;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Charlotte White, project lead Catherine Croft and the many volunteers, sponsors, and community members that believed in this already successful project to make it a reality.

RESOLUTION NO. 707

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas the Grade 9 Citizenship Class of North Queens Community School organized the ordering of a 35 x 60 skating rink for the schoolyard this winter season; and

Whereas these students oversaw the process of installation and maintenance for school and community use of the rink, looking for donations to develop a library of skates and helmets for student use;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Grade 9 Citizenship Class of North Queens Community School for their hard work, dedication, and leadership abilities in making this skating rink a reality for the school and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 708

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas Wendy Thistle was awarded the Community Service Award at the Queens Adult High School Graduation ceremony, held on June 22, 2020; and

Whereas Wendy has silently helped many of those less fortunate in our community, contributing her time and efforts at the local food bank, creating personal care packages for local shelters, and even providing homecooked meals; and

Whereas during COVID-19, Wendy continued to protect those in her community by making PPE in the form of masks;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Wendy Thistle on receiving her high school diploma at the age of 69 and for receiving the Community Service Award.

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