DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS
Speaker: Honourable Gordon Gosse
Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.
Available on INTERNET at http://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/
Third Session
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
HALIFAX, TUESDAY, MAY 17, 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. Before we start the daily routine, the topic for late debate has been chosen:
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature urge the government to stop blaming municipalities for the NDP's financial mismanagement and admit that shifting the tax burden from one level of government to another will accomplish nothing.
This was submitted by the honourable member for Argyle.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.
RESOLUTION NO. 1665
MS. KELLY REGAN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sameeh Abou Rashed and his wife, Shooa, settled in Charlottetown in 1976 after fleeing the war in Lebanon, and over the last 35 years has established a reputation in the community as someone who always gives and never asks for anything in return; and
Whereas many community organizations have benefited from Sameeh's efforts, including the Children's Wish Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the United Way, the Charlottetown Legion, the Lions Club, the local hospital and police force and, for many years, the P.E.I. Lebanese Association; and
Whereas in Halifax on May 15th, Sameeh was recognized by the Halifax Consulate in the name of the Lebanese Embassy as the 2011 Lebanese Emigrant of the Year;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Sameeh Abou Rashed for being recognized as the 2011 Lebanese Emigrant of the Year and commend him for all the contributions he has made to his community over the last 35 years.
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 Victoria-The Lakes.
RESOLUTION NO. 1666
MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 40th Anniversary last year and this year is celebrating 100 years in the community with a special evening event on June 7th; and
Whereas the chamber will introduce the new president, Mr. Jim Paris, as well as featured guest speaker Mr. Rick Janega, president, Emera Newfoundland and Labrador; and
Whereas the chamber's origins date back to February 24, 1911, when it was incorporated as the Sydney Board of Trade with a membership of 38;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce on its 100 years in the chamber movement, and recognize the significant role it has played in shaping the local economy.
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. 1667
MS. KELLY REGAN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the designation of Queen's Counsel, or Q.C., is an honour presented to a select group of lawyers in recognition of their leadership in the practice of law and in our community; and
Whereas Sean F. Layden of the firm Boyne Clarke LLP has been appointed Queen's Counsel; and
Whereas Sean serves on various committees of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, the Canadian Bar Association, the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, and he also volunteers with the Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyers Association and the Dartmouth Whalers Minor Hockey Association;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Sean Layden on being named a Queen's Counsel, and wish him well in all of his legal and community 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.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
RESOLUTION NO. 1668
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 band U2 will be performing in the Maritimes on July 30, 2011; and
Whereas U2 has previously performed the song known as The Ballad of Springhill, a heart-wrenching account of the mining disasters of the Town of Springhill, Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the Town of Springhill is organizing a U2 Day for July 31, 2011;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join in welcoming U2 to the Maritimes and encourage them to visit the Town of Springhill on U2 Day, July 31, 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 Dartmouth East.
RESOLUTION NO. 1669
MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas orange crosswalk flags were first installed at crosswalks in Dartmouth in 2009 during a pilot project to improve crosswalk safety; and
Whereas the Port Williams Village Commission successfully installed safety flags at seven crosswalks in Port Williams, in March 2011; and
Whereas following the success of the installation of flags in Port Williams, the communities of Bible Hill and Canning are now considering the installation of flags at their crosswalks;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly encourage the initiative, and applaud Bible Hill and Canning on their dedication to the promotion of crosswalk safety in 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 Cape Breton West.
RESOLUTION NO. 1670
MR. ALFIE MACLEOD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas for six years the George D. Lewis Drama Group has excelled, thanks to the guidance of director and staff advisor Natasha Burke; and
Whereas the commitment and talent of the George D. Lewis Drama Group shows the many fine productions they have done over the years; and
Whereas last weekend the group performed the play The Gangster Priest and entertained many people in the Lousibourg Playhouse;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Natasha Burke and the Louisbourg Drama Group on another successful year.
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 Yarmouth.
RESOLUTION NO. 1671
MR. ZACH CHURCHILL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the 2011 Provincial Juvenile Boys Division 1 Championship was recently held in Halifax; and
Whereas the Yarmouth Vikings Juvenile Boys Basketball team, consisting of Adam Barnett, Desi Sisco, Karim Hafazalla, Luke Nickerson, Kory Goudey, Jordan Cromwell, Tristan Hubbard, Brandon Wallace, Sam Durling and Cody Nickerson, competed in this tournament under the guidance of coach Joel Durling; and
Whereas the Yarmouth Vikings Juvenile Boys Basketball team went undefeated and won the provincial tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Yarmouth Vikings Juvenile Boys Basketball team on winning the 2011 Provincial Juvenile Boys Division 1 Championship, recognize the team's impressive performance throughout the tournament and wish members of this team every future 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 Inverness.
RESOLUTION NO. 1672
MR. ALLAN MACMASTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Melanie Wagar of Craigmore, Inverness County, was recently awarded the Steve Johnson Trophy as Mount Allison University's soccer rookie of the year at the university's year-end athletic awards night; and
Whereas the former Strait United and Cape Breton Selects soccer standout is continuing her strong athletic performance at the university level; and
Whereas Wagar is currently enrolled in first-year environmental science and has post-graduate plans to work as a wildlife conservationist;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Melanie Wagar on her outstanding athletic performance in her rookie year and wish her success 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.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Colchester North.
RESOLUTION NO. 1673
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 awards;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly extend congratulations to Kurtis Burgess of the North River and District Fire Brigade, Colchester North, for receiving a plaque for 10 years of service.
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 Argyle.
RESOLUTION NO. 1674
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: M. le Président, à une date ultérieure, je demanderai l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que chaque année le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial et leur secteur des transports reconnaît un conducteur ou une conductrice qui a correspondu le mieux au critère de sélection; et
Attendu que Edwin Frotten des Buttes Amirault, a été nommé conducteur de l'année par le CSAP parce que il a assisté a toutes les sessions de formation, n'a pas réclamé de journées de maladie, est n'a pas eu d'accident; et
Attendu que Edwin Frotten est conducteur d'autobus scolaire depuis 36 ans est il a assisté à la conférence sur le transport des élèves de la Nouvelle-Écosse à Wolfville du 1er au 3 mai dernier;
Par conséquent, qu'il soit résolu que tous les members de cette Assemblée se joignent à moi pour féliciter Edwin Frotten en recevant ce prix, le remercier pour son dévouement à son travail et sa vigilance sur nos blens les plus précieux, nos enfants.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas each year the Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial School Board and its transportation sector recognizes a school bus driver, male or female, who has corresponded best to their selection criteria; and
Whereas Edwin Frotten of Amirault's Hill was named Driver of the Year by the CSAP because he has attended all training sessions offered by the school board, did not claim sick days and has not had any accidents; and
Whereas Edwin Frotten has been a school bus driver for the past 36 years and just recently attended a conference on student transportation held in Wolfville from May 1st to May 3rd;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Edwin Frotten on receiving the award, thank him for his dedication to his work and vigilance on our most precious possessions, our children.
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. 1675
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 Cape Breton University Small Business Development Centre with its director, Mary Jane Morrison, hosted the 6th Annual Women in Business Conference and Awards Gala on May 5-6, 2011; and
Whereas this event honours the achievements made by Cape Breton women entrepreneurs and business leaders; and
Whereas on gala night, six women were acknowledged for their success in business;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly extend their congratulations to award winners Judith Bernard Googoo, Rosemary MacIsaac, Eileen Paul, Laurie Doucette, Marilyn Duchesney, and Valarie Sampson while wishing them continued success, and thank the Small Business Development Center and its director, Mary Jane Morrison, for organizing this event.
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 Argyle.
RESOLUTION NO. 1676
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteer firefighters are local heroes who willingly risk their safety to protect the lives and property of their friends, neighbours, and other members of their community; and
Whereas Earl Muise has been chair of the Administrative Committee of the Islands and District Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, a department that serves Surette's Island, Morris Island and Sluice Point; and
Whereas after the fire department burned down, Earl and the other members of the administrative committee oversaw the successful reconstruction of the building and the development plans for the future of the department;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Earl Muise for his 30 years of service to the Islands and District Volunteer Fire Department, and wish him success in his 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.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Yarmouth.
RESOLUTION NO. 1677
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 resident Brenda Hattie, who retired from the Armed Forces in 2006, started the Yarmouth Community Christmas Dinner 13 years ago, an annual event which provides Christmas dinner for those in need; and
Whereas Ms. Hattie is also an advocate for troubled youth, is heavily involved in fundraising for the local Legion, has been a food bank volunteer for seven years, was a Tabitha Centre volunteer for many years and was instrumental in establishing Yarmouth's furniture bank 15 years ago; and
Whereas Ms. Hattie, whose motto is "I call it a one-man-band, and I'm the man," also provides laundry services and personal hygiene products for those in need;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly recognize Brenda Hattie for her many years of inspirational dedication and service to her community, and thank her for giving so generously of her time, energy, and compassion.
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. 1678
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 Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented, hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13-15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly applaud the players and coaches of the Nova Scotia Selects on their win, and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
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. 1679
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 Dexter NDP have downloaded province-wide responsibility onto the backs of the municipalities; and
Whereas this ill-advised decision will ensure that property taxes will rise across the province; and
Whereas every NDP backbencher will have to answer for this poor decision at the doorsteps of their ridings and explain to Nova Scotians why they're now paying higher property tax, in addition to an HST hike, increase in user fees, higher energy costs, and high gasoline prices;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly call on the Dexter NDP to reverse their regrettable decision to break the MOU agreement with the municipalities.
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 Kings West.
RESOLUTION NO. 1680
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Flora Dalton of Waterville spearheaded a community drive to improve the children's playground in Waterville; and
Whereas Flora Dalton was recognized by the County of Kings as a Volunteer Award recipient for 2011; and
Whereas Flora Dalton was instrumental in the fundraising drive to bring about the many improvements at the Waterville children's playground and was met with outstanding success, and will continue to raise more funds in the coming months;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Flora Dalton of Waterville for her dedication and service to the community of Waterville and the children of that 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 Halifax-Clayton Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 1681
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 May 5, 2011, the Halifax Mainland North Volunteer Recognition Committee held their 8th annual Community Champion Awards Dinner to recognize outstanding volunteers who consistently dedicate their time and talents to improving the lives of others; and
Whereas Katie O'Connell, the Minister of Volunteerism at Halifax West High School, was recognized at the event for her amazing accomplishment of raising over $60,000 this year through numerous events in support of cancer and children's charities, as well as her ability to attract and lead other volunteers in these efforts; and
Whereas many community groups and organizations in our province would not be able to continue their work without the commitment and dedication of volunteers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Katie O'Connell for the tremendous contribution she has made to improving the lives of others and wish her continued success in all 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.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Colchester North.
RESOLUTION NO. 1682
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has gained international fame for the excellent academic standards it maintains; and
Whereas students must be enrolled in four or more courses per semester, must be in the top 10 per cent of their program of study, and must have an average of 80 per cent or higher to be included on the President's List; and
Whereas Nova Scotians can be proud of the academic excellence of these students and look to them as skilled, creative, and well-prepared future leaders;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Connor MacCallum, Valley, Colchester North, for the prestigious honour of being named to the President's List for 2010-11.
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 Halifax Clayton Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 1683
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 May 14, 2010, Ralph Matheson was honoured with the presentation of an Outstanding Volunteer Award, presented by the Leader of the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia at the Provincial Annual General Meeting in Antigonish; and
Whereas Ralph has served the Liberal Party over many years beginning in Cape Breton and later in Halifax, serving on two separate occasions as the President of the Halifax Clayton Park Liberal Association; and
Whereas Ralph is a true Liberal and team player who, through his volunteer efforts, has been a tremendous support to the member for Halifax Clayton Park;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ralph Matheson on receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Award for Halifax West and wish him all the best in his 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.
The motion is carried.
We will take a short recess for about five minutes.
[12:28 p.m. The House recessed.]
[12:30 p.m. The House reconvened.]
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove on an introduction.
MS. KELLY REGAN: Merci, Monsieur l'Presidente. Je suis fière de presenter la classe de la cinquième année avec leur professeur Mme. Colette Doucette et Mme. Jacqueline LeVert, la directrice adjounte de l'École Beaubassin, qui est situé dans la circomscription de Bedford-Birch Cove. Je voudrais que les deputés leur donnent nos meilleurs voeux.
I'm very proud to present the Grade 5 class with their teacher, Madame Colette Doucette and the vice-principal, Madame Jacqueline LeVert, from École Beaubassin, which is in my riding of Bedford-Birch Cove. I would wish the members of this House give them our warm welcome. (Applause)
ORDERS OF THE DAY
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS
MR. SPEAKER: It is now 12:31 p.m. We will finish at 1:31 p.m.
The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
PREM. - IEF: FUNDING INCREASE
- EXPLAIN
HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Merci, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier.
While in Opposition, the NDP condemned the IEF and called it a slush fund. The now Minister of Finance, while in Opposition, said, "The problem here is that government can allocate itself a very large amount of money . . ." - in this case $50 million - "without ever informing the House, without ever requiring the approval of the House, without any accountability to the House. That can't be right."- and the Auditor General said so.
The Minister of Finance thought $150 million was a large amount of money, but this government increased the IEF by $75 million in 2010 and has been busy spending this even larger amount of money without the approval of the House, without any accountability to this House. Mr. Speaker, that can't be right, and even the Auditor General agrees. So my question for the Premier is, how can the NDP Government condemn the IEF in Opposition and increase its funding while they are in power?
HON. DARRELL DEXTER (The Premier): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. What he didn't mention, of course, were the changes we made. That's why we brought in an advisory committee, and it's why we changed the underpinning of the fund to ensure there was more research, that they had a better capacity to be able to deal with the loan portfolio.
However, I must say we're expecting that the Report of the Auditor General will be tabled in the near future. From what I've seen reported, I don't believe that the Auditor General's criticisms are at odds with the criticisms we made. In fact, if they come forward in the form that they do, we'll be happy to receive his report and you can expect there will be a response that is commensurate with the criticism.
MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, in response to the Auditor General calling it a secret fund, one that has no controls and oversight, I expect the response of the Premier will be to add another $75 million that they can hand out.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal caucus knows that it is important to invest in business; however, investing in the economy must be done in a way that is accountable to the people of this province. The NDP has failed to establish oversights and even basic controls on the fund - there is no formal system to assess whether a company should receive assistance and there is no way to tell whether that money is being doled out fairly.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance, when in Opposition, said it well: "When it comes to the IEF, it seems like anything goes." My question to the Premier is, will this government listen to and respect the recommendations of the Auditor General on the IEF?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, with all respect, in response to what the Leader of the Official Opposition said, I already said in my previous response, first of all, that we had looked at the difficulties that the fund had. We did put in place an advisory committee, we strengthened the capacity of the fund to be able to do the kind of research that is necessary in order to be able to make solid recommendations.
That's not to say that there are not continued difficulties, there are. As he pointed out, we made those criticisms in Opposition. We inherited what was essentially a mess in that regard but we have been working on it. As I said, we can expect that there will be a response that is commensurate with the recommendations set out by the Auditor General to the extent that we can.
MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, the changes that government has made has added another level of secrecy. This advisory panel that he talks about, he's unwilling to tell Nova Scotians what their recommendations have been about the proposals put before them. For all we know, they could have told government to refuse loaning that money and they turned around and ignored those recommendations. The Auditor General says this needs to be open and accountable to the people of Nova Scotia. Quite frankly, it is their money.
If the NDP had listened to the Liberal caucus in the Fall of 2010, the IEF would have complied with the Auditor General's recommendations. They refused to listen and grew even more addicted to the easy-spending slush fund mentality of the PC Government before them. Again, to quote the Minister of Finance on his days in Opposition: They've just given themselves the money to spend whenever they want, however they want.
My question is to the Premier. Nova Scotians are looking for change. If this government truly believes that, will they remove the veil of secrecy surrounding the IEF so that Nova Scotians can accurately judge its economic impact?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I must say it's pretty hard to take what the Leader of the Official Opposition says when it was members of that Party, when they had control of the IEF, that entered into some of the most devastatingly terrible deals on behalf of this province. They never changed a thing about it while they were here.
When we came to power, we put in place an advisory panel, we strengthened the fund and I say again that we are prepared to deal with the criticisms of the Auditor General.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
PREM. - VOL. PLANNING: FAITH
- LOSS EXPLAIN
HON. JAMIE BAILLIE: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. This past Saturday, the Deputy Premier wrote and published an opinion piece in The ChronicleHerald entitled "Voluntary Planning changes will strengthen public consultation". This, of course, is the very day after the government killed Voluntary Planning. George Orwell has nothing on that government when it comes to saying one thing and doing the exact opposite. My question for the Premier is, what caused the Premier to lose so much faith in Voluntary Planning in Nova Scotia?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, we reviewed the function of Voluntary Planning and we came to the conclusion that we could further strengthen the engagement of Nova Scotians by moving it from where it was into the Treasury Board function. The intention here is to strengthen engagement with Nova Scotians.
MR. BAILLIE: Mr. Speaker, I will table that opinion piece strengthening or killing Voluntary Planning. In 2006 the member for Pictou East spoke out in support of Voluntary Planning. He said, "A great deal of good work has come out of Voluntary Planning . . ." He further went on to say, regarding a natural resources strategy, ". . . a task such as this is right up its alley." I wish the member for Pictou East would repeat that to the Minister of Natural Resources, who's paying fancy consultants and still can't get a natural resources strategy done. Perhaps the Premier will want to strengthen that member's opinion like he's strengthened Voluntary Planning, according to the Deputy Premier's article.
My question to the Premier is, why was the wisdom and advice of Nova Scotians as delivered through Voluntary Planning good enough for every other past government since 1963 and good enough for the member for Pictou East, but not good enough for the Premier and his government?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I think the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party has essentially answered his own question with the question he gave. It had been around since 1963, it was not meeting the needs for engagement that happen today so it was necessary to be able to strengthen our ability to be able to consult with Nova Scotians and this is the model that we chose to do it with.
MR. BAILLIE: Mr. Speaker, that is a very interesting answer because in the very opinion piece I just tabled, the Deputy Premier says, "This government fully recognizes and appreciates the many contributions of Voluntary Planning. . ." Maybe the Premier will want to strengthen the opinion of the Deputy Premier as well, just like he strengthened Voluntary Planning by axing it. My question to the Premier is this, why does the Premier have so little respect for the opinions of the people who elected him in the first place?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the reality is that we have great respect, of course, for the opinions of all Nova Scotians. We wanted to make sure that we had the best possible opportunity to carry out that engagement in consulting with them. The Voluntary Planning mechanism that had been in place for more than 50 years was no longer meeting the need that the government had in order to be able to do the kind of work that we wanted to do.
There is absolutely no question that over the years Voluntary Planning provided a lot of good work on behalf of the government. The simple fact of the matter is that it is no longer meeting the role that it needs to meet and so in order to strengthen our engagement with citizens, we had to find a new format to make that happen.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
PREM. - IEF: FUNDING INCREASE- REASONS
HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance said that under the NDP, ". . . the IEF would be transformed." Well, we have seen that the NDP has simply loaded it up with record amounts of money and have dished this money out. We have learned that the NDP has instituted no formal controls nor do they have any way to assess loans before Cabinet decides how to spend this money.
The Premier has used this Cabinet-controlled fund and has not put in place any safeguards, which are essential for handling taxpayers' money. My question to the Premier is, why did the Premier increase this uncontrolled and secret fund of taxpayers' money instead of reforming it?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, simply put, that's not the case. The reality is that we brought in an advisory committee to do oversight over the fund. As I've said, even since then, over the last number of months, we have strengthened the research capacity of the funds so that they would be able to do better analysis and be able to provide more comprehensive advice to Cabinet.
Clearly - and we recognize this and we pointed it out when we were in Opposition - there were substantial issues that were being faced by this vehicle, which, again, is one of those that have been around for more than 50 years. It is a big job to make sure that we have the right investment vehicles for the province. They are usually a broad category of investment vehicles and I think that the response that we have to date was moving in the right direction. I agree that more has to be done.
MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, the government knows this is the only fund with virtually no controls and when they want to spend a lot of money, it is the Industrial Expansion Fund they turn to. The Liberal Caucus has argued over and over that this is not the way to handle taxpayers' dollars. We have tabled legislation that would remove Cabinet control of this fund and make it more open and transparent. My question to the Premier is, why has the Premier increased this slush fund and kept it behind closed doors without any safeguards or controls?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, it's just hard to understand. I realize that the Leader of the Official Opposition is trying to be harshly critical of us, but he only needs to turn around and look at the four former members of Cabinet, who are sitting on his own benches, who used the IEF precipitously. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Your microphone is off until I get quiet. Thank you.
MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that it was this Premier who went around this province prior to the last election, complaining about the secrecy and unaccountability of the Industrial Expansion Fund. It was this Premier who campaigned on making changes and it was this Premier who is denying Nova Scotians the opportunities to see how the taxpayers' money is being spent. (Applause)
Mr. Speaker, this fund is controlled in secret - that is the only thing that is clear about this fund. The NDP, while in Opposition, thought so and now the Auditor General has made it very clear that he agrees with their position. What the Premier has done, once he was able to gain power, is to go back on his word again and ensure that the fund remained at the control of Cabinet and away from the scrutiny of Nova Scotians.
My question to the Premier is, will the Premier accept the recommendations of the Auditor General and ensure that from this point forward, the IEF is taken out of the control of the Premier and his Cabinet colleagues?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, there are a number of things about that question. First and foremost, we are the only government that moved to actually put controls in place with respect to the IEF. We are the only ones who looked to strengthen it. (Applause)
Secondly, we are going to wait until the release and we're going to respect the Auditor General's right to release his report, rather than respond in advance.
Thirdly, Mr. Speaker, it is our intention to ensure that the investment vehicles that are used by this province serve the taxpayers of Nova Scotia to the very best of their abilities.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Yarmouth.
ERD & TOURISM - IEF: TRANSPARENCY
- MIN. DEFINE
MR. ZACH CHURCHILL: Mr. Speaker, today all Nova Scotians report on the damning contents of the draft Auditor General's Report regarding the Industrial Expansion Fund. The report by the Auditor General confirmed what we have argued for quite some time - there are no safeguards, no oversight, no lending criteria and no formal repayment process of loans for the IEF.
The Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism on November 4, 2010, said, "I remember when we were in Opposition we raised the issue around transparency of the IEF; I remember that very well."
Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure how the minister defines transparency and accountability but that certainly cannot mean a fund without safeguards, without effective oversight, and lending criteria or repayment processes. Since it's obvious that the minister fails to adhere to any widely-accepted definition of transparency, how does the minister define transparency in relation to the IEF?
HON. PERCY PARIS: Mr. Speaker, when it comes to transparency with respect to the IEF, I've already said in this House - and I will reiterate for the benefit of the House - we recognized that the IEF was lacking in certain categories and certainly one of them was around transparency. As a result of that, when we became the government for the first time, certainly since I've been a member of this House, we stared to implement some changes in the IEF to increase the transparency and those changes are ongoing.
What we are waiting now for, Mr. Speaker, even though we've started implementation of some of our own recommendations, we will wait until we see the Auditor General's Report and we will look at the recommendations and we will be very respectful of what the Auditor General has to say.
MR. CHURCHILL: Mr. Speaker, we've heard time and time again from the minister and the Premier, how this oversight committee has made the IEF more accountable. However, the draft Auditor General's Report, as reported by allNovaScotia.com, stated that this committee was "essentially powerless", and that Cabinet still had the decision-making power. Whatever this minister's definition of accountability is, I know that Nova Scotians do not think that a powerless oversight committee and secret Cabinet decisions constitute transparency.
My question to the minister is, whose definition of transparency and accountability shall we trust - his or the Auditor General's?
MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, the member raises a question that may be more appropriately asked after the Auditor General's Report comes out. At this point in time, because the Auditor General's Report is confidential, it has not been released, let's wait and see what the Auditor General has to say. I've already stood here in my place and said this government will respect whatever the Auditor General has to say.
MR. CHURCHILL: That's great, Mr. Speaker, because I know this caucus is very excited to have this conversation again tomorrow after that report is tabled.
Mr. Speaker, the minister is happy to make bold pronouncements about the effectiveness of this NDP slush fund; anyone can make claims, we cannot examine the numbers behind his statement. The minister said it's important that government play an active role in maintaining and creating jobs, especially at a time of economic challenges. Given that Nova Scotia lost 11,000 last month, I could not agree more with that statement. We, however, believe that claims of job creation need to be backed up by verifiable facts to ensure their accuracy. Without such information any such claims are without merit. My question to the minister is, why is this government afraid of providing verifiable numbers and how can we trust the government's numbers when there are no safeguards, no effective oversight and no formal repayment process in the IEF?
MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, I'm sitting here and I'm trying to fathom the questioning coming from the member opposite. The IEF is a fund that's been around for 60 years. We became government in 2009. Since we've become government, we've started to implement changes with respect to the IEF, for the first time in a 60-year history. I would like to think that the member opposite should be applauding us for taking that initiative.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
PREM. - GENERIC DRUG PRICES: CHANGES
- TRANSITION FUND
HON. JAMIE BAILLIE: Mr. Speaker, this government ignored more than 50 pharmacists who appeared before a committee of this House asking that generic drug price changes and their tariff agreement be dealt with at the same time. These small-business people wanted time to adjust their businesses to reflect the new reality that was being imposed upon them. My question for the Premier is, now that the government has had its way with our province's finances, will he commit to using some of the savings from lower drug prices to help pharmacists transition from the old way to the new way?
THE PREMIER: Well Mr. Speaker, first of all there are negotiations underway with the pharmacists on the tariff agreement and, of course, we're going to have to let those follow their course. I think it's not a good thing for us to try to negotiate that in public. I think it undermines the actual process of negotiation on this. But I can say this, this government is dedicated to ensuring that there are fair drug prices for all Nova Scotians, and we will conduct negotiations to ensure that seniors and other citizens of this province get the best possible price on the drugs that they need.
MR. BAILLIE: Well, Mr. Speaker, I'll take that as a no, that hopefully the Premier isn't saying he wants to strengthen pharmacies like he strengthened Voluntary Planning, in the previous question. The other unknown for our pharmacists is the fee schedule for the expanded scope of services, something that the government told them: don't worry, you wait and we'll get to that. My question to the Premier is, will he tell the House and pharmacists when he expects there will be an expanded scope of services agreement in place and whether he has budgeted anything for it in his government's budget?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, of course we've made all the appropriate provisions for expanded scopes of practice. That matter is before the Minister of Health who will deal with it in due course.
MR. BAILLIE: Mr. Speaker, the Premier would not listen to the pharmacists of our province or the Canadian Federation of Independent Business that spoke out on their behalf or to Opposition members who spoke out on behalf of their constituents. Instead, the Premier's government chose to ram this bill through this Legislature. Today I will make one last-ditch effort to try to help our pharmacists out. Will the Premier do the reasonable thing and agree not to implement the effects of Bill No. 17 until he has a tariff agreement in place?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, we have legislation in place, we have negotiations underway. I'm going to leave that to the minister and to the Department of Health to complete those negotiations so that they serve the requirements and the needs of the pharmacists who were here but also primarily the needs of the very many Nova Scotians in this province who are asking for fair drug prices.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.
ERD & TOURISM - IEF: TRANSPARENCY/ACCOUNTABILITY
- ABANDONMENT
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, it is amazing how fast things change. At one point in his career, the now Minister of Finance was a crusader for transparency. Now that he has gained power, Nova Scotians have found out that this minister is no different than the Progressive Conservative ministers before him. He had a choice upon entering government and he chose to continue the veil of secrecy around the IEF. The minister chose to dump more and more money into this fund which even he admits has no controls or accountability. My question to the minister is, why did this minister abandon the principles of transparency and accountability he held in Opposition - my question to the Minister of Finance?
HON. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, since responsibility for the IEF rests with one of my colleagues, I'm going to refer that question to the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
HON. PERCY PARIS: Mr. Speaker, I stand in my place with respect to the IEF and again, when we became government we began to implement some changes around the IEF. Those changes are ongoing. I certainly recognize the questions coming from the opposite side of the House. Changes are ongoing. It's a work in progress. We are waiting for the release of the Auditor General's Report. We will look at that, we respect the work of the Auditor General. We will proceed as we see fit.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance, when he was in Opposition, said it succinctly, "When it comes to the IEF, it seems like anything goes." The ChronicleHerald, November 17, 2005.
This minister has done nothing to ensure that the public purse is protected when it comes to this secret fund. He has not ensured that there are no controls over spending, he has not created any transparency around this fund. In fact, there are not even any formal assessment tools to ensure that loans are made based on business cases and not political cases. For all his rhetoric while in Opposition, Nova Scotians are finally finding out that for this Minister of Finance, anything goes. My question to the minister is, after years of long talk and loud rhetoric, why has this minister not done anything to ensure that taxpayers' hard-earned money is protected when it comes to the IEF?
MR. STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I refer that to the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, the IEF, I've already said, it has been around for, I think, 60 years. Both Parties on the opposite side should be applauding us because we have taken, and will continue to take, steps to improve accountability, transparency of the IEF. We are the first government to come to power that has said we are going to change things. That's what we are doing.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, well, this Party, after 60 years has killed Voluntary Planning, why not the IEF? The Finance Minister is long on rhetoric and short on action. he has had two years in government in which to transform this fund and he has done nothing. He has abandoned the principles of transparency that he talked about when he was in Opposition; that much has been made clear. He and his government have been doling out hundreds of millions of dollars and they have been doing this behind closed doors and in secret. Nova Scotians have the right to be able to scrutinize these decisions, but the inaction of this minister has only made matters worse.
My question to the minister is, after two years of doing nothing to protect taxpayers will the minister finally remove the veil of secrecy around the IEF and take the politics out of economic development and the IEF out of Cabinet?
HON. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, there's only one question that I have and that is after 40 years of doing nothing about the Liberal trust funds, when are they finally going to kill the trust funds?
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.
HEALTH & WELLNESS - ANNA. VALLEY:
METHADONE ACCESS - TIMELINE
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Last week the minister released a six-page report of the findings of Dr. Richard Gould around drug-related deaths in the Annapolis Valley. The reality, however, is that the report really brings government up to speed on what Chief Mander told them 18 months ago. Complacency brings us to where we are today, with 14 deaths confirmed in Dr. Gould's report in 2010 and we know there has been one a month since January 2011.
One of the recommendations included expanded access to methadone. My question to the minister is, what timeline has the minister established for expanding access to regulated methadone in the Annapolis Valley?
HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, the member brings up an important issue. We've had some tragic deaths in the Valley and, in fact, we have them throughout the province from the abuse of unprescribed prescription drugs, sometimes in combination with other substances, like alcohol.
Specifically in the Valley, we are moving very quickly to find additional space for methadone treatment. This is a preliminary, first-step measure, while the local Addiction Services in the Valley work on a more permanent and longer-term solution for methadone treatment in that area.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, we are joined with individuals, both inside and outside this Legislature. This group has worked tirelessly to ensure access to timely and appropriate treatment is made available in the Valley. Perhaps Margaret Mead stated it best when she said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Nothing can be further from the truth when it comes to this group.
While the report confirms what was relayed to the minister 18 months ago, one can appreciate the fact that the level of frustration on the part of concerned residents has risen to new heights. While the report recommended access to methadone, the one key issue that concerned citizens immediately noted was missing was timely access to treatment. My question to the minister is, how long do the residents of the Valley have to wait before the minister addresses the issue of timely access to long-term treatment programs in this district?
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Wellness has wait-time standards for access to treatment. The services for addictions in the Valley are well within those provincial standards. However, we're always looking for ways to expand and improve on the services that we offer. We have a working group in our district health authority composed of addiction personnel and they will continue to present a case for expanded addiction service. I anticipate that I will be receiving something from them in the not-too-distant future.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, the minister had a meeting scheduled with two key concerned residents this morning. Unfortunately she chose to cancel, using the House sitting as the reason. The minister, however, does have an option available - as soon as Question Period is over, the representatives are willing to stay and meet.
My question to the minister is, given that the minister was willing to meet, but cancelled the meeting this morning, will the minister commit to meeting with Amy and Scott immediately after Question Period to listen to the challenges happening today in the Annapolis Valley?
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, yes, I did have a meeting organized with representatives from the group when I knew they were coming. However, as you know, we are in the middle of a filibuster that the Official Opposition are doing and that requires that members of this (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness has the floor.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, because of the uncertainty of what the hours were going to be, and because government members have to maintain a quorum, I was in a position where I had to cancel the meeting. I am happy to meet with the group at some future point when we're not in the position of having a filibuster.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Argyle.
HEALTH & WELLNESS - NURSES: DHAs
- REPLACEMENT WORKERS
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, my question, too, is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Today in the media, the president of the Nova Scotia Nurses Union says that health care is suffering because other people are doing the work that used to be done by nurses. Ms. Hazelton said district health authorities are trying to save money by hiring workers instead of registered nurses.
My question through you to the minister is, is the minister aware of the practice of district health authorities hiring others to do the work usually performed by registered nurses, and does she approve of this practice?
HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, every member of this House I think understands that nurses are the backbone of our health care system. They have been in the past, they are right now, and they will be in the future, without any question. We very much value the work that nurses do.
What we are doing as a government is, we are investing in a nursing strategy. We are investing in training more nurses, we are ensuring that nurses are going to work to their full scope of practice, we are introducing more nurse practitioners into the system and we are working very hard to ensure that the quality of working life for people who are in the nursing profession is high and that we, as Nova Scotians in our health care system, are the beneficiaries of that investment in this important profession.
MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, Ms. Hazelton told the media that new nursing graduates are having difficulty getting jobs in Nova Scotia. Will the minister please tell the House whether there is a surplus of nursing talent in Nova Scotia, or if health authorities are simply foregoing the experience and expertise of registered nurses in favour of other health care professionals who come with a cheaper price tag?
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, it is the case that we have expanded the number of people graduating with nursing degrees. We have also negotiated in the past, collective agreements that make it more attractive for older nurses to stay in the profession, and the result of this is that we have fewer nurses retiring, for example, this year in the Capital District Health Authority and then at the IWK, which has been the case in the past. However, if you go to the Web sites of the district health authorities around the province, particularly in rural parts of our province, you will find that there are still nursing vacancies and positions available. Additionally, there are nursing spaces available in all of those other areas like home care and long-term care for nursing graduates.
So yes, it's true that access to nursing positions here in the Capital District and the IWK have not been what they have been in the past, but in the rest of the province there are many vacancies. Thank you.
MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, Ms. Hazelton says, and I agree with her, that patient care and patient safety cannot ever be about money. Will the minister explain to the House whether Ms. Hazelton is incorrect in her assessment of hospital staffing and guarantee that patient care and safety is not being sacrificed because of budget concerns?
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I know that the President of the Nurses Union is a very good nurse and she's a very good labour leader, as well. I think what is important for people to know is that we, like the nurses in the province, put the health and safety of patients in our health care system as our top priority.
As we are changing our models of care in our health care system, there will be a greater opportunity for nurses to work to the full scope of their practice and to assume more responsibility. This will result in much higher rates of satisfaction for nurses in their work. We're seeing that in many of the evaluations we are doing of the various models of care sites.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.
EDUC. - C.B. SCHOOLS: POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS
- FUNDING DETAILS
MR. GEOFF MACLELLAN: Mr. Speaker, last week I asked the Minister of Education if this government recognized the important role played by police liaison officers. In Question Period the minister did not commit to providing the necessary funds to restore these positions but did say she would take a look.
However, the title of the story in Saturday's Cape Breton Post read, "Police officers will remain in schools: minister." I, along with school board members, the Cape Breton police and hundreds of concerned parents were very happy and relieved to read the Cape Breton Post on Saturday morning and we're happy that the minister will ensure that the police officers will remain in Cape Breton schools. I truly would like to express our thanks to the minister for protecting this lifeline for our kids.
My question to the Minister of Education is, how much funding will the minister allot to this important service and what are her plans to ensure these positions are restored as soon as possible?
HON. RAMONA JENNEX: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for the question. I would like to say that we are in communication right now. I had a meeting with Constable Young yesterday and he is having meetings. I want to say that we recognize the importance of our liaison officers, so at this point there are discussions underway and we are going to be making sure that Cape Breton receives the same services as the rest of the province. Thank you.
MR. MACLELLAN: Mr. Speaker, I'm happy the minister did agree to restore that funding but I am somewhat worried about the small print. The Cape Breton Post article did note that the superintendant of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board had not received any notice whatsoever from the Department of Education but that he was ecstatic with the news.
Mr. Speaker, the article also quoted a spokesperson from the Cape Breton Regional Police who said the police force had only received notice of the program's cancellation but no funding. I ask the Minister of Education, when will the minister inform the stakeholders of her decision, in writing, and how will she include them in the process from here on?
MS. JENNEX: Mr. Speaker, I think that one can appreciate that news articles are written in certain ways. I would like to say that we are making sure that we are going to be having a very good service in Cape Breton. Right now we're having a lot of discussion and I know that Constable Young probably, as we're here right now, is meeting with partners and stakeholders in all of this.
I will say to the member opposite that as soon as we have this all ironed out, I will be in contact with you and with the honourable member that we will make sure that you will have the communication. (Interruption)
Mr. Speaker, I always find it hard to be able to articulate what I want to say with the honourable member making comments but I would like to just say this again - as soon as we have this all straightened out, I will be in communication with the members opposite. Thank you.
MR. MACLELLAN: Mr. Speaker, I'm somewhat concerned, it seems as though maybe the Minister of Education may be backing away from the commitment that was in the Cape Breton Post. We are certainly - I know that I would be and all stakeholders who read this and who are ecstatic about the protection of the community liaison officers will be concerned about this potential loss. We need them there, it's plain and simple. I can tell you that we won't rest easy until these officers are in uniform and in the classrooms, come this year. What I would like to ask the minister is can she, today, guarantee that the community liaison officers will be protected in Cape Breton schools?
MS. JENNEX: Mr. Speaker, I'm going to repeat exactly what I said to the reporter in Cape Breton. We are going to be making sure that Cape Breton receives the same level of services as the rest of this province. I would also like to say that we are in negotiations and conversations with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board and with Constable Young at this time. As we are talking here today, sir, we are making sure that this is all being taken care of and, as I said, that we are going to be making sure that Cape Breton is going to receive the same level of service as the rest of this province. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
ERD & TOURISM - ABITIBIBOWATER: CLOSURE
- PREVENT
MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. Power rates are going up and we are beginning to see the possible impacts. The latest rate hike has been filed and it could mean an increase of almost 20 per cent over three years. Last week a spokesperson for AbitibiBowater said any increase in the price of electricity next year could affect whether that newsprint mill in Liverpool stays in business. If AbitibiBowater shuts down because of high power rates, it would be a crushing blow to economic development in Nova Scotia and no excuse would be acceptable from government if the mill shuts down due to high power rates. The government won't be able to say they didn't know it was coming. Would the minister tell this House what plan his government has to prevent the closure of AbitibiBowater as a result of high power rates?
HON. PERCY PARIS: Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism for the Province of Nova Scotia, I can say this, any business in the Province of Nova Scotia, any business, is a concern to this government, whether it be around power rates, around anything that may threaten anything that is going to impact jobs in the Province of Nova Scotia is a concern to this government.
The question that the member asked is a question about - are we prepared to do anything? We are certainly prepared to dialogue, communicate with anyone who is willing to sit down and talk to us and hopefully come up with solutions that are going to benefit all Nova Scotians.
MR. YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, I guess it's clear the government has no plan then, in case that happens. AbitibiBowater and other businesses must also contend with the rising Efficiency Nova Scotia tax this government legislated. In its submission by Bowater and NewPage, they state, "Matters with respect to its organization", that is Efficiency Nova Scotia, ". . . are still under development." and ". . . cost-effective DSM savings are achievable at current budgetary spending levels before ramping DSM spending up even further, particularly given that the proposed DSM budget is already relatively high compared to the rest of North America. . ." I'll table that document.
My question for the minister is, the evidence is compelling that the government needs to help businesses and residents by legislating a freeze in the Efficiency Nova Scotia charges for this coming year. Will the minister recommend to Cabinet that Cabinet legislate a freeze to the Efficiency Nova Scotia charges?
MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, one thing that I can assure this House, and the record speaks for itself, since the member opposite talks about record, I think the record will show and the numbers will indicate, that this government and this province has been very, very supportive of those companies that the member references.
MR. YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, the only businesses that this government has been supportive of are businesses in politically expedient ridings, that's it. My final supplementary is to the Minister of Energy. There appears to be no plan to help mills like NewPage and AbitibiBowater, both of which have said the Efficiency Nova Scotia tax that this government added will cause trouble.
Mr. Speaker, last week the Premier and the Minister of Energy did not think it was wise or necessary to do an audit of Nova Scotia Power operations before the rate hearings. Will the Minister of Energy explain why he doesn't think Nova Scotians deserve to have an audit done on Nova Scotia Power operational costs prior to being forced to pay more for electricity?
HON. CHARLIE PARKER: We're all concerned about power rates whether it's for residential, commercial or industrial and we want reasonable rates for our residents and our businesses. I understand that AbitibiBowater and NewPage are looking at a load retention rate, they're going to be working through URB. I know Nova Scotia Power is talking to them, it's important there is dialogue there between the customer and their service provider, so that is ongoing. Ultimately it is the URB that's going to make the final decision.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
NAT. RES - STRATEGY RELEASE: DELAY
- EXPLAIN
MR. ALFIE MACLEOD: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is for the Minister of Natural Resources. Last week we asked the minister before the House of when we could expect the long overdue Natural Resources Strategy and he said, ". . . it's a big ship, it takes time to turn it around" The strategy was commissioned in 2007 and was due six months ago, this critical industry does not have time to wait any longer while this government finds ways to back up its arbitrary clear-cutting target.
Mr. Speaker, my question through you to the minister is this, will he admit that the target was set without regard to the impact to jobs in the economy, particularly in rural Nova Scotia, and revisit the target once the definition of clear-cut and other important economic information is on the table.
HON. CHARLIE PARKER: We understand that people are eager to have this Natural Resources Strategy out and I'm actually getting excited about it, there are a number of good things in there. We've gone through a lengthy process, it's true, through Phase 1 of getting the values that are important to Nova Scotians; Phase 2, the expert panels; and now Phase 3, the economic impact analysis. It's receiving a final edit, it will soon be at the printer and I hope, honourable member, like myself, you too will be excited with what you see.
MR. MACLEOD: Mr. Speaker, according to the Woodbridge Associates economic analysis released last week, "If key mitigation measures fail, there will be few alternative ways to offset the high incremental costs projected to be incurred by the province's forest sector." And that's on Page 55, and in the words of the member for Yarmouth, I'll table that.
Mr. Speaker, my question through you to the minister is, will the department be working on a contingency plan as part of the Natural Resource's Strategy in case these "key mitigation measures" fail?
MR. PARKER: We do have a plan, we've been working hard on it over the last number of months and as you saw in our budget that came out last month, there are a number of measures in there. About $5 million this year for good quality silviculture, Category 7 forestry practices, selection harvesting, a good number of outreach, education programs, monitoring, et cetera. So we do have a plan, we're going to stick to it and I'm sure as we move forward we're going to have a better quality of forest in our province.
MR. MACLEOD: Mr. Speaker, my question through you to the minister - and I'm going to ask him one more time and it's for the people of Nova Scotia who have been waiting long enough - what date can we expect the Natural Resources Strategy?
MR. PARKER: Mr. Speaker, again, the final edit of the Natural Resources Strategy is underway. We've just finished up our Aboriginal consultation and I would expect that in June you are going to see the report and I, too, again hope like myself, you're going to be quite excited by what you see.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.
JUSTICE - TASER: GUIDELINES - IMPLEMENTATION
HON. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it has been three years since the death of Howard Hyde and the Department of Justice has yet to introduce new guidelines detailing when peace officers can use Tasers in Nova Scotia. This NDP Government has a history of not responding to reports or trying to suppress them, whether it be the Natural Resources Strategy, the gambling report, or the coastal strategy.
My question to the Minister of Justice is, why is the minister dragging his feet on implementing new guidelines for the use of Tasers in Nova Scotia?
HON. ROSS LANDRY: Mr. Speaker, thank you to the member for that question. Just for the record, the use of the Tasers is down 74 per cent, and that's an important point to keep in mind. Recently, with the announcement of the Hyde report, in that report we outlined very clearly that we will be coming out with some additional guidelines that will either meet or supersede the federal standards dealing with the use of that conducted energy weapon.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, the use of Tasers is down 74 per cent, that's true, yet police officers still don't know what the guidelines are for when they should be using Tasers and when they shouldn't, especially as a result of the Howard Hyde inquiry. This is clearly a situation of where police officers are in limbo, and the situation needs to be rectified.
It has been over three years now since this unfortunate death took place. The inquiry has been completed and it is unclear as to why the minister is dragging his feet. Our caucus took immediate action following this unfortunate incident and, to their credit, the government did support our legislation to require mandatory training for peace officers to recognize individuals suffering from mental illness. But much more needs to be done and we need police officers and peace officers to clearly know when Taser use is appropriate in Nova Scotia.
My question is, will the Minister of Justice tell us when exactly will he be providing these new guidelines for Taser use in our province?
MR. LANDRY: Mr. Speaker, thank you to the member. Something that the member needs to be aware of when it comes to the use of force continuum, there's a very good scale by policing - and you can get it off our Justice Web site and follow that - the rules and guidelines around the conducted energy weapon has been put into new training standards and models. That is ongoing.
The actual official position by this government is coming out within the next few weeks. A key point in that process, in the approach to this issue, is that all supervisors and trainers in regard to the use of the conducted energy weapon are being re-certified and being met to a certain standard, so in order to roll such a large number of such changes and to mitigate the type of use of that weapon, we have to have everybody on the same page.
The first step is to train your trainers, put that infrastructure in place. We have that in place, the policy will come out with that. I encourage him to go on the Web site to look at that, and if he wishes to discuss it privately I'd be more than happy to outline that use of force for him.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
EDUC. - PRINCE ANDREW HS: BLEACHERS/LOCKERS
- REPLACE
MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education.
As the minister may be aware, the gymnasium bleachers and lockers at Prince Andrew High School were removed by the Department of Education during ongoing renovations. The items cost $30,000 to replace and the school community was not advised that would happen when the work began, and now the department is refusing to replace them.
Will the minister please tell me whether it is standard practice for the department to remove school equipment during renovations and not replace it, and whether she will work to find the money to ensure that those much-needed facilities are in place for the new school year?
HON. RAMONA JENNEX: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member very much for the question. You are bringing a situation to me that I'm not aware of, so as soon as I am able to find out (Interruptions) Mr. Speaker, I always find it difficult to answer a question when I'm being heckled. I'm trying to answer honestly here. This is the first time I've heard of this situation and I think the honourable member opposite knows I will do everything to benefit our students here in Nova Scotia. So, since I'm just hearing about it today, definitely, I will be working to find a solution to this difficulty.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The member using the word, you, in your response is out of order. I had a procedural note distributed to all the caucuses so I'd ask the honourable member, in your answers and further answers, to not use the word, you.
MR. YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minister looking into it. I guess she knows what we feel like over here with the member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island chirping over there towards us all the time.
I thank the minister for agreeing to look into it. I wonder whether she thinks, not knowing the specific situation, but whether she thinks that it's fair for the department to remove equipment and not replace it during renovations?
MS. JENNEX: Mr. Speaker, I'd have to know about the full scope of this project. Also, I'd have to have a conversation with the school board. Thank you.
MR. YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact that the minister is going to look into it, but I think this is a situation that would occur at many renovations throughout the province in schools and there must be a policy on this issue. Specifically, this is not a school board issue, this is the department going in, doing renovations, taking out items like lockers and bleachers and not even telling the school
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time allotted for Oral Question Period has expired.
The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove on an introduction.
MS. KELLY REGAN: Merci, Monsieur l'Presidente. Je suis fière de presenter la classe de la cinquième année avec leur professeur Mme. Laura Pineault et Mme. Jacqueline LeVert, la directrice adjounte de l'École Beaubassin, qui est situé dans la circomscription de Bedford-Birch Cove. Je voudrais que les deputés leur donnent nos meilleurs voeux.
I'm very proud to present the Grade 5 class with their teacher, Madame Laura Pineault and the vice-principal, Madame Jacqueline LeVert, from École Beaubassin, which is in my riding of Bedford-Birch Cove. I would wish the members of this House give them our warm welcome. (Applause)
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and 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.
[1:33 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Ms. Becky Kent in the Chair.]
[3:26 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Ms. Becky Kent in the Chair.]
MADAM SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and considered the following bill:
Bill No. 59 - Elections Act.
which was reported with certain amendments by the Committee on Law Amendments, with certain further amendments, and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House.
MADAM SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a third time on a future day.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Madam Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent of the House to do third reading on Bill No. 59.
MADAM SPEAKER: I hear several Noes.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: You win some and you lose some, Madam Speaker. That concludes the government's business for today. I now hand it over to the Opposition House Leader
MADAM SPEAKER: The honourable Opposition House Leader.
HON. MANNING MACDONALD: Madam Speaker, tomorrow the House will meet between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Following the daily routine and Question Period, we'll be calling Opposition Members' Business, Resolution Nos. 1241 and 1263.
Madam Speaker, I move that we do now adjourn until the hour of 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
MADAM SPEAKER: The motion is that the House do now rise, to meet again tomorrow between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
We have now reached the moment of interruption. The adjournment motion was submitted by the honourable member for Argyle:
"Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature urge the government to stop blaming municipalities for the NDP's financial mismanagement and admit that shifting the tax burden from one level of government to another will accomplish nothing."
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)
MADAM SPEAKER: The honourable member for Inverness.
NDP: FIN. MISMANAGEMENT - CAUSE
MR. ALLAN MACMASTER: Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today as we make progress towards the end of this sitting, but we have a chance to debate something today, that being that " . . . members of the Legislature urge the government to stop blaming municipalities for the NDP's financial mismanagement and admit that shifting the tax burden from one level of government to another will accomplish nothing."
This is really one of the themes of this sitting. If anybody out there is watching, they're going to see, as they've seen, that if they go and speak to their local councillor, their local representative in municipal government, they're going to learn from them how significant a matter this is, and I think as people right across the province look at this issue, there's consensus (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. There's a lot of chatter in the room and it's very hard to hear the honourable member speak.
The honourable member for Inverness has the floor.
MR. MACMASTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the key words that I see in this resolution is the word "blame". We've not only seen this government blame municipalities but we've seen them blame many people. One of the things that I think is - you know, if we're going to be leaders for Nova Scotians, we have a choice. Do we try to blame other people when things aren't going the way we want, or do we take matters into our own hands and try to fix things?
There was a saying I used to hear and it makes me laugh every time I think about it: you have two choices in life, you can sit on your tail and squeal or you can get off it and do something about it. Mr. Speaker, I think there's value in getting off that tail and doing something about it. But just to sit there and complain, as this government always does, that they've been left a mess, we need only remind them - and I remember tabling this document here about two and a half weeks ago, showing the amount of debt that this NDP Government has rung up since they came into office. That debt is actually more than the other Parties that have been in government in this province throughout history. The NDP has added more debt per year than any other Party that has ever been in government in this province, yet they stand up and blame the mess they have on other people.
We've seen very little change in the way - Nova Scotians voted for change. We've seen that, we know the reality of that, but many Nova Scotians don't feel they're seeing much change with this government. We've talked about the municipalities and how they are dealing with the breaking of the memorandum of understanding, which was designed to ensure that the municipalities were focused on covering the costs of services that are more focused locally and whereby the province is going to look after items that are more provincial in scope. That was the whole point of the agreement. We know that municipalities are going to face lost revenue as a result of that decision.
Mr. Speaker, we would like to see the government take responsibility and make decisions; we've even come to this Legislature with some recommendations. I know I came here with a question during Question Period about a week ago, with a suggestion that would save $3 million a year. Not only would it save money but the end result would show that people working in government are happier and healthier working in government. I was trying to raise the point that if we can improve the environment, the quality of life in the workplace for people working in government, we can help to reduce the incidence of sick days because we know that a lot of sick days are as a result of people experiencing stress in the workplace and people can get sick from feeling stress.
I thought, that's a good, practical example of how this government can save money, but they seem to be so allergic to such recommendations. You know, if we could save $3 million, it would cover the cost that this government has raised on user fees this past year, so there's an example. How often, Mr. Speaker, do we see in Opposition, do we see in governments, in Legislatures, where an Opposition provides a practical suggestion to save the government money to make things better, but what did we have as a response? No, that won't work.
Mr. Speaker, I can guarantee you that there are organizations out there in North America that are using that approach. I think, if we look at the surveys for the level of satisfaction among employees in government, there's room to move to make things better. Here's something constructive; here's getting off a tail, instead of sitting on a tail and squealing. Here's an example of doing something constructive. Instead of blaming other people, which we hear constantly during Question Period and in our debates here in the Legislature, this government should stop trying to point fingers and blaming people, it should take responsibility.
They've been given a wonderful opportunity. Nova Scotians have placed in their hands a majority government. There is an opportunity to show leadership and leaders don't complain and they don't go around blaming other people. I believe leaders - especially in an opportunity where you have a majority government, you have a chance to make a real difference. There's a lot of noise that surrounds governance; a lot of people competing for your attention. Every day there are new people coming, trying to impose their ideas. You have it internally within government, people competing for your attention, trying to get you to do things, but that's where the focus comes in to get to work to make things better for Nova Scotians.
I believe with the resolution that we're debating tonight, instead of putting a financial burden on the municipalities, this government had a choice that it could have maintained that agreement and well it should have, because it had promised during the election campaign that they would keep all commitments of the government. They were kind of handing Nova Scotians - they were trying to do it all. They were promising not to increase the HST - we saw that promise broken. They were promising to run balanced budgets - we saw that promise broken. Here is an example of one of the agreements that they promised to keep and they've broken that too.
If we look at the balanced budget, any Finance Critic worth his weight would know where the government is at any point in time and what potential there would be to balance the budget. When this government came to office and they went through their first year, they had a chance to bring their budgets back to balance immediately and they chose not to. In fact, I've heard that they've purposely attempted to inflate the deficit, to try to show that things were not as good as they are for the purposes of being able to spend more to grow government.
This government had a choice. We look at this resolution here and we're looking at the municipalities. I know I did the calculation or I had a calculation provided to me - how is the breaking of the MOU with municipalities going to affect them? I know in the case of Inverness, it works out to about 3 per cent of their budget so the Inverness Municipality has to deal with that 3 per cent. Ironically, that's not far off from what this government would have to have worked with to bring a balanced budget in their first year of their mandate, but they chose not to. They feel fine, it seems, to put that on the backs of municipalities. To me, that's inconsistent and that does not show leadership. I think their take on it all has been very indifferent. They've been indifferent to the concerns of the municipalities.
For Nova Scotians out there, speak to your local councillor; find out what they think because they represent you locally. It's an important issue. It's something that people need to take note of. I do believe it's one of the signature moments of this sitting. One of the signature moments was when the municipal councillors marched down here to Province House in unity. There was consensus and there was a strong sense that the government was making a . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The member's time has elapsed.
The honourable member for Queens.
MS. VICKI CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to tonight's late debate topic, the changes to the Municipal Funding Agreement that Minister MacDonell announced in March. I'd like to thank the members of the House for the opportunity to speak on this topic, which I have been following very closely.
The changes to this agreement were necessary and fair. Back in 2007, the province agreed to gradually take over municipal contributions to corrections services and public housing and to limit the increases, in the amounts that municipalities contribute towards education, to the consumer price index. This agreement was made at a time when the province was flush with offshore revenue and the economy was strong. All members of this House know that's not the case today. To date this agreement with municipalities has cost the province about $21.5 million. If government had continued with this funding arrangement until its scheduled expiry in 2014-15, it could have cost the province more than $100 million.
Mr. Speaker, the province simply cannot afford this agreement anymore. The agreement itself anticipates that possibility. There is a clause in the memorandum of understanding, signed by both the province and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities that says, "The UNSM and the municipalities acknowledge that unforeseen costs or revenue losses may impair the Province's ability to achieve its commitments as expressed in this memorandum and that in any event all are subject to the appropriation of the necessary funds by the Legislature."
So you see, Mr. Speaker, the government of the day knew it might not always be able to afford this agreement. Municipalities will still be better off after the changes are made than they were before the agreement.
First of all they got a year's notice of the amendments. For this entire fiscal year no changes will be made. That's better than the situation that health boards, school boards or universities are dealing with. District health authorities had their budgets held at last year's rate without notice. Universities are dealing with an approximately 4 per cent budget reduction this year and school boards are seeing their budgets go down, which is constant with dropping enrolment.
All those changes took effect immediately. We worked hard to give municipalities a full year to plan. When the changes do take effect, municipalities will not be paying one penny more towards corrections services or public housing than they were paying before the agreement. In fact, in the case of corrections, they will be paying less. Before the agreement, municipalities were paying $17.4 million towards the cost of corrections and that amount went up each year by the consumer price index. Now they will be paying $14 million and that amount will not go up by CPI, which will save another $400,000 per year and until 2015 the province will hold the rate for municipal contributions to education at the 2010-11 levels.
Mr. Speaker, these amendments were made with taxpayers in mind. We know that there is only one taxpayer who foots the bill for all government services. Whether they are provincial services like health care and education, or municipal services like snow removal and garbage collections, all these services are important to Nova Scotians. They expect government to do what it has to do to protect those vital services for generations to come. Allowing the province to continue to absorb costs it cannot afford to pay will not help municipal taxpayers. Nova Scotians expect government to get its financial house in order. They do not expect government will continue with a financial arrangement it cannot afford and put those vital services at risk. It is a priority of this government to get spending under control. That's what we need to do to protect government services for decades to come.
Government, Mr. Speaker, is looking at its internal spending. About 60 per cent of government spending occurs outside of the civil service in places like school boards, health boards, universities and municipalities. That means these sectors must also do their part to help Nova Scotia improve its financial situation. I'd like to point out that the province offers many more important funding programs to municipalities.
In addition to sources of funding, municipalities across Nova Scotia will get over $92 million this year to support services and programs like libraries, policing, and sports and recreation facilities. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations works hard to support strong, sustainable communities and will continue to work with the provinces' 55 municipalities to do just that. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.
HON. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, it's been a long few days, hasn't it? It's with pleasure - and unfortunately we have to speak on this resolution. I've listened intently to the member of the NDP caucus talking about the wonderful job that the government did with cancelling the MOU.
From what I can see and what I can hear and the municipalities I've talked to so far and the information I'm getting back from them, they definitely do not agree with the NDP caucus and the minister that indeed this won't cost them any more money. I do have a preliminary report that was done by the Halifax Regional Municipality. According to the Halifax Regional Municipality, the cost in 2011-12 will be $1.2 million extra, the cost in 2012-13 will be $9.6 million extra and in 2013-14 the cost will be $14.4 million and in 2014-15 it will be $19.5 million.
I will table this document in a moment. When you add that all up, it will cost Halifax Regional Municipality approximately $44 million for this change in the cancellation of the MOU. When you look at that, Halifax Regional Municipality is probably the one municipality in all Nova Scotia that can absorb this and unfortunately will reflect on the property taxes of the people in the area, taxes that are already too high.
Some of the smaller municipalities I've been talking to are faced with some very harsh and difficult conditions that this MOU cancellation has put forward on them. If you look at what's going to happen in rural areas, especially with a dwindling tax base and people moving out and businesses closing down that this government hasn't helped any and unemployment numbers are going up. Indeed, businesses are moving away and closing down. With the hike in the Harmonized Sales Tax and hike in the service fees that they charge for all the different services they have all over the province and other tax increases that they've put on businesses and people in the community, people have less disposable income.
I've talked before - in my area I've seen quite a few people come into my office and they're actually losing their homes to the tax department because they can't afford to pay their property taxes now. The taxes go up and it's going to be even more difficult for people to do that. That's just in my small community. I'm sure this is playing itself out all over Nova Scotia. We see seniors, people who have worked all their lives to get a home, struggling with very limited income to keep that home until they can no longer live there, it's a real tragedy. It's a very serious tragedy. Can you imagine? The one thing that's been stable in your life is your home and the place where you brought your children up. The place that you worked for with your husband or wife, whatever the case may be, and all the relatives and their families come to that particular place. All of a sudden that's being taken away by the municipality, they have no choice.
I know in the present provincial legislation, after three years in arrears, you have to sell your property and then they have a serious problem. Probably one that will break their hearts and their spirit and I'm sure from the people I've talked to in my area, it's a very tragic event. Anything that the province does to increase property taxes - indeed this will increase property taxes, that's the unanimous information I'm receiving back from municipalities. I'm going to research this more after the House rises. Anything they do to put property taxes up is going to really impede the ability of people to pay.
By the time you put property taxes up, the HST is up, income tax is going up all the time in the province because of bracket creep. If anyone doesn't know what bracket creep is, it means every year the income tax base goes up in the Province of Nova Scotia, making us one of the highest, if not the highest, income tax regimes in the country.
So you add all those things up and it is becoming a very expensive place to live. As people realize that, other retired people who can afford to move, are they going to move out of the province? If, indeed, they do, that could mean that the income that the municipality and the province would get may be reduced and if that is reduced, what happens? Then we're going to have a serious financial problem in the province.
We've seen this government already add $1.3 billion to the debt - $1.3 billion to the debt the first year they were here, and they talk about reducing the debt. This year they cancelled this agreement when, indeed, compared to estimates they had, they were $0.75 billion better off than they thought they were going to be, but yet they cancelled this memorandum of understanding. It doesn't quite make sense, it really doesn't make sense.
So what's happening, you're downloading on the municipalities and on the people who can least afford it. There are some very nice homes in the Province of Nova Scotia and some people can afford to pay the taxes on those. Some people have worked their whole lives to get those beautiful homes. Indeed, it costs a lot to maintain a property - insurance costs, property taxes, maintenance and heat, electricity - electricity is going up again, I forgot about that, electricity is going to go up again and the province is not even intervening in that case.
The government is not intervening. Why aren't they intervening? The price of gasoline is up. Why are they keeping the tax on tax?
All these things are adding up to make the province more expensive to live in and as it becomes more expensive to live in and more difficult for people to live here, this means that there's going to be more people who get unemployment, they get out of jobs, people get laid off, the unemployment runs out in 10 to 12 months, then what do people do if they have no job? They have to go to welfare. If they go to welfare, that puts more strain on the province, from people who don't want to go on welfare, they want to work.
Every time you put a cost up, just for an example, typically homeowners would pay some amount, they would have a budget every year for doing maintenance around their properties or improving a garden or doing whatever they're going to do. But if your property taxes go up and all the other taxes go up, then they don't have that disposable income to do that. So without that disposable income, that means the small guy who does yard and lawn work won't have work.
Maybe the chimney sweep who normally swept chimneys for people won't have work. It just grows and grows. Maybe the local carpenter who depends for his livelihood on doing small repair jobs and maintenance jobs or upgrades on people's homes won't have work. When you put all these people together and see what the long-term economic impact is, it's going to be very serious. It's a slow, slow thing - you see it very slowly happen. All of a sudden a carpenter who was working almost all year-round maybe only works six months of the year, so he doesn't have the disposable income to do the things he wants to do or his family can do.
When these things slowly creep up on you it's like an illness that you don't realize you have and all of a sudden you have the illness and it's terminal. That can happen. I can tell you from running a business, everything - even if you spend a dollar on something you've got to be very careful what you do because those dollars all add up. The first thing that will happen is you won't have the dollars to pay for the things you need to expand or grow your business, and that's what happens and people don't realize this.
You know with all these extra costs, if you add these things all up and see exactly what kind of detrimental effect it is going to have on families - and it will have a detrimental effect. A lot of people don't believe this until they actually see it happen to themselves and they don't want to admit it afterwards. Then you see people going into personal bankruptcy, you see them having to sell their property because they can't afford to keep it any longer. Are those things that we really have to have happen in Nova Scotia and to Nova Scotians? I don't think so.
I'd like to see the province prosper, I'd like to see it grow, I'd like to see us be able to provide the services we should provide to people but we've got to be able to afford to do those things. If we don't have people working in this province and working in jobs that can make good incomes, that's not going to happen.
I've talked before, even all of us here in this Legislature, we do not contribute to the economy - we do not. The people who contribute to the economy are the small businesses and the large businesses and all the businesses in between that actually export something out of our province. I export something out of our province, and indeed some of the MLAs here do have businesses and they want to keep those because they are going to need them after the next election.
The people who add to the economy are the people who sell things outside the province, whether it's in New Brunswick or in China, it doesn't matter, but those are real dollars coming in. All the rest of us, all the people who work in all the rest of the systems, who don't export anything, are actually not adding anything to our dollar economy. They add to the economy, very importantly, but they don't add to the prosperity in our province. We need those people to add to the prosperity and bring money in. Every dollar from export - I know in the 1980s and 1990s - had a $7 impact on our economy, $7 for every dollar you exported. That's from the federal government's actual numbers.
When you see a business that is suffering and having a difficult time surviving, then you wonder what's going to happen long term. You see these things happening. It makes you wonder where our province is going, and as we continue, we continue with this and we see so many things happen in the province, we wonder where we're going to be in five years, 10 years or 20 years. I would like to see my family - my children, my grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren - stay in Nova Scotia and make the economy prosper and grow. I'm not convinced that's going to be the case in this province.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time for debate has elapsed. I want to thank all the members for their participation today in this debate. The House will now rise and meet again tomorrow from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. We are now adjourned.
[The House rose at 3:56 p.m.]
NOTICE OF QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWERS
Given on May 16, 2011
(Pursuant to Rule 30)
QUESTION NO. 1
By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)
To: Hon. John MacDonell (Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
(1) The government recently imposed a series of user fees that will put an additional $3.4 million into general government revenues for 2011-12. How much consultation was undertaken with the variety of Nova Scotians who will be forced to pay these extra charges, before the government made the announcement about this price gouge on March 25th?
QUESTION NO. 2
By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)
To: Hon. John MacDonell (Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
(1) An e-mail from a long-time motor vehicle inspector in the Windsor area says the recent $3.62 hike to get a safety inspection for a trailer is literally putting him out of business because, as it stands now, they are only allowed to charge $10.50 to inspect a trailer. How does the minister explain driving motor vehicle inspectors away from inspecting trailers?
QUESTION NO. 3
By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)
To: Hon. John MacDonell (Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
(1) The only trailer in which a local inspector can really make any money on right now is the u-haul trailer where an inspection can be done in less than half an hour. Any other trailer size, the recent hike is forcing local rural inspectors literally out of business. What is the minister planning to do to correct this growing problem and to avoid having certain areas of the province be without inspection coverage for trailers?
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)
RESOLUTION NO. 1684
By: Ms. Kelly Regan (Bedford-Birch Cove)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the National Science Fair Program is hosting the Canada-Wide Science Fair for Canadian youth, in Toronto, from May 14th to May 21st; and
Whereas the Canada-Wide Science Fair is the pinnacle of youth science fair competition in Canada and 2011 marks the 50th year of competition; and
Whereas Halifax's own Adrian Howie, Alexander Sapp, Julia Sarty, Nathan Murtha, Douglas Sheppard and Kelsey Keddy will be competing in the Canada-Wide Science Fair after qualifying in regional competition;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate each of these students for their accomplishments so far, and wish them continued success as they represent the City of Halifax and Province of Nova Scotia at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
RESOLUTION NO. 1685
By: Mr. Zach Churchill (Yarmouth)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Canadian Community Newspapers Association recently held its annual national competition with 2,363 entries; and
Whereas The Yarmouth Vanguard's associate editor, Tina Comeau, and former staff writer, Michael Gorman, came first in the Best Environmental Writing category, and former assistant editor and current freelance writer Belle Hatfield won the Premier Award first prize in the Feature Series category; and
Whereas The Vanguard placed second for Best Newspaper in the Country in its circulation category and its editorial page placed third;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tina Comeau, Michael Gorman, Belle Hatfield and The Vanguard's editor, Fred A. Hatfield, for these impressive and prestigious honours, recognize them for their contributions to journalism, and wish them all continued success as they continue to raise the bar in their chosen field.
RESOLUTION NO. 1686
By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 93 per cent of businesses in Nova Scotia employ fewer than 20 people; and
Whereas local West Hants businesses that are members of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, are asking the present NDP Government to throw them a lifeline and lower the HST when the budget is balanced; and
Whereas local businesses are also seeking a long-term tax plan to improve Nova Scotia's business competitiveness, while also indexing personal income tax, which the previous government was committed to doing this budget year;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly take a serious look at the requests put forward by not only local Windsor-West Hants businesses, but all members of the CFIB that do an exceptional job in employing people and providing services to hundreds of thousands of Nova Scotians.
RESOLUTION NO. 1687
By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day was commemorated on March 8th with events in more than 100 countries; and
Whereas Doris Hagmann, owner of Avon Emporium in Summerville, Hants County, invited women from the area to celebrate International Women's Day with a full day of education, entertainment, and empowering events to help attendees unwind and network; and
Whereas Ms. Hagmann believes making an effort to bring women together for a day of celebration is one way she can give back to her community;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly commend Doris for bringing awareness to this very important day and wish her great success with future events.
RESOLUTION NO. 1688
By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Threads of Life is an association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, which holds an annual fundraiser called Steps for Life - Walking for Victims of Workplace Tragedy; and
Whereas Smileys Provincial Park in Newport, Hants County, hosted the Windsor Steps for Life Walk on Sunday May 1st where approximately 180 participants walked and raised over $9,000; and
Whereas Barb Beck from Belmont, Hants County, and her family members played a vital role in the huge success of this annual fundraiser by volunteering many hours towards promoting awareness and event planning;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Barb Beck and her family for their dedication and commitment to the Steps for Life campaign and wish them continued success with this important organization.
RESOLUTION NO. 1689
By: Mr. Geoff MacLellan (Glace Bay)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton University Small Business Development Centre hosted the 6th Annual Women in Business Conference and Awards Gala on May 5-6, 2011; and
Whereas this event honours the achievements made by Cape Breton women entrepreneurs and business leaders; and
Whereas Eileen Paul, Membertou Enterprise Centre, is the recipient of this year's Impact Award;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly extend our congratulations to award winner Eileen Paul and wish her continued success.
RESOLUTION NO. 1690
By: Mr. Geoff MacLellan (Glace Bay)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton University Small Business Development Centre hosted the 6th Annual Women in Business Conference and Awards Gala on May 5-6, 2011; and
Whereas this event honours the achievements made by Cape Breton women entrepreneurs and business leaders; and
Whereas Judith Bernard Googoo, First Chief Trading Post, is the recipient of this year's Aboriginal Women of Distinction Award;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly extend our congratulations to award winner Judith Bernard Googoo and wish her continued success.
RESOLUTION NO. 1691
By: Mr. Geoff MacLellan (Glace Bay)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton University Small Business Development Centre hosted the 6th Annual Women in Business Conference and Awards Gala on May 5-6, 2011; and
Whereas this event honours the achievements made by Cape Breton women entrepreneurs and business leaders; and
Whereas Laurie Doucette, Wentworth Perk, is the recipient of this year's Start Up Business Award;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly extend our congratulations to award winner Laurie Doucette and wish her continued success.
RESOLUTION NO. 1692
By: Mr. Geoff MacLellan (Glace Bay)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton University Small Business Development Centre hosted the 6th Annual Women in Business Conference and Awards Gala on May 5-6, 2011; and
Whereas this event honours the achievements made by Cape Breton women entrepreneurs and business leaders; and
Whereas Marilyn Duchesney, Morgan's Brook Landscaping, is the recipient of this year's Continuity Award;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly extend our congratulations to award winner Marilyn Duchesney and wish her continued success.
RESOLUTION NO. 1693
By: Mr. Geoff MacLellan (Glace Bay)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton University Small Business Development Centre hosted the 6th Annual Women in Business Conference and Awards Gala on May 5-6, 2011; and
Whereas this event honours the achievements made by Cape Breton women entrepreneurs and business leaders; and
Whereas Rosemary MacIsaac, MacIsaac Kiltmakers, is the recipient of this year's Arts and Culture Achievement Award;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly extend our congratulations to award winner Rosemary MacIsaac and wish her continued success.
RESOLUTION NO. 1694
By: Mr. Geoff MacLellan (Glace Bay)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton University Small Business Development Centre hosted the 6th Annual Women in Business Conference and Awards Gala on May 5-6, 2011; and
Whereas this event honours the achievements made by Cape Breton women entrepreneurs and business leaders; and
Whereas Valarie Sampson, RE/MAX Park Place, is this year's Cape Breton Business Woman of the Year;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly extend our congratulations to award winner Valarie Sampson and wish her continued success.
RESOLUTION NO. 1695
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Blake Rogers and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1696
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Liam Kidney and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1697
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Brett Delorey and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1698
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Ryan Francis and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1699
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Joe McDonald and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1700
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Savannah Hartt and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1701
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Taylor Ewing and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1702
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Cameron Gannon and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1703
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Ben Gibbon and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1704
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Jacob Doggett and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1705
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Gavin Hart and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1706
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Daniel Surette and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1707
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Bruen Fisher and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1708
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Mitchell Comeau and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1709
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Robbie Dowell and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1710
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Aidan Sampson and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1711
By: Mr. Andrew Younger (Dartmouth East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects team is comprised of 17 talented and hard-working young men who exemplify positive sportsmanship and teamwork; and
Whereas the Junior X-Men Nova Scotia Cup hockey tournament took place in Antigonish from May 13 to 15, 2011; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects defeated the New Brunswick Stars 3-0 in the gold medal game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly applaud Andrew Marrie and the Nova Scotia Selects on their win and congratulate the team on another rewarding hockey season.
RESOLUTION NO. 1712
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and our province; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank Anicom Signs for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous donations to Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1713
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank the Halifax Foundation for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution which enabled the completion of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1714
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank the Evergreen Foundation for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution which enabled the completion of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1715
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank David Fountain for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through his generous financial contribution which enabled the opening of the beautiful Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1716
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank Heritage Gas for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution which enabled the opening of the beautiful Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1717
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank Shannax for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution which enabled the opening of the beautiful Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1718
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank The Shaw Group for their continuing support of our community and for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in Clayton Park through their generous financial contribution to the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1719
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank Ocean Contractors for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their financial contribution which enabled the completion of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1720
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank P & P Giannoulis Realty for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their financial contribution, which enabled the completion of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1721
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank The Municipal Group of Companies for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their financial contribution, which enabled the completion of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1722
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank Hanias Properties for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution, which enabled the opening of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1723
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank BANC Group of Companies for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution, which enabled the completion of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1724
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank CRESCO Homes for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial support, which has enabled the completion of the beautiful Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1725
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank the Bank of Montreal for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous support, which enabled the opening of the Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1726
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank Clayton Developments for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution, which has enabled the completion of the beautiful Bella Rose Arts Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 1727
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
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 presents tremendous opportunities to enhance the cultural life of Clayton Park and beyond; and
Whereas the dream of having a theatre in our community has been realized thanks to generous corporate sponsors who appreciate the importance of the arts in enhancing the quality of life that we all enjoy;
Therefore be it resolved that the Members of the House of Assembly thank Bell and Grant for fostering and encouraging the expansion of the arts in our community through their generous financial contribution, which enabled the completion of the beautiful Bella Rose Arts Centre.
