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HALIFAX, MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011

Sixty-first General Assembly

Third Session

12:00 NOON

SPEAKER

Hon. Gordon Gosse

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Ms. Becky Kent, Mr. Leo Glavine, Mr. Alfie MacLeod

MR. SPEAKER » : Order, please. We'll begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. ROSS LANDRY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to submit a report, the Law Reform Commission of Nova Scotia final report, Seniors-only Housing.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

I would also like to table a report, Statement of Votes and Financial Information, from Elections Nova Scotia.

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1631

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

Whereas Rachel Shaw and Kyle Jewer, two medical students at Dalhousie University, head up Making Waves Halifax, an aquatic therapy program exclusively for kids with special needs; and

Whereas this program provides children, who ordinarily spend most of their time in a wheelchair, with the opportunity to feel a sense of freedom and independence while improving their range of motion, balance, muscle tone, and cardiovascular capacity; and

Whereas for Rachel and Kyle this volunteer program not only provides therapy for children, but also provides great work experience for the 60 classmates they recruited - our future doctors;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly extend congratulations to Rachel Shaw, Kyle Jewer, and their classmates in making this program a success, and thank them for their commitment to helping others.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

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The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

RESOLUTION NO. 1632

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

Whereas by eliminating the Voluntary Planning Board the NDP Government has shown Nova Scotians that their opinions are not necessary and their input is not appreciated; and

Whereas by eliminating the Voluntary Planning Board the NDP Government has shown Nova Scotians that government must be in control of the discussion; and

Whereas by eliminating the Voluntary Planning Board the NDP will further lose touch with the public and will suffer at the ballot box for this message-control scheme;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly press Nova Scotians to become more active now that the NDP Government has slashed one of the province's most important means of public engagement, the Voluntary Planning Board.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The notice is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

HON. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, may I make an introduction first, sir?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Most certainly.

MR. ESTABROOKS » : In your gallery - I'm going to have an opportunity in a moment to mention the accomplishment of Corporal Don McElhone but I'd ask Corporal McElhone to stand in his place and receive this acknowledgement.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1633

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

Whereas for many years the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires has been entrusted every day with the security of the members of this Assembly and the precincts of Province House; and

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Whereas since the February 13, 2002, one of our security officers entrusted with our protection has been Corporal Don McElhone; and

Whereas today, May 16, 2011, Mr. McElhone was promoted to the rank of sergeant at a ceremony in this House;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Sergeant Don McElhone on his promotion on this auspicious day.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried. (Standing Ovation)

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

RESOLUTION NO. 1634

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

Whereas the residents of Antigonish are paying $1.36 per litre at the pumps; and

Whereas the Premier, while he was in Opposition, told Nova Scotians and residents of Antigonish that the system of putting tax on tax for gasoline should be ended and even went as far as to say that this was an immoral tax; and

Whereas the Premier has had two years to end what he calls an "immoral tax" and provide some relief to the people of Antigonish, and indeed across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly condemn the Dexter NDP for failing to remove the tax on tax and urge the member for Antigonish to finally speak up for his constituents who are paying too high a price for yet another NDP broken promise.

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The notice is tabled.

The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 1635

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

Whereas the Canadian Lebanon Society promotes a strong relationship between our two countries; and

Whereas the Lebanese community has made a strong contribution to both Nova Scotia and Canada; and

Whereas on Sunday, May 15^th, the Canadian Lebanon Society held the 11^th Annual Celebration of the Lebanese Emigrant;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the great contribution the Lebanese Canadians have made to our province.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

RESOLUTION NO. 1636

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in Canada and is treatable when identified in the early stages; and

Whereas Jim Connors of Dartmouth, known for his service to his community and as an inspiring advocate for cancer treatment in Nova Scotia, passed away on April 3, 2008, due to colon cancer; and

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Whereas in Jim's memory his children, Lauren and Patrick Connors, have organized Crunch Out Colon Cancer, a fundraiser in support of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society, taking place on Saturday, May 21, 2011;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in wishing Lauren and Patrick a successful fundraising event and recognize their work to preserve the memory of their father, Jim Connors, and their efforts to continue Jim's legacy by helping those in need.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1637

MR. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association was chosen as the 2011 recipient of the Gary MacDonald Memorial Award in recognition of an outstanding community project; and

Whereas the Coxheath association protects the environmental integrity of the Coxheath Hills ecosystem; and

Whereas while protecting the environmental integrity of the ecosystem, the association also makes it available to the public through the development of six walking trails;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Coxheath Wilderness Recreation Association for winning the 2011 Gary MacDonald Memorial Award and wish them nothing but continued success in the years ahead.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 1638

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

Whereas the annual Hair for Hero's event in support of the Daniel McLellan Memorial Fund was held on Saturday, May 14^th at the Halifax Shopping Centre; and

Whereas this event not only makes it possible to create and supply children with wigs due to hair loss from chemotherapy but also raises thousands of dollars for other cancer programs; and

Whereas this annual event honours the true heroes, remarkable people battling cancer, especially children;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly extend their appreciation and congratulations to all those involved in making this event a success, and may we forever keep the true heroes in our thoughts and prayers.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

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The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 1639

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

Whereas Canadian business icon Wallace McCain passed away Friday at the age of 81; and

Whereas Mr. McCain is remembered not only as a brilliant businessperson and generous philanthropist but also as a man of the people who, as one friend said, "never outgrew his hat size"; and

Whereas during his life he received much recognition and many awards, including being made an Officer and a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame and the Order of New Brunswick;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join with all Canadians in remembering the remarkable life of Wallace McCain, and send our most sincere condolences to his family and many friends.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

RESOLUTION NO. 1640

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the member for Glace Bay may have been the province's largest consumer of hair gel; and

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Whereas the member for Glace Bay has faced the increased costs associated with having a new baby in the family; and

Whereas to reduce his monthly expenses associated with cases of hair gel, the member for Glace Bay shaved his head on the weekend;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the member for Glace Bay on his novel approach to reducing his expenses by cutting out hair gel.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

RESOLUTION NO. 1641

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

Whereas on May 11, 2011, Mount Saint Vincent University officially unveiled the Gail and Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Learning Disabilities which will provide graduates with enhanced knowledge and skills to identify and teach students with learning disabilities; and

Whereas the Chair was made possible by generous donations from the community and its namesakes, Gail and Stephen Jarislowksky, whose $1 million contribution to the Chair was the first-ever donation of that size made to MSVU; and

Whereas the Chair, which is the first of its kind in Canada, will be filled by Dr. Jamie Masala who has taught at the University of Western Ontario, the University of Maryland, and MSVU, and served as the Director of Research and Psychology at Integra Children's Mental Health Centre in Toronto;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Dr. Jamie Masala on being named as the first Gail and Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Learning Disabilities, congratulate MSVU for creating the position, and commend Gail and Stephen Jarislowsky for their continued generosity.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1642

MR. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Alice Neily was selected by the Kingston Lions Club and awarded, at their 50^th Anniversary Charter Night Banquet, the 2010 Lion of the Year Award; and

Whereas Alice is an outstanding volunteer contributing to building community spirit, and has also been selected as Kingston Village Volunteer of the Year; and

Whereas Alice is always finding new causes to support with her volunteerism spirit, and is also known for her loyalty and commitment on behalf of the NDP;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Alice Nealy on the dual recognition, and wish Alice the very best in her future endeavours.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

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The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Colchester North.

RESOLUTION NO. 1643

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:1

Whereas the Village of Tatamagouche continues to thrive and grow and be successful; and

Whereas people in Tatamagouche are very proud of the strength of their community and the facilities and services that are available there; and

Whereas for the past 40 years, members of the community have raised thousands of dollars through a walk-a-thon to support and maintain the North Colchester Recreation Association;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate former and current board members for their leadership and vision that supports recreation facilities and programs for residents of Tatamagouche and area.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 1644

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

Whereas the residents of the Eastern Shore are paying $1.35 per litre at the pumps; and

Whereas the Premier, while he was in Opposition, told Nova Scotians and residents of the Eastern Shore that the system of putting tax on tax for gasoline should be ended, and even went as far as to say that it was an immoral tax; and

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Whereas the Premier has had two years to end what he calls "an immoral tax" and provide some relief to the people of the Eastern Shore and, indeed, across Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly condemn the NDP Dexter Government for failing to remove the tax on tax, and urge the member for the Eastern Shore to finally speak up for his constituents who are paying the price for yet another NDP broken promise.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Yarmouth.

RESOLUTION NO. 1645

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

Whereas Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School student Bria Miller is a leader among her peers as a volunteer student caseworker, leading 15 other student volunteers who deliver an alternative to out-of-school suspensions for students; and

Whereas Ms. Miller is an advocate for the Tri-County Restorative Justice Program who has built relationships with community agencies, youth addiction services, mental health services, the Tri-County Women's Centre, and the Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team in order to champion the principles of restorative justice, support those in need, and strengthen our community; and

Whereas Ms. Miller was among those recently recognized at the 25^th Annual Atlantic Coordinating Committee on Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference for her efforts to support all those who have been affected by crime, prevent crime, and make our community safer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bria Miller for being awarded this prestigious honour and recognize her for her dedication to her community and for being an inspiration to her peers, and wish her every success in what is sure to be a bright and successful future.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 1646

MR. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Sydney Sooners are preparing to enter their 35^th year in the Nova Scotia Senior Baseball League and will take on the Dartmouth Moosehead Dry, Halifax Pelham Canadians, Kentville Wildcats, and Truro Bearcats in competitive play beginning next weekend; and

Whereas the Sooners will continue their tradition of excellence both on and off the field, giving senior players the opportunity to play highly competitive baseball and be part of the Sooners family, a family which I was part of for over 10 years; and

Whereas the Sooners will field a championship contender in 2011 and will continue their legacy of developing great ball players and community leaders, in addition to providing excellent baseball and a great family experience at the Susan MacEachern Memorial Ball Park;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House join me in congratulating head coach and manager Jim (Rico) MacEachern, fundraising chair Margo Christie, and the committed Sooners volunteers and team leaders - Beau Chiasson, Jason Snow and Cory Christie - on their continued commitment to the Sydney Sooners, and wish them success in 2011 and beyond.

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

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

Is it agreed?

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It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 1647

MS. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas May 16^th to May 22^nd is National Victorian Order of Nurses Awareness Week; and

Whereas this week acknowledges the importance of accessible home and community health care services which are integral to our health care system by helping Canadians age at home, and keeping people healthy and out of hospital beds and long-term care facilities; and

Whereas this year's theme, "Giving Excellence: Achieving stronger communities one person at a time through VON", provides an opportunity to celebrate the unique contributions staff and volunteers make in the lives of individuals in communities throughout our province on a daily basis;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature acknowledge May 16^th to May 22^nd as National Victorian Order of Nurses Awareness Week and commend all staff for their dedication to the provision of quality community-based health care delivered throughout Nova Scotia.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Colchester North.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1648

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's fire brigades are made up of individuals who are dedicated to serving others; and

Whereas these firefighters not only contribute hard work, skills and time, they often risk their lives and must deal with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas firefighters seldom receive the accolades which they deserve, most fire brigades hold a banquet each year to thank all of their members and to present special honours;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly extend congratulations to Murray Hayman of the North River and District Fire Brigade in Colchester North, for receiving a 25-year service award as well as a provincial long-service award.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1649

MR. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Geof and Valerie Leslie of Windermere were awarded an Outstanding Volunteer award from the County of Kings during Volunteer Month in April; and

Whereas Geof and Valerie Leslie continue to display the true spirit of volunteerism in their small rural community of Windermere; and

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Whereas small rural communities such as Windermere continue to thrive because of the outstanding community spirit and dedication of Geof and Valerie Leslie;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Geof and Valerie Leslie on their Kings County Volunteer Award for 2011.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1650

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

Whereas l'Ardoise teacher Terry Clements helped form 2842 L'Ardoise Army Cadet Corps in 1974, with the support of the L'Ardoise Royal Canadian Legion Branch 110; and

Whereas for the past 37 years Terry Clements has been the commanding officer of 2842 Army Cadet Corps, helping to train and support cadets from L'Ardoise and surrounding communities; and

Whereas the 2842 Army Cadet Corps will hold its annual inspection on Monday, May 23, 2011, and will mark Terry's final inspection as commanding officer as a result of his upcoming retirement on February 7, 2012;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Terry Clements for his remarkable dedication as commanding officer of L'Ardoise 2842 Army Cadet Corps for the last 37 years and wish him well in his retirement.

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

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

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Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 1651

MS. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on February 10, 2011, the Bella Rose Arts Centre in Clayton Park was filled with local residents, sponsors and supporters to celebrate the official gala opening; and

Whereas the opening of this professional, 600-seat theatre is a dream come true for our community and opens the door to new opportunities that will enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and

Whereas Wadih Fares, chair of the capital campaign, appreciates the importance that arts play in our community and he was instrumental in raising funds for the completion of the Bella Rose Arts Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate and thank Wadhi Fares for his commitment to this exciting project and congratulate him for a successful role as chair of the capital campaign for the new Bella Rose Arts Centre.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1652

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

Whereas hiring private consultants to deliver the tough decisions while government sits on its hands is a principal trick of the NDP; and

Whereas the NDP Government has used this information, provided at great financial expense, to hide behind tough decisions; and

Whereas by eliminating the Voluntary Planning Board, the NDP Government is proving to Nova Scotians that henceforth private-paid consultants will guide the policy of this province, not the government or its people;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly continue to criticize the NDP Government for its ill-advised and unfortunate verdict to rid the province of public engagement and axing the Voluntary Planning Board.

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

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Yarmouth.

RESOLUTION NO. 1653

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

Whereas for decades, the Voluntary Planning Board directly asked for input and assistance from Nova Scotians to develop high-quality guiding principles in this province; and

Whereas Voluntary Planning has played a key role in shaping the rules and regulations we have in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas this process has now been eliminated, due to the information-controlling and centralized office of the Premier;

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Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly chastise the NDP Government for eradicating the Voluntary Planning Board and press government to change their mind and bring back Voluntary Planning.

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

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 1654

MR. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Table Head Development Society was formed in 2009 when a group of community-minded citizens joined forces to celebrate the history of a special area of Glace Bay, to promote active living and volunteerism among neighbours and to raise funds to develop public infrastructure; and

Whereas the THDS, which has been growing in numbers, developed an annual festival known as Table Head Days that has become a staple in the community calendar and is in the process of developing a park within the neighbourhood of Table Head; and

Whereas THDS has motivated many residents in Glace Bay to become active in protecting the local heritage and encourage our people to get out and enjoy all that our great home has to offer;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Dorothy Smith, Ginny Burke, Dale Deering-Bert, Joey and Cindy MacDonald, Sheila Gardiner, Herb Clarke, Malcolm Campbell and Joe "Gobbler" MacDonald and all the residents of Table Head on their initiative and wish them success in the 3^rd Annual Table Head Days Festival which will take place July 7^th, 8^th and 9^th of this year.

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

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

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Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1655

MR. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Clare, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in May 2010, Phase II of the steering panel's report for the province's Natural Resources Strategy was released; and

Whereas the panel provided excellent recommendations that would help government make informed decisions for the good of Nova Scotia's natural resources; and

Whereas by law, the NDP Government was to have a Natural Resources Strategy in place by December 31, 2010;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly urge the NDP Government to move forward and present the Natural Resources Strategy it has been promising to deliver and which is now nearly five months late.

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

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1656

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

Whereas the East Coast Credit Union North Isle Madame branch was incorporated April 2, 1936, with 22 charter members who paid shares totalling $120; and

Whereas the first three managers - James D. Britten, Freddie Mauger and Dr. Alfreda Tambon - maintained the credit union in their personal homes until land was donated by Dr. Tambon and a new building was constructed that still houses the North Isle Madame branch today; and

Whereas on Wednesday, April 27^th, the North Isle Madame branch under the direction of manager Patsy Poirier and staff celebrated its 75^th Anniversary of serving the financial needs of residents in D'Escousse and surrounding communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly extend their sincerest congratulations to manager Patsy Poirier, staff and members of East Coast Credit Union North Isle Madame branch on celebrating their 75^th Anniversary and wish them continued success.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

RESOLUTION NO. 1657

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

Whereas Julia Sarty, a Grade 8 student at Gorsebrook Junior High School, won an award at the 2011 Halifax Sci-Tech Expo, a science and technology project competition; and

Whereas Julia's winning submission was entitled "Sissonne: Les Forces des Sautés"; and

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Whereas Julia competed against students from across the country to claim a Canada-Wide Science Fair Scholarship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Julia Sarty and wish her continued success in her academic pursuits.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

RESOLUTION NO. 1658

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Digby-Annapolis, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the abolition of the Voluntary Planning Board is a shock and surprise to many Nova Scotians; and

Whereas the elimination of the board is a tremendous step backwards by the NDP Government and signifies a shift in policy in the province by centralizing information and power to government and government alone; and

Whereas this scheme will add to the feelings of disengagement and apathy from the public, driving voter turnout down even further;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly condemn the NDP Government's move to axe the Voluntary Planning Board creating an environment of centralization and public disconnection.

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

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

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Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1659

MR. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Clare, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in November 2004, the Voluntary Planning Board handed its final report to government on off-highway vehicles; and

Whereas the Progressive Conservative government of the day cherry-picked a few of the recommendations, leaving other more substantial and important recommendations on the shelf; and

Whereas while this was poor judgment by the now-Third Party, at the time they still accepted the report and the high value of work performed by Nova Scotians;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly criticize the NDP Government for eliminating the Voluntary Planning Board, stopping public engagement and policy recommendations like we saw in the 2004 report on off-highway vehicles.

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

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

RESOLUTION NO. 1660

MR. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Digby-Annapolis, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the residents of Cumberland North are paying $1.36 per litre at the pumps; and

[Page 2584]

Whereas the Premier, while he was in Opposition, told Nova Scotians and residents of Cumberland North that the system of putting tax on tax for gasoline should be ended and even went as far as to say that this was an immoral tax; and

Whereas the Premier has had two years to end what he calls an immoral tax and provide some relief to the people of Cumberland North and, indeed, across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly condemn the Dexter NDP for failing to remove the tax on tax and urge the member for Cumberland North to finally speak up for his constituents who are paying too high a price for yet another broken NDP promise.

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

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON » : Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

We will now take a short recess to allow the committee to set up.

[12:36 p.m. The House recessed.]

[12:46 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Ms. Becky Kent in the Chair.]

[12:00 midnight CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Ms. Becky Kent in the Chair.]

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MADAM SPEAKER « » : The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK » : That the committee has met, has considered Bill No. 59, has made

progress and begs leave to sit again.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT » : Thank you, Madam Speaker. That ends the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet tomorrow between the hours of 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight. After the daily routine and Oral Question Period, we will go into Committee of the Whole House on Bill No. 59.

I move that the House do now rise.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow between the hours of 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight.

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

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned.

[The House rose at 12:01 a.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

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RESOLUTION NO. 1661

By: Hon. William Estabrooks (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Bicycle Nova Scotia is today beginning a relay that will pass through communities all over Nova Scotia; and

Whereas this relay is intended to celebrate the enactment of Bill No. 93 which provides new laws that encourage safe sharing of the road between bicycles and motor vehicles; and

Whereas this relay will end here at the Nova Scotia Legislature on June 1^st, the day these new laws go into effect;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in wishing fair weather and safe travelling to all participants in this Bicycle Nova Scotia relay.

RESOLUTION NO. 1662

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter » (The Premier)

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

Whereas on Saturday, May 14^th, the Regional Remote-Operated Vehicle Competition was held at Centennial Pool in Halifax; and

Whereas the 10 member team from Auburn Drive High School won the competition for their remote-operated underwater vehicle and will have the chance to compete at an international competition hosted by NASA later this year; and

Whereas the students on the team have each put in more than 300 hours on this project, including 6:00 a.m. practices at a local outdoor pool in frigid conditions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the students from Auburn Drive High School on their hard work on this project and their first place finish in the Regional Remote-Operated Vehicle Competition.

RESOLUTION NO. 1663

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By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas from April 27-30, 2011, Cole Harbour District High School put on a musical performance of Hair at the Alderney Landing Theatre and the show was sold out each night; and

Whereas there were 45 students who performed, 14 students in the band pit and more than 50 additional students helping backstage; and

Whereas the students were supported by dedicated staff and administration as they worked together to perform their 10^th annual musical;

Therefore be it resolved that all the members of the House of Assembly congratulate the students and staff from Cole Harbour District High School on their performance of Hair.

RESOLUTION NO. 1664

By: Hon. Sterling Belliveau « » (Fisheries and Aquaculture)

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

Whereas Monday, May 16^th marked the start of lobster fishing season in the many Cape Breton communities that are part of Lobster Fishing Area 27; and

Whereas the marine lobster fishery is an important part of our province's economy and brings us hundreds of millions of export dollars each year; and

Whereas working conditions can be dangerous this time of year because of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions on the ocean water;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly wish all lobster fishermen a safe and productive fishing season and acknowledge the difficult working conditions they often face while making substantial contributions to the economy of Nova Scotia.